Page 6 of It Takes a Thief
“Isn’t it?” I ask softly, searching his dark, unreadable expression. “I’m sure you have better things to do than babysit me all day.”
“Nothing too pressing.”
Looking into his eyes, hearing the honesty in his words and seeing the way he looks back at me without expectations, the craziest idea I’ve ever had hits me. It’s completely and utterly bonkers, but…
A kernel of hope begins to take shape as I study Linc.It could actually work, a little voice whispers.
“Why’re you looking at me like that?” he asks, shifting his heavy bulk on the grass, suddenly wary.
Of lil ol’ me?
“Like what?” I innocently ask, carefully smoothing my dress over my thighs.
“Like a piece of meat,” he bluntly responds.
I flush. “I’m not.”
Swallowing down my nerves, I figure it’s now or never. Time is running out fast and it’s imperative to be bold.
“I, ah, just had an idea. Completely crazy, but something that would allow me to stay in New York and escape here.”
“Oh?”
Dammit, he isn’t going to make this easy. Clearing my throat, I meet his curious, but wary, eyes and go for broke. “If I can convince my parents I’ve met someone special and fallen in love, I can stay in the States.”
“Uh huh.”
“At this point, it doesn’t even have to be real. I just need a temporary pretend fiancé.”
“Sounds reasonable.”
“Just someone who they’d believe I’d be attracted to and who would be attracted to me.”
“Yep.”
“Someone they wouldn’t think was merely after my money or the throne.”
“Sure.”
“So, I was thinking maybe you might possibly be up for the job?” I bat my lashes, giving him my best puppy dog eyes.
Chapter Four: Linc
Is she joking?
Slightly stunned, I wait for her to laugh it all off and tell me she’s only kidding. But she doesn’t. In fact, she’s never looked more serious.
“Well?” she presses, leaning forward, blue eyes hopeful. Her jasmine scent makes me breathe the air in a little deeper. For about half a second, I consider what she’s saying, then I scoff.
“That’s the most ridiculous thing I’ve ever heard. We just met.”
“I’ll pay you. However much you want.” Desperation laces her voice.
Okay, now she has my attention, and I’m wondering how much a fake relationship goes for these days.
No, it doesn’t matter. Pretending to be engaged to a woman I just met—a woman whose parents are my client—is absurd.
“I don’t want your money—”
