Read Cross Check (Marriage Contract #1) for Free Online

start
with?” I suggest bluntly. “Shouldn’t you be off getting your picture taken
somewhere?”
    “Why so hostile, Brody?” he smiles, “Aren’t you happy to see
me?”
    “Just surprised is all,” I shrug, not wanting him to know
just how flustered I feel, “It has been twelve years, after all.”
    “And somehow you’ve only gotten sexier,” he replies, leaning
back in his charcoal sports coat. “I wouldn’t have guessed that was possible.”
    “Oh, cut the shit,” I tell him, though a thrill sparks along
my spine at his words. “Just tell me what you’re doing here, Jamison.
Seriously.”
    “I’m having dinner with my father and an old friend,” he
replies, not giving an inch, “Plain and simple.”
    “I don’t buy that for a second,” I inform him, plucking up
my drink menu as the waiter approaches, “But then, I guess I should be used to
you bullshitting me.”
    Jay’s blue eyes flash angrily. “When did I—?”
    “Something to drink?” the waiter interrupts, smiling down at
our glowering faces.
    “Two scotches. Neat,” Jay snaps, not even looking up at the
man.
    “Very well," the waiter replies, hurrying away.
    I stare at Jamison across the table, utterly astounded. “Did
you just order for me? Who do you think you—”
    “What, scotch isn’t your drink anymore?” he shoots back, a
knowing smirk twisting his perfect lips.
    Goddammit. He’s got me there. Scotch is my drink of
choice. But that doesn’t mean I want Mr. Man putting words in my mouth, thanks
very much.
    “Same old Jamison,” I say, shaking my head, “Everything
always has to be on your terms, even now.”
    “You bet your ass,” he winks back at me, sending conflicting
waves of anger and elation sweeping through me.
    Before I can wrangle my runaway thoughts, Loudon King
finally arrives at our table. Sinking down into his chair, he acts for the
world like this get-together is perfectly routine.
    “Sorry I’m late,” he offers, as a waiter sets our scotches
down and automatically furnishes Loudon with a martini. “You two have a minute
to catch up?"
    “We sure did,” Jamison smiles across the table, lifting his
glass to me before bringing it to his perfect lips.
    “I didn't know Jay would be joining us tonight,” I say to
Loudon, smiling tightly back, “What a… nice surprise. It’s been ages.”
    “Don’t I know it,” Loudon says brusquely. “But after all
this time, it seems that Jamison here is finally read to join the fold. Isn’t
that right, Jay?”
    “That’s right Dad,” Jay replies, somewhat begrudgingly, I
notice.
    These two have never had the sunniest of relationships before.
While Jay was growing up, Loudon barely humored his passion for hockey. Loudon
was always pressing Jay to take up a “serious” interest, something he could
make a living out of. Even when Jay found success in the NHL and beyond, Loudon
spoke of his son’s career like some kind of lark. Just a phase he was going
through. But now, Loudon seems downright pleased to have Jay here. And
something tells me I’m not going to like the reason why.
    “What does that mean, join the fold?” I ask Loudon, trying
not to sound alarmed.
    “Oh, didn’t Jay tell you yet?” Loudon says, “At long last,
he’s ready to get in on the family business. And about damn time.”
    I stare at Loudon for a long moment, waiting for him to
deliver the punchline. Surely, this is some kind of joke. What could Jamison
possibly have to offer King Enterprises? He doesn’t have a scrap of relevant
experience.
    “In, uh, what capacity are you coming on board?” I ask Jay,
all but gritting my teeth.
    “What did we say, Dad?” Jay asks his father, “Creative Executive
to start?”
    “That’s right,” Loudon replies, sipping his martini.
    It’s all I can do not to stand up and walk away that very
second. Creative executive is the position I currently hold. After years
of busting my ass, working my way up the ladder. Now Prince Jamison