Page 2 of Head Over Heels

I don't play games. I don't lie. Yet here I am, inventing an entire fucking relationship just to shut a man up. I'm better than this.

I thought I was better than this.

Richard's lips curl. "She?" He scoffs. "I have a hard time believing that."

I study him for a long moment, forcing myself to remain calm. "Believe what you will, Mr. Woodhouse. My private life is private, and it'll stay that way."

"You're too uptight, Florence." He leans in again, just enough to set my teeth on edge, before stepping back with a chuckle the grinds on my nerves. "You need a man to take care of you."

I count to ten.

Slowly.

Then look him dead in the eye. "I'm going to pretend you didn't say that. If I ever hear you speak like that again—to me or anyone else—you'll be looking for a new job."

His smirk falters.

Finally, he steps back. "Relax, Florence. I was just making conversation."

I don't respond.

Once the door shuts behind him, I let out a slow breath. I sink into my chair, fury and disappointment warring inside me. What the hell did I just do? I just invented a fictional partner because I couldn't handle one man who wouldn't take no for an answer.Not only a partner, but a fiancée.

I should have shut this down months ago. Documented every inappropriate comment. Built a case through proper channels. Instead, I just handed him an opening. A weakness.

Dammit.

My phone buzzes on the table.

Marin checking in.

I ignore it.

If this gets out—whenthis gets out—it could ruin my reputation. Everything I've built could crumble because of one moment of weakness.

Dammit.

I push through the last of my paperwork and head home. The moment I walk in the door, I pull Hettie's number up on my phone.

Do you have 10 minutes for a quick call?

A minute later, my phone rings.

"Hettie. Hey."

She laughs."Ciao, bella.Why do you sound defeated?"

I exhale. "I need legal advice."

Her playful tone vanishes. "Did you do something illegal?"

This is one of the reasons I keep her close—she can flip from teasing sister to ruthless lawyer in a heartbeat.

"No. But I have a situation at work. I need to find a fiancée for next month's charity gala. Maybe for other events, too."

She chuckles. "There are lesbian dating apps, you know. Though getting a fiancée in a month might be a stretch."

"Don't be ridiculous. I don't want a real fiancée. Is there anything illegal about paying someone to accompany me and act the part?"

---