Her brow furrows. “What article?”
Right. She probably doesn’t follow business news.
I pull up Cassidy’s piece and turn my laptop toward her. I watch her face shift from confusion to understanding to something that might be sympathy as she reads.
“Your ex did this?”
“Former business associate, whom I briefly dated. Yes.”
“That’s crazy.”
“It’s also trending. Investors are panicking, and the board is demanding a response.”
She looks up. “What does this have to do with me?”
I clear my throat.
“I need to rehabilitate my image. Show that I’m capable of everything Cassidy claims I’m not.”
“Okay…”
“The most effective way to do that is through a relationship. Something visible, believable, and real enough to counter the narrative.”
Understanding dawns in her eyes. Then disbelief.
“Are you asking me out?”
I choke. “No, no, no.”
“You want me to fake date you.”
“I want to propose a mutually beneficial arrangement.”
She lets out a sharp and brittle laugh, her head tilting enough for me to see the small dimple at the corner of her mouth. I physically stop myself from reaching out to touch it but damn if it isn't cute.
“You’re out of your mind.”
“I’m being practical.”
“You’re being insane.” She stands. “I’m your employee. You’re my brother’s best friend. This is the worst idea I’ve ever heard.”
“I’m aware of the complications.”
“Are you? Because from where I’m standing, this is a disaster waiting to happen.”
“Which is why I’m offering compensation.”
That stops her. She stares at me as I reach into my desk drawer, pulling out an envelope I prepared yesterday. Her brows furrow as I slide it across the desk toward her.
“What’s that?”
“Open it.”
She doesn’t move. “Daniel—”
“Just look.”
She picks up the envelope with two fingers, opening it slowly.
