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Also by Logan Chance
THE PLAYBOY SERIES
Playboy
Heartbreaker
Stuck
Love Doctor
THE ME SERIES
Date Me
Study Me
Save Me
Break Me
THE BOSS DUET
Like a Boss (#1)
Like a Boss (#2)
MAFIA STANDALONES
Taken
We All Fall Down
HOLIDAY SHORT
Graham
* * *
Find these titles here!
Contents
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
About the Author
Also By Claudia Burgoa
* * *
Miller
* * *
As a businessman, I follow one mantra: Failure will never overtake me. I’m determined to succeed. Determination is one of my most significant tools. I thought I got it from my father who is a successful, award-winning urban architect. He’s quiet, observant, and wise; a man of few words. His practical advice when I’m about to lose a battle with my mother is, “She’s always right. Just do what she says.”
For the most part, I follow those wise words. Not today.
“Mom, I’m on a tight schedule, handling multiple deadlines.” I use the oldest excuse in my book. “We’re about to land two accounts. I can’t just take time off because my sister decided to elope.”
Clearing my throat, I continue, “Not that she’s eloping. By definition, elopement is marrying secretly, especially without parental consent. Why is she in such a hurry to get married anyway?”
Sorry, Lola, I have to throw a little shade your way to save my ass.
“She loves John,” Mom responds defensively. “Engagements don’t need to last long to be meaningful. It doesn’t take a long term relationship to realize that you’re with the love of your life. It’s time for you to grow up and find love too—the right person to spend the rest of your life with. One day I’ll die, and when I do, I want to go in peace, knowing my children are happy.”
“I’m happy, Mom,” I say, annoyed by the guilt trip. “You’re fifty-eight and healthy. Please, don’t start blackmailing me the way Grandma does to you.”
I tap on my desk, trying to keep my thoughts to myself. Women are unpredictable. I don’t claim to understand them, but there are a few things I’ve learned during my thirty-four years on this earth. One, they take it upon themselves to try to fix us whether or not we’re broken. Two, arguing with them is pointless. Three, they rarely take no for an answer.
Fighting with Mom is a losing battle 99.9% of the time, and she doesn’t understand the meaning of the word no. It’s not part of her vocabulary, unless she’s the one saying it to us. My own mother is my biggest adversary, but I adore the woman. Crystal Archer isn’t to be taken lightly.
“Everybody dies, Miller. I could die right now and the last memory I’d take with me?” She pauses, and I take a big breath, staring out the window as I wait for her to hit me with the guilt trip. “You, refusing to go to your sister’s wedding.”
Clumps of wet snow drift mindlessly down. Large snow drifts cover the branches, buildings, and cars moving along the I-25 corridor. It’s just another day in Denver. A blinding sea of white beats against the asphalt. Leaving this cold city to enjoy a few days in tropical weather would be a smart move. Except I’d have to deal with my family for four long days.
“Milo, sweetie,” she calls me by the nickname she’s used for me since I was four. I hate it so much. “I’m worried about you. I want you to be happy.”
“I am happy,” I say sighing. “I’ll be even happier if I can skip my sister’s wedding.”
“Are you dating again?” She doesn’t acknowledge my plea.
Am I dating? Fuck, why would I want to date? The last time I was in a relationship, it ended in a major disaster. Thank you, but no thank you.
“Because Kelly’s daughter is coming to the wedding. Remember her? Georgina Remington.”
“Mom, please don’t set me up.”
“She’s one of the bridesmaids.”
I don’t care who she is. Do not set me up!
“Mom, I already have a girlfriend,” I lie. The last time I begged her not to set me up, she said, “Well, I have no choice since you spend your entire life at the office.”
“You do?” Her voice comes a little too excited.
“Of course. That’s why I’m asking you to stop setting me up. I don’t think my girlfriend would appreciate it.”
“Well, that changes everything,” she says.
I finally relax and get ready to say goodbye. “That settles it then, I’m off the hook. I’ll make sure to throw them a party once they’re back from their honeymoon.”
“Milo, this is your sister’s wedding. You can’t miss it. I expect you to be there tomorrow.”
“Mom, you can’t be serious. I have work to do. She can’t just snap her fingers and say, I’m getting married and expect everyone to drop everything to join her.”
“You're ridiculous.” She chides me with the motherly voice she’s been using since I was a kid. “She invited you last December when she got engaged. I not only expect you to be there, but bring your girlfriend too.”
I grip the phone receiver and look around my office. Where do I get an imaginary girlfriend on such short notice?
“She can’t go, Mom.”
“I understand. Escorts have tight schedules.”
“Mom, that’s—”
“There’s always Kiley Ott if Georgina isn’t a good fit.”
How many women is she trying to set me up with? And Kiley Ott? She’s like forty and married.
“Mom, she used to babysit us.”
