“What exactly are you asking?”Yeah, there’s definitely nothing boring or simple about this man.
“Strictly a business arrangement.People would have to believe we’re a couple in a serious relationship.”
“Why?For how long?”
Am I actually entertaining this crazy idea?
“My reasons shouldn’t concern you.As for how long…that’s hard to say but I’ll know when we’re successful.”
While I don’t like his curt dismissal of mywhy, I choose not to push—or at least go at him from another angle.“Speaking of success, what’s in it for you?”
“A business opportunity.”
I arch a brow urging him to share more.I’m surprised he gave me that much although I’m not quite sure what it means.Unfortunately, he doesn’t say a word, and his now flat expression suggests no further details are to come.Why is he deliberately speaking in riddles?
It’s frustrating.I don’t have to do this.I could walk away.But all told, I don’t have anything to lose.If I walk out now, I still have to deal with Joel Hummel.And soon.
“So let me see if I’ve got this straight.You want us to ‘date.’”I use air quotes when I say date.“Indefinitely.Nothing else.No kissing.No sex.Right?This would be a fake relationship.”
He nods and his blue eyes darken as they roam my body, settling on my lips.“We will have to kiss.For appearances’ sake.”
“Hmmm.”I tap my forefinger on my closed lips, examining the man from top to bottom as his focus remains on my lips.“In exchange, you take care of my landlord?”
Dating a super-rich guy is a small price to pay if it means Joel Hummel is out of my life.I am moving no matter what, but Rothwell could make it so I don’t have to deal with my landlord for the time being.And in return, I’m wined and dined and get a glimpse into the world of the city’s wealthiest.
I could do worse.
I’ve done worse.
And so what if I have to kiss him?What’s a kiss or two?Like I said, I’ve done worse.
Zachary Rothwell may not be my type but kissing him is no big deal.With his gaze firmly fixed on me, his tongue peeps out to wet his lips, almost as if he’s reading my mind.The red tip of his tongue is like the end of a match, struck fast and low in my belly, burning.
“Ms.Hayes, what do you say?”
There’s a niggling thought that keeps poking at me—he owes my brother.So why am I making this deal?
A droll laugh tumbles from my lips and his eyebrows quirk upward.The answer is simple.He’s doing this because he can.
If I refuse, he’ll do the bare minimum to fulfill his debt to Drew and something tells me that won’t solve my landlord problems.He’s a smart and successful businessman and I’m way out of my league when it comes to negotiations.It’s plain to see, he’s a master at working a deal to his advantage; he wouldn’t be where he is today if he wasn’t.Now I fully understand the meaning of a “master of the universe”, he must always get his way.
Sadly, I’m a damsel in distress.No, scratch that, I’m a schmuck who needs something from him and if he’s inclined to help, he might as well make it worth his while.
I can’t blame him although there’s no use denying I’m resentful about the position I find myself in.People no longer—if they ever did—do things out of the goodness of their hearts.It’s every man for himself.And with that thought, I square my shoulders, nailing him with a direct stare.
“Are you crazy?”I ask, pleased with my insult.
4
Zach
Tilting my head back, I belt out a laugh at what I’m sure the pretty lady figures is and intends to be offensive.
Am I crazy?
“I just might be,” I say with a soft chuckle and her pleasing facial features harden; she isn’t amused.
“Great.So you’re asking me to get in bed.”She raises a finger and continues, “Figuratively, with a crazy person?I’m not so sure about this.”
