When my mother broke up with her most recent roadie boyfriend—and blamed him for it—I should probably send her Andrew’s number.
“I’m so sorry,” Rhodes said, interrupting him, “but Rory and I are needed across the room. Good to see you, Andrew.”
“Yes, quite.” Andrew looked sour at being cut short. Still, he found enough spirit to stare at my chest and watch me too closely as I turned around.
“Not my favorite cousin,” Rhodes said.
“I thought he was your only cousin.”
“He’s my onlyfirstcousin.” He grinned at me, eyes sparkling. “You look incredible in that dress.”
“Thank you. Philips said you picked it out?”
“Maybe I did.” Rhodes smiled, not giving anything away. “In any event, I have excellent taste.”
I took a sip of my Prosecco, my lips puckering in distaste.
He laughed at me. “I take it you don’t like it?”
“No, it’s fine,” I lied badly.
“Don’t make yourself drink it. Just hold it.”
“Yes, Sir.” I smiled at him.
His eyes sparkled as he leaned over me. “I like it when you call me ‘Sir.’”
Suddenly, the room was getting hot. “You do?”
“I do,” he growled, but then he seemed to remember himself and took a step back. “I meant to tell you—my legal team prepared the paperwork to file your guardianship petition. I’ll need you to sign the documents tomorrow.”
“Really?” There’d been so much happening, I wondered if this part of our agreement would be put on the back burner. “That’s incredible. I can’t thank you enough, Rhodes.”
We looked at each other for a beat, and again, I felt like I saw a flash of therealRhodes Barrington. He was a man who was doing what he’d said he’d do. He had integrity.
“It really means a lot to me.”
“You’re welcome.” He seemed sincere.
Suddenly, I was glad I hadn’t run off down the hall after Philips. Our relationship might be fake, but I was finding myself authentically drawn to Rhodes. He was like a magnet, pulling me closer.
What would it be like, I caught myself wondering, to have a man in my life? One who showed up for me? One who did what he said he was going to do?
As Rhodes whisked me off to meet the new board members, I pushed the confusing thoughts aside. But although they were gone for now, my fake fiancé was not.
I decided to stay close to his side all night, just to see what it felt like.
To not be alone.
GLITTER
RHODES
Rory lookedincredible in that dress. I knew she would. It was perfect for her, fitted yet modest, flowing but simple.
She looked like a princess, which was exactly what I wanted. Why I wanted that, I wasn’t sure—except I knew she’d never worn a gown that luxurious, and I wanted to give her pleasure.
The idea of giving her pleasure was also behind my insistence that my legal team put together her guardianship petition immediately. I knew how important her brother and sister were to her. I wanted to prove that I would follow through. I wanted her to get what she wanted.
