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

“Your brother knows how to throw a party,” Izzy declared.


“My brother is a brat, but he did what he could, and for that I thank him.” Ted was feeling generous.


Izzy, then Echo retreated to rooms, and Ted opened the door to the suite he was to share with Ryan. “Wowwwwww,” Ryan declared on getting his first look at the swanky decor.


Ted ushered him inside and to the bed. “There, now, lie down on your side, please.”


“I’m not gonna puke,” Ryan said cheerfully, though he obeyed all the same. He kicked off his shoes. “I’m just happy drunk, not puke drunk.”


“If you say so. I’ll take the couch.” It was huge and comfortable looking, and Ted was suddenly exhausted.


“No way. This is like our honeymoon.”


“We’re not even married yet.” But Ted laughed.


Chapter 27