Page 9 of Cocky Nerd
“I would never put it like that. But yes. If you aren't interested, there's a matchmaking service for high net worth gentlemen based in Sausalito that's been hounding me to sign up with them as a client. I can just call them. But I came to youfirst.”
I lean forward. “Why?”
“What do youmean?”
“I'd like to hear you say out loud why you came to mefirst.”
He blinks his long dark lashes and gives me a look that I cannotinterpret.
“I need to hear it withwords.”
“I came to you first because I know you, and I like you. Because you're beautiful and intelligent and good-humored and I have always enjoyed spending time with you...also because I feel very comfortable with you. So I’d like you to join me, as my date, for the nextmonth.”
I guffaw again. I really didn’t mean to. It just came out. Force ofhabit.
“I can pay your monthly bills, to cover the time you’ll have to take off from work while we’retraveling.”
“Would I have to actually spend time withyou?”
“Yes. A lot of time. With a smile on your face. But only when we’re in public. I enjoy making you scowl inprivate.”
I’m frowning athim.
“Yes, like that, that’s perfect,” hesays.
“Covering my bills ain’t gonna cutit.”
“Understood. Since it will require you taking time off from your restaurant job while we’re out of town, I’d be happy to compensate you for missed wages. You make what—fifteen dollars anhour?”
“I make around five thousand a month in tips alone. And yes, fifteen an hour. Six to eight hour shifts, five nights a week. But I’m also doing somemodeling.”
“Right. I thought you weren’t going to do thatanymore.”
“I have a regular gig that Ilike.”
“Really? Forwhom?”
“For a local lingerieboutique.”
He raises his spectacular eyebrow and jerks his headback.
“Don’t judge me. The pictures are for Instagram, so they’re very pretty and tasteful. Plus I’ve been doing odd jobs here and there, so it’s hard toestimate…”
He appears to be enjoying this, now that it’s becoming a negotiation. “Okay. Obviously your time and company are invaluable, and despite what you may think, I am aware that you consider my personality to be somewhat rough around theedges.”
I guffaw at that. “Understatement.”
“Let’s say that for the two weeks we’re out of town, I write you a check for five times the amount you’d make in that amount of time at the restaurant. In the unlikely event that you aren’t able to return to work at the restaurant after you take that timeoff.”
I wrinkle mynose.
“I can pay cash. As well, you will be provided with travel, luxury room and board, any and all incidentals, per diem and a substantial wardrobebudget.”
“Goon…”
“And…” He shifts around in the chair. There’s something he’s been keeping up his sleeve, and here it comes. He clears his throat and can’t contain his grin. That smug, cocky grin. “And as a major donor to the Bay Area Ballet, I would be happy to speak to the appropriate people to ensure that you will be featured nextseason.”
Whuck?
