Final Offer (Dreamland Billionaires #3) by Lauren Asher

Cal is the first one to break it when someone glares in his direction. “Do you think people will hate me a little less now that I’m going to be featured on the front page of the paper wearing that costume?”

I bite back my laugh. “Nope, but it was a good try.”

“It must be nice to have so many people who care enough about you to give me nonstop hell.” His lips twitch.

“You could say that. Although they’re a bit overprotective at times.”

“Only because they love you.” His voice matches the warmth in his eyes.

I look away. “You know, I can spread the word that you’re no longer a persona non grata.”

“Please don’t go out of your way to be so nice to me. I might read too much into it.”

I nudge him in the ribs with my elbow. “Jerk.”

He laughs. “I’ll get them to warm up to me eventually.”

“How so?”

“By proving I won’t hurt you, no matter how much they expect me to.”

And just like that, Cal snatches another piece of my heart to add to his growing collection.





The smells and giggles coming from the kitchen wake me up far earlier than I’d like. Merlin seems to agree with the way he darts underneath the bed at the sound of a pot clanging, leaving me alone.

I stumble out of my room while rubbing my eyes. “Hey.”

“Morning!” Cami hops off her stool to come give my legs a hug. Her polka dot apron is covered in the same sticky red substance as her fingers, leaving a nice smear on my sweatpants. Red, white, and blue star clips hold back her wild hair from her face.

“What’s going on?” I cover my mouth to yawn.

“Mommy is going to beat Missy’s butt.” Cami holds out her fist for me to pound.

Lana shoots Cami a glare from over her shoulder. “Camila.”

The kid shrugs. “What did I say?”

“I told you not to repeat that to anyone.”

“Oopsy daisy.” Cami pokes her tongue out of the gap between her teeth.

“Who’s Missy?” I ask.

Lana returns her attention to the stovetop. “My competition.”

“Boo!” Cami makes a big show of turning down her thumbs.

I choke on a laugh. “Competition for what?”

“The Fourth of July bake-off,” Cami answers for her while stealing a strawberry from a large bowl. “Are you coming?”

Shit. I completely forgot the bake-off was still a thing. It’s been a long time since I celebrated Fourth of July the Lake Wisteria way, with the town gathering at the lakeside park for a barbeque and firework show.

I run a hand through my messy hair. “I don’t think so.” If I learned anything from last week’s Strawberry Festival, it’s that spending time around the town only amplifies my anxiety. So, the only way I can limit my alcohol intake and keep Lana happy is if I avoid stressors.

“Oh.” Cami’s shoulders drop.

Sorry, kiddo. This is for the best.

I walk to the stove and peek over Lana’s shoulder. “What are you making?”

She drops a single dot of red food coloring into the pot of strawberries. “Something that is going to make Missy regret ever thinking she could copy my strawberry tres leches cake recipe and get away with it.”

My mouth drops open. Damn, competitive Lana is hot as hell.

“Do you need any help?” I tuck a strand of her hair behind her ear, making sure to drag my fingers over the curved slope of her neck before retreating.

Her stirring pauses as her breath hitches. “Thanks for the offer, but I’m almost done.”

“How long have you been at this?” I fill a glass with water and take a sip.

“Five a.m.”

“Seriously? You’re going to fall asleep before you ever make it to the bake-off.”

She shoots me a pointed look. “I can sleep when I’m dead.”

“Would you like to be buried with your trophy?”

She grins. “Absolutely. That and whatever tissue Missy uses to wipe her tears after she loses.”

“This side of you is hot yet somewhat terrifying.”

Her smile is all teeth.

Although Lana said she didn’t need my assistance, I decide to help with the overwhelming number of dishes pouring out of the sink.

Cami keeps the conversation going while stealing strawberries whenever she thinks Lana isn’t looking. The red fruit juice around her mouth is a dead giveaway, so I clean her up while her mother has her back turned.

The doorbell ringing has the three of us looking up.

“We have a doorbell?” Lana pauses her mixer.

“That’s the first time I’ve heard it. Are you expecting someone?” I ask.

She shakes her head. “No. Are you?”

“A majority of the town hates me, so I’m going to go with a no.”

Lana looks down at her half-mixed whipped cream. “Do you mind checking who it is?”

“I got it!” Cami hops off her stool.

“Camila!” Lana rounds the corner, but I’m closer.

Cami rises on the tips of her toes to reach the deadbolt, only to be swept into my arms.

“I don’t think that’s such a good idea.”

Cami pouts.

I take a peek through the peephole. Lana’s sister, Antonella, paces a few feet away. Her tan skin looks paler than usual, and her thin hair hangs limply around her face, accentuating a sharp bone structure that can only be achieved by malnutrition.