Page 518 of Rock Me All Night
4
Play my girlfriend.
The sun is still shining. The breeze is still blowing. The air is still warm.
And Pete's eyes are still intense and impenetrable.
Play his girlfriend… that's ridiculous.
"You don't need anyone to play your girlfriend." I grab my glasses and shift off of him, suddenly apathetic to staining my dress with dirt or grass. There. I stare back at him as I slide my frames on. "You're rich, famous, and handsome. You could find a girlfriend in thirty seconds flat."
"I don't want a relationship."
Okay… "Why not hire a professional?"
His expression gets intense. "I'll make it worth your while."
My head is spinning. I try to tell myself to run a million miles away but my legs won't move. "What would it even mean? How would I play your girlfriend?"
"We tell everyone we started dating a few weeks ago, that we're just now making it official. I'll take care of everything you need. You'll come with me to all the events where I have to make an appearance."
I try to think up a response as he pushes himself to his feet. Nothing comes. God, he's so tall. I rise to meet him. Even in my wedges, I have to look up at him.
He moves close enough to whisper. Instantly, my senses are overwhelmed. All the nerves in my body make the same demand for his lips.
His breath warms my ear. "Tell me what you want, and I'll make it happen."
My thoughts crash together. Every night, I fall asleep worried about how I'll pay for law school. Then there's rent, food, transportation.
There's no way I'm going to find this kind of money elsewhere.
It would be stupid to refuse. Taking advantage of him is selfish, but don't I deserve a chance to be selfish for once in my life? He's offering. I can say yes.
I try to push the words to my mouth.If you pay my tuition. But my stomach clenches up. I can't take his money.
My knees go weak. It's a struggle to take a step backwards. "I don't know. I need to sleep on it." I need to figure out some better way to make school work. Something besides lying.
After ten years of lying for Dad, I barely know who I am. I finally have a semblance of a backbone. I can't throw that away.
"Your glasses." He motions to the optical shop.
"I, uh, I'll get them later. I need to get home and change for work."
"I'll give you a ride."
His eyes fill with vulnerability. Then he blinks and it's gone.
What the hell does he need me playing his girlfriend for?
I want to know. I want to know everything about him. Maybe there's some way to agree to this. To make it fair for both of us.
I'll try to figure it out. After my thoughts settle down.
I take another step backwards. "I'm in the mood to walk. Alone."
He nods with understanding.
I turn and get the hell out of there as fast as I can.