“No, her sister Kaileigh is the one who babysat you. Kiley’s ten years younger. She’s cute, and a lawyer.”
“But I have a girlfriend, Mom,” I insist. I’m determined to win this round or at least fight until she gives up on finding me a date. “I don’t think she’d appreciate if I spent the weekend with Kelly.”
“Kiley,” she corrects me. “Then bring her with you. If you need us to buy the plane ticket, we will.”
“No, Mom. I think I can afford the ticket.”
“Perfect, I’ll see you tomorrow.”
* * *
* * *
A few hours ago, I was merely determined. Right now, I’m desperate. The few female friends I have aren’t available to travel on such short notice, unless I count Rita who will expect more than just pretending we’re together. If I stay in Denver, my parents will disown me, and my sister won’t forgive me. But if I don’t find someone fast, I’m going to end up with not one, but two undesired blind dates—fixed by Mom. Knowing my mother, she already promised them my hand in marriage. It wouldn’t be the first time she’s done that to me.
Desperate times call for desperate measures, right? With that being the case, I go to my best friend’s office. Devon’s nickname is Reckless. One of his hidden talents is finding a chick for every occasion.
“You owe me a few. I’m here to cash in.”
Devon clicks his mouse a few times and then turns his attention toward me. “What did you do now?”
“We agreed you wouldn’t watch porn during business hours,” I say when I look at his locked screen.
“It’s research, and the computer is on an independent internet connection. You don’t pay for it.”
“As long as you deliver, I don’t care what you do. Just be discreet.”
“So, what do you need?” he asks, crossing his a
rms and setting his feet on the desk.
I tell him about Lola’s wedding and my mother’s latest attempt to hook me up with yet another one of her acquaintances.
“Dude, man up.”
“It’s not about manning up, I can’t get her off my back. You know how she is,” I say as I take a seat in front of him.
“Yeah, your mom is something else,” he agrees, exhaling deeply. “I bet she’s already choosing the colors for your wedding.”
“Tell me about it. I don’t know what to do.”
“Call one of your hookups,” he suggests.
“The few one-night stands I’ve had lately are nameless. And the few female friends I have aren’t available this weekend.”
“Roni?” he asks, referring to one of my best friends from college.
“Mom wouldn’t buy it, she’s married to a woman.”
“Is the wife hot?”
“Evans, focus!”
He taps on the armrest a few times and says, “I know someone who might say yes, but she’s not cheap.”
“I’m not hiring a hooker.”
He tosses his head back and laughs.
“That’s fucking hilarious. Annalise would have your balls if she heard you call her a hooker. She’s someone I see from time to time. Works as a freelancer so she wouldn’t have a scheduling conflict.”
“She’ll charge me?”
“Not exactly. If you’re taking her on vacation, she’ll expect the best. First class tickets, a five-star suite, and maybe some spending money to buy clothes for the trip.”
“Can you call her?”
“Yeah. Send me the flight information and the details.”
“Thank you,” I say, wondering if what I’m doing is worth it.
“You owe me,” he reminds me as I leave his office.
I turn around and say, “I’ll take a few favors off your debt.”
* * *
Claire
* * *
“Just a few hours, Claire,” I say excitedly as I search through my closet for my heavy coat.
It’s April. Could we get a little more sun and a lot less snow?
The Weather Channel promised a big storm. If anything, yesterday was a blizzard. We lost power for a couple of hours while I was at work. My boss and the CEO weren’t happy about it. We all received a brand-new iPad Pro within the hour so we could get back to work. God forbid we lose productivity.
Creating social media campaigns isn’t what I signed up for when I started college. When I decided to venture into advertising, I thought I’d be shooting commercials with Chris Hemsworth who would be posing for the camera. He’d be bare chested and reciting the slogan I had created.
Instead, I work for Emperor Palpatine and his minion, Darth Vader. They don’t have empathy for their workers. Any other boss would’ve sent us home to avoid the evening commute.
“Forget about work,” I say. “It’s time for you to take a break from everything and have some fun. Maybe get a little action.”
I move my hips around, dancing to the rhythm of the music coming from the speaker.
George, my dog, stares at me.
“You don’t understand, Georgy boy. It’s been years since …” I huff, rolling my eyes.
Can I talk to someone other than my coworkers, my family, or my dog? I need to rethink my life and my career. Working sixty to eighty hours a week is unhealthy.
“Do you think this is warm enough for this weather?” I show my jacket to George. “I don’t want to be carrying around another coat.”
He flops down on the floor and stares at me after howling a couple of times.
“Yes, I know, you’re not happy about this trip. Sorry, buddy. I hate sending you to the kennel, but Amanda can’t watch you, and I refuse take you to my parents.”
As I say the name Amanda, he stands up and walks toward the door, jumping happily.
