Fake Marriage (Contemporary Romance Box Set)

“Men are pigs, aren’t they?” He shook his head. “Well, my meaning wasn’t sexual, although I’d be lying if I said that after this brief exchange, I wasn’t interested in taking you for dinner.”

That threw me for a loop and I didn’t know what to say.

“My comment really was about the fact that I appreciate…again not in a sexual way, smart people who are good at what they do. If you were ever interested in leaving the mayor’s employ, especially since his term will be up shortly, I’d be eager to interview you. I pay well and offer full benefits, including health and retirement.”

I studied him, feeling confused because he seemed all right, even though I knew he was an asshole. Then I remembered those men hired by Stark who hassled Wyatt and his mom when Stark was pressuring them to sell their farm.

“Those goons you sent to hassle local farmers, they weren’t smart or good at their jobs,” I said.

I thought he’d take umbrage, but instead,

he laughed and shook his head. “Yes, I do like a woman…person…who speaks the truth. They were a mistake, I agree. I’ve been trying to find ways to make up to Salvation for their deplorable behavior.”

Hmm.

“Hence the need for a permit for the gathering I’m organizing.”

“What about crashing Sinclair and Wyatt’s wedding? This town likes them. I’m not sure any event will get you out of the dog house for that.”

“No. Maybe not. But I’m going to try.”

I had to admit, he didn’t come off as the evil villain I’d expected. “Well then.” I finished my coffee. “I’ll get the paperwork for that permit.”

He followed me out of the break room and to the mayor’s office. “Normally, I’d send you down to the parks and rec office, which does public permits for events.”

“The mayor said you’d help me,” he said, as I went to the file cabinet to get the paperwork.

“I assumed as much.” And again it was something the mayor could have told me. Then again, maybe he would have if I was at my desk.

I handed Mr. Stark the paperwork. He smiled. “Thank you. At the risk of sounding like a misogynistic pig, could I invite you for dinner? Or are you seeing someone?”

“It’s complicated,” I said thinking of Ryder.

He nodded. “I understand. Thank you, Ms. Lados. I’ve very much enjoyed talking with you.”

I wasn’t sure how to respond, so I just smiled and nodded back. He took the papers and left the outer office.

“That was interesting,” Sinclair said from the hallway to her office as I sat at my desk.

“I didn’t notice you lurking about.” I logged back into my computer.

“You nearly accepted his date invitation.” She had a disapproving frown on her face.

“I did not.”

“You looked interested.”

I rolled my eyes, even though she wasn’t entirely wrong. I wasn’t interested in dating Stark, but I was curious about him. He wasn’t the one-dimensional Dick Dastardly character I’d made him out to be.

“The mayor asked me to help him. It’s my job to be pleasant. You remind me of that all the time.”

Her eyes narrowed as she studied me. “What’s going on with Ryder?”

That came out of left field. “Why don’t you ask him?”

“Because I’m asking you. His wife.”

“I’m his fake wife, and Ryder is the same as always.”