But why would she consent to his mad idea?She’d repeatedly rejected the bride concept.What did he have to offer?
He eyed her over the rim of the cup he’d yet to drink from.She said she had no job to return to.No apartment.Her roommate off with a new man to a new city.She was alone.Likely no income.Surely, someone who worked river cruises didn’t have a large financial cushion.Telford could solve those problems.
She could think of a marriage contract with him as a job.He’d think that too.It would be an adventure for her, much like Cam would enter the spirit of the deal.The weekend could serve as an interview.Already he was impressed—her looks, of course, they appealed.But he liked how quick her brain was.She problem-solved and dealt with the unexpected with aplomb—probably her years in food service and hospitality.
“You’re planning to stay for the weekend, right?”
“Yes.”She smiled.“You promised me dinner.”
“What if I promised more?”
She pushed her phone to the side, her expression schooled, but her stunning eyes were alive with curiosity.
“You said you’re between jobs,” he began cautiously—not really wanting to be shot down before he could articulate his case.“Could you extend that time with a financial incentive?”
“Depends on the legality and amount of the incentive.”
She continued to surprise him with her honesty.
“I’d like to open a negotiation.”He pulled his iPad closer and opened a notes file.
“You have my attention.”She sipped her latte and then placed it on the coffee table and straightened her posture.“Is this like a job interview—should I tell you a few pertinent things about myself and then you make your case?”
“To be upfront, sex is optional.”
“Now that’s an opening.”Her nose crinkled, and her smile widened.“Now I’m fully intrigued,” she murmured under her breath.“But before we go too far, I had an… unconventional childhood.I ran.Escaped.I will never go back so if publicity is a huge factor, I’m not on board.”
Now he was intrigued.And worried for her as his protective instincts fired to life.
“Cam was the social front of our business.I circled in the background.I like it there.”
Maybe he should have suggested something stronger than coffee if they were playing two truths and a lie and possibly about to discuss their childhoods.
“I’ve supported myself since I ran.I don’t want to be under anyone’s control.I’ve BSed my way into most of my jobs, but no one can outwork me.No one.I’m smart.A quick study and honest to the point that when I have been fired, it’s because I won’t cheat, and I won’t have sex with a man just because he has money or power or flexes on me by holding my job hostage.”
She faced him, steady, defiant.He admired her strength and confidence, and the idea that had sounded crazy, even as it sprouted in his brain, now seemed solid.He knew men could be jerks, wealthy and poor ones.He winced thinking about the gauntlet she’d faced as a young woman alone in the world.And her choice of the verbransettled hard in his gut.
“Are you in danger?”That was important to know.
“No.”She broke eye contact.“That might be a lie.Eight years is a long time, and I’m seen as damaged goods.”
“Anyone thinking that is a clueless idiot.”
She didn’t relax.Her chin tilted up in challenge.“So, what are you looking for?”
“You.”
“Huh?”That threw her, pleasing him.She didn’t look like an easy mark to confuse.
“You’re smart.Savvy.Stick up for yourself.Confident.Think on your feet.Innately kind.”
She blinked at his list.
“How are you at pretense?Improv?”
“Prefer to play it straight, but with nearly eight years in the service industry, I know how to work it.Get the job done.Keep people happy.To a point.I’m not a pushover.”
“I don’t want a pushover.I want a wife.”
