Page 31 of Drunk on You

“What do you think I should do?”

“Get to him first.” Ryder shrugs. “If you just so happen to run into him at the club and happen to mention the collaboration …”

“And he happens to agree,” I finish. “If this works, Anastasia is going to be so pissed.”

“Maybe, but do you really care? It’s not like your relationship with her is real.”

“True.” But even as I say the word, my gut churns at the thought of going behind her back.

If I do this, it’s going to draw a clear line in the sand, one I don’t think we can come back from. Am I willing to risk that? The answer should be glaringly obvious. She’s nobody to me. A fake fiancée I hired to help me get my promotion. Yet, even as I think the words, I know I’m lying to myself.

Ryder pulls out his phone and types for a few seconds and then turns the phone around so I can see the screen. “Ronan will be there tomorrow night. He’s performing.”

“Fuck, this can go so wrong …”

“Or you seal the deal.”

“She’s going to kill me.”

“All’s fair in love and war.” Ryder pours us both another drink, and we clink glasses.

“In this case, I have a feeling I’m starting a war.”

chapter twelve

ANASTASIA

“Hey, Josie. Have you seen my dad?”

“I don’t think he’s in yet, hon, but Julian’s here.”

“Oh, he is?” I say, surprised he showed up today.

We were able to secure a luncheon with Ronan today, so everyone’s been all hands on deck to get everything ready. I didn’t see Julian all weekend, and I just assumed he was hiding out, licking his wounds.

“Yeah, he’s in a meeting with Ronan Flynn,” she says, waggling her brows. “Girl, that man is even more scrumptious in person. And that voice. Forget singing. He can just talk to me all day, and I’ll be happy.”

She giggles like a schoolgirl with a crush while I try to figure out why the hell Julian is in a meeting with Ronan Flynn when the luncheon isn’t until later today.

There’s only one reason why he would be meeting with him at nine in the morning.

I stalk down the hall and knock on the door, ready to kill my fake fucking fiancé.

“Anastasia,” Julian says when he opens the door. “Perfect timing. I was just about to find you. I’d like you to meet Ronan Flynn. He’s going to be partnering with Kingston.”

“Nice to meet you,” I grit out, trying to remain professional.

“Likewise,” he says, shaking my hand. “I expect our partnership will be very fruitful on both ends.”

Julian offers to walk Ronan out to the lobby, letting me know he’ll be right back.

When he returns a few minutes later, I slow clap as he walks in and closes the door. “Congrats. You win.”

He sighs and shakes his head. “I know you’re pissed but?—”

“You played dirty!” I poke him in the chest.

“I got it done.”

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