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

“Jesus, Wally, you stink. You could catch yourself on fire if it got warm in here.”


“Don’t change the subject. You don’t even care he’s dead, and he left you MAC.”


Wally grabbed a bottle of Belle of Dayton and dumped it into his coffee mug. “Like I need another hole in the head.”


“Is that just straight vodka in your mug?” Ted asked.


“Oh fuck you, you’re hungover too and we both know it, so get off the high horse. Have a fucking feeling for once in your life.”


Ted took the last of his espresso and scotch in one shot, then tossed his cup into the garbage. “Fine. You stay here and help. Whatever the hell that means. I’ve got a business to run.” He turned on his heel.


“Better grab that mirror Mom left you.”


Wally added, “Before a vulture swoops on it.”


Chapter 11