“Okay. Take a few days. Think about it, and then you can let me know. We can both win here, Kate.”
She looked at him, her expression thoughtful. “Okay. I’ll think about it.”
He smiled. “Good. I’ll be here Monday evening to start work on the bathrooms. Let me know then.”
There was another bonus here that he hadn’t thought out loud. Passing Kate off as his girlfriend could have the added perk of getting his brother and everyone else off his back about finding a new relationship.
Help convince them that he wasn’t permanently damaged.
And his family was bound to adore Kate. From the short time he’d spent with her, he could tell that despite her education and obvious wealthy background, she didn’t put on airs. She was down-to-earth and friendly—well, when she didn’t look like she wanted to kick him. And if he played it right, he might even find an opportunity to see if her lips were as soft and sweet as he’d imagined.
He’d just have to be careful. Remember this wasn’t real. Because when the whole thing was over and they each had what they wanted, she was only going to leave him. For someone better. They always did.
…
Kate took a sip from her Shiraz and waited for her friend’s reaction to her current dilemma. The lights in the bar where Payton had dragged her were dim and the music low enough to allow the occupants to hold a conversation—barely. But dim light or not, with her long, shiny strawberry-blond hair, dimples, and a smile that charmed everyone, Payton shone. Especially as her laughter filled the space around them, drawing a few more gazes their way.
“I’ll tell you one thing, I like this Dominic’s style already. I wish I could have been there to see the look on Michael’s face when he met this mystery man. He sure must be something to look at.”
“How on earth could you know that?” Kate paused, middrink. She had specifically refrained from relaying any physical descriptions.
“Because I know you.” She took a sip and watched Kate over the rim. “And then there’s the fact Michael sounded almost jealous when he ran into you. Which would imply this guy’s got to be hot.”
Kate couldn’t argue with her logic. “Okay. I suppose he’s…moderately attractive. But I don’t know about Michael being jealous. Remember, he dumped me. Why would he be jealous?”
“We both know why he broke up with you.”
Yes. She did. Michael hadn’t been willing to stand up to his family for her. He’d made the decision to let her go rather than bear their disappointment and judgment.
He’d let her go.
The bartender interrupted them. “The two guys at the end of the bar would like to buy you ladies a drink. Should I make it two more glasses of Shiraz?”
“No. I think we’re going to try a shot of Patrón Silver and two rum and Cokes.” Payton delivered a look that warned her not to argue.
Kate gave Payton a stern look when the bartender left. “Remember who’s the designated driver tonight.” It was the only way Kate would agree to coming, her car keys secure in her purse.
“I want you to have fun. I’ll order us a cab if it comes to it. But for now, try to relax.” Payton turned around on the bar stool, her hair swinging behind her, and studied the crowd until their drinks arrived. “Now, as to your question, I say go for it. What the hell have you got to lose?”
“Um, my dignity, my promotion, maybe even my job if anyone finds out I made this whole thing up.”
Payton rolled her eyes. “Dramatic much? You’re not planning a bank heist here. You’re just playing the game. Hey, they’re the ones who are making this whole promotion about you having a ma
n. You’re giving them the impression they need. But the reason you really are where you are, being considered for partnership, is because of your hard work and determination. Nothing else. You can’t let them take that away from you because of some archaic beliefs of what makes a better partner.”
Which was similar to what Kate had been telling herself.
“And if you have a little fun while you’re doing it…” Payton wiggled her brows, earning a laugh from Kate.
“I’m not having sex with him, Payton.”
“Unless you want to. Come on. It’s been over a year since you and Michael broke up, and you have yet to show any interest in anyone. Maybe a little diversion is just what you need to move on.”
Two shot glasses were set in front of them, followed by their drinks.
Payton took a shot glass and held it up as she smiled over at two guys in suits who were watching them. The angle she held the glass made the diamond on her hand hard to miss. The men smiled and nodded, apparently not discouraged by her impending marital state.
“To moving on,” Payton said and waited for Kate. “And taking a risk.”