Page 153 of Bridesmaid for Hire
“And I’ll continue to tell you.”
“I hope so.”
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
BRODY
Brody:Have you heard anything about Deanna’s proposal?
I TEXT JALEESA AS MAGGIElies sprawled out across me, her light breathing edging into a snore. Call me crazy, but it’s adorable.
What is also adorable is the way that she sleeps. She has no problem, whatsoever, claiming both sides of the bed. The last two nights, since we’ve come together, she’s clung to me like cellophane. Like I’m iron and she’s a magnet. She doesn’t want to let go, and I love it. I love being wrapped up in her. I love feeling her hair brushing against my bare chest. I love it when her hand lightly caresses me before we fall asleep. Feels like a silent lullaby.
But last night, after Maggie and I fooled around multiple times—three, to be exact—and she passed out, I stayed awake, thinking about Deanna and what her idea could possibly do to Maggie. It’s conjecture at this point, but all it takes is one idea and the power of Hopper Industries to ruin someone else.
And I can’t see her ruined.
She’s worked so hard.
Which makes me want to work even harder to beat Deanna so I can save Maggie and her business.
My phone buzzes in my hand.
Jaleesa:I have. She’s been refining it all week. Bragged about how she’s going to blow Reginald away with her proposal and that any amount of sucking up that you’re doing in Bora-Bora has no chance at beating what she’s come up with.
Brody:She needs to get a life.
Jaleesa:She’s out for blood, Brody. I’m actually kind of worried about it.
Brody:No, you can’t be worried. You’re the one with the confidence in this project. You need to keep the confidence, so I have confidence.
Jaleesa:I ran into Reginald’s assistant the other day and she was telling me that Deanna has been fishing brides as potential customers too, even poaching some from other planners. Like brides ready to work with her. Customers, Brody. She has money ready to come in. We don’t have that.
I drag my hand over my face.Fuck, we don’t.
Brody:I can work on some things if you want. Figure out if any upcoming brands are looking for a pop-up shop. Source potential revenue.
Jaleesa:But we can’t guarantee them space, not when we don’t have it. If Deanna guarantees the brides space, at least there are hotels as backup, you know?
Brody:Fuck, you’re right. Well, what can I do? How can I make this better?
Jaleesa:Stick your head up Reginald’s ass.
Brody:He would fart me out in a second. He hates me.
Jaleesa:I thought you were trying to get him to like you. Why does he hate you?
Brody:I don’t fucking know. When I first greeted him at thewelcome party, he was excited to have me there, and then after that, it was like he was holding something against me. I have no idea what it is.
Jaleesa:Did you say or do something that could have caused him to not like you?
Brody:Within a twelve-hour window? No.
Jaleesa:Well, what happened at the welcome party?
Brody:It’s all a fucking blur at this point. I was so caught off guard by Maggie and then Haisley recognizing me.
Jaleesa:Of course she recognized you, you interned together.
