In Sickness and in Wealth (9 page)

I did my hair and makeup carefully. Put on my sexy new bra and panties—I'd already promised Jus another round of birthday sex after the party. And laid out three dresses I was trying to decide between on the bed.

I was about to try one on when the buzzer rang. Odd, why didn't whoever was there text? I expected it to be a delivery. I pulled on my robe and went to the entryway to answer it.

"Kayla? Lazer. Hope I'm not interrupting. I know you're busy getting ready for tonight. And I swear I'm not just an extremely early guest. But I have a present for Justin I wanted to drop off while I was in the area."

"I'll buzz you in." I pulled my silk robe tighter around me. There was no time to change before he got here.

A couple of minutes later, I was welcoming Lazer in.

He handed me a gift wrapped in birthday paper. "It's a peace offering for Justin." He looked a little shamefaced. "It needs an explanation. At first it seems self-serving. It's a collector's edition copy of the new video game."

"He'll love it!" I said. "Congrats on the release. The news is full of its success. One of the fastest-selling games in recent history."

Lazer nodded, looking almost modest. Complete modesty was asking too much of him. "Thanks in no small part to my awesome beta testers."

I stifled a laugh. Modesty didn't sit well on Lazer.

"It has a little special Easter egg in it for Justin and you. To be viewed in private." He wiggled his eyebrows suggestively.

I laughed.

He told me how to find it. "You'll want to play it together."

"You leave me curious. You won't tell me what it is?" I said.

"You'll find out soon enough." He shook his head. "It's my way of apologizing for hitting on his wife. I don't want things to be awkward between any of us." He took a deep breath. "And to come clean with you. When I first heard about Justin's surprise wedding, I suspected you of marrying him for his money."

"Didn't everyone? You were by no means alone, Sherlock."

He grinned. "I have a financial interest in Flash. Selfishly, I was afraid he'd made Flash vulnerable by marrying you."

"You thought I was going to divorce him and take half of his share?" I raised one eyebrow.

"Yeah. Do you blame me?"

I shrugged. "Does no one believe in love at, I'd guess you'd call it, second sight?"

"Money makes people more attractive."

"The curse of being a billionaire—is her love real? Or is her love for your money?"

"Damn, Kayla." He took a deep breath, looking apologetic again. "You're making this hard on me. I hit on you on purpose to see how you'd react. If you could be separated from him. If you'd just married him for his money.

"And then I surprised myself by feeling a spark between us. I thought you reciprocated. And…you know the rest. But something changed," he said. "You really love him."

"Don't sound so surprised! Of course I do." I shook my head. "Who wouldn't? Jus is sweet and adorable." I paused. "I'm sorry if I led you on."

"No, it's nothing." He paused again. "The path not taken. I just wanted to say this one time before we live the rest of our lives as good friends. I think you could have been the one. I think I would have fallen in love with you. Is that crazy?"

I had a lump in my throat. I opened my arms.

He pulled me into a tight, intimate hug.

"Not crazy at all. If not for Jus, I would have fallen in love with you. I'm sure of it." I smiled at him with tears in my eyes. This pregnancy was making me so emotional. "I'll always love you—"

J
ustin

I was on my way up the elevator in the penthouse with the balloons and flowers in my hand. Imagining the surprise on Kay's face when I came home early. Her cell phone buzzed in my pocket. I pulled it out out of habit. She had an email from Britt.

Congrats, girl! Way to take advantage of the situation. You got pregnant ASAP!! Just like I told you to. Hook him for life. His money is yours. Did you flush the pills like I said? Ha ha! Whatever you do from now on doesn't matter. You're set for life! Money, money, money!!

My stomach cramped up. I felt suddenly cold. No! No, Kay wouldn't…

But this was from her best friend. The woman she told everything to. The woman who helped her with the gift to tell me about the baby.

I took a deep breath as the elevator reached the penthouse. I had to get a grip. The elevator doors opened. Kay was in the entryway, wearing her thin, skimpy, sexy, short robe, wrapped intimately in Lazer's arms. Gazing into his eyes. And she was saying, "I'll always love you."

T
he story continues
…

If you liked
In Sickness and In Wealth
, you’ll want to read
To Love and To Cherish
,
Episode 7, the exciting conclusion of
Switched at Marriage
, right away!

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In Sickness and In Wealth
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S
till can’t get enough
of Kayla and Justin? Curious about Kayla and Justin’s college years? Get the
Rushed Series
and get a peek at what Kayla was like in college.

S
witched at Marriage
, a Romantic Comedy Serial Romance

The Switched at Marriage Series

Part 1—
A Wedding to Remember

Part 2—
The Virgin Billionaire

Part 3—
To Have and To Hold

Part 4—
From This Day Forward

Part 5—
For Richer, For Richest

Part 6—
In Sickness and In Wealth

Part 7—
To Love and To Cherish

The Rushed Series

Book 1—
Rushed
, Zach and Alexis’ story

Book 2—
Crushed
, Dakota and Morgan’s story

Book 3—
Hushed
, Seth and Maddie’s story

The Reckless Series

Book 1—
Reckless Longing
—FREE!

Book 2—
Reckless Secrets

Book 3—
Reckless Together

G
ina Robinson's
books have delighted readers and received positive reviews in
Publishers Weekly, Booklist
, and
Romantic Times Book Reviews
.

A voracious reader and fan of all types of romantic stories, she writes romance and women's fiction across a wide variety of subgenres—new adult, contemporary, historical, and romantic suspense. Her love stories are infused with a happy blend of romance, adventure, a bit of mystery, and humor. Readers are drawn to the light touch she gives even serious topics and the fast, fun, easy-to-read pace of her books. From college campuses to Seattle to Las Vegas to England, her settings become almost characters of their own, driving the story.

She believes in the power of true love and passion, and that every great romance should have a happily-ever-after. To get an email when Gina releases a new book, sign up to join her VIP list by visiting her website at
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