Page 50 of I Choose You

“You’re beautiful,” I added.

She blinked at me.

Hadn’t she heard me the first time I said it? Or did she not believe me?

“I’d like you to be my date to all wedding-related events.”

Her frown discouraged me, but she hadn’t left yet.

“I’m not looking for a relationship.” She closed all of my fingers and pointed at me. “Especially not with someone I’m working with.”

I shook my head. That wasn’t fair. She could work with me and be professional but she refused to consider something outside of the office?

That’s it. Keep it “official” and she might agree.

“No. Not a relationship. Not a real one.”

“Then what?”

“A fake one. A fake date,” I explained. “A placeholder.”

I didn’t fidget as she stared at me, seeming to consider it. Finally, before I gave up hope, she asked, “What’s in it for me?”

I opened my mouth but quickly shut it on the not-so-fake suggestion I almost blurted. I grinned. “What do you want?”

She parroted me, opening her mouth to likely blurt something impulsive. But she shook her head and tried again. “For starters, exclusive business in all things related to paper distribution with Wagner Industries.”

I studied her. She had to lead with that, of all things. Something not quite for herself but for her boss. Was it altruism? I couldn’t tell.

“Fine. Go on.”

She blinked.

“What else?”

She shook her head and looked down. “I can’t think of anything else.”

“How about a signing bonus for said exclusive business?”

She struggled to speak, gawking at me.

“Thirty thousand?”

Her jaw dropped further.

“Deal?”

She slammed her lips shut and swallowed.

“Limited offer. Five. Four. Three…”

Her brow creased as she volleyed her stare between the hand I held out to shake and my face.

“Two.” Please. “O—”

She clutched my hand and shook it. “Deal.”

I squeezed her soft fingers then released her. She didn’t bolt, but she mumbled and shook her head as she wrestled with her purse straps and exited. I waited until she stood to speak. She looked shell-shocked. Stupefied.