Dipping my chin to my chest to hide how entertaining I find her, my eyes fall on her sexy peep-toe heels.Wholly invested, my gaze rakes her five-six frame, maybe another inch or two with the heels, and her hip-hugging outfit does nothing to hide legs a mile long, the sultry dip of her slender waist, or the swell of her fine chest.
I track the sweeping neckline of her dress, where I’m greeted with smooth golden skin and the long, sensuous curve of her neck.I linger on her plump lips for a few beats before the heat of her stare forces eye contact.
“What do I have to do to convince you?”I’m deliberately flirty.
It isn’t clear why propositioning Paige popped into my head and it isn’t a done deal.It still could backfire.She could run straight to her do-good brother and he’d chew me out and I’d be compelled to do the minimum.Then, one of my over-priced lawyers would send me an exorbitant bill for the dime-a-dozen cease and desist letter and we’d all go home no more satisfied than we are today.
“I’m not sure you can.”She cocks a hip and smirks.
And there it is again.The glint in her eyes, the very one that grabbed my attention when I first walked into my office.In my line of work, I’m quick to gauge a person’s character, and I’m more often than not right about my assessment.Paige’s spark was enough to get me thinking about a different approach to my trust fund problem.
I’d tried and failed with the fake relationship angle by getting into bed—both metaphorically and literally—with someone I knew.Maybe the best approach to this kind of arrangement is to have no existing relationship with the other party.
She’s a stranger and she certainly piqued my interest when I caught her snooping.She tried to be polite and demure about the whole thing, but her spunk was undeniable.My guess is, she likes to take risks and is comfortable with coloring outside the lines.
Who could ask for a better business partner than that with whom to enter an unconventional arrangement?
Or maybe my quick decision to proposition her had everything to do with how she seductively sank her teeth into her bottom lip.It wasn’t calculated—I’m not sure she even realized the effect she had on me.But either way, things definitely perked up.Instantly, my mind entertained all kinds of naughty things I’d like to do with that pretty pink mouth of hers.
“Well, you have to let me at least try.”I wink and a light blush creeps up the curve of her neck.
Charade or not, the arrangement needs to be believable.This is doable.I can see myself with a woman like Paige Hayes, even if she isn’t my usual type.The question is, could my grandmother?
Nan Rothwell is nothing if not sharp.She’ll be the first to call bullshit if I pick up some random woman and pawn her off as my girlfriend.
“Let’s go over this again so that I’m clear.What are the parameters of the deal?”
The words engagement and marriage rest on the tip of my tongue because that’s what’s ultimately warranted, but something tells me Paige would leave, laughing in my face, if I said so at this juncture.
And maybe marriage isn’t needed if Nan thinks our relationship is headed in that direction.Either way, Paige may be a risk-taker but she needs to be eased into the idea.Baby steps.I’ll focus on the basics for now and leave the finer details to another time.
“You pretend to be my significant other, starting with a dinner Friday, and in return, I’ll sic my best lawyer on your landlord.”
She brushes a long strand of chocolate-colored hair behind her ear and nods.“And would this mean we’re exclusive?Real or not?”
“Of course.”My shoulders rise, finding her point of clarification unsettling.Is there a man in her life?Or someone she’s interested in?If so, she’s going to have to end it or this won’t work.“For the purpose of our deal, we’re monogamous and committed to one another.”
“I’m close with my family, I couldn’t keep you a secret…” She pauses, nibbling on her bottom lip again and her warm, charming gaze clouds with doubt.“Shit, I’d be lying to my family.”
Rubbing at her forehead, she looks away and for a beat or two, I consider finding someone else, calling it off because of the turmoil on her face.But I’m not stupid or sentimental.Time is of the essence and Paige is willing—it’s clear in her body language.She wouldn’t have stayed this long and asked all these questions if otherwise.
“Yes, you would.”
I’m not wild about lying to Nan but she’s given me no choice.As if planned and on cue, my grandmother walks into my office.
“Zachary, Karen’s at lunch and I wanted to—” She stops abruptly, realizing I’m not alone.“Oh dear, how rude of me.My apologies.”
“Nan, it’s okay.It’s actually great timing.”
Taking her hand, I guide her toward Paige and for the briefest of moments and completely out of character, I hesitate.What I’m about to do is a dick move.I’m forcing Paige’s hand.She could deny everything but she’s more than eighty percent on board with my proposition—this is just a little nudge.
“Oh, really?”Nan looks to me and then Paige.
“I want you to meet someone.”Standing between the women, my hand hovers at Paige’s lower back and she stiffens.“Paige Hayes, this is my grandmother, Nanette Rothwell.”
“It’s lovely to meet you, Mrs.Rothwell.”She bestows a warm smile upon Nan.Sharp.I’ll give her that.Without any conversation, Paige is following my lead well.
“Nice to meet you, too.Please call me Nan.”My grandmother smiles but hers is like the royal wave, all form and function, no heart.“And how do you know my grandson?”
