Page 37 of The Rented Bride

She shook her head, then perched on the edge of the sofa and folded her hands in her lap. Her gaze caught on the ring. Cassie swallowed. She’d forgotten the damned ring. She slipped it off. “Why did you let your grandfather tell everyone we are engaged, Mr. Weston?”

He lifted the glass to his lips and swallowed. The slide of his Adam’s apple drew her gaze.

He set the glass on the sideboard. “I won’t bore you with the details.”

“Bore me.”

“I’m in need of a wife.”

“Get a girlfriend, propose to her.” Cassie extended the ring toward him, but he didn’t approach to take it.

“I had a girlfriend, but marriage to her is no longer an option.” He took a deep breath. “Ms. Adams, could I interest you in a temporary position?”

“Work for you?” Cassie allowed her hand to drop into her lap.

He nodded. “As you can see, my grandfather’s health isn’t good. I would do anything to bring joy to his final days.”

“You want me to plan another party?”

He chuckled, but the sound didn’t ring with light-heartedness. “No, he’s had enough excitement. He needs to relax, to know that his legacy is safe.”

“I’m not a nurse.”

“He has a nurse. He needs an heir, a great grandson.”

Cassie shot to her feet. “Whatever you’re thinking, forget it.”

He raised both hands. “You misunderstand. One day I’ll have a wife and children.” He crossed the room and halted in front of her. “I have a different proposal. I’d like you to marry me for the limited time my grandfather has left. I’m prepared to compensate you generously for your time.”

“What?”

“I’ll pay you ten thousand dollars,” he said.

“Ten thousand dollars?” Cassie blurted. Ten thousand dollars. Her student loan—she cut off the thought. This was nuts. “Listen, Mr. Weston, ten thousand dollars is a lot of money, but would that be for a day, a week, a month? Please don’t misunderstand. I’m not wishing your grandfather an untimely death. But I don’t think you’ve thought this through. What if he lives another month, a year, two or even three years?”

He flashed a sardonic smile. “Ms. Adams, I didn’t get where I am by not thinking things through. If I had the slightest hope that my grandfather would be here another three years—” He broke off and raked a hand through his hair. “I’ll pay you ten thousand dollars every week you’re my wife.”

Thoughts whirled. Even one month would pay off her student loans. That would put her five years ahead of schedule. Two months would— What was she thinking? She wasn’t going to pay off her student loan at the expense of another human being’s life.

Cassie shook her head. She could always make money. She could only get married the first time once, however, and this man wasn’t her prince charming. “I’ll pass. It’s been—” she couldn’t say a pleasure because the night had been a nightmare. “—interesting making your acquaintance.”

“What would it take?” he demanded.

“I can’t be bought.”

“I just want to rent you.”

She laughed. “I’m not for rent.”

A light tap sounded at the door.

“Come in,” he said.

The door opened and Doris stuck her head inside. “It’s James. Annie says to come right away.”

He started forward. “I’ll be right back, Ms. Adams. Please wait.”

“Um, he’s not asking to see you,” Doris said. “He’s asking for Ms. Adams.”