Page 39 of Seductive Scoundrel

“I thought his name was Poochy.”

“That’s just a nickname. I wouldn’t actually name my dog Poochy.”

“Right.” I study her for another six beats, but she doesn’t look away. In fact, her chin tilts defiantly as though daring me to call her out. Instead, I drop down to my haunches and Wally immediately comes over to say hello.

I love animals, but my schedule doesn’t allow time for pets. My parents still cling to the hope that I’ll settle down with a wife, 2.5 kids, and a dog. But that is never going to be my story. The slow pace of domesticity would drive me nuts, and so would being forced to consider other humans in my decisions instead of just my own best interests and bottom line.

No, none of that pre-packaged Hallmark fairytale that is constantly shoved down our throats as the societal ideal is for me. It sounds like a goddamn prison sentence, and I value my freedom way too much to voluntarily sign it over.

Besides, I get more pussy than married guys.

Part of me wonders if the Hallmark fantasy is what Mia wants. Maybe she’s like the countless other women who have tried to sink their claws into me over the years, wanting to control me and live a life a luxury on my dime. So far, she certainly doesn’t seem that way, but I hardly know her, and I’ve never been one to turn into a chump over a woman.

I rise to my feet and we start walking in tandem. She’s trained Wally well and he trots happily beside her, not pulling on the lead or being a nuisance. Something still niggles at me, but maybe it’s just the fact that I don’t easily trust anyone. I mean, what could she have done, found a dog on the side of the road and pretended he belonged to her?

I’m being ridiculous.

“Are you still good to come to the gala this weekend?” I ask.

“You were being serious?”

“Of course I was. Why, do you have plans?”

She shrugs. “Only the same thing I do every weekend.”

“Then you’re coming. I’ll buy you another dress.”

“That doesn’t sound like a question.”

“It doesn’t sound like you have anything better to do. Besides, it’s for a good cause. All the proceeds go to breast cancer research.”

“Is breast cancer research important to you, or is this just one of the events you have to go to for work? I know some executives don’t give a shit about the actual causes.”

The question takes me back to a very dark place that I hate revisiting. I’m an expert at compartmentalizing my life and feelings into little boxes that I never have to examine too closely, which is exactly what needs to be done now that Mia is trying to dig into my life. It takes a few deep breaths, but I’m able to answer her calmly.

“My mom survived it,” I reply. “She’s in remission now, but it was touch and go for a while. I’m not one of those executives who only pretend to give a shit.”

Mia keeps her eyes on me whenever I talk as though I’m the most interesting person in the world. But now it feels like she’s staring into my soul. “In that case, I’d love to go with you. And I’m glad your mom is okay now.”

Many appreciative glances are being shot her way, which are immediately shut down when they catch my death stare. She must really never leave her apartment or it would become evident to her that she’d be a hot commodity on the dating scene.

But Mia is oblivious to everyone except me and Wally, who she casually reaches down to pet every few steps. We haven’t broken the touch barrier yet, but that’s because I can’t risk being photographed kissing a woman in a park. I’ve kept out of the limelight so probably wouldn’t be recognized anyway, but I never take unnecessary chances.

“I don’t have a lot of time for dating,” I tell her.

“I know.”

“I just want to be clear about what this is.” I gesture at the space between the two of us. “You’re my default plus-one at events now. If you need me to be somewhere, then go through Jacqueline because I have nothing to do with managing my schedule. I’ll tell her that whatever you want me to do is a priority, and she’ll make it happen even if she’s a bitch about it. And she will be.”

Mia laughs. “I can’t imagine I’ll be dragging you to any social engagements.”

“I’ll go to any work events you have, and I’ll even make a point to hang out with your friends if that matters to you. The latter is a big concession for me. But I’m not going home to meet your mama.”

“What makes you think I’d even consider bringing you home to my mama?” