Page 8 of One Midnight Kiss

Christa ignored me. “She’s sharp, experienced in PR, and would look fantastic in photo ops. Plus, she’s single and might be open to a mutually beneficial arrangement.”

“This is starting to sound like a business deal,” I said dryly.

“Everything’s a business deal, Fox,” Christa said with a wink. “You of all people should know that.”

I leaned back in my chair, rubbing a hand over my face. “Jerrod and the board are going to laugh me out of the room if I suggest a fake engagement as a PR strategy.”

“It could work,” Wilder said.

“You married a psycho,” I said, groaning. “What kind of plan is this? A fake engagement?”

“I’m on the same page as my psycho wife,” Wilder said. “You need redemption. You need a good woman by your side.”

Christa stood up, smoothing down her skirt. “Let me worry about Jerrod. I’ll handle him. You just focus on being open-minded for once.”

Wilder got to his feet too, stretching with a big smile. “Christa is going to make this happen.”

“Wilder,” I said. “If this blows up in our faces, I’m blaming you, not your wife.”

“Dinner at our place Friday night,” he said, unbothered. “We’ll talk more then. And in the meantime, Christa will make sure you meet the woman she has in mind. No pressure, of course.”

“Yeah, right,” I muttered. “I’m sure this whole thing isn’t a setup.”

Wilder grinned. “Of course not. But you’re going to want to hear her out, trust me.”

Christa was already halfway to the door when she spotted Jerrod, one of our lead developers, walking by. “Jerrod!” she called out. “Hold up, I need your help with something.”

I watched her go, feeling my stomach drop. “This is a nightmare.”

“You’ll be fine, brother. Just remember to smile and try not to look like you’re plotting world domination.”

“Thanks,” I said flatly. “It’s always a pleasure to see you guys.”

He laughed as he made his way to the door. “You love us, admit it. And you know Christa’s right. You need redemption. A good woman will help you see this project through to the end.”

I slumped back into my chair the moment they were gone, staring up at the ceiling. A fake bride? This was not the direction I’d expected my morning to take. I closed my eyes, letting the idea settle in, hating that no other solutions were presenting themselves.

Maybe they were right. Maybe I did need to change, just a little, if I wanted the world to see Hanna the way I did. But I wasn’t sure I was ready to play house, even if it was all for show.

I grabbed the croissant Christa had left behind and took a huge bite, chewing sulkily. If she was already involving Jerrod, I knew one thing for sure.

This plan, insane as it was, was already in motion. I felt like I’d just gotten on a rollercoaster and all I could do was hang on for the ride.