Chapter 28
Cori
There’s been a shift in my attitude since Daxton trapped me. I admit it. He got me. He played and beat me at my own game. I have been defeated, but I’m like my father in some ways. With every defeat, there’s an opportunity, but you can only see it if you can admit failure.
Only with failure can there be growth, and I intend to grow. My bank account will be fatter, and my business will prosper. I’m going to do in two years what probably would have taken me ten.
Fashion school is back in play, and I don’t have to worry about tuition or paying back student loans. If marrying this man for a few years will get me all of that, I can do it. Of course, he’ll be punished for being a conniving jackass, but that’s just icing.
“You look beautiful,” Dax says from the driver’s seat. I don’t answer. I know I look good. I ordered this insanely expensive dress with the American Express the idiot handed to me. “I hope you have a good time tonight.”
I snort. His last words almost sound like a warning. He’s telling me to behave, and unforgettable women never behave.
“What do I look like? A dog? I don’t obey, sweetheart.
If you don’t want me to be myself around your mother, don’t bring me around her.
” I do like his mother, and I would never do anything to embarrass her or make her look bad.
But there’s no need for this schemer to know that. I’ll keep that to myself.
“My mother and sister will be there,” he drones on. “And other people, too.”
“I don’t give a fuck if the Pope, Jesus, and Mohammad show up.” I wave him off from my seat.
“Do you have to cuss like that?”
“Fuck yeah, I have to fucking cuss like that. Don’t like it? Fucking dump me.”
“Fine. Go in there and act a fool. You’re the one who will be embarrassed, not me. Or would you prefer that your mother not get the surgery?”
My nostrils flare, and other than muttering jackass under my breath, I don’t give him the sharp retort he deserves. My mother getting out of that chair is more important to me than getting one over on this asshole. When this is over, I’m the one who will have everything.
He pulls into the parking lot of Paulene’s, and I’m shocked to see that the parking lot is nearly full.
“I thought you got this for a private party?” I do my best to sound almost bored, but I love a party. I love the food, the ambiance, and especially the music and dancing. I will ignore his ass all night and spend time with my girls.
“I did.”
“Then why are all these cars here?”
“For us,” he announces, and my eyes narrow. “Don’t do that. You’ll go cross-eyed.”
“Well, I’m sure you and your money would fix it. Maybe you can blackmail another year of marriage out of me.”
“Another year?” He laughs until he snorts. “Okay.” He shakes his head as if I’m the delusional one. “Remember that my mother is here.” I arch an eyebrow at him. He opens his door, but I have mine open before he can get to my side.
He helps me out and tucks my arm into his. It’s a cold February night, and the long, layered skirt swooshes around my ankle.
We step inside Paulene’s, and the place looks different from the last time I was here. There’s one long table in the middle and small round tables all around. The place is decorated in silver, but I’m too busy looking for my friends to take in my surroundings.
The room erupts in cheers when they see us. Daxton puts his arm around my waist as if he’s a proud husband to be, and pulls me close.
“When the hell did you plan this?” The day after he blackmailed me, there was an announcement of our engagement in the town paper. It was everywhere before I even woke up the next morning. My phone rang so much, I had to turn it off, and that was only a few days ago.
The supposed wedding is a week from tomorrow. Dax told me he had it under control, so I didn’t ask any questions. I plan to show up in my grungiest pair of white sweatpants and a matching sweatshirt.
The engagement announcement said that Daxton Hunt, though not a resident of Shadow Cove, is a silent partner in many businesses in this town. He’s credited with ensuring that Shadow Cove is a thriving community.
I initially thought we were going to the courthouse, but now I’m not so sure.
My gut is telling me he planned something glamorous.
And that can only mean he’s been working on this for a lot longer than just a few days.
There’s no way he could put together this party and a wedding on such short notice, no matter how much money he has.
That’s another thing I don’t know. His pockets run deep, but I don’t know how deep. What I do know is that I’ll spend money until he either grants me a divorce or goes broke.
I take both his hands in mine and look into his deceptive little eyes.
“When did you plan this?” I smile so that the guests will think we’re just a couple having a short conversation. “You couldn’t have done all of this a few days ago.”
He bends down and presses his lips to mine.
“Oh, Bella, I can’t reveal all my secrets, can I?” His eyes light up in mischief, and his lips twitch,
“When?” I press.
“That’s for me to know.”
“You trapped me.”
“You trapped yourself.”
The conversation ends when we are inundated with guests. I grab a flute of champagne from a passing server, but his mother runs to us and takes me in her arms. I melt and hold on to her. She pulls away and kisses my cheek.
“This is Josie,” Haddie says. She pushes Josie toward me, and she smiles shyly at me.
I open my arms, and we hug. “I’ve told Josie all about you, and tomorrow, I’m having your family over for dinner.
” She hugs me again. “I’m so happy, sweetheart.
This is such a wonderful time for our family, and I’m so excited to welcome you.
