Bargaining with the Boss (Honeybrook Love, Inc. 2)

He smiled and she went on, "It's okay. I said that your messages are on your desk and that Garret rescheduled the partner's meeting for this afternoon. He wanted me to remind you that it's mandatory."

"Oh good, when he calls be sure to let him know that I won't be attending."

"But--"

He moved into his office and closed the door. Eliza could figure out how to deal with Garret. He wouldn't yell at his sister in law the way he'd yell at him, and it would be a real shame if he had to break the guy's nose so close to his wedding.

He picked up his notes, both written on light pink stationary that Eliza had picked up. The first was from Debbie Bowhart, but there wasn't much by way of actual message.

If he had to guess, he imagined she'd probably just done a bunch of heavy breathing and asking when he'd next be free. Which, if he had anything to say about it, was never.

Of course, that all depended on Natalie. Natalie and those damned red flowers.

Maybe if he sifted through her trash he could get the pieces of one of those cards and figure it out for himself...

He shook his head. He had to play it cool and back off. Anything else might scare her away. Yeah, he just had to give it time and every thing would—

He glanced at the second piece of paper, blinked, and then read it again.

Franco Del Rossi requests that you call him back at your earliest convenience. He says it's very important.

He blinked again, then sank into his desk chair and stared at the phone on the edge of his desk.

Technically, he and Natalie hadn't struck a bargain. She'd been very clear about that each time they'd seen each other. But if Franco was calling...

The right thing to do was to stay out of it.

If Garret was angry about Brooks not being out on the town, he could only imagine what his brother would do if they suddenly decided to take on the PR disaster that was Franco Del Rossi.

Then again...

Then again, it would help Natalie. And even if they weren't a couple. Hell, even if they hadn't made a deal, would it be so much to risk just to call the man and find out what he had in mind?

He toyed with the buttons on his phone, but knew he would dial before he started.

The phone rang only once before Franco greeted him with a heavy Italian accent.

"Good afternoon, Franco. This is Brooks Adams. How are you?"

"Brooks, I'm surprised you called."

"Me too, frankly." There was no use in lying. He'd know Franco long enough to know that it wouldn't do either of them any good.

"Natalie has been telling me to get in touch with you, but...well, you can understand my reluctance."

"I can. So what is it you'd like for me to do?"

"I was hoping to find a girlfriend. Someone to sweep this situation of mine under the rug. Do you have any...ringers?"

"Ringers?"

"You know, women who will pose for high-profile men. As their wives or girlfriends? Fiancés? I'm truly not particular. I just can't get myself into another situation like this. Business has tanked."

Brooks hedged. "I think you may be mistaken, Franco. We're a matchmaking company, not an escort service."

"Is this a matter of naming price?"

"No, it's simply the truth. But, I do believe in our service and I think we can find you a woman who will suit your needs and clear your name."