Total pages in book: 31
Estimated words: 29423 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 147(@200wpm)___ 118(@250wpm)___ 98(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 29423 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 147(@200wpm)___ 118(@250wpm)___ 98(@300wpm)
Her jaw drops. She mouths something, but no sound comes out. I’ve truly shocked her. “You’ll like him. He’s gorgeous.” Too gorgeous to be going along with this crazy plan, which means he’s got an ulterior motive. I can’t figure out what it could be. “And smart.” There was something about how watchful he was, how he could take in the whole room in one glance and sum it up, that made him intimidating. Telling Ariel that I think his aura is good would make her think I had lost my mind. She already looks skeptical
“You’ve met someone. Online. And you ‘like’ each other”—she makes the scare quotes with her fingers—“enough to get married. I’m not going to say you’re lying because you’re my best friend, so I’m going to give you one opportunity to come clean.”
I spill my guts. “I messaged some guy named Rick about being my fake husband. He agreed to pretend to be my fiancé long enough for me to close on the condo. I’m paying him a grand.”
“A grand?” she shouts. Half the place turns to look at us. Ariel lowers her face and gestures for me to come close.
I shake my head. She’ll slap me if I get within arm’s length of her. “The condo is worth two million. This is a good investment.”
Chapter Six
CAL
“Calix! Calix Line!” A sharp voice hails me as I step out of the town car a half block down from where we are meeting. I had told Harlow that I was down on my luck and needed her money to see me through the month. Nothing about this half million dollar car says poverty.
Ignoring the voice, I lean down to speak to Trident. “I’ll call you when I’m ready to be picked up. I don’t know how long this will last.”
“I should really come inside with you. These co-op boards can be tough nuts, and I did all the research—”
“I read it. You were very thorough. It reminded me why I hired you in the first place.”
The compliment distracts Trident for a moment. “As it should. I’m your best asset which is why I should—”
“Calix!”
Trident scowls. “Who is that?”
He twists around to look out the back window of the car. There’s a blonde in a tight pink bodycon suit tottering down the sidewalk. I don’t remember her face or her name, but she obviously knows me.
“How big of a bonus would you need to deal with this?”
Trident reaches out and grabs the door handle. “You don’t have enough money.” He slams the door in my face, and the town car speeds off a half second later.
I heave a sigh and turn to face the blonde.
“Calix, I thought that was you.” She’s slightly panting, and there’s sweat forming on her forehead. In her arms is a tiny white dog who wriggles in obvious displeasure, yapping high-pitched, annoying barks.
“I think your dog wants to be on all fours.”
She laughs and slaps me across my biceps. “You’re so funny, Calix. And a little naughty, too. All fours. Tee-hee.” She giggles.
This is why I’m still single. A life of solitude is better than waking up to someone tee-heeing in my ear. I give her a short nod. “I’ve an appointment.” I don’t even tell her that it was nice to see her again because, hell, why start off the morning with a lie?
I turn toward the wrought iron gates of Harlow’s condo building, but before I can take a step forward, the girl’s fingers grab at my elbow. “Wait, Calix, we haven’t seen each other in an age. Why don’t you take me out to breakfast and we can catch up.”
“I don’t remember you, ma’am, and I’ve got an important appointment.” I dip my head and peel her fingers away from my arm. “Your dog needs attention.”
She curses me when I walk away. Thank God for Harlow. Once we’re married, I won’t have to have these annoying encounters. I’ll just hide behind her skirts.
A white-gloved doorman stares wide-eyed at me when I reach the entrance. “Mr. Line, I didn’t see you on the visitor’s schedule.”
I’m impressed. A good doorman who knows everyone in the city and can recognize them by face is a rare find. He needs to come work for me. I hand him my card. “Danny, is it?” That’s what his nametag says. “I’ve got a good position for you at Line, Inc. if you’re interested. I’ll pay you 20 percent more than you’re earning here along with full benefits and a pension. The hours are decent. I don’t believe in overworking anyone, and there are great opportunities for advancement.”
The doorman’s eyes widen. “But you don’t know anything about me.”
“You work as the doorman for the building, which means your security background is impeccable. You recognized me by sight, which means you have a formidable memory and recall ability. Working as a doorman also means you are juggling the demands of—”