Total pages in book: 92
Estimated words: 93699 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 468(@200wpm)___ 375(@250wpm)___ 312(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 93699 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 468(@200wpm)___ 375(@250wpm)___ 312(@300wpm)
“That sounds more than doable,” she said. “Do you have any objections to that, Mr. Carter?”
“Not yet.”
“Okay, well, I’m sure we can work out some flight arrangements for Miss Brave so she can return here and handle her most important clients whenever she needs to. If there’s nothing else, let’s discuss the five hundred thousand dollar payment and other details.”
“Wait a minute,” Travis said.“I thought your beauty brand crossed the seven-figure mark in sales last year.”
“How did you—” I paused, making a mental note to change the inflated lies on my website. “How do you know that?”
“I don’t, but I’m curious why you need half a million from an old friend if you’re doing so well. Seems pretty damn greedy to me.”
“You and I are not friends,” I said. “And my brand is none of your business.”
“I guess there’s nothing else we need to discuss then,” he said. “Miss Dawson, draw up a contract for Miss Brave for the unfair and ridiculous amount she’s asking for.”
“Make it two million,” I said.
“Excuse me?” Travis looked at me as if I’d lost my mind. “Why exactly do you need that much?”
“I forgot to calculate the cost of dealing with your assholery. This new version of ‘Travis Carter’ is different from the one I used to know.”
“Hmmm. Good point.” Miss Dawson nodded. “That’s a very good point.”
“Two million dollars is out of the question.”
“I don’t see why,” I said. “You make more than that in a single fight night, and it’s still far less than what your lowest sponsor pays you.”
“And how exactly do you know that?” He narrowed his eyes at me.
I didn’t answer.
“So—” Miss Dawson clicked her pen. “We’re good at two million?”
“No,” I said, unsure of what was coming over me. “Let’s go ahead and make it four. That number sounds more fitting and official.”
“Now you’re just fucking with me, Tatiana.”
“Am I?” I asked. “Someone once told me that figure skaters don’t make that much money anyway. I might as well cash in while I can.”
His face reddened, and he looked seconds away from losing his shit. “Tatiana, I swear to God–”
“Now seems like the perfect time for a prayer, doesn’t it?” Miss Dawson interjected. “Shall the three of us join hands and see what He thinks we should do about this situation?”
We both shot her a blank stare.
“It was only a suggestion.” She cleared her throat. “I believe Mr. Carter is more than willing to pay you four million, Miss Brave. With all due respect, Mr. Carter, hurry up and agree before she increases the price.”
“I also need the money paid to me in installments starting today,” I said.
Travis crossed his arms. “You’re truly worried that I won’t pay you at the end?”
“No, but I need some of it upfront so I can get ahead of things before I venture off to make-believe-land.”
“I’ll make sure that gets handled, Miss Brave.” Miss Dawson looked between us. “Do we have a deal? Four million dollars in exchange for a ninety-day engagement?”
“Yes,” we said in unison.
“Can you shake hands on that for my sanity, please?”
Travis held out his hand, and I took my time shaking it, feeling warmth travel through my body at his slight touch.
His fingers lingered against mine for what felt like forever, and then he whispered, “I know it’s been a while, but do I need to give you instructions on how to reach a release?”
I jerked my hand back.
“Good girl,” he said. “Looks like you’re still good at letting go.”
“I learned from the best.”
“‘I’m glad you know that’s what I’ll always be for you .” He looked me over. “We can handle any further negotiations over the phone.”
“Why?” I asked. “Is it too hard to stay in the same room with me?”
“Yes.” He left without another word. I watched him cross the street and slip into a black town car.
“Come on, come on…” Miss Dawson hastily flipped the light switch up and down.
“The lights don’t work,” I said.
“Nonsense!” She continued flipping the switch. “I had a place like this once. You have to jiggle it the right way. The quicker they come on, the quicker we can hash out the ins and outs of this contract.”
“They don’t work because I can’t afford to pay the bill,” I said. “They’re not coming on.”
“Oh.”
I lit a white candle and gestured for her to have a seat.
“Um, no offense,” she said, “but why were you playing hardball if you’re this broke?”
“Because this is only a temporary setback.”
“Got it.” She stared at me. “Personal question, just for my sake. How long did you two date in the past?”
“We never dated in the past.”
“Right. Well, how long were you friends then?”
“I’m just now meeting him today, Miss Dawson,” I said. “I have no idea what you’re talking about.”
“You’re both very good at this already.” She smiled. “I think this will be a breeze. Just one thing, though. You might want to tone down the lusty look in your eyes when he comes around. Unless that’s real and you’re not pretending?”