“Because you’re genuine. Because people will believe you when you vouch for me. Because—” I stop because I can’t say the rest.
Because you’re the only person who’s made me feel human in years.
“Because what?”
“Because there’s already chemistry between us.”
Her cheeks flush. “That was one night.”
“That was enough to know we’re believable together.”
We stare at each other across ten feet of expensive carpet.
“This is wrong,” she says quietly.
“Probably.”
“Trevor will kill you if he finds out.”
“He won’t.”
She shakes her head. “If I say yes, this doesn’t mean anything. It’s business.”
“Understood.”
“And the moment it gets complicated, we end it.”
“Agreed.”
“I need to think about it.”
“The board meets tomorrow morning.”
“Then I’ll think fast.”
She walks to the door but pauses with her hand on the handle. “I’ll give you an answer before the meeting.”
“Thank you.”
She leaves without another word.
I sink into my chair, pulse hammering, hands shaking slightly, praying this stubborn woman is brave enough to say yes.
Or reckless enough.
7
Bailey
Idon’t sleep.
How can I, when the check is sitting on my kitchen counter? I circle it like it may bite, then pick it up, set it down, and calculate how much freedom that number represents.
No more student loans crushing me every month. No more choosing between groceries and art supplies. No more pretending graphic design is enough when animation is what makes me breathe.
If I’m careful, three years—maybe four—will be enough to build a portfolio and make something tangible out of my life. All I have to do is pretend to date my boss, who is also my brother’s best friend and someone I’ve already slept with.
Simple.
