He downed another gulp and made a face. “I know. But I got people.”
“Who can magically help you whip up a wife?”
“I sound pathetic.”
“Listen, I’m the perfect candidate for the job.”
He winked. “So why should I hire you on?”
“Because I’m going to be the best damn fake wife you’ve ever had. I’m not going to go blab to the media about it. Let everyone think I scored a hot executive on my business trip and hit the jackpot.”
His pretty eyes glittered in the dim light. “You know, this could work. You’re brilliant! Absolutely brilliant and clever. I’m going to give you a raise.”
She laughed. “Do we have to pretend to be in love?”
“It would be best if we appeared to be. The terms are clear that if I am married less than one calendar year, the inheritance is still forfeited, so you’d have to sign on for a full fifty-two weeks. I’d be willing to compensate you. I mean, whatever you’re paid salary-wise at Simpatico, I’d double it.”
Gripping the neck of the bottle, she took another swig, then another. “Like a hooker with health benefits?”
“Not a hooker. A companion. You’d make public appearances and fulfill the terms of my father’s will so I could go ahead and run the business.” He blew out a long breath. “Man, this is crazy.”
She grabbed his arm. “Listen, people get married for stupider reasons. Besides, we can’t let that dog stealing bitch win!”
“As much as I appreciate the gesture, I find it a little alarming. What reason could you possibly have for wanting to help me?”
“Truth?” she asked and took another long drink.
“Obviously.”
“I’m lonely. I just started at Simpatico last month because I quit my last job. The guy I was with, my boyfriend...he knocked up his secretary and I couldn’t face him every day. So my new job pays less, and it’s a little unstable since your company just took it over—I mean we had a ‘merger’ that I’m here to fictionalize. Plus my roommate moved out, so I’m trying to pay all of the rent and utilities on a smaller budget. And this dress cost a fucking fortune!” she finished.
“From where I’m sitting it was worth it,” he said with an appreciative gaze.
“Thanks. But it was a stupid impulse. I don’t usually indulge like that. I don’t buy expensive things or drink too much, which I clearly have tonight since I’m confiding in a complete stranger. The point is, it sounds like fun to marry you, to thwart the Wicked Queen and be rich for a while. I don’t want a diamond tiara or anything, just to have a break from worrying about money all the time.”
“Your ex sounds like an asshole. I’m not sure you’re in the best place to have a marriage of convenience since your heart just got broken, though. And I’m not ready for a real relationship. Besides, they never work.”
She stared deeply into his eyes. “No real relationship needed. I’m going to have a great year, but I’m not going to fall in love with you.”
“Are those supposed to be wise words from my loving, future wife?”
“Very wise words.”
He chuckled. “I can’t believe you’re even considering this. Are your credit cards maxed out?”
“Hell yeah.”
“See? You so need me.”
“Yes, I so do. I’m a hot mess and I need somebody to straighten me out.”
He winked. “I can definitely straighten you out.”
She laughed as she blushed. “I love sexual innuendos. But seriously, back to the legal stuff. How will it work?”
“You’ll have to sign legal documents to the effect that you will never speak of the terms of our marriage or divorce. You won’t have a shot at the Cates fortune itself, just a settlement when we break up.”
“Right. Well, I didn’t think a year of marriage would entitle me to billions, Brandon. And I’m trying to help you, not steal your fortune away like your stepmother.”
He pulled her close and started to sensually kiss down her neck. “I know that, darling. And I can’t thank you enough. I can’t wait to show you how thankful I am.”
“My heart’s pounding.”
His trailed his tongue against her bare skin. “So is mine.”
“Then let’s do this. Because I see no other alternative. You’ve tried every legal avenue to attack the terms of the will. The only thing left is for you to comply with them.”
“You’re going to great lengths to keep your job,” he said.
“I’m hoping to see great lengths very soon,” she whispered in his ear. He softly chuckled and she continued. “We have to fight injustice and oppression. And I think together, we can take her down.” More wet kisses trailed down her neck as goosebumps erupted. “I think you deserve a break, Brandon. You’re getting screwed.”