Total pages in book: 63
Estimated words: 59395 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 297(@200wpm)___ 238(@250wpm)___ 198(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 59395 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 297(@200wpm)___ 238(@250wpm)___ 198(@300wpm)
Fantasy.
I plant that word in my mind with a purpose. All of this is between me and him, is that and nothing more. I vow to spend the weekend enjoying the fantasy, and living in the moment, not my dread of what happens when we go home. Once we’ve dried off, our meeting time is creeping up on us and we quickly dress. In LA, business attire is on the casual side, and I opt for a sleeveless, emerald, form-fitting dress, with black heels.
Tyler dresses in a fitted, expensive gray suit that fits every defined muscle of his body to perfection. I don’t miss that he has an extra edge of arrogance this morning, and I wonder if he packs a bit in a pocket to pull out when meeting with a possible opponent, as is the studio head. But I like this no-nonsense, make money and success, and take no names, Tyler. But he reminds me of all that awaits back home, just by existing. A realization I shake off. Right now is about Dash and his deal and nothing more.
Tyler’s cellphone rings and he grabs it from the bathroom counter, where he’s been tending his tie. “It’s the hotel,” he announces and then answers, “Tyler Hawk,” and listens a moment, before he says, “We’re on our way.” He disconnects. “The conference room is ready. They’ll bring him to us when he arrives. Ready, baby?”
The endearment does funny things to my insides and feels weird while we’re in business mode, but I still like it. How can I not like it? “Let’s go make this happen for my brother,” I say.
He steps in front of me and kisses me. “Yes,” he agrees. “Let’s make it happen, Bella.” His voice is a soft, sultry tone, and it’s almost as if he’s talking about us, not the meeting.
But then, I have fantasies of my own.
Chapter Forty-Six
Bella
We close the deal for Dash with a huge payday and everything my brother told me he wants in the contract.
The minute the studio head walks out of the conference room Tyler and I break out in a shared smile. “Call Dash,” he says. “Then we’re going to open a bottle of champagne. You just made all of us a huge payday, and turned your brother into one of the few writers who are as big as he’s about to become.”
“I know,” I say, excitement bubbling inside me. “We closed the deal, Tyler. We did it.”
“No, baby,” he corrects. “You did this. I did nothing but come along for the ride because you knew when to use me.”
Like we’re using each other, I think, but firmly chide myself for going there.
“Call Dash, woman. He has to be on pins and needles.”
“If I call Dash, he’s going to want to celebrate. And I’ll have to tell him I’m not coming home until Monday. He’ll know I’m here with you.”
“Tell him you have another deal you’re working on.”
“I’m with you. He’s not stupid. He’ll put two and two together.”
“You’re a grown adult, Bella. And he only knows what either of us tells him.”
“And what will you say when he asks about us? Because I can tell from my conversations with him, he will.”
“That you kicked ass and took names.” He grabs the hotel phone. “I’m ordering us champagne.”
I exhale and I dial Dash. I have to tell him the good news. That’s just a must. “It’s done,” I say when he answers. “All of it. You got everything you wanted and a whole lot more money. Twenty-five percent more upfront and on the back end.”
He whistles. “Damn, little sis. You are such a badass.”
“You’re the badass. You’re the only reason any of this is happening. I’m so happy for you, Dash. And also, plan your wedding!”
“We’re already talking about October in Aspen, right when the leaves change. What do you think?
“I think it’s perfect.”
“Waffle day to celebrate? I’ll get the champagne.”
“I’m not coming back until Monday after a meeting,” I say, promising myself I’ll try to find a meeting so I’m not lying. I add a real truth to make myself feel better. “I prefer to wrap up more than one thing when I’m here, so I don’t have to come often.”
He’s silent a moment. “Is Tyler with you?”
“He is,” I confess quickly, trying not to make a big deal out of it. “He was a big help in the meeting. You should probably call him when you get a chance.”
“Is he there now?”
“Yes. We’re still in the hotel conference room. I couldn’t wait to call you.”
“Let me talk to him, Bella.”
“Okay,” I say, but it’s not okay. Dash is going to say something personal, something about me. Tyler is now sitting on the table beside me. Lips pressed together, I offer the phone to him, a warning in my eyes.