AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“So, what’s the plan?” Nina asked.
“I have to fill out the online profile, and then Montez and I will iron out the details of our fake relationship. I had sex with the man but barely know anything about him. The good news is he meets some of my requirements already. He’s good-looking, presentable, and the night we hooked up he proved himself to be a great conversationalist.”
“That’s a plus.”
“Definitely. I don’t have any doubt he’ll do well at the dinner, but I need to make sure the tension between us isn’t obvious.”
“You’re going to have to turn into a great actress, and he’s going to have to be a great actor.” Nina lifted her wine glass to her lips.
“Agreed. Let’s hope we can pull it off.”
“You can, and who knows, maybe the two of you might hook up again.” A slight smile touched her friend’s lips.
Desiree grimaced. “I doubt it. I get the distinct impression that he doesn’t like me because I left without a word.”
“Whydidyou do that? When you talk about him, it’s obvious you liked the guy.”
“I did, but… at this point in my life, the last thing I need is a relationship. I learned my lesson with Royce, and now it’s all about me. I’m going to achieve my goals and not worry about a man. Maybe later I can look for a husband and find me a hot billionaire like you did.”
Nina laughed, but then a thoughtful frown puckered her brow. “What if Montez is nothing like Royce? He could be a good guy, and you might be missing out.”
Desiree shook her head vehemently. “Doesn’t matter. At this stage of my life, I could run into Mr. Perfect and I’d still pass because I don’t want to be distracted. Eye on the prize.”
Her friend nodded. “I understand. In that case, I hope he does a good job convincing your boss that the relationship is real so you can get this promotion. When is he making a final decision?”
“The final decision will be made in August.”
“You don’t have to fake date Montez for that long, do you?”
“No, thank goodness! I need him for this event and that’s it. Then we’re done.”
Despite speaking with relief in her voice, a tiny part of her hated that after this weekend, she would never see Montez again.
7
Montez entered carrying a box of pizza from one of the restaurants within walking distance of his condo at Atlantic Station, a commercial and residential neighborhood in Midtown Atlanta. He dropped his satchel on the sofa and put the food on the counter in the kitchen.
In his bedroom, he stripped out of his clothes and donned a plain white T-shirt and knee-length shorts. Going back to the kitchen, he grabbed the pizza and a beer and sauntered into the living room where he propped his feet on the coffee table and settled down to eat.
Four slices and the start of a movie later, his doorbell rang, and a quick check of the app on his phone showed Desiree standing outside the door. He released a groan because he hadn’t realized it was so late and time for them to have their conversation. How had he gotten himself into this mess?
He wiped his hands and mouth with a napkin and went to open the door. He hadn’t seen her since she came into the At Your Service office a couple of days ago, and while she looked the same, she also looked different. Her hair was in a sleek ponytail, and she wore a designer leisure suit with tennis shoes. She wore less makeup than he’d seen her in before—only tinted lip gloss this time—and her skin glowed in a way it didn’t when they last saw each other.
“Hi,” he said without enthusiasm.
“Hi. Can I come in?”
“Sure.”
He opened the door and watched her walk away, her fine behind swaying though she wore tennis shoes. She obviously moved that way naturally. Montez shut the door.
“You don’t seem happy to see me,” she remarked.
Montez shot her his fakest smile. “How’s this? This is my happy face. Better?”
She eyed him with narrowed eyes. “Let’s get started, shall we?”
“Have a seat.” He waved her into an armchair before reclaiming his seat on the sofa.
