A TEMPTING ARRANGEMENT

Chapter 8

Chapter 8

Andrea Beckett

POV

I smiled letting my father’s mind run wild. I loved nothing more than teasing the old man. “While I was in Ireland Archer, and I got our marriage license… He now is your son-in-law…”

There was silence on the other side. I almost thought the old man hung up on me.

God, I loved giving the man a heart attack since I was a teenager. Archer was the responsible child. My parents thought he would be a good influence on me. What they didn’t expect was for Archer to always give in to me. I was a terrible influence on Archer. My parents knew that. I was scolded endlessly for my influence on good boy Archer.

Archer’s always had a soft spot for me. He always treated me like a little sister and a best friend. Sometimes Rebecca would say he treats me even better than he does her.

“Andrea!” my father exclaims. “Are you using Archer to get back at the slimy bastard? I refuse to let you use Archer as a tool in your schemes. You’ve taken things too far this time. I won’t let you do it!” He shouts.

I sigh.

To be honest, I had wanted to. I wanted to announce my marriage just to get back at Tate, but it was the wrong time. and I’d feel terrible for using Archer. I was a selfish b***h, and I knew that, but I wasn’t that selfish. Archer’s always been good to me. I couldn’t use him as a tool, yet at the same time I wanted him… Archer was mine…

For once in my life, I was trying to be less selfish and I was trying to start with Archer, I was going to turn over a new leaf so to speak. I’ll make sure Archer’s happy.

Blinking I take a deep breath and answer my father. “You don’t have to worry; I’d never use Archer. At least give me some credit. I am your daughter after all. I’m moving on, starting a new life and Archer’s helping me…” I tell my father.

“That’s good. So, what’s your plan exactly? You’re going to get back your trust fund you so lavishly spent on the slimy brat?” my father asks.

I groan. God he’s been keeping an eye on me. I didn’t expect him to go into such detail of my situation with Tate. I’m surprised he didn’t have someone watching Tate. If he had, I would have been made away long before Lacy and Tate were even a thing.

“I’m going to play a game of cat and mouse. One where the players don’t even know they’re in the game…” I run my bottom lip through my teeth.

My father scoffs.

So, I go into detail of everything I’ve got planned. My father listened to everything before he even said anything, he helped me straighten out a few things as well.

“You should also have someone look into their finances. You can’t demand money and have no idea if they have it or not…” he suggests.

I make a mental note to ask Archer to get someone to look into it.

My father and I talk about how to tell my mother as well. A chill runs down my spine. My father changes the subject. He promised to help with the media coverage and said he’ll speak to my mother.

My mother wasn’t as understanding as my dad was. She was going to rip me to shreds, she’ll start with an ‘I told you so’ and end with a ‘if you had listened to me.’ When I was sixteen my mother told me I would marry Archer one day. She told me Archer was the only man who would love me the way I should be loved.

I looked at her like she was crazy and screamed at her. That was ten years ago, it was two days before Damien was born.

I walk into the kitchen barefoot. “Do you think you could have groceries delivered to the house?” I ask him.

“You’re staying at the house?” he asks.

“Yes, I didn’t want to go to the apartment and Archer didn’t want me staying there anymore.” I mention as I grab my supper, placing it in the microwave.

“So, things are good between you and Archer?” my father asks.

I frown. “Of course it is… Why wouldn’t it be good?” I ask.

“You’ve been friends for so long, I don’t know. Never mind as long as the two of you are happy…” my father says.

When my food’s done, I take it out of the microwave, I place it on the kitchen counter and pull out a chair. I place my phone on the speaker so I could still speak to my father.

“Everything’s fine dad. I’ll move in with Archie as soon as he comes back. We’ve already spoken about what we expect from one another and all that jazz.” I tell my father. I knew if I wasn’t open, he’ll be on the first flight over forcing me to tell him everything.

“Have you spoken to Damien yet?” he asks.

I swallow. “Yes, I spoke to him earlier. His skates broke, he didn’t want a new pair, but I sent him a pair and few other goodies I knew he would love…” I smile.

I loved the little man more than anything. Damien was an easy child to please. Anything hockey would bring a smile to his face. I remember I got him some sports memorabilia last year for his birthday and he praised the ground I walked on for weeks.

“I’m sure he would love it. They’ve got a big game coming up at camp do you think Archer and you will be able to make it?” my father asks.

“When is it?” I ask before taking a bite into my chicken.

“Next month. I’m sure Damien would love to see the two of you there…” my father says.

“Okay, I’ll speak to Archer, and I’ll let you know.”

We spoke a little more before hanging up.

Headed to bed soon after, I was exhausted, I had no idea acting in love with the man would be so hard. I wanted nothing more than to slap Tate in the face, I wanted to f*****g murder him.

I sigh trying not to let my anger get the better of me, it was harder than I expected it to be.

My phone rang as soon as my head hit the pillow. I answer without looking at the caller ID.

“Hello…” I say sleepily.

“Did I wake you?” Archer’s voice rings out on the other side of the line.

I pull the phone away from my ear and look at the screen.

I yawn and bring the phone back to my ear. “No, I was just getting into bed. I spoke to my father…” I tell him.

“I know, he phoned me right after he spoke to you…” he says softly.

“Did he give you a hard time?” I ask, letting out yet another yawn.

“No, he just when to expect grandkids…” he tells me…

I let out a snort. “Grandkids…”

“Come on now, they’re not getting any younger and they want to spoil as many little ones before they kick the bucket…” the teasing tone in Archer’s voice lets me know he is saying word for word what my father had said.

“He’s trying to guilt you into sleeping with me?” I ask.

Archer let’s out a soft chuckle. “Now, now. That’s my father-in-law you’re talking about.”

“He is trying to emotionally blackmail you into giving him grandkids. The man is evil. Don’t listen to him. I still have four years before I plan to retire, so he’ll just have to wait for me to retire to have grandkids…” I tell him.

“So, you’re prepared to have my babies Mrs. Reed?” Archer asks.

“I’ve thought about, I know you’ll make a great dad Archie… I don’t know about me though. I have no idea if I’d be a good mother…” I tell him.

“Come on, see how amazing you are with Damien. I know you’ll be an awesome mom…” he says softly.

I nod. “I hope so… So, how’s everything going on your side?” I ask.

“Everything is on schedule. Did I tell you, your fiancé’s mistress tried to get a meeting with me today?” he asks.

“No, you didn’t.” that did take me by surprise.

“I rejected her request, and I had someone keep tabs on her, she’d on a flight back to the States.” He tells me.

God, I have to deal with both of them soon?

I sigh… “Don’t worry I’m prepared for her and whatever scheme she’s going to throw at me next.”

I knew she was behind the bad press I’ve been getting recently. She was also behind the stealing shoot drama; she wanted the shoot, but pink chose me. They didn’t even look at her headshots. They asked for me, when Tate asked about Lacy, they straight out refused to work with her.

“Oh, have a gift being sent to your office in the morning. I know you’ll love it. I should let you get a good night’s rest… Sleep with Andy…” Archer says softly.

“You too…” I say yawning. I hang up.

I place my phone on charge, before closing my eyes and going off to dreamland.