Total pages in book: 68
Estimated words: 61851 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 309(@200wpm)___ 247(@250wpm)___ 206(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 61851 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 309(@200wpm)___ 247(@250wpm)___ 206(@300wpm)
As it should be, he reminded himself.
“Actually, she did me a huge favor,” Derek said as their waitress set their burgers and fries in front of each of them, and once she was gone, he continued. “Claire was at the event, and she was intent on winning me, and for some reason, Jessica must have sensed my dread, and the two of them got into a bidding war.”
Ben dragged a French fry through his ketchup. “Considering the rumors that are floating around about Claire’s parents being stretched thin financially, which makes sense after what she did to you, could she really afford to spend money so frivolously on a bachelor auction?”
“Probably not,” Derek agreed, thinking of the debt she’d racked up on his American Express Black Card behind his back and the pathetic excuses she’d given him. “But clearly that wouldn’t stop Claire from doing whatever it took to get what she wanted. It was actually kind of strange, watching the two of them go back and forth, topping each other’s bid until Claire finally folded and Jessica won.”
“Yeah, how so?” Ben asked before taking a bite of his burger.
“I don’t know . . . it’s like they had some kind of rivalry going on,” he said, thinking back on the whole situation. “I know they went to school together, but they’re not really friends or I would have known that during my time with Claire. I mean, at one point, Claire glared at Jessica.”
Protective older brother that he was, Ben’s lips pursed in annoyance. “Sorry, man, but your ex is a bitch.”
“I’m not going to argue the truth.” He sighed.
Derek hated that Claire had kept that catty, spiteful part of herself hidden while they’d been dating, but once he’d broken up with her, she’d shown her true colors. He also hated that he’d allowed his own mother to manipulate him and the entire situation.
“I’m sure bidding on me was Claire’s way to persuade me to give her another chance, but honestly, I’m just grateful to Jessica for saving me from having to spend an entire weekend with my ex.”
Ben’s gaze narrowed intently. “You’re not really going to have a wild weekend with my sister, right?”
Derek shrugged and smirked, goading his friend. “Hey, it’s her call. She won me fair and square.”
“Like I said, don’t be a dick.” Ben took a drink of his soda. “What does she have planned for the two of you?”
“I don’t know yet,” he said, wiping his greasy fingers on his napkin. “She’s going to text me the details this week.”
They finished their lunch and headed back to the office. Finally, on Thursday afternoon, Derek received the much-anticipated text message from Jessica, instructing him to bring an overnight bag since he’d be staying at her place, then letting him know what his weekend with her would entail.
Actually, it was a list of things she wanted him to do around the residence she’d just bought outside of the city. Painting the trim on her house. Cleaning the pool. Repairing a section of her wooden fence. Cleaning up the leaves in the yard, mowing the lawn, and tidying up the overgrown hedges. He continued to read. Power wash the driveway and backyard deck. Plant azaleas along the side of the house. Hang outdoor string lights across her back patio.
He frowned at the chores she’d given him. This was what she considered special? Okay, so it wasn’t the weekend he’d envisioned with Jessica—and really, he had no business envisioning anything at all—but he’d get every last thing on the list accomplished.
He owed her that much.
* * *
By Friday afternoon of that week, Jessica was exhausted but exhilarated by everything she’d accomplished over the past five days. She’d finished approving the final details of the Curvy Girl Couture Lingerie launch party with Jade Dare and her assistant, Lauren, over the phone, since the event would be held in one of the smaller ballrooms at the Meridian Hotel.
The food, the drinks, and the décor were set. Entertainment had been booked. Exclusive invitations had been sent out to close friends, key people in the industry, and social media influencers she knew would build hype for the new line of lingerie specifically designed for women with fuller figures.
The photo shoot for the glossy catalog that would be provided at the launch, as well as sent to customers on their mailing list, had gone exceptionally well. The voluptuous models all looked gorgeous in the array of lacy undergarments, flirtatious negligees, satiny loungewear, and provocative boudoir attire. Jessica was confident that she’d have a plethora of amazing, flattering shots to choose from once they were retouched for the final presentation.
Excitement and nerves tumbled in Jessica’s stomach as she thought about the golden carrot dangling in front of her and how close she was to grabbing it. It wasn’t just the opportunity to provide a luxury line of women’s intimate apparel to females who wanted to feel sexy and desirable, but she was in talks with a major retail brand, Belle Demoiselle, who was interested in carrying exclusive-to-them designs of her product in their flagship stores. It was a huge opportunity to expand her reach and gain massive exposure, and she was hoping that the success of the launch would seal the deal.