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

“By marrying the most ridiculous person I can find,” Ted said, matter-of-factly. The plan seemed more and more entertaining, now he was giving it real, drunken thought. “It can’t be a woman, obviously, since that’s what the old man wanted. Whoever it is, I’ll take them around town to all the society parties and galas. I’ll set them up in a gorgeous apartment and lavish my father’s money on them. And all they have to do is stay married to me for ten years.”


“I know, it’s a problem, but I’ll make it worth their while. Two million, over the ten years, aside from room and board and gifts.”


Ted stopped laughing. “I’m serious, Ryan. This looks like the path of least resistance for me. I mean to do it.”


“Me too,” Ryan insisted. “Why not? It should be with a friend—otherwise they’ll just take advantage of you.”


“Yes, the idea is that they should take advantage of me. That’s part of why the old man loses.”


Chapter 9