He flashes a grin over his shoulder. “You can take it however you want to, but you’re gonna take it.”
I have an overwhelming urge to flick the back of his ear. I barely manage that desire, but I do walk past him and through the front entrance before he can. Not easy to do in these purple shoes, but they’re too cute. I had to wear them.
I wait and hold the door open for him.
“I’m learning that you have a temper,” he says with a chuckle.
“I’m beginning to learn that I don’t like overbearing men.”
“You just figured this out?” he teases.
I do my best to ignore him, but I notice that when he’s grinning, he’s got the same dimple as Alexander—andthatis an unfair advantage.
“What exactly are we doing here?” I ask, trying to distract myself more than him.
“I need to run up to the office and take care of something.”
He doesn’t even flash a badge or anything at the security officer. The guy just buzzes us in. I look at the stairs and down at my heels and sincerely hope he decides to take the elevator. He does.
He presses the button, standing with his arms folded in front of him. I notice that the light-blue shirt he’s wearing matches his eyes in an unnerving way.
“So, do you think we can tell your grandpa the truth soon, or do you think we’ll have to pretend for a while longer?” I ask him.
The elevator doors slide open, and Nash rests his hand on my back as we step in. He hits number eight. My heart sinks as the doors slide closed. That’s the same floor I worked on.
“The doctor wanted us to wait a little bit,” he says. “But I guess we’ll see how he’s doing tonight, and we’ll consult Dr. Charles before we tell him everything. He said not to worry him or give him any shocks.”
“Of course,” I quickly agree. “Your Grandpa seems really kind. You’ve got a good one.”
“I’m still paying you for your time though,” he says. “I’m keeping track, I promise. How do you like being a salaried employee?”
I laugh tensely. “Can I list you as a previous job experience?”
“Do you need good job references?”
This elevator is extremely slow, I think to myself.
“Piper and I are trying to start our own business, but we need an operating loan for the equipment. Banks tend to look more favorably on someone who’s currently employed, and I just got fired.”
He looks contemplative. “I have some connections with bankers who work strictly in business loans. I’d be happy to make an introduction so that you don’t have to worry about it, because, honestly, I feel like it’s my fault that you lost your job.”
“That’s really sweet of you. If I had any pride, I’d immediately say no. But obviously, I don’t. I’m being paid to be your fake fiancée. I am the definition of a gold digger,” I say with a laugh. “You’re helping us stay on track with the plan.”
He smiles faintly. “I don’t think you’re a gold digger.”
The truth is, I’m scared that we won’t get the loan because I got fired, and I feel like I’m letting Piper down. Now I don’t know what to do to avoid ruining our whole three-year plan.
“What year are you on in your plan?” he asks.
“Year three. We were supposed to be applying for business loans this year after spending two years making connections and learning how to actually run a distillery and restaurant. We were supposed to be building good work history and cash for business operations.”
“So why were you working here?” he asks.
I smile. “Really, I was the assistant to the CEO of a restaurant and bar supply company. I’ve learned all the ins and outs of the supply chain—who’s who, which shipping companies are the best to work with, and what kind of supply companies we’d use.”
Nash’s eyebrows rise at that. “That’s actually genius.”
“I do have my moments—not often, but occasionally.”
