“Not for you.”
“No, but how do I know I’ll get my money's worth? At this point, you’re getting access to me that I know you’re going to use to skewer my reputation, a house, and another five hundred thousand. You’re talking about a million dollars here. I’m going to try and not be offended that I’m so offensive that it takes a million to convince you to marry me.”
She made a face. “This is a deal. It’s how you interact with people. Everything is a transaction for you.”
She wasn’t wrong. I just hated how bad it sounded. “So, what do I get in this transaction?”
“First, I’ll act like a wife should, at least in public.”
“We all know you’re a good actress.” The minute I said I regretted it. Not so much because it was a nasty thing to say, but because I really did want this agreement to work.
Her jaw tensed but she continued on. “I’ll write a piece about you for the local paper. Simon Stark: Misanthrope or Misunderstood.”
I stared at her.
“You made some valid points about those who accuse you of terrible things.”
“Oh?” I was pleased that she had listened to anything that I’d said.
“Except for the goons and bringing Holly St. James’ ex back, you were simply being a businessman.”
“You say almost like you believe it.” I finished off my drink.
“I’ll do better to make it sound sincere.” She finished her drink. “Do you really think this will work? I mean, once we’re married, it's more likely you’ll ruin my reputation than I’ll help yours.”
“You know I could ask Marvin to bring in a carving knife. It would be easier for you to stab me than your constant quips and barbs.”
She looked down and I thought she might actually feel chagrined. “I’m sorry.” She stood. “I’ll work on that as well.” She handed me the glass and headed to the door. “Tell me when and where to be and I’ll be there.”
“Where are you going? Maybe we could have another drink. Celebrate our engagement.”
She shook her head. “I have to get back to Omaha.”
“Jesus, in this weather. Come on Erica. I have a guest room. Stay here. I’ll have my lawyer here first thing. We’ll get married and get this thing going. I’m sure you feel the sooner the better.”
She appeared uneasy.
“What if you get a flat tire again? Out in this weather. I won’t touch you.” I held my arms up in surrender.
“Yes. Fine. Okay.”
“Come with me.” I held my hand out to her and at first, I thought she wouldn’t take it, but then she did probably so she wouldn’t look petty.
I helped her up, and held her hand as I led her out of the small living area and to the back covered porch. I left her there and went to get some champagne.
She eyed the expensive bubbly. “I’m not sleeping with you.”
I sighed. “I’m not trying to seduce you, Erica.” I found it surprisingly easy to call her that because while some parts of her were like Leslie, she was different enough that I could call her a different name. “I celebrate business deals as well as personal ones.”
She didn’t look convinced.
“I won’t say that I didn’t enjoy or that I regret what happened between us the other day, because that would be a lie and I don’t lie. But I will accept that it shouldn’t happen again. I think we both got caught up in the past and while we’ll be married, I understand that this is just a business arrangement.”
She looked away and part of me thought I’d hurt her feelings. The woman cofounded me. I’d just told her I had no expectations in the bedroom, as she told me not to expect, and now she was upset that I was telling her I didn’t want her in the bedroom. Well, that wasn’t true. I did want her in my bed. That confounded me too. This woman hurt me deeply, and yet, I yearned for her.
I poured the flutes and handed her one. “Tomorrow I’ll have my attorney deliver the prenup with your conditions, as well as a license as needed. Then we’ll get married.”
I waited for her to nod.