Page 199 of Bridesmaid for Hire
Holy.
Fucking.
Shit.
I can’t help the smile that crosses my face. “Your dad is going to lose his shit.”
“Good,” Jude says. “Don’t fuck with the wrong people.”
I am a straight man with giant heart eyes for Maggie Mitchell, but I would be lying if I said I didn’t get semi hard from Jude’s protective instincts.
“We’d also bring Haisley into the cooperative,” Hudson continues, “if she’s game, of course. We’d give her more capital to continue her business and, if she wants to work with us, give Maggie the capital she needs as well.”
That makes my heart trip in my chest. “Are you fucking serious? Holy shit. Really? That would be…” I have to take a deep breath to calm myself. “I know you’re not in the business to make me happy, but fuck, man, that would make me the happiest motherfucker on earth. She’s so goddamn special. She works hard. She has built a brand with her name alone, and she just needs that extra push to get her storefront and make all her dreams come true. This would be life-changing for her.”
“We’re in the business of supporting good ideas, good people,” Jude says. “Maggie is one of them.”
“And so are you,” Hudson says.
I shake my head. “Nah, man. I don’t need you to bring me on for my idea, but if you like it, take it. I can send you the presentation, my research, everything, but I don’t need anything. I just need you to be there for my girl.”
Hudson twists his lips to the side. “You sure about that?”
I nod. “Yeah, this is about Maggie.”
“You say that as if you’re together,” Hardy says.
I shake my head. “No, she’s done with me, and I don’t blame her. She told me to leave her alone and I’m respecting her wishes. I just couldn’t stand by and watch her dreams be stolen right from under her. You should have heard her on the phone.” I wet my lips, remembering the devastation in her voice. “She was ready to throw in the towel on her business becauseshe wasn’t about to betray Haisley. This will change everything.” I slowly nod and look the boys in the eyes. “Thank you. Thank you for meeting with me, for really listening.”
“We appreciate the honesty,” Jude says.
And knowing that there’s nothing else to discuss, I stand. “Anytime. Good look with the cooperative. No offense to your dad, but I hope you drown him.”
Hudson and Hardy smile while Jude just nods. He doesn’t have to say much—I know that’s exactly what he’s hoping for.
I shake their hands and when I’m outside the coffee shop, I pull my phone out from my pocket and send Gary a text.
Brody:She’s safe. Hudson and Hardy came too. They’re taking care of it. Don’t say anything to her, as they’ll approach her first.
I start walking down the street, a pep in my step as Gary texts me back.
Gary:She deserves you.
Brody:She deserves the goddamn world.
MAGGIE
FIVE DAYS LATER…
“Who is this new client we’re speaking to?” I ask Everly as we walk down the bustling street toward my favorite coffee shop, The Bean.
“Uh…didn’t get much information from them. Just that they’re looking to work with you and would love a chat.”
“Wow, and you didn’t ask questions?” I joke. “What if this person is a murderer?”
“That’s where your mind goes?” Everly asks.
“That’s where your mind should always go,” I say as I open the door to The Bean, the rich coffee aroma immediately putting me in my comfort zone despite the way my brain is still reeling with indecision.
