The Weekend Proposition Read Online Free Page A

you?”
    “Princeton. What did you study?” His phone interrupted their conversation. He glanced at the screen. “I’m sorry, I have to take this.”
    “That’s okay.” She pulled out her phone. “I’ll text my mom and let her know I’m on my way out of town.”
    * * * *
    Spencer had been on and off the phone for most of the car ride. He hadn’t meant to take so many calls but if he lost this new account he’d never hear the end of it from Jack and Pierce. There had to be a way to satisfy this client, but damned if he could figure out what that way would be.
    He placed his laptop in his bag and slipped his phone inside his pocket. Coda’s head rested against the window and her eyes were closed. He wondered when she had drifted off. Her slow, soft breathing had a calming effect on him. He’d been uptight and stressed over this deal. He’d hoped to have the approval signed off on before today but the client kept coming back with problems.
    “Sir,” Andrew spoke through the speaker. “We’ll be at the hotel in about three minutes. It’s just up around this bend.”
    “Thank you.” Spencer tightened his tie and smoothed out his pants.
    He looked Coda over one last time. Perfection, he thought. He only hoped the tough, little waitress from Brooklyn could handle herself among the sharks he called family. Ava would be furious and Pierce wouldn’t be pleased. Somehow he had to get the Carringtons to realize an arranged marriage wasn’t in his future. He hoped the beauty peacefully sleeping next to him would be just the thing to open their eyes.
    “Hey.” He ran his fingers down her toned, tanned arm. “We’re here.”
    When her eyes fluttered open, she smiled at him.
    Is she happy to see me?
    She sat up and stretched. “Sorry I fell asleep.”
    “I’m sure you were bored listening to all of that business talk.”
    “Sounds like they want you to change the graphics on the logo.” She flipped her fingers through her hair attempting to fluff it. When she tossed it behind her shoulder, a hint of vanilla radiated from it.
    “Among other things. This client is going to be the death of me.”
    “You’re a pretty good negotiator.” When she smirked at him, he noticed the tiny mole just above the corner of her top lip. It was so light and subtle but it made him wonder what else he’d missed about her. “I’m sure you’ll get what you want.”
    “I hope so.” He pointed to the mansion. “Are you ready to do this?”
    “Wow!” She peered out the window. “Holy shit. Look at this place.”
    “It’s pretty impressive.” He found her colorful language entertaining.
    “Who are all of those people outside?” she asked as Andrew drove up the long, winding driveway. “They look like they’re waiting for something.”
    “Hell.” Spencer pulled his phone from his pocket. “Paparazzi.”
    “No shit.” Coda continued to stare out the window. “Who are they here for?”
    “Us, but don’t worry. It’ll be fine.” He dialed his brother. “I’ll find out what’s going on.”
    “Hey,” Tyler answered. “Are you here yet?”
    “I just pulled up. What’s with all the cameras?”
    “The media found out we’re all arriving so they stormed the castle. Security is on its way. The governor isn’t pleased.”
    “Is there a back entrance?”
    “They’re surrounding the place.”
    “Wonderful.”
    “Why do you care?” Tyler asked. “Just get out of the car and walk into the foyer. You’ve had your picture taken before.”
    “It’s not me I’m worried about,” he mumbled.
    “Huh?”
    “Nothing.” He glanced out the window. “I’ll be inside shortly.” He ended the call and shoved the phone into his pocket. “We’re going to have to go through this.”
    “Okay.” He saw the apprehension on her face.
    “It’s not a big deal. Just keep your head down and don’t answer any questions. There’s a car right behind us, so they’ll leave us alone when they realize we’re not the