My Unexpected Vow: California Billionaires Book 2 by Harlow James (top 10 inspirational books txt) 📕

my mind there for a second if I kissed you. Forgive me, God, for my brief lack of sanity,” she mocks as she glances up at the ceiling.

“All is forgiven, babe.”

“I’m going to bed,” she grates out, walking away from me.

“Make sure your vibrator has a fresh battery, Beaverly. Wouldn’t want it to die as you relieve the tension from tonight,” I call after her.

“Bite me, Hayes!”

“Just tell me where, sweetheart.”

I sigh as I hear her bedroom door shut and then drop my head in my hands. I’m going insane. That’s the only logical explanation for what just happened. Waverly kissed me, and I kissed her back. Hell, I wanted to kiss her more—deeply and eagerly, and hard and fast. I wanted to pull her on my lap and let her grind on my dick before stripping her bare and laying her down on this piano as I fucked her like an animal.

Yup, I’m going crazy. And at this rate, I wonder if I’ll have any sanity left by the end of June.

Chapter 9

Waverly

“I feel like it’s been forever since I’ve seen you,” Emma whines as we sip on our smoothies outside of a local shop in downtown L.A. Even for the end of February, the weather is warm and comfortable, with just enough chill in the air to remind you that spring isn’t quite here yet.

“I know. But I’m glad we made time to catch up today.” I smile at my best friend as we both move to stand and walk further down the block to the farmer’s market we used to frequent every Saturday when we lived together.

I promised myself when I moved in with Hayes that I wouldn’t sacrifice my old routines and priorities, but unfortunately, some things have shifted. I guess that’s what happens when you’re suddenly in a ‘relationship’.

“Have you heard from Brett lately?” Her question catches me off-guard since I figured she’d be drilling me about Hayes.

“Uh, not really. He did try texting me again after he saw the announcement that I married Hayes. But I blocked his number finally.”

“Good. What did he say though?”

“He said he couldn’t believe that I got married to someone when I know that he still loves me.”

Emma scoffs. “Did you politely remind him that he cheated on you and that’s the furthest action that speaks of love?”

“Uh, yes. I swear, it’s as if he pretends that never happened.”

“Right? The man is delusional. But at least now, he should take the hint, right?”

“Let’s hope. At least my fake marriage is doing part of what I wanted it to—convince him to move the fuck on and leave me alone.”

“Exactly. So when do you go to Vegas again?”

I instantly smile at the thought, grateful for the change in the conversation of diving deeper into the design of Midnight Cowboy. “Next week! I can’t wait. Materials are being delivered as we speak.”

Emma shakes her head while taking a sip of her drink as we continue to stroll. “I still can’t believe that Hayes hired you. It was so meant to be.”

“Yes, but I fought for it. I basically threw a design at him without him asking. He’s not doing me any favors. I earned it.” I’ve been trying to convince myself of this over the past few weeks, especially since I haven’t heard from any other firms I put applications in with.

“No, I know. I didn’t mean he was giving you a handout. I’m proud of you for doing what you did.”

“Thanks. And once it’s done, it will look stellar in my portfolio. I have to say, I never thought I’d be designing a nightclub, but I’m really excited about this project.”

“I can’t wait to go to the opening. Vegas is always so fun.”

I cast an irritated glance in her direction. “Oh yeah, except for when you get drunkenly married there.”

Emma holds up one of her hands. “Hey, I still had a great time that night, from what I can remember, I mean.”

I can’t help but chuckle. “Yeah, me too.”

The farmer’s market appears up ahead, so I drain the rest of my smoothie and toss the cup in a nearby trash can.

“So, things still awkward after the kiss?” Emma asks as we browse down the first row of easy-ups where long tables display bright and plentiful fruits and vegetables for sale.

And yes, I told Emma about the kiss, the monumental mistake I made by pressing my lips to Hayes’s mouth for even just the few seconds we were connected. I’m still mortified that I did that, but after watching him play the piano and seeing the conflict in his eyes over this situation with his parents, my heart beat for him in that moment to a melody that is becoming more enticing each time I learn something new about the man.

But I was serious when I asked him to forget it ever happened. Hayes and I crossing that line and even pushing way past it by having sex would never amount to anything good, especially after we divorce. All I’d hear for the rest of my life was how I rode his dick and how he’d be happy to give me another ride for free.

No, thank you. I’m not that hard up. Although, I probably do need to buy another pack of batteries for my vibrator since I seem to be using it much more often than before.

Being surrounded by him day in and day out is testing my resolve, hence my slip-up. I’ve started picking up on the little quirks that make him seem more human and it’s messing with that part of my brain that has been trained to despise him—his peppermint mocha coffee creamer that he must have all year round, the fact that he insists on using fabric softener in his laundry that he does himself, and the fact that when he orders dinner for us, he never lets me pay, even when I fight him on it. He’s the perfect mix