You're The One (Very Irresistible Bachelors 1)

“Okay. So, about the green card. Many people marry to obtain it. As a lawyer, I definitely don’t recommend that course of action. It’s a felony. If you’re discovered, your American counterpart can get up to a few years in prison, and you’d be deported.”

“But as a friend, you’d recommend it?”

I hesitated. “From my experience, it’s the easiest route. It’s not easy by any means, but easier than other options.”

Hunter said nothing for a few seconds. He sounded dejected when he spoke next. “I haven’t found anyone to marry in thirty-two years. I don’t think I can just whip someone up on demand....”

Interesting. I hadn’t known Hunter wanted to find anyone. He’d made it clear on more than one occasion that he didn’t intend to settle down anytime soon. I supposed when you looked the way Hunter did and had so much wealth... why settle?

“It doesn’t have to be real, Hunter. Just an arrangement with someone you trust until you’re done with this. But, again... that’s against the law, so you’re better off exploring your other options. Do you want me to email you after I’m done with my legal suggestions?”

“Yes, please.”

“Okay.”

“You’re amazing, Josie.”

The timbre of his voice was deliciously sensual. Most times I managed to ignore that, but not now, in my sleepy haze. Heat coursed through me with an intensity that made the muscles in my belly contract. My own voice was a little uneven as I bid him goodnight.

Some days, being Hunter Caldwell’s best friend was a dangerous endeavor.

I finalized my research at four o’clock in the morning and sent it to Hunter. Thank God tomorrow was Saturday. As a lawyer, I often worked long hours, but I hadn’t pulled an all-nighter in a few years.

I’d assumed I’d sleep the second my head touched the pillow, but ugly thoughts pummeled my mind.

What if Hunter didn’t get this sorted out? I’d gotten so used to him getting his way that it had never occurred to me that he’d ever encounter an obstacle he couldn’t overcome. What if he had to relocate?

For a few seconds, I reverted to that teenage girl who’d had no one but him, and an icy shiver slid down my spine.

I almost reached for my phone to check if he’d replied to my email. I was ridiculous. What was I expecting? That he’d emailed me back in the last five minutes, informing me that he’d found a miraculous solution, as always?

By the time I fell asleep, it was early morning.

I woke up four hours later, feeling as if my head weighed a ton. I was truly too old for all-nighters. I intended to head straight into the shower, but the phone caught my attention. I had an unread message from Hunter.

Hunter: You’re probably going to sleep in, but shoot me a text when you wake up.

Josie: I’m up.

He answered right away.

Hunter: Do you have plans today?

Josie: Just in the evening.

Hunter: Can I drop by in an hour or so?

Josie: Sure.

I was certain he wanted to go through the list I’d sent him this morning. I hurried with my shower, wanting to have some time to read through it again. I was still too sleepy to form any real coherent thoughts, so after showering, I settled on my couch, sipping a large coffee. I lived in a comfortable one-bedroom apartment in Kips Bay. It was a good compromise between not having a killer commute to work and not wasting half my salary on rent. Most days, the lack of décor in my home didn’t bother me, since I wasn’t here much, but on my days off, it did become obvious how simple it all was. White walls; furniture in various shades of cream and gray. I had one single painting from IKEA, depicting a rainforest, hanging next to the TV.

Interior design had never been my forte. Neither was fashion, but that was easier to wing. I owned suits—practically my lawyer uniform—and a few cocktail dresses. I was still a plain girl at heart.

I’d just reread the email for the second time when the doorbell rang.

When I opened the door, Hunter was grinning down at me, holding a take-out bag from my favorite breakfast joint. Why, oh why did that smile have to be so damn sexy and alluring?

“I come bringing gifts.”