I only wish Neal were still alive. He would love you so much. ”
I take Haddie’s hand and pull her aside while Daxton greets his sister.
“Um, Haddie, I need to talk to you.” I snatch her elbow, determined to tell her everything her son has done. Unlike him, she seems normal and is probably the only person on earth who can get him to stop this madness.
“What is it, sweetheart?”
“Daxton has completely lost his mind.” She gasps and puts a hand to her chest.
“What do you mean?” She whips her head to look at him. He notices and narrows his eyes at me.
“He’s—”
“Is everything okay here?” Daxton arrives and wraps his hand around my wrist, but his eyes are as hard as stone.
“Oh, yes. I was telling Cori how happy I am about the two of you. I just knew it.” Haddie puts her hands together.
“From the moment he brought you over to the house to meet me. Josie is so excited to have a sister.” Haddie gets close to me and whispers in my ear, “I’ve been talking you up with her.
” She winks at me and looks around. “Son, we should introduce Cori to the Mitchells.” She lowers her voice and says, “I invited them.”
The mother and son share a moment with just their eyes. It happens quickly, and if I wasn’t paying attention, I would have missed it. I look from one to the other, but the brief moment is gone.
“The Mitchells are business associates of Dax’s,” Haddie explains. “They own a chain of motels that they want to sell to him. Come on.” She slides her arm through mine. “Here’s Josie.” She gestures for her daughter to join us. “Let’s go introduce the Mitchells to our little family.”
“This is one hell of a party,” Selene says while sipping another flute of champagne. “My father swore up and down he wasn’t coming. He says he’s been praying for you and Eden all week, but look at him.”
I turn my head and spot the good reverend Wilde nibbling on a shrimp while talking to Eden’s father.
“Tell your father I, too, spent a lot of time on my knees this week,” Eden says, and I almost choke on my laughter.
“God, I wish I had a dick to suck,” Selene whispers.
“What about your man?” I ask.
“He’s vanilla.” Selene scowls. “I’m looking for a freak.” She sucks her teeth.
“Turn him into one,” Eden suggests.
“I guess, but if I have to teach him, it kills the mood. I want spontaneity with a side of spanking.”
I want to ask more, but Dax arrives with his sister on his arm. She’s only twenty. She’s a little on the quiet side, but sweet. When we met the Mitchells, she talked about her plans to get an MBA after she graduates from college.
“Sweetheart,” Dax says, and I try not to roll my eyes in front of his sister. “I would love it if you would spend some time with Josie.” His sister smiles at me, and I smile back.
“Of course. I’d love to.” He seems happy with my statement.
“You want a drink, Josie?” Selene asks.
“She’s underage,” Dax warns, but Selene hands Josie a drink, which she quickly takes. Selene rolls her eyes at Dax.
“I’ll be right back, Josie. These are my two best friends, and they’ll keep you company.” I take Dax’s hand and pull him into a secluded corner.
“I really dislike Selene.” Dax cranes his neck and frowns at my cousin, who is happily chatting with his sister.
“You know what, it’s not my fault she kicked your ass.” I inch closer. “What is the deal with the Mitchells?” I whisper.
“First of all, she didn’t kick my ass. Second, I’m buying their business.” My eyes narrow at him.
“Don’t parade me around like some trophy in front of your associates.”
He gives me a smile that doesn’t quite reach his eyes. “I don’t do well with orders.”
“Neither do I.” Our eyes lock in an unspoken battle until Josie approaches us.
“Is something wrong?” Josie asks. “I wanted to talk to you about our dresses for the wedding, but I can come back.”
“It’s okay, Josie.” Dax puts an arm on his sister’s shoulder. “We had a little fight. That’s all.” I wait to hear what lie he’s going to tell. “I can only spend one week in Italy for our honeymoon, not the two weeks she wants.”
I make a face, and I’m glad Josie doesn’t see. She seems sweet, and I don’t want to be the one to tell her that her brother shouldn’t be walking around in polite society.
“Well, why don’t you clear your schedule?” Josie asks. “The bride should get whatever she wants.”
“You know what I want, Josie?” Her eyes light up at my question. I bet she thinks I’m going to say something cute and funny.
“Not in front of my sister.” Daxton lets out a fake laugh. “She’s too young for that kind of talk.”
“Not too young, but I don’t want to hear it about my brother.” Josie takes my hand and squeezes it. “Mom was right. I’m so glad you’re going to be family.”
She kisses my cheek, and every smart remark I had died.
“Is Milan your choice or Dax’s?” she asks.
The fool did mention going to Milan, and my first impulse was to jump in excitement. I didn’t comment, but he’s made the arrangements. Unfortunately, I won’t be going. I don’t have a passport because I’ve never left the country, and I don’t plan to get one.
“I bet it was yours, Cori, since you’re into fashion. I wish I could come.” She pouts.
“Well, that’s not happening, but we’ll bring you something back.” Josie seems appeased by her brother’s words, so I force a fake smile. I almost feel bad, but not quite.