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“There is no one else,” he replied.
“Don’t you have a girlfriend who could do the job?”
He shook his head, opened his mouth to speak again. But she cut him off. “Hire someone, then.”
“It’s not the same,” he said. Santiago leaned forward, his expression earnest. “I know this is awkward.”
Ainsley snorted, and he had the grace to look embarrassed. “Believe me, I wouldn’t ask you if it wasn’t so important.”
“I still don’t understand why you can’t hire someone. I’m sure there’s at least one underworked actress in Phoenix looking for some extra cash.”
“I’m sure there is, too,” he replied. “But you and I have a history together. An intimacy that can’t be faked. The people running the retreat aren’t stupid. They’ll know in an instant if I bring an actress with me. But you...” He trailed off, tipped his head to the side. “You know me.”
It was true—she did. They’d met in law school and quickly become inseparable. She’d loved him with all her heart, had spent hours imagining their lives together, dreaming of what things would be like. She couldn’t have children thanks to a childhood surgery that had resulted in massive internal scarring, leaving her infertile. Santiago knew that, and he’d assured her that wasn’t a problem for him, that he didn’t want kids. Everything had seemed so perfect—their future bright. She’d given him years, only to be cast aside so he could move to New York and become a big shot.
A part of her had always wondered if he’d told the truth. Had he really left to chase his professional dreams? Or had he wanted to find a woman who could give him children, in case he changed his mind later?
It was a question that still haunted Ainsley from time to time. She’d had years to accept the fact that she would never be pregnant, never have a baby come from her body. There were moments she still grieved the loss of possibility, but she’d made her peace with it. If she ever decided she had to be a mother, she’d look into adoption. Perhaps Santiago hadn’t felt the same way. Maybe that had turned out to be a deal-breaker after all, despite his words to the contrary.
Eventually, Ainsley had decided it didn’t matter. Whatever his motivations, he was gone from her life. She’d tried to move on, and for the most part, she’d done so successfully.
But now he was back, pouring salt in the wounds he’d inflicted, wearing an apologetic smile and shrugging as if to say, “What can I do?”
Why did he have to look so damn handsome, too? His charcoal suit fit him to perfection, and his crisp white button-down was open at the collar, providing a tantalizing glimpse of his golden tan skin. She knew from experience how warm he was, how solid he felt pressed up against her body. How he could read her moods with just a glance, know exactly what she needed from him at any given moment. He’d felt like an extension of her soul, and when he’d left she’d felt like her world had shifted overnight, never to be the same again. And just like the earthquake that had rocked Mustang Valley a few months ago, Santiago’s departure had left permanent marks on her heart.
“Please, Ainsley,” he said. His voice was low, but there was a subtle note of anxiety that cut through her anger. “I’m not trying to hurt you again. But I need you.”
She knew how much the admission cost him. Santiago’s pride ran deep, and he’d always hated to ask for help. It was a big deal for him to admit he needed her now.
But he was also asking for a huge favor.
Ainsley sighed, considering her options. Like it or not, she needed Santiago. Or rather, Ace needed Santiago. If she refused to play a part in his undercover operation, he might very well walk out of her office and leave her and her brother high and dry. It seemed the only way she was going to be able to help Ace was if she pushed aside her feelings and helped the man who’d broken her heart.
“All right,” she said finally.
Relief flashed across his face and the breath gusted out of him. Ainsley was a little surprised at his reaction—apparently, he hadn’t taken her agreement for granted.
“Thank you,” he said. He moved his hands as though he wanted to reach across the desk and touch her, but stopped short of the gesture. “I can’t tell you how much I appreciate this.”
“Don’t thank me yet,” she cautioned. “This plan of yours might not work.”
“It will. I know it will.” He got to his feet, all traces of vulnerability gone as his confident facade slipped back into place. “I’m going to call and make the appointment at the center. I’m hoping to get in this weekend, and the retreat lasts a week. Will that work for your schedule?”
Ainsley stood and made a show of checking her calendar, though she knew it would be fine. “All right,” she said. “I can clear some time.”
“Excellent.” Santiago smiled at her, flashing the dimples that never failed to make women sigh. “I will contact your brother. I should be able to make some headway on his case before our session at the center.”
“Use my middle name and your fake surname when you register us,” she said.
Santiago tilted his head to the side. “Grace Rodriguez?”
Ainsley nodded. “This place is close to Mustang Valley, so there’s a chance people working there might recognize the name Ainsley Colton. If you want this sham to work, you’d better use my middle name so no one questions our relationship.”
Santiago nodded. “Good idea. I was going to use a different last name, just to make sure no one connected me with my sister. That will also provide an extra layer of coverage for you as well.”
He turned to go, moving across the room with that smooth gait she knew so well. “Santiago,” she called, just before he reached the door.
At the sound of his name, Santiago stopped and looked back. “Yes?”
