Ward's nostrils flared as he sat there, staring back into Skylar's eyes. “Geez, you're good at this.”

Skylar grinned.

But Ward's smile began to fade. “What if someone there knows you? They'll know it's all a lie.”

Skylar conceded that with a nod. “It's possible. Although, in a city this big, it's actually pretty infrequent that I run into one client while out on a date with another. But since I make up stories for them, too, they usually know to keep their mouths shut.”

Ward's frown deepened. “Usually?”

Skylar winced. “I have—well,had—two clients who are business rivals. Theyhateone another. They both tried to book me on the same night, and our scheduling coordinator obviously booked the first one who called. But when my boss found out, he stepped in and canceled the first booking and allowed the second guy to book me instead. He had a bigger net worth and more connections, you see. Better for word-of-mouth. Turns out, though, it was all for the same event, so when one guy saw me on the arm of the other…” Skylar trailed off, not sure he should even be talking about other clients, but something in Ward's expression made him blurt out the rest. “It almost came to blows between the two of them that night, and the next time the first guy booked me, he gotreallyrough.” After a tiny pause, Skylar added in a mumble, “In bed.”

Ward sucked in a breath through his teeth. “Sky–”

“I'm okay,” Skylar rushed to add, then paused as a smile took over his face. “Actually, because of that, the boss gave me some extra paid days off, which was how I was able to be down in yourarea for that party.” He leaned close again. “So it wasn't a total loss,” he added in a murmur, giving Ward a significant look.

The concern vanished from Ward's face, giving way to heated arousal again. He cursed quietly under his breath. “How do you do this to me? I mean, I know it's all an act, but…Damn.”

Skylar inwardly winced. It was supposed to be an act. It should have been. But he kept forgetting himself around this man, somehow.Holy bajeezus. He wanted this to be real. For the first time in his life, he wished this could be a real date, not just a paid gig where he had to put on a fake smile and pretend to enjoy the man's company.

Because with every passing minute, he found himself actually enjoying Ward's company more and more.

And that was dangerous. Feeling anything for a client—besides being way against the rules—could only spell disaster.

But this wasWard. The man who'd filled so many of Skylar's fantasies over the past several months. So far, the reality of the man was only making things harder. It was one thing to dream about a handsome guy, but to find out he also had a gentle, comfortable nature and a mature, respectful personality? Granted, Skylar had only been in Ward's presence for a matter of minutes, but he'd gotten good at sizing people up at a glance, thanks to his years on the job.

He was pretty sure Ward was everything he'd ever wanted in a man. And, of course, he couldn't have him.

Damn it. Skylar took a deep breath, trying to regain his focus. He was on a job. Not at all allowed to be himself. Hell, he was playing a girl for the night! He had to remember that.

Ward cleared his throat and pushed his hair out of his eyes again. “Uh. Is there anything else I need to know or do or–”

Skylar shook his head. “Nope. I'm here entirely for you. So you tell me how you want this evening to go. How you want me to behave. I can be anyone you want me to be. Seductive andflirty. Cold and aloof. Friendly and chipper. Ditsy and dumb. Your choice.”

Ward's frown returned as he studied Skylar's face again. “I'd rather you just be yourself.” He paused. “But–”

But he's not ready to be seen with a man, Skylar knew. “Okay, there is one thing you can do,” he began, bracing himself, knowing it was going to hurt like hell.

“What's that?”

Skylar paused and took a deep breath. “Just for the wedding, call meSarah.”

Ward tilted his head to one side. “Why Sarah?”

Skylar held back a wince, hating the sound of that name on Ward's lips. “Because that's the name my parents gave me. The name I use when I'm dressed like this.” He waved a hand at himself. “It helps me remember I'm playing a role.”

Ward cringed. “And you're okay with that?”

Fuck no, Skylar thought, but he forced on a smile. “It's just for a few hours,” he replied, talking to himself just as much as to Ward. “But later,” Skylar went on, leaning close again, “we can come back here. Go up to your room. And I'll make you cry out my real name as I make you come like you've never come before.” Skylar smiled seductively, not even having to force it. “How does that sound?”

Ward's eyes were dark, and his nostrils flared again. “Fuck,” he gasped. He tugged on his collar, pushing his tie askew.

Skylar reached out and loosened the tie a tiny bit, then straightened it. He patted the knot before running his hand across Ward's chest. And what an impressive chest it was! Even through layers of clothing, Skylar felt the hard swell of muscles.Sheesh. He was dying to know how the rest of him felt. How the rest of himlookedbeneath that suit.

“I probably look ridiculous,” Ward muttered, glancing down at himself while Skylar made one last adjustment to the tie, unable to resist.

“Are you kidding? My man lookshellasexy like this.”

Ward blushed. “Your man?”