Her cheeks flush slightly with color. “You clean up pretty well yourself.”
“I do my best.”
We stand there momentarily, separated by twenty feet of expensive carpet.
“So,” she says finally. “Do I get the briefing now? Am I supposed just to smile and look pretty while you talk business?”
The edge in her voice makes me wince internally. “That’s not what this is.”
“Then what is it?”
“A partnership. You’re not arm candy, Bailey. You’re my girlfriend. At least as far as anyone out there knows.”
“Right. Your fake girlfriend who you’re using to repair your reputation.”
“My girlfriend, whom I’m grateful for, is here.” I cross the space between us and stop close enough to smell her perfume. The scent is light and citrusy and completely intoxicating. “I know this isn’t ideal. I know I’ve put you in an impossible position. But I need you to trust me tonight.”
“Trust you to do what?”
“To have your back. I’ll ensure no one treats you as anything less than you are.”
Her eyes narrow slightly with skepticism. “And what am I?”
“Brilliant. Talented. Far too good for any of the people in that ballroom.” I pause and hold her gaze. “Including me.”
Her defensiveness softens fractionally.
“You’re really nervous,” she observes.
“I’m really nervous,” I admit.
“Why? You do this all the time.”
“I’ve never brought someone who actually matters before.”
Bailey’s breath catches audibly. “Daniel—”
“I mean to the optics,” I correct quickly. “You matter to the optics.”
We both know that’s not what I meant.
She studies my face for a long moment, looking for lies or truth. I don’t know which one she finds.
“Okay,” she says finally. “What do I need to know?”
I exhale slowly and feel myself return to safer ground. “Larsson’s team, several board members, and our investors will be here.The press is outside, but they won’t be allowed in. Still, assume anything we do will be photographed by someone.”
“So I should smile and stay close to you.”
“And be yourself. That’s the most important part.” I take her hand and feel electricity shoot up my arm from the contact. “Just be the stubborn woman who challenged her boss and told him he’s controlling.”
“That woman might tell someone you’re an ass.”
“That woman would be honest, which is exactly what we need.”
Her mouth curves into something that might be a smile. “You’re terrible at this pep talk thing.”
“I’m very aware of that fact.”
