Silvie
I’ll do it.
Wait. He’s serious.
“You don’t have to do that,” I say quickly, voice firm.
My mind is reeling with what Wilby told me. Tyler and Belladonna getting married? That means my family and the board are moving on to the contingency plan. My sister.
I really need to call Dad. Wilby said he was angry about everything. Was this why? I’ll be out of the running, and she’ll swoop in to “save” the day.
What a disaster.
That’s why it needs to be me. There’s still time. It was always supposed to go to me. And, because of a stupid time limit and some ridiculous rules, it’s all about to slip through my fingers.
I have to figure this marriage thing out and put on one hell of a show. All I have to do is convince my grandmother’s attorneys. They don’t know me. This should be easy.
“You don’t have to do that,” I say again, the certainty leaving my voice.
Because what if he did?
That would save me, the company, a family legacy.
It would be for show and for a short time. Cal did say I was “wifey material.”
“You already said that,” he says softly. “And, I know.”
Cal just sits there eating his breakfast burrito, adding more hot sauce to it like he didn’t just flip my entire life upside down with one sentence. He doesn’t even seem phased.
I’ll do it.
Who does that? He said it like he’d take me to lunch or go surfing. Not signing a legally binding contract agreeing to marriage. Also, it’s so much more than that. Marrying a Montclair is a legal nightmare. Not to mention a paparazzi nightmare. I close my eyes and wince at the idea of paparazzi swarming this place that has become a sanctuary to me. I can’t bring that shit show here.
It’s too risky. I shake my head before my brain can catch up. “No, I can’t ask you to do that.”
But that being said, it’s truly my best shot. Plus, I know I could convince the attorneys I “love” Cal Bennett. I mean, I’m quite smitten with him, so it’s not a stretch. I could always say I ran to Coconut Beach after the betrayal and accidentally fell in love. It happens in movies literally all the time.
“It’s only temporary,” Wilby says quickly. “It wouldn’t last forever. Just until the ink dries and the company is hers.”
Cal’s eyebrows slightly furl at the mention of how it wouldn’t last forever. He’s not the type of guy who randomly gets hitched to a woman he barely knows. This would be messy in his life and he doesn’t deserve that.
“You’re not asking,” Cal says, sitting up straight and boring his gaze into mine as if he’s convinced himself this is the only answer to one of life’s biggest questions. “I’m offering.”
This makes my stomach knot in a way I don’t appreciate. And if I am being honest, it’s because having him do this would be a lot harder than having a stranger whom I have no feelings for.
God, I do have feelings for Cal. BIG feelings for Cal.
Wilby clears his throat. “Okay, back it up. I just need to confirm something. You are willing to be fake married to my best friend and boss to help save her family’s company?”
Cal looks at him. “Yes.”
“And what do you gain from this?” Wilby asks, eyes sharp and assessing.
I hold my breath because, honestly, it’s a valid question and also ascary one. And considerably rude since Cal just offered to save my ass. There are layers to this one.
Cal turns to me, gentle but kind. “I’m not trying to talk you into anything. But if you need my help, I’ll help.”
“Why, though?” Wilby counters. “For money? I’m sure there’ll be a stipend for your ‘trouble,’ however, this doesn’t grant you keys to the kingdom. There will be an ironclad prenup with whoever she marries.”
