I’m glad she’s back and I feel horrible that the relationship with her grandson is a lie.I won’t let her believe I’m going to live with him forever.I can’t swallow that bitter pill, not even for the sake of this woman’s heart or Zach’s crazy deal.
“I did nothing.I’m thrilled I was back in time to see your presentation.I knew you’d be good at this.Good for the foundation.Well done.”She plants a light kiss on my cheek.
“Thank you.”
“Do you like what you do?”
Cocking my head to the side, I study her features in the dimly lit car, unable to discern her meaning.“My job?”I ask and she nods.“Sure, it’s okay.”Even as I say the words, my tone gives away how it’s only a job to me and nothing more.
“I want you to come work for the foundation.Be our director of strategy and development.”
“What?You can’t be serious.I wouldn’t know how to do that.”Not to mention I’d have to deal with the likes of Reagan and herkindon a regular basis.I could totally handle her, even though it does get exhausting.
“Yes, you would.You’re already doing some of what would be expected in the role and I’ve been wanting to step back a bit.I’m not getting any younger, but I hadn’t found the right person.”
“And I’m the right person?”
“Yes.”She pats my hand, staring expectantly, waiting for an answer.
“What if the gala is a huge bomb?Don’t you want to wait and see how things go first?”
“No, I’ve no doubt it’ll be a huge success—better than ever—and a lot of that has to do with you.”She smiles and leans toward me.“Think about it.You will do great things and build a memorable legacy for the Rothwell Foundation.”
I open my mouth ready to say something, feeling like Ishouldsay something, while what I’m not sure, but Nan keeps talking.“Give it some thought.You could wind down the jobs you have and start when you’re ready.Just don’t say no.”
I swallow the lump forming in my throat.Her confidence in me is endearing and also nerve-wracking.I don’t know what I’ve done to deserve her unwavering belief in me, but it makes me want to prove her right.To quit my job and get to work on the foundation.
“Okay.I’ll think about it—and thank you for the offer.You’ve been more than generous.”
“No more than you deserve, my dear.”
“Good night, Nan.”
“Good night, darling.”
I get out of the car and a knot grows bigger and tighter in my stomach.I’ve got to stop overthinking our fake relationship and follow Zach’s lead.Not all relationships last.Ours will end but I don’t have to act like I know that.He’d say just enjoy it for what it is.And if I ignore Nan’s wishes and just look on the bright side, I’m having fun and that should be enough.
The job offer is flattering.Since Montreal, and with Nuit Étoilée fast approaching, I’ve made a lot of headway on the gala and enjoyed most of it.As tempting as the role is, if I take it I’ll run into Zach even when all of this is over and I’m not so sure I could handle that.
I drop most of my things on the floor as I exit the elevator.I’m too tired to trudge through the penthouse with my bags and not even my fake boyfriend’s distaste for my messiness will change my mind.Besides, I barely have a chance to clean up after myself.JP is a ninja, moving around the place cleaning and fulfilling my every whim undetected.It’s like staying in a five-star luxury hotel and sadly, I’m being spoiled and could get used to it.
My shoes are next to go, tossed into a corner, and I release a wretched moan as my toes spring free from the stunning but torturous contraptions.Why do women do this to themselves?Forsake our comfort for beauty?
“Paige?”Zach saunters toward me in his suit sans jacket with the sleeves of his button-down shirt rolled up—mercy me.His look is tender and watchful, taking in all of me from head to toe.
“Hi.”
Now at my side, he slips his hand in the hollow of my waist while his lips brush my forehead.I melt into him and both his arms hold me close.”Exhausted?”
“Uh-huh.My feet throb.I’m ready to chop them off.”
“Why didn’t you call JP?He’d have arranged to bring you another pair of shoes.”
Good-looking, sexy, and smart.I don’t stand a chance.My lips twitch upward in a smile.Of course he has a simple and logical solution, something I’d never think of because I’m used to doing things for myself.I groan.“I should have called you and you’d have saved the day.”
I don’t generally stroke his ego—it’s big enough without my help—but I gotta give him credit where credit is due.He chuckles appreciatively, walking me farther into the place.“How was the meeting?”
“Fine.Don’t want to talk about it.”I bury my nose into his chest, breathing in his gloriously masculine scent.Instantly, I’m more relaxed.
