Total pages in book: 29
Estimated words: 27448 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 137(@200wpm)___ 110(@250wpm)___ 91(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 27448 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 137(@200wpm)___ 110(@250wpm)___ 91(@300wpm)
“Yes, of course you’re right. I just got carried away that’s all.” Then I shoot her a watery smile before excusing myself to go to the restroom and lock myself in one of the stalls. I bite my lip to keep it from trembling. I know Simona’s right. I need the money, and this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. But still, I wish there could be more between me and Luke Montgomery, even if it’s nothing but a pipe dream.
I have to do it though. With trembling hands, I pluck out my cell and stare at the screen. Then slowly, I text a note to Luke, accepting his offer. I know Simona said to ask for quadruple pay, but it seems too greedy and unseemly. I don’t want to offend him in any way, and triple is already more than enough.
Without waiting for a reply, I put the phone back in my pocket and step out of the stall. My eyes are curiously bright in the mirror, and I look flushed. But I’ve done it. I’ve made my decision, and now, it’s time to focus on being the perfect fake fiancée.
5
Luke
The doorbell rings, and my heartbeat spikes. Adrenaline surges through my veins because I know it’s Patty at the door. Sure enough, when I sweep open the wooden slab, my breath catches a little in my throat, just like it did the first time I saw her. The curvy brunette is wearing form fitting jeans and a simple white t-shirt, yet she’s so beautiful even in casual wear that the breath catches in my throat.
“Hi,” I say, stepping aside with a smile. “Welcome to my humble abode.”
She comes in and her eyes go wide.
“Humble?” she giggles. “More like a palace fit for a king.”
I bow low, like a courtier.
“If I’m a king, then you’re my princess,” I say gallantly before ushering her inside. “Come on, have a seat.”
She giggles and perches daintily on a white leather couch, still gaping at the elegance.
“Wow, this place is gorgeous. You live here alone?”
I allow myself a small grin because the penthouse is beautiful with an elegant, minimalist interior, triple height ceilings, and floor to ceiling windows with a breathtaking view of Manhattan. I spent a fortune on a stylist to decorate the place, and I’m glad I did because I know it looks a thousand times better than anything I’d do on my own. Hell, if I’d done it on my own, it would probably have one bed, one bookcase, and one TV.
“I do live here by myself,” I say. “I’m glad you like it.”
“Could you give me a tour?” the pretty brunette asks, still gaping. “I know it’s forward of me, but I’ve never been in a penthouse before.”
I grin.
“I’d love to, but I’m afraid we can’t stay long because I’m taking you to meet my family in about…” I check my watch. “Twenty minutes.”
She gasps, glancing down at herself in horror. “What? Why didn’t you tell me? I’m not dressed appropriately at all! I thought this was just us meeting up to … well, I don’t know, but I didn’t think we’d start with the fake fiancée stuff so quickly.”
I laugh and take her hand. “Relax, honey. I’m a man who likes to get the ball rolling, so there’s no time to waste. Besides, you’re perfect, Patty, and you’ll see. My family is rich, but they’re not snobs. You look great in what you have on.”
She frowns nervously. “I don’t know…”
I rub circles on the back of her hand. “Don’t worry, sweetheart. But first things first.” Then I reach into my pocket and pull out a blue velvet box. Predictably, Patty’s mouth drops open when she sees it and I grin. “Trust me, we have to do this. No one would believe you’re my fiancée if you don’t have a ring.”
I pop open the box to reveal a stunning, white gold circlet inlaid with diamonds. Then, I gently take her hand and slip it on her finger, where it fits perfectly, as if it’s always belonged there. I can feel her pulse drumming against my fingertips and even I pause, sensing how intimate this moment is. Then, I lift her hand to my mouth to kiss the palm and she turns to me with her brown eyes wide.
“Wow,” she whispers. “Luke, this feels a little too real.”
I grin.
“Good,” I say. “Because we want them to believe we’re engaged, don’t we? So it’s working out.”
But then her pretty features wrinkle a bit. “That’s not what I meant.” I raise a brow, waiting for her to continue, but she shakes her head and merely smiles. “It doesn’t matter. Let’s head out now because I wouldn’t want to make a bad impression.”
I know my partner in crime isn’t being honest, but I don’t want to force the issue either. So I let it slide and tuck her hand beneath my elbow.