"This isn't funny," he said.
"This is hilarious! Who lies about that kind of thing?"
He crossed his arms, looking even angrier now. "Will you help me or not?" he asked.
"Give me one good reason," I said, finally calming down.
"Name your price," he said easily.
"You couldn't afford it."
"Try me."
I bit my bottom lip, thinking. It had to be an outrageous amount, something even this man would roll his eyes at. "Ten grand."
"Done." He didn’t even stutter.
I stopped in my tracks, looking him up and down. Now he looked confident. This was probably an area he was comfortable with. Throwing around money to get exactly what he wanted.
"Are you serious? Ten grand for a single night?"
"As long as you show up, it's yours."
He didn't seem to be lying, but this all felt too good to be true. "Fine, but I have some stipulations."
He quirked his brow at me. "I'm paying you ten grand, what stipulations?"
"I'm not sleeping with you," I said quickly. That was truly a one time thing.
"At my parent’s house?" he asked. "I hope not."
"And I want half up front." I didn't need him stiffing me after it was all over.
"Half when I pick you up at seven," he clarified. "The other half after."
"Fine." I wasn't sure how, but throughout this conversation, we became close. Too close. If it wasn't for our height difference, we'd probably be nose to nose. "And no kissing," I added.
"That can be arranged. Here," he passed me his phone, "put your number in. I'll text you and pick you up around seven."
I entered my number. “Sounds good."
He nodded and disappeared behind the corner.
The rest of the day passed in a haze as I finished my shift and drove myself home. I couldn't believe I'd agreed to this. It was crazy. As I got out of the shower, my phone buzzed with an unknown number.
Unknown - Let me know your address for Sunday.
Right to business, I saw. I quickly changed his contact then shot him a message with my address back.
Ellery - here, pick yourself up something nice to wear.
As soon as he said that I got a payment notification and my eyes widened at the amount.
I quickly shot back.
This better not be coming out of my cut.
The dots danced for a moment before...
