Page 7 of Payoff Pitch
I deadpan, “Can’t wait to hear it. Every night. Those walls better be thick. You’re very loud when you orgasm.”
“And you’re not loud enough. You need to be fucked properlyfor once.” She looks out the window and gasps. “Oh my god, we’re above the clouds.” She turns back and narrows her eyes at me. “You distracted me on purpose.”
I simply smile before she lays her head on my shoulder. “What would I ever do without you, Bails?”
“Probably become a prostitute.”
“Nothing wrong with that. It’s the oldest profession in the world for a reason.”
We land,gather our luggage from baggage claim, and are about to walk outside to catch an Uber when we see Arizona and Ripley standing there with big smiles. Arizona is holding a huge sign that readsPorn Queens Welcome Kamryn and Bailey Hart, while Ripley holds one that readsCasting Call forGood Will Humping.
We burst out laughing, though my face burns red with embarrassment. Kam will probably proudly prance around town with the signs.
Even though it’s only been a few months since we last saw Arizona and Ripley, the four of us embrace like long-lost sisters. I’m so happy we’re here.
TANNER
“Here comes the wicked witch of the west.”
I roll my eyes. “Dad, cut it out. Fallon isn’t a wicked witch, and you know it.”
My ex-wife smiles at me as she makes her way up the metal bleachers to sit next to me. All eyes in the stands turn to her. Not because we’re exes who support our daughterand sit together, but because she’s a stunning woman, with blonde hair and turquoise blue eyes. A killer body only contributes to the allure of her overall physical beauty. It doesn’t matter that she’s in scrubs, her hair is in a ponytail, and she’s not wearing an ounce of makeup. People take notice when Fallon Montgomery enters a room. They always have.
He grumbles, “The floozy broke up your happy family.”
“Floozy? Who uses that term?”
“At my community in Florida, we have several of them. They’re always knocking on my door. I’m quite the commodity, you know.” He pats his own head. “I still have all my hair. It gives me an edge. And I manscape. Women like that.”
I close my eyes. “Don’t ever talk to me about your manscaping again. And for the record, Fallon and Ibothbroke up our family, not just Fallon. We certainly weren’t happy. Neither of us. We weren’t right for each other. Four years has given me that perspective.” Before she’s in earshot, I instruct, “Be nice to her. I mean it. No matter what your feelings are, she’s Harper’s mother and always will be.”
He growls, but I know he’ll behave. He’ll put Harper’s needs above his own personal feelings of resentment toward Fallon. Ones I don’t share.
I offer my hand and help her up the last few steps before she plops down next to me. She blows out a long breath. “Thanks. I didn’t miss anything, did I? My last patient had a few issues, and I couldn’t leave.”
I shake my head. “Nope, they’re taking the field now.”
She leans her head forward and waves her hand at my father. “Hi, Dad.”
She gives me a playful smile, knowing she’s ruffling his feathers. I bite back my own smile.
He nods his head at her. “Fallon. You look…rested.”
“Thank you, Dad. I’m always aiming for that well-restedlook. How long is your visit? We should have lunch and catch up.”
She’s messing with him. She knows that will never happen.
He fumbles. “Umm, only a few days. I’m booked solid though.”
She giggles to herself.
I ask, “Are your parents coming?”
She shakes her head. “They just left for a month-long Mediterranean cruise. I’m happy they’re finally doing this. They’ve been talking about it since I was a little kid.”
Dad mumbles in my ear, “You’re probably paying for the damn cruise.”
I elbow him and give him a stern look.