Page 26 of The Truth of Us

“That doesn’t make it a good idea,” she replied.

“No,” I agreed easily. “It makes it a convenient one.”

Her gaze narrowed slightly. “And what exactly would be the purpose?”

“My image.” I said with a shrug, trying to play off the desperation I felt and did not understand.

“That’s honest.”

“I occasionally dabble in honesty.”

“You should do it more often.” She said with a soft smile.

I ignored that.

“Northwell needs stability right now. Julian’s situation could get messy. Richard is a walking lawsuit. Theo is Theo.” I held her gaze. “And people already like seeing you beside me.”

That last part came out rougher than intended.

“And what,” she asked softly, “would I get out of this arrangement?”

I smiled. “You really are from my world.”

Something flickered across her face too quickly for me to catch.

“Terms?” she asked finally.

I tried not to look too pleased.

“You’re considering it?” I asked, my body far too tense.

Was I breathing?

“I’m considering whether it would be possible for me to survive thirty days.” She quipped and stole my glass back.

“I’m delightful.”

“You’re exhausting.” She said and then covered her smile, taking a sip of my scotch.

“Same thing.”

She shook her head slightly, but she was smiling now.

“Fine,” she drawled. “Hypothetically.”

My pulse kicked unexpectedly.

“We would need rules.” She added.

That surprised me enough that I actually laughed. “You agreed faster than I expected. Should that ‌concern me?”

Harper set our glass down carefully. “No physical contact outside of public appearances.”

I blinked. “That feels impossible.”

“You’ll survive.”

“Questionable,” I replied.