Ted MacTaggart's overbearing father is still trying to control his life, even from the grave. His will insists that, in order to inherit the family company, MAC Superior, Ted must be married by his twenty-fifth birthday -- and the marriage has to be "real." As in the board of MAC has to sign off on it.<br><br>Ted could fight the will, but then the handsome, artistic Ryan Costa, an old friend from school days walks back into his life, offering to be his groom-of-convenience. Ted draws up the contracts and Ryan, who has family medical bill problems, agrees gladly to the terms. Ted, emotionally walled off and afraid of his attraction to Ryan, also suggests they should keep their relationship strictly professional. Caring for people has always proven a weakness for him. Now isn't the time to start.<br><br>It's not long before Ryan's charm breaks through Ted's walls, but Ted isn't his own worst enemy in this case. Other forces are vying for MAC Superior, and even when their relationship is becoming the real deal, its shaky foundations land Ryan and Ted in trouble.

Poor Little Rich Boy

Ted schooled his face. “Can’t, sorry, but I appreciate the offer. It’s going to be packed.”


Ted beelined it for the shower, where he stood under boiling hot water until his skin turned redder than his hair. At least he had something to occupy his mind, today.


The weekend ate him alive. He did go back to his loft to sleep, since the office couch was playing hell with his back, but he didn’t go to his father’s. Didn’t want to see Wally and their relatives picking the place over like a wake of vultures. Half of what the house contained was Wally’s, just like half of the money, and he was welcome to it. Ted wanted to sell the houses anyhow, but that was a talk they’d have to have. Later.


Chapter 5