Page 20 of A Bossy Roommate
“What does that have to do with marriage? It’s not a competition, Carter. You can’t approach marriage like you do a business deal.”
I hold my hand up, gesturing between the two of us. “And yet…”
Eden scoffs and waves me off. “This doesn’t count. It’s not a real marriage, remember? Anyway, I’m not done listing my stipulations.”
“Do continue.”
“Where do I sleep?”
“You’re staying in the guest suite unless told otherwise. Once my aunt arrives, we share my room.”
“Wait.” She frowns. “I was serious before—we’renothaving sex.”
“Are you talking about sex again, woman?”
“I am. And I’m telling you that I’ve sworn off sex and men while I’m in New York.”
“Obviously that went over so well last night.”
“The rule was put into place when I woke up alone in my motel room.”
All right, that hits a nerve. I’m not a monster. Part of me feels bad for ditching her, but in my defense, I didn’t expect to ever see her again. “There are two beds in my room. Happy? Anything else?”
Eden seems satisfied with my reply but still ponders for a moment. “Nothing that comes to mind,” she concludes. “But my ground rules are subject to change.”
At that, I smirk. “Meaning if you get hot and bothered, you’re free to try to seduce me?”
“No, meaning if you do something inappropriate, I’m out. Gone.Hasta la vista, baby.” Eden extends her hand. “Deal?”
Not breaking eye contact, we shake on our arrangement. She’s not going anywhere.
“Good. Glad we’re on the same page.”
“We can make all the arrangements quietly.” I fish my phone out of my pocket again. “I’ll have my lawyer draw up a contract and an NDA.”
“How romantic.”
“Thursday,” I tell her, ignoring her comment. “We’re flying out to Vegas on Thursday. I’ve got a meeting in Phoenix that demands my presence, and right after that, we’re jetting off to Vegas to capture the wedding shots. Phoenix and Vegas are practically a stone’s throw away, so it makes sense tocombine the trips. Start planning and reschedule any meetings accordingly. Allocate a time on Friday for us to meet up to get our stories straight before my aunt arrives on Saturday. Let’s get it over and done with.”
“You’re such a sweet talker,” Eden says sarcastically.
“I don’t sweet-talk. I simply know how to communicate effectively. It saves time and gets results.”
“Effective communication is one thing, but have you mastered the art of passive-aggressive remarks yet? That’s where the real magic happens.” When I give her a look, she adds, “Anyway, this is going to be an interesting weekend.”
I agree. The weekend is certainly going to be one of a kind—and not in a good way.
“We’re done here.” I shove my phone into my pocket, heading to my room. “I’ve gotta get some sleep. I have an early day tomorrow.”
“I already regret my decision,” she says playfully. “Ask me to marry you, then immediately go pass out? Don’t you want to celebrate? Eat something…sweet?”
Pausing, I turn to look at her. “Didn’t you swear off sex?”
7
EDEN
“Who’s talking about sex?”