Read Online Billionaire's Contract Engagement / Money Man's Fiancée Negotiation by Maya Banks - Free Book Online Page B

listening to my pitch when you never had any intention of this being about business. Tell me this much, have you already signed with Golden Gate? You owe me that much honesty at least.”
    Evan gripped a handful of his hair and closed his eyes. “You’re pissed. I get it. You have every right to be, but will you please listen to my explanation. If afterward you want me to take a flying leap, I’ll be more than happy to accommodate you. You’ll never hear from me again.”
    â€œI think you know I don’t have any other choice,” she said helplessly.
    â€œI’ll try to make this as short and as concise as possible.”
    She nodded.
    â€œI didn’t have any intention of coming to this damn wedding. I couldn’t care less if they live happily ever after and I have even less interest in being here to wish them well along that path to happily ever after.
    â€œThen my mother called and she begged me to come. She was worried that I wasn’t over Bettina and that’s why I wouldn’t come. The woman has a heart of gold, but she obviously knows nothing about me or she’d realize that Bettina was nothing to me the moment she left me for what she perceived to be the better catch.”
    â€œHarsh,” Celia murmured.
    â€œIs it? I’m only speaking the truth. Bettina was calculating. She hedged her bets and went with Mitchell as soon as he was named my father’s successor in the family jewelry business. To her it seemed a more glamorous life. I’d like to be a fly on the wall when she realizes how wrong she is.”
    Celia’s lips curled in amusement. “Not feeling a wee bit vindictive, are you?”
    He gave a short laugh. “I may not harbor any love for the woman, and I may not be a bit sorry that she’s out of my life, but she is a manipulative cat, and I won’t be sorry to see her suffer for the choice she made.”
    â€œSo your mom doesn’t think you’re over Bettina. That has what to do with me and this hoax you’re perpetuating? Which I really resent by the way because your mom is nice. I feel like pond scum for deceiving her.”
    â€œI’m getting there. Just bear with me. When I got off the phone with Mom, I was angry because I let her talk me into going and I said as a last-minute thing that I was bringing someone. I fully intended to look up someone I’d seen casually in the past. Then I remembered that Friday I was supposed to be meeting you and that this meeting was extremely important to me. It seemed logical to combine the two and bring you out with me. I didn’t lie about needing to move on this fast. I’ve wasted weeks listening to pitches. I’m ready to move.”
    â€œI’m still seeing a
but
here,” she muttered.
    â€œThe but occurred when Bettina herself came to see me. She was steamed that I had the audacity to bring someone to her wedding. She felt like it was a poke in the eye at her, and if you can believe, she honestly thinks I’m still pining overher. She basically accused me of being a fraud and of trying to upstage her at her own wedding.”
    Celia burst out laughing. God, he didn’t even see it. How typical a clueless male was he.
    â€œWhat’s so damn funny?” he demanded.
    â€œShe accused you of doing exactly what you’re doing! The audacity. You crack me up.”
    He blinked and then looked a little sheepish. “Okay, I get it. I’m an immature, egotistical man. The male ego is obviously a fragile creature. I think we can agree on that. Yes, it occurred to me to get a little of mine back on her by showing up with a gorgeous, stunning woman. Sue me. I even hatched the whole engagement scheme complete with the ring because I figured it was the best way to get them all off my back.”
    Her shoulders shook and she closed her eyes. The man was nothing if not honest. She had to give him that much.
    â€œCelia, look at me,