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

“It’s not.” Ted wished he could tell if the uneasy feeling in his gut was from Wally or last night.


Oh shit. Last night. Ryan had said he’d marry him.


Oh shit. How in the hell had he let that happen?


“Is he there now?” Ted asked quickly.


“He was this morning. He was wandering around the kitchen in his boxers making breakfast. By which I mean pouring vodka on Lucky Charms.”


“Sounds about right. I’ll check it out. Thanks for letting me know.” Ted pulled the phone away from his ear, about to hang up.


But he heard her still talking: “How are you doing, Teddy? I know it’s been a hard week.”


“That was unfair of your father. The bit about the marriage. I’m sure that’s not legal.”


“Thanks, Aunt Carol,” he said. “I’m gonna go to the house now. Later.”


That bullet dodged, Ted decided it was time to put on pants and face the world.


Chapter 10