The Weekend Proposition - Ella Jade Page 0,14

you find her anyway?”

Spencer watched as his grandfather twirled her around the dance floor. “She was right under my nose.”

“If you didn’t use an escort service where did she come from?”

“She cleans the office after hours.” He sipped his drink. “But no one else needs to know that.”

“How did I miss her?”

“Hey, she’s off-limits to you.” He wanted to make sure his brother understood he would never have Coda. Tyler had a habit of chasing every pretty girl in a skirt, but he wasn’t getting this girl.

“You invited a stranger to spend the weekend with you?” Tyler snickered. “I didn’t see that coming.”

“I paid her to accompany me. It was a business proposition.” Spencer continued to watch as Coda laughed. She’d managed to captivate his grandfather in a matter of minutes. She had a gift when it came to the Cannon men.

“Ah, fuck! I definitely didn’t see that coming.”

“Yeah, well, she needed the money and I needed a companion so it all worked out.”

“So, it’s nothing but business?” Tyler asked skeptically.

“Business.”

Spencer needed to convince more than his brother of that fact. He couldn’t fall for the distraction. That wasn’t part of the plan. This was strictly a business deal, even if she had stirred some emotions in him when she touched his tattoo. Spencer tried to tell himself it was normal to get worked up over a beautiful woman standing there in nothing but a towel touching him the way she had. The convincing didn’t go as well as planned, and he had to take matters into his own hand when he showered.

“Then why haven’t you stopped staring at her since she started dancing with Grandfather?”

“Don’t be ridiculous. I’m not watching her.” He glanced at Tyler and then back to Coda. He couldn’t help himself. He seemed to be addicted to her.

“You know, Ava’s not happy you didn’t come alone.”

“She needs to forget about me. I thought this would be the best way. Wasn’t this your idea?”

“She threw a tantrum before dinner. Pierce went to Grandfather and expressed his displeasure.”

“That’s not my problem.” He shook his head when he thought about a grown woman acting so desperate. He wasn’t sure what was worse, Ava’s attitude or her grandfather’s incessant need to fix everything for her. The whole situation was absurd, and no one seemed to realize this was Spencer’s life.

“I think it is.”

“How do you figure?”

“If your companion is in need of money, how do you know she won’t take Grandfather’s cash as a counter offer to yours?”

“What the hell are you talking about?”

“Pierce asked Grandfather to make your date disappear. I’m sure he’s offering her a higher incentive than you did. You know they want you to marry Ava. Money isn’t a factor.”

“Oh, for Christ’s sake.” Spencer placed his drink on the bar and stormed over to where Coda and his grandfather danced. He tapped the older man on the shoulder. “I think I’d like a turn now. You’ve had her long enough.”

“Maybe I don’t want to let her go,” he said. “You’ve outdone yourself this time, Spencer.”

“Jack, you’re such a charmer.” Coda smiled. “You’ve done nothing but flatter me.”

Jack?

“Spencer, why didn’t you tell me Coda was a graphic designer? Have you seen her work? Why isn’t she being considered at the agency?”

“Um, well?” Spencer ran his hand through his hair. A graphic designer? “I didn’t—”

“Jack,” Coda interrupted, “I told you, I finished college in the spring. I’m still figuring out what I want to do.”

“Nonsense, girl,” Jack said. “You get your resume to the art department on Monday morning. I’m sure we can find something for you to do. We’re taking on three major accounts next month thanks to my hotshot grandson over here.” He pointed at Spencer. “We need fresh talent. Don’t we?”

“Can I dance with my date now?” Spencer took her hand.

“As much as I hate to leave you, I do have business to discuss with my partner. You’ll save me another dance, sweetheart?” His grandfather let go of her waist and guided her into Spencer’s waiting arms.

“We have all weekend.” She kissed his cheek. “It was so nice to meet you.”

“Ah, Spencer, you’re lucky I’m not younger or I’d steal this pretty little thing right from you.”

“Small favors and all.” Spencer brought Coda closer to him and began to sway to the music with her as his grandfather made his way off the dance floor.

“Grandpa’s got game.” She giggled. “He’s great.”

“He didn’t say anything to offend you?”

“No, he’s harmless.”

“He didn’t try to pay you off?”

“Pay