Chapter 10: Barbecue and Temptation

Barbecue.

I hadn’t had it in ages.

The last time was probably at one of those summer block parties on my grandma’s street. The memory hit me hard—kids running through sprinklers, sticky fingers, somebody’s uncle always manned the grill, flipping burgers with a can of Bud Light in hand.

That night, the way I ate in front of Jonathan could only be described as ravenous.

I let my guard down for once, tearing into ribs and brisket, the sauce staining my fingers. I was half-starved, and for a little while, I let myself just be hungry.

He tried several times to talk to me, but I kept interrupting him.

“This is so good.”

“Let me finish eating first.”

“Can I get another serving of brisket?”

...

Jonathan spent the whole night flustered, grilling meat for me.

He rolled up his sleeves, fumbling with the tongs, sweating under the string lights. It was oddly endearing.

Only after I was full did I finally look up at him.

“Mr. Carter, thanks for the meal.”

My voice was light, teasing. I wanted him to know I hadn’t forgotten who he was—or what he’d said.

He smiled. “Does Marcus know his wife doesn’t get enough to eat at home?”

At that, my hand paused as I wiped my mouth.

His words stung, but not as much as the truth behind them.

“Actually, the reason I don’t get enough to eat at home is partly thanks to Mr. Carter.”

I shot him a look—half accusation, half challenge. I wanted him to see what his warnings had cost.

Even the housekeeper at home knew Marcus only gave me $150 a month. They didn’t take me seriously at all.

My food, clothes, daily necessities—everything was the cheapest.

Anyway, Marcus never noticed, and even if he did, he didn’t care.

I stood up to leave. After all, I just wanted a meal—and to throw a few sarcastic remarks his way.

I grabbed my purse, ready to disappear into the night. I didn’t want to owe Jonathan anything.

But unexpectedly, Jonathan chased after me.

He called out behind me, “Natalie, Marcus doesn’t trust you at all, does he? Have you ever thought about being with someone else? Like me.”

Where he couldn’t see, I rolled my eyes.

“Crazy.”

He’d told his friend to beware of me, and now he wanted to steal me for himself.

But Jonathan’s next words stopped me in my tracks.

“I can give you $15,000 a month.”

His offer was so matter-of-fact, so outrageous, I almost laughed. This was the world they lived in—where everything had a price.