I'm not seducing him into this!
Why not? It worked the first time...
Em
That was different. This needs to stay professional.
I type back, even though there's nothing professional about any of this. Or about the memories of that night that still make my cheeks redden when I let myself think about it.
There's nothing remotely professional about asking a colleague to fake date you just to wind up your ex. Might as well make use of all your assets.
And by assets, we mean those fantastic boobs that God blessed you with!!! Show a little cleavage!! It's for a good cause!
Em
I'm typing a suitably outraged response when there's a knock at my door.
"Coffee delivery!" Zoe chirps, sweeping in with my latte. "Also, FYI, Man Hunk just got here. He's looking particularly delicious today. Dark blue suit, minus the jacket and his sleeves are rolled up."
Great. The rolled sleeves. Apparently, my kryptonite.
"Thanks," I say, taking the coffee. "Could you give me about ten minutes, then ask him to come see me? Say it's about the Reebok campaign."
"Ooh, clandestine meeting." She wiggles her eyebrows. "You got it, boss."
When she's gone, I take a long sip of coffee and a deep breath.
My phone buzzes again.
Good luck! Worst case, he says no and proves he’s a right tosser. Best case, the fake dating turns real, and you get to climb him like a bloody tree… again.
Lily
OMG I hate you both so much right now.
Love you too!
Lily
I love you!
Em
I set my phone down and try to gather my thoughts. How exactly does one proposition their coworker for a fake relationship? I should have prepared note cards, a slide deck presentation, or… something.
For a moment, I consider just canceling the whole trip. I could claim a work emergency, food poisoning, spontaneous combustion—anything to avoid this conversation and the trip itself. No one would even have to know.
But then I picture Ethan's face if he saw me alone at the lodge, that pitying look he'd give me, the way he'd introduce Olivia to everyone while I stand there like the pathetic ex who hasn't moved on...
Nope. I'm doing this.
There's another knock at my door, firmer this time.
"Come in," I call, straightening my posture and willing the adrenaline coursing through my body to calm down.
Sebastian enters, and damn Zoe for being right. The tailored dark blue slacks he has on fit him perfectly, and the rolled sleeves reveal his forearms in a way that should be illegal in an office setting. His hair is slightly damp, like he showered just before coming in, and I instantly get a whiff of his cologne.
"You wanted to see me?" His voice is neutral, professional. We've been dancing this careful dance all week. Polite, distant, focused only on work.
