Chapter 11

Iclicked the small ‘x' in the corner of the listing, causing it to disappear from my computer screen.

"Too perfect," I said.

There was no way I would sell Brett a house I could see myself in. Nope, he would be getting something more run-of-the-mill than that.

"Too perfect?" Noah repeated.

"Brett doesn't deserve perfect," I happily informed him. "He deserves eighty percent perfect with a small annoyance to deal with, or three."

"You evil mastermind," he said. "It should be illegal to be both as adorable and frightening as you."

"Noah!" I brought my hand to my heart. "That's so sweet."

He smiled at me, and I knew that smile all too well.

"What do you want?"

"I know we have a lot going on right now, but Todd invited me on his next business trip," he explained. "The company is paying for spouses to go to Hawaii. I can't miss it!"

"And I would never, ever want you to miss it! When is it?"

"Next week," his eyes darted left and right.

"That's fine, Noah," I said. "We can make this work."

"An entire week, though?" he asked. "I don't mean to doubt you. I know what you can do. But that means you will also have to do everything behind the scenes. And with the timing with Brett, I don't feel right leaving you."

"Well, that's exactly what you're going to do! You're going to Hawaii!" I clapped and jumped up and down until Noah joined in with me.

"I'm going to Hawaii!" Noah repeated. "I'll kick extra ass this week to make up for it. And I'll have my phone on me at all times."

"No, you're going to enjoy yourself," I told him. "That is a direct order from your boss."

Noah's eyes twinkled as he told me about his upcoming vacation with his husband. His voice was filled with joy and excitement, making my heart swell to see him so happy. I smiled encouragingly at him, reassuring him I could handle the workload while he was gone. After all, he had worked hard for me over the past few years, selflessly dedicating himself to my business. He more than deserved a vacation.

His absence also meant I would have to work one-on-one with Brett, which I wasn't thrilled about. However, I knew I could handle it.

"What about an area of town that is traffic-heavy?" Noah asked. "That would show him."

"Noah, let's be real," I laughed. "All of Charleston and the surrounding areas are traffic-heavy these days."

"Okay, true. So, you're looking for tiny imperfections that someone like Brett probably wouldn't notice anyway?"

"I don't know what I'm looking for," I admitted. "I just know he can't buy a house I love."

"Well, that shouldn't be too hard," Noah giggled. "You're super picky."

"Check this one out," I waved him to my computer. "This one is so not me."

I showed him a high-resolution, three-dimensional tour of a modern home. The house's sharp edges and clean lines stood out against the brilliant white fixtures, giving the space an ethereal feel. Yet, for all its uniqueness and beauty, there was something dull about it, too. Its monotonous vibe was missing a vital spark.

"Okay, I see what you mean," Noah said. "It's bland."

"Exactly!"

"A plain home for a plain man," he said. "I love it."

I made a note next to the address.

"I'm only going to present him with two homes," I told Noah. "He says he's not particular, so we'll see if that's true."

"I can help you pick out the other home," Noah offered.

"I think I already did!" I announced. "Check it out."

I pulled up the second home on my screen, a beautiful red brick masonry home in one of Mount Pleasant's most sought-after neighborhoods.

"Oh, she's a stunner," Noah said as he browsed the listing's photos. "Are you sure you want to show him this one?"

"Noah," I said, "look closer."

He squinted at my monitor as he clicked through the photos on the listing. "Is that really how much they're asking for that?"

"Yes," I confirmed with a sly grin.

"It's a builder home with architectural flaws," Noah said. "It's a cookie-cutter house they're trying to pass as luxury."

"I'm aware," I said.

"Oh, you evil genius," Noah giggled.

"The house also has zero personality. There is nothing that makes it stand out."

"Again, just like Brett," Noah laughed. "I think you did well."

"Thank you," I smiled. "I would have to agree."

Although I had already found the homes, my finger hovered over my mouse. I continued to scroll through endless listings, barely even looking at them. I was actively avoiding calling Brett, but I knew I would eventually have to since I had managed to narrow down his choices.

"Noah," I said in a sugary, sweet tone. "Would you like to call Brett for me, just this once?"

"It's the least I can do since I'll be out of town next week," he sighed.

My loyal assistant picked up the phone and dialed the one number I wished I could forget.

Unfortunately, Brett's phone number was burned into my memory like a brand on cattle. I tried to erase it like a file I could send to my brain"s recycle bin, but all my efforts were in vain.

Noah put the phone up to his ear, and I could hear the soft ring.

"Yello," I heard come through the phone.

"Hello, Brett? This is Noah with Pretty Palms Real Estate."

Brett began talking a mile a minute, but I couldn't hear what he was saying.

"Yes," Noah said. "Yes, I understand. One moment, please."

Noah covered the earpiece on the phone and whispered, "He demands to speak with you."

"Demands?"

"I mean, that's not exactly what he said. He said that if you're getting a paycheck out of the deal, then you have to work directly with him."

"Are you serious? Who does he think he is?"

"What do I tell him?" Noah asked.

"Oh, give me the phone," I said as I snatched it from Noah. "I'll take care of this."

Judging by the look on Noah's face, he was concerned about how I would speak to Brett. I had years of experience handling Brett and his inflated ego. I knew exactly what to do.

"Brett," I smiled into the phone, "are you giving my assistant a hard time?"

"Not at all," Brett said, his laugh booming through the speaker.

And he dared to say that I had a loud laugh?

Excuse me, sir. A touch of self-awareness would go a long way.

"I found two properties that I think would be perfect for you," I gushed. When I needed to, I was a pro at faking it.

Brett should know that from all the acting I used to do in the bedroom.

"I knew I could count on you," he said.

"When should I set up the showings?" I asked. "I know your schedule is crazy. We can work around it."

"How about next week?" he asked. "Could we see both houses in one day?"

"I think I can arrange that," I said. "Do you have a day that works for you?"

"How about Wednesday afternoon?"

"Wednesday afternoon it is," I confirmed. "I'll text you the addresses and some information about them. If, for any reason, you aren't interested in one, just let me know."

"You're the best, Ken," he said.

"See you on Wednesday," I said before I hung up.

As I gently put the phone down, my stomach churned with emotions. I closed my eyes and took a slow, deep breath, trying my best to forget Brett's belittling voice.

"Are you okay?" Noah asked.

"I think so." I took another deep breath. "I can't believe I'm helping Brett."

"I honestly can't either," he said. "You can still change your mind. I can come up with a fabulous excuse for you."

"No," I said. "I think this is a good thing. So far, every interaction has reminded me how lucky I am not to be with him."

"You dodged a bullet," he confirmed. "He's pretty horrid."

"He is, isn't he?"

And I would have to be friendly with that horrid ex-boyfriend in less than a week.

I was confident that I would be eligible for an Oscar nomination by the time I was finished with Brett.