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It’s stupid to feel anything. That woman—the preacher man’s wife—was a hundred percent Jericho’s type and extremely beautiful.
His PR people tried to do damage control to let the world know that he wasn’t aware of who she was, and if he’d known she was married, he wouldn’t have gone there, but she was his type. I know him. He would have done everything under the sun with her.
“I’m not a playboy, River.” Jericho’s voice is knife-sharp, slicing through my thoughts.
“That’s none of my business.”
“Maybe so, but I don’t like that title. Just because someone appears to be one way, it doesn’t mean they are.”
I want to tell him he has a funny way of seeing things. From all the articles living on the world wide web about him, I would definitely conclude that he’s the billionaire playboy the tabloids have labeled him. It’s strange that he’s trying to tell me he’s not.
It’s been long accepted that if something walks like a duck, acts like the duck, and flies like it, too, chances are it totally is a duck. But far be it from me to question him.
Jericho Grayson is the exception to society’s rules.
“So, your grandfather thinks getting married will improve your image for the company.” I decide to switch the subject back to what matters. “And you decided to do it your way.”
This marriage arrangement sounds exactly like the sort of thing Jericho would do because he’s the rebel. He hates being controlled by anyone.
“Yes. And that’s why you’re here.”
“I’m guessing the one-year stipulation means something, too.”Everythingwe agree to will have some significance. His grandfather is no fool. What Jericho is trying to do here is outsmart the leader of the pack.
“We need to be married for six months before I get awarded the CFO position and my shares in the company, but if we get divorced before a year, everything will be voided.”
As I stare back at him, all I can think is his grandfather must know him incredibly well. I’d even go as far as to guess that he could have suspected Jericho might cheat the rules to do exactly what he’s doing now, but beneath it all, his grandfather might secretly hope things might work out.Poor man. It won’t. Not with us.
“Obviously, it goes without saying that you’re not to speak about this to anyone. Not even your friend. She doesn’t need to know those details.” There’s a tick in his jaw. A tell he might be uncomfortable with what he’s doing.
“My lips are sealed.” He saved Gina, so having my silence goes without question.
“Okay, well, now that’s out of the way, we can get straight on to the events we need to worry about. The first is the fundraiser this Wednesday. Our engagement will be announced then. That’s when the real game begins, and the press will be on you like dogs. Will you be okay with that?”
“I have to be.” I don’t really like having that sort of attention, but it’s part of the job. I had to suck it up, too, when I did interviews back in Russia and various other countries. This is way different, but I’ll try to think of it as the same thing.
“Good. The wedding will be next. I’ll be away a lot over the next month on several business trips, so you won’t see me too much until the wedding day. During that time, you’ll most likely have to do interviews on your own. It’s important that you only give them information in bite sizes. Don’t say too much and don’t say too little. In my absence, Brady will talk you through what you need to do. I’ll try to touch base as much as I can, but I might not always be with you.”
“I’ll be fine.” I smile with confidence.
“Alright, then. I guess there’s only one more thing left to do.”
He stands and walks over to the table to pull out one of the top drawers. When he takes out a small pink velvet box, I guess what’s inside.
The ring.
My ring.
My stomach squeezes for different reasons this time. Reasons that shove the envy I previously felt to the side, because I have bigger fish to fry.
Jericho returns to me and flicks the box open. Inside sits a gorgeous white diamond and platinum engagement ring that you know came from some specialist upmarket jeweler normal people would never be able to buy anything from.
The ring looks like something royalty would wear. Certainly not anybody like me, especially because I’m only playing a temporary part.
Sasha didn’t give me anything that came close to this. He could have afforded something a lot nicer, but I guess back then, he wanted me to believe he wasn’t buying everything we owned with drug money. Getting a reasonable ring the average Joe could afford looked more legit.
Jericho stretches out his hand to take mine. My gaze flicks between his outstretched hand and the ring.
I set the envelope down and stand although I don’t need to. He would be able to slip that ring onto my finger just fine with me sitting. It just feels awkward.