“Sorry, she’s not coming to walk you today. I’ll take you around the block before we leave, I promise.”
There’s another reason to reduce my hours. I should talk to Mr. Evans and explain to him that I can do my job from home just as well as I do it at the office. George needs me. I need me.
My phone buzzes as I walk toward the laundry room, aka the closet next to the bathroom. I see D. Evans flash across the screen.
“Devon Evans doesn’t know the meaning of vacation, does he?” I ask no one in particular. “He doesn’t think we have lives outside of the office. He believes my mission in life is to serve him.”
Only a few seconds after the second buzz, the phone rings. This time, it’s my mom’s ringtone.
“Seriously, universe. Is this some kind of test?” I look around my apartment. “My patience is running thin.”
“Mom?” I say trying to sound excited.
“Did you pack your passport?” she asks without greeting me.
Setting my clean clothes on the coffee table, I go looking for my passport. Why did I forget to get it out yesterday? It doesn’t take me long to find it. It’s right next to my lucky ankle bracelet.
“Of course, Mom,” I say, fanning myself with it. “I have everything almost ready.”
“Don’t lie to me, Claire Aurelia Solis!”
Great, I’m pissing her off, and it’s not even … I check the time. Shit, it’s almost seven o’clock.
“What can I do for you, Mom?” I ask, rushing through the house, cramming my clothes in my luggage.
“Dad and I wanted to make sure you don’t need the international plan?”
“Thanks for the offer, Mom, but I’ll be fine. If there’s an emergency, Courtney has one set up,” I say.
In fact, I have my own international plan. I’m just not turning on my phone for the next seven days. I set it to speaker and sit down on top of my luggage to close it, but I don’t get my finger out in time, and the pressure feels like my thumb is being ripped out of my hand.
“Ouch, fuck,” I yell, standing up immediately.
My finger throbs but it doesn’t seem broken.
“Claire, language!”
“Sorry, Mom,” I apologize, rolling my eyes. “I’m trying to close my bag.”
There’s a clicking sound coming from my phone. I check and it’s Darth Vader calling, again.
D. Evans: Where are the templates for the Steward project?
What? That’s not due for another two weeks. So typical of him. I bet his boss is asking for them and instead of telling him they’re not ready, he’s going to promise the impossible. Not today, I’m leaving town.
“Mom, I need to call you back. My boss needs me.”
“It’s your day off,” she says. Her voice sounds a little annoyed. “Are you trying to cut the conversation short?”
Well, there’s that but … “He’s texting me. Can’t you hear the noise?”
D. Evans: You didn’t finish the templates for the Stewart project.
C. Solis: It’s almost done, but the proposal isn’t due yet.
D. Evans: I’m aware of that, but you’re leaving on vacation.
C. Solis: For a week. I’ll be back next …
I can’t tell him I’ll be back next Thursday. He’s going to want me in the office on Friday. Or right after my plane lands. This man needs some boundaries.
C. Solis: I arrive on Sunday. There’s plenty of time.
D. Evans: Mr. Archer wants to see them today. Send me what you have, and I need an update on Carson’s account.
Ah, that makes sense. If Devon Evans is Darth Vader, Miller Archer is Emperor Palpatine. All they care about are the accounts they land and the hours we bill.
C. Solis: I’m leaving for the airport.
D. Evans: Then you better hurry. I need to see something now.
This can’t be happening. I leave for the airport in two hours.
“Mom, I have to finish a few things. Can I call you later?”
“You haven’t heard the news, yet.”
“Mom?” I asked exasperated, opening my
laptop to access my office desktop. “Can I please call you back later?”
She’s pushing me to the edge. I’m about to have a nervous breakdown.
Calm down Claire. You always work well under pressure.
“Nicky is expecting,” she says, ignoring my plea.
“Expecting a call?” I try to humor her and fake ignorance.
It’s better this way. I just can’t deal with my sister’s life. I love Nicky, the sister, but I’m less than thrilled with Nicky, the mom.
“What’s going on with you today?” she asks.
Mom and I are pretty close. I usually roll with her conversations, but today isn’t a day I can be animated or match her excitement.
“I meant she’s expecting a baby, Claire. You could at least show a little interest.”
“Woohoo,” I say, taking out my drawing table and connecting it to my laptop. “Mom, I really need to go.”
“Claire, you should be happy for your sister.”
“That’s baby number three. She’s done it before and the results have been terrible. My sister shouldn’t be allowed to have children.”
“My grandchildren are beautiful, smart, and loving.”
“You’re calling Lucifer loving?” I stop what I’m doing and look at George. My poor pup.
“He cut George’s hair and put makeup on him.” My voice comes out a bit harsher than I mean it to.
But how could I stay calm when my blood was boiling after finding my poor dog trapped inside a portable crib looking like a clown.
“His name is Luke, not Lucifer. What happened to George was an accident.”
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