Page 12 of A Bossy Proposal

“Are you sure?”

I sigh. “I don’t fucking know. Part of me wants to see him squirm, but then I’m afraid of unleashing that kind of chaos. We have to be careful of the potential harm it’ll do to the company.”

“I’ve got some files right here, waiting to go live.” East’s grin never wavers. “Or you could send him a copy to warn about what you have.”

“It’s too early to give him that kind of information. I was only thinking about him and his insider trading for now.”

“Shit! No way. Not that. The shares will plummet.”

“Fine,” I grouch.

“You need to keep him off your back for a bit. Avoid him or, better still, get yourself a fake girlfriend. You can always pretend. Enough to make you look respectable until we’re ready.”

I snap my fingers, a grin spreading across my face. “East, you’re a genius! A fake girlfriend could be the perfect solution.”

East leans back, looking pleased with himself. “Well, I do have my moments. But who did you have in mind?”

“I don’t want anyone living with me. But I need someone to play the part for just long enough for us to oust Dad. Someone who can play the part convincingly but knows that nothing will happen.”

“What about your assistant?” East suggests with a mischievous glint in his eye. He has known since I gave him my PA so I could employ Amelia as my executive assistant that I have feelings for her.

I pause, considering Amelia. She’s single, but I don’t want to use her. Not when I want her forever, when she’s over her shit ex.

I shake my head. “No, too close to home. I need someone who can keep their distance when this is all over.”And I want more than to be fake with her.

East nods, drumming his fingers on the desk. “Fair point. What about a professional? An actress? Someone who knows how to handle the media and can keep things discreet?”

“That’s not a bad idea,” I admit, warming to the concept. “We could hire an actress or even a PR specialist. Someone who knows how to deal with high-society events and can charm the board members.”

“Exactly,” East agrees. “And with the right non-disclosure agreement, we can ensure everything stays under wraps.”

I stand up, feeling positive for the first time since this mess started. “Let’s do it. Can you use your contacts in the entertainment industry and find me someone who fits the bill?”

East nods, already reaching for his phone. “I’m on it. We’ll find you the perfect fake girlfriend in no time.”

As I head for the door, I pause, turning back to my brother. “Thanks, East. I don’t know what I would do without you.”

I know that with East’s help, I should pull this off, and Dad won’t know what hit him.

He grins, waving me off. “That’s what brothers are for. Now go and start working on your lovesick face. You’re going to need it.”

“Nah. You will, though. He’ll line you up to marry Elizabeth instead.”

I laugh as East flips me the middle finger.

Chapter 5

Amelia

Mr. Davenport storms back into the office. His pointer finger curls as he beckons me to follow. I slip my phone into my pocket, then grab my notepad and a pen and follow him.

I don’t know what’s going on, but since his father was here this morning, he has been quieter than normal.

I follow my boss into his office, my gaze tracing the lines of his tailored charcoal suit. It hugs his broad shoulders, the fabric smooth—and expensive, no doubt.

Today, he’s paired it with a deep blue tie that brings out the intensity in his beautiful pale blue eyes.

As I settle into the chair across from his desk, a whiff of his cologne hits me. It’s woodsy and masculine, with hints of citrus.

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