Page 9 of Big Rowdy Cowboy

“In return, I’ll buy you a new car. Any model you want. Say the word,” Zac promises.

I scowl at him. “I love Rust Bucket!”

He’s quiet for a moment then says, “You get the first exclusive interview about the movie. Your name in one of the top entertainment magazines in the industry.”

So I know he’s crazy hot and probably crazy rich, too, if all the record sales I’ve read about are accurate. But that doesn’t meanhe can snap his fingers and have whatever he wants. “You don’t have that kind of power.”

“Baby, you have no idea the power I have.”

My heart skips a beat at the same time my panties grow damp. I wonder what it’d be like to have Zac pin me against the wall and have his way with me. Maybe that’s what I should really ask for in our negotiation. “This arrangement could help both of our careers.”

“So, you’ll do it?” He presses.

Before I can answer, Zac’s phone rings. He shows me it’s his manager and puts the call on speaker.

Thea’s voice is filled with delight as she tells him, “This is going to look so good! Country superstar is dating hometown girl. The media will eat it up. The positive publicity alone will—”

Zac sighs heavily. “We might have a bit of a situation. Dotty isn’t so sure about this idea.”

Thea doesn’t hesitate. “Throw money at her.”

I roll my eyes even though his manager can’t see me. She doesn’t know how much money I come from. When you’re used to having everything, money doesn’t hold nearly as much sway as people think it does.

His voice sounds strained. “She’s not the type.”

Thea snorts. “Then throw more money at her. Do you have any idea what a goldmine this is going to be for all of us?”

My phone starts dinging with dozens of notifications, and I realize that my friends and his family must have seen the posts by now. They probably got some patchy cell service and want to know what’s going on. What am I even going to tell them?

“I don’t want money,” I say loudly enough for Thea to hear.

“I promised her an exclusive interview with me. She gets the first one,” Zac explains.

She grumbles and sighs. “Fine.”

I glance at Zac. “In one of the top entertainment magazines. You said that.”

His manager doesn’t seem upset by all of this. In fact, she doesn’t even sound surprised. I guess she’s used to negotiating deals for him all the time. “Any other terms?”

“I want a full byline with my name and biography.” I can’t wait to see the looks on my parents’ faces when they see that I made my dream come true.

It sounds like something is being typed as Thea says, “Done, but it must be a flattering article.”

“I can work with that,” I answer. For a chance to write for one of the big magazines, I’ll write about Zac Maple like he’s the best invention since the vibrator, which reminds me I’m going to need a lot of batteries in the coming days.

Thea chirps, “Great! Then it’s settled. You’ll get an email with a non-disclosure agreement and a contract within twenty minutes. The moment you sign, we’ll make an official statement on all of Zac’s profiles.”

I pump my fist in the air, barely missing Zac’s head.

He grins down at me. “Tell them she’s my future wife.”

I can’t believe that I’m about to go along with this crazy plan. The worst part is his manager is as crazy as he is! “Just say that I’m his girlfriend! Don’t be too ridiculous.”

Thea doesn’t comment on what she’ll say to the media. “All I need is for you to get seen publicly on Zac’s arm a few times. Three dates then you can go back to your normal life.”

I blow out my breath and repeat her words.Three dates, then everything goes back to normal.

Chapter 6

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