Chapter 9 No.9

The partition was up. They were alone in the back of the car.

Kenton opened the small bar and poured a scotch. He didn't offer her one. He downed half of it in one swallow.

"Withdraw the petition," he said. He didn't look at her.

"No."

"Carleigh, be reasonable. Mother is sick. If she finds out we're divorcing, it could kill her."

"Then maybe you shouldn't have given me a reason to divorce you." Carleigh looked out the window at the passing autumn foliage.

"I told you, Blanca is a friend. She has no one else."

"She has an agent. She has fans. She has a family in Ohio. She doesn't need my husband holding her hand at midnight."

Kenton slammed the glass down into the holder. "You are obsessed with her."

"I'm obsessed with dignity, Kenton. Something you clearly lack."

He turned his body toward her. "You think you can survive out there? You think your little 'secretary skills' will pay for your lifestyle?"

"Watch me."

"And the ED clause? You're going to humiliate me in court?"

"If you push me."

Kenton lunged. It was sudden. He crossed the space between them and grabbed her chin, forcing her to look at him. His face was inches from hers. She could smell the scotch and his expensive cologne-sandalwood and musk.

"You are playing a dangerous game," he whispered. His thumb brushed her lower lip.

Her heart raced. Not from fear, but from a sudden, sharp jolt of electricity. His eyes dropped to her lips. For a second, she thought he was going to kiss her.

"Get off me," she whispered.

He stared at her for a beat longer, his pupils blown wide. Then he released her and sat back, adjusting his tie. He looked shaken.

The car slowed down. Gravel crunched under the tires. They were passing through the iron gates of the Parker Estate.

"Smile," Kenton said, his voice strained. "Showtime."

They stepped out. Francine was waiting on the porch, wrapped in a blanket, sitting in a wheelchair. She looked pale but her eyes were sharp.

"There they are!" Francine cried out.

Carleigh forced a smile and walked up the steps. She bent down and hugged Francine. "Hi, Mom."

"You look thin, Carleigh. Is he feeding you?" Francine glared at Kenton over Carleigh's shoulder.

"She's on a diet," Kenton lied smoothly, coming up to kiss his mother's cheek.

"Hmph." Francine patted Carleigh's hand. "Well, I'm glad you're here. The house feels so big. I've put you in the East Wing master suite. The guest rooms are being... renovated."

Carleigh froze. "Renovated?"

"Yes. Dust everywhere. So you'll have to share the big room." Francine smiled innocently. "I assume that's not a problem for a married couple?"

Kenton and Carleigh exchanged a look of pure horror.

"Not a problem at all," Kenton choked out.