Page 24

A tumult of emotion assaults my chest. I feel humbled that Odette is turning to me for help, but then shame burns through me at the thought. She’s only turning to me because I offered her money in exchange for marriage. But this isn’t Heidi or any of the other trust fund girls I dated. This is a desperate woman doing the only thing she can think of to save her parents.

And it was my idea. What kind of man takes advantage of a woman this way?

I swallow. “I’m sorry. That has to be a really tough decision. You know I’m willing to help however I can. We can find the best assisted living money can offer.”

“You need a wife and I need money.” She gives me a sad smile. “Why not help each other?”

Another bolt of shame. “I… thank you.”

We stand there for a moment, unsure of what to say. What do you say when you agree to marry a virtual stranger for mercenary reasons?

Well, I suppose there’s only one place to start.

“There are obviously a lot of details we need to hash out, but before that...” I slowly get down on one knee. “I’m really grateful that you changed your mind. Odette Martha Hastings, will you marry me?” I see a twinge of panic flash through her eyes. Hoping to put her at ease, I try one more joke. “I promise to buy you as many inflatable yard ornaments as your heart desires.”

She laughs once, startled and perhaps a bit relieved. “Yes. But, please, don’t buy me any inflatable yard decorations.” She reaches to help me up. “And for the record, my middle name isn’t Martha.”

“What is your middle name?”

“Lynn.”

When I stand back up, I’m mere inches from her, close enough that I can smell the scent of her shampoo. She smells delicious, like a tropical paradise.

Suddenly, I have an overwhelming desire to kiss her. She’d probably slap me if I did. This is uncharted territory. We’re officially engaged, but if it’s fake, do we still seal it with a kiss? I look from her lips to her eyes and swear I catch her studying my mouth, too. Maybe she wouldn’t slap me after all.

Before I can stop myself, I slowly lean forward. I think she’s leaning as well, but it’s such a slight movement that I can’t be sure. Is my mind simply playing tricks on me? My body hums with anticipation.

And then my phone rings loudly.

We jump apart like teenagers who’ve been caught by their parents. I’m sure my face is beet red. What was I thinking?

I pull my iPhone out of my back pocket to see who’s calling. Possibly Spam, the screen flashes. A hoarse laugh escapes her lips. “You can answer it if you need to.”

“It’s just spam.” I pocket my phone again. “Shall we eat?”

She nods and I pull her chair out for her, then take a seat across the table. We sit in awkward silence for several minutes, eating our meal. I’m not sure what to say. I proposed to her in exchange for money; she said yes, and then I almost kissed her. My mortification runs deep.

Odette finally breaks the silence. “So, I’ll probably need a ring, huh?” She wrinkles her nose. “We can just get those silicone ones and call it good.”

“No, I’m going to get you a nice ring, and please don't feel weird about it.” I hesitate. This next part is awkward. “If I’m elected into Congress, people will notice you and what you’re wearing. Plus, I don’t want to look like a cheapskate.”

“Oh. Right.” She draws in a deep breath and blows out the air dramatically. “I hope I can be convincing. I’m a terrible actress. What exactly do you need me to do?”

“Nothing yet.” I fold my hands in front of me on the table. “For now, it might be smart to write down some of our terms. For the marriage, I mean. Then we’ll be more prepared when we meet with my lawyer to sign paperwork.”

“Paperwork? I hadn’t thought of that. But, of course. Good idea.” Odette walks over to her purse and grabs her laptop. Sitting back down, she opens her MacBook and pulls up a new document. “Obviously, my main concern is taking care of my parents.”

“How do you feel about me paying the assisted living costs for ten years?”

Her eyebrows shoot up. “That’s... a lot. Are you sure that’s fair? If we’re only going to stay married for a few years–”

“I think it’s more than fair. You’re doing me a massive favor. You’re putting your entire life on hold for two years. Obviously, this isn’t a romantic arrangement, but we’ll still need to act like a loving couple in public, live together, all of it. I understand the sacrifice you’re making.”

She stops typing and looks up at me. “What exactly does acting like a loving couple entail?”

I clear my throat and squirm a bit in my seat. “Well, most married people show… affection. They naturally hold hands and, you know, probably kiss each other.”

She blushes, though her gaze is sharp. “And what about at home? You know, in private.”