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

He was vaguely surprised, having forgotten that was a thing people offered. “Thank you, yes.”


Dinessa dug through a cupboard, and Ted leaned against the island, arms crossed over his chest, wondering what the hell he was doing here. Oh, right, he had an excuse: “Whenever you find a dress you like, Daly’s will fit it for you. It’s already taken care of—just call ahead a few hours to let them know.”


“I’m sure I can find something that fits,” Came the reply from the depths of the cupboard.


“Well, just in case. There will be cameras. Unfortunately.”


“Is Ryan already decorating the new place?”


“Mmm, yes. It almost looks like people live there now.” Normally Ted outsourced decoration, but it was nice to have a personal touch around the place. Ryan had better taste than most designers, anyhow. “He’s talented.”


“He worked hard for it, even though he wouldn’t admit it. Gave up on oil painting altogether a few years back.”


Chapter 23