The St Patrick Series Book #1: The St Patrick Bride

Chapter Twenty Two: How Much?

Courtney's POV
I found a stack of bridal magazines at Christopher's doorstep when I got back from shopping. I'm so mad I can explode. I would rather be punching something but I'm flipping through the magazines page by page. I didn't know so much goes into planning a wedding. I thought it was just the dress, the cake and the vows. Anything white does it. If the cake has sugar that's enough and the vows can always be standard do that the only chore is 'I do'.

I'm not planning a wedding.

I'm not marrying a man who sticks his tongue down the throat of another woman after he says crap like 'I love you Court'. I want to get my hands on his neck and break it.

I ate another creamy cupcake. Wiping off the strawberry cream on a white blanket is the finishing touch this place needs.

The sound of the heavy metal door opening and closing caused my heart rate to rise. He's home. The cheat is home. I can't believe him! We haven't even been together for a full day and he is already kissing other women!

"What the hell happened here?" His blue eyes trailed the mess in the loft. I got home pissed. I trashed his place then I ordered cupcakes and started reading bridal magazines.

"You must have left the window open."

He dropped some groceries on the floor bringing his hands to his waist. "If I recall correctly, I left you here when I went out." To stick his tongue down another woman's throat! "You left the windows open. But wait a moment! What has that got to do with this mess?"

So he can be smart sometimes.

"A wild animal perhaps?"

"Like a raccoon? Smack in the middle of SoHo? It took the elevator up five floors or did it scale the walls?"

"Whatever your imagination tells you."

"Courtney," he got closer. "If you're going to live here we need to set some ground rules. You have to pick up after yourself."

"Are you accusing me of something?" I hurled the magazine aside close to his feet.

"This is what I mean." He picked it up.

"I'm not going to live here. I change my mind."

"We had a deal."

"Yes we did. You offered me a house. I want one in the Hamptons facing the beach. Nothing smaller than three bedrooms. It should be white. Make that happen or this little arrangement is off. Secondly, I want ten million."

"Court-"

"I'm not done. There will be no kissing. There will be no touching. There will be no sex. Those are my rules."

"Why the change of heart? What happened to not taking advantage of me?"

"It's just business Chris. Nothing personal." I walked past him. "Clean up this pig sty! I have to get ready for a party."

I locked myself in the room downstairs where there's a small bathroom and the red dress. I'm starting to reconsider. I should have gone with the green one.

Chris didn't come knocking. I took my time in the tub. I was willing to do this for him without any demands. But if he will be kissing other women, I won't be giving anything up for free. I'm just not that girl. I won't be used unless I'm getting something out of it.

I sank deeper into the tub. The water is getting cold. If I make this appearance with Chris, it's going to be public. The weight of it scares me because I'll get a label. I don't like labels.

"Courtney." I heard him call me. Damn his sexy voice! I'm just about to say yes. I chose not to say anything. "I have a meeting with the Major. I'll go ahead of you. A chauffeur will pick you up in an hour. See you at the party."