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Harrison sneers. “Sloppy seconds. That’s all you’ve ever been good for, Jacoby. That fat bitch isn’t worth it.”
Solange sniggers behind him in her too-tight tan suit and inch-long fingernails.
I couldn’t care less about either of them, but Joar’s about to blow up. “Hey. Look at me.” My voice is low. Definitive. He blinks a few times and then focuses on me. “Not. Worth. It.”
By this point, Seth has alerted security, who are swarming around Harrison and his gang of yes-people. They’re escorted away and the whole thing is over before it starts.
“You did it, sweetness.” Joar’s voice is full of pride. “You also kept me in check, which I appreciate.”
Tears well up in my eyes, a release of emotions I’ve been holding inside for a while now. “Thank you, JJ. I’m just glad it’s over. I’m so ready to focus on enjoying the holidays. I need some fun in my life.”
A week after the trial, Seth calls to tell us that Harrison has been indicted by the grand jury on fraud and numerous other crimes. He’s also taking a plea deal on criminal charges related to the arson and attempted murder. The dude who tampered with my air conditioner turned on him, so he had no choice.
Which means I haven’t lost everything, insurance will pay for my loss.
I can buy a new house, and I’ll never have to see that fucker of an ex again.
It’s no wonder I feel lighter. Happier.
Ready to focus on my future, which I hope will be with Joar.
Chapter thirty-four
Joar
Two Nights Later
It’s seven in the morning there, but I have to duck out to the office for a meeting with my team in London. Before I leave, I place a Post-it note for Clover on the vanity mirror above her sink in the bathroom.
Meet me at Bulgari
11 AM
Rodeo Drive
Don’t be Late
It’s high time we reinstate a hate date.
It’s funny. When I so desperately set up that dating profile earlier this year to stop the madness of Clover’s own “boyfriend experiment,” I never knew it would lead to what we have now.
She’s the love of my life. Tonight, I’m going to show her off to the world.
My sweetness is still sound asleep, but I can’t resist giving her a kiss before I go. Clover yawns and her eyes blink open when I bend down. “You smell so good.”
I press my lips to hers. “I left you a note on your mirror. See you in a few hours.”
I’m waiting for her outside the Bulgari store when Victor drives up. Clover emerges from the car wearing an oversized sweater over black leggings and knee-high boots. I can’t help but feel a surge of joy. This is a monumental moment in our relationship. I’m taking Clover shopping, Pretty Woman style, and showering her with the finest things in life.
I’m not taking no for an answer.
“What are you up to, JJ?” Clover takes my hand, interlocking her delicate fingers with mine. The smile on her face is priceless, she’s genuinely surprised.
“Today is your day.” I lead her inside the grand entrance. “I’m taking you shopping so you’ll be the belle of the Carousel of Hope Gala tonight.”
“JJ…” She tries to pull away.
I use the momentum to spin her into my arms. I enclose her body and kiss her fully on the lips. “I’ve suppressed my caveman ways for weeks, you need to let me take care of you today. I want to pamper you. Let me have this, please. Without one more complaint.” I boop her nose for good measure.
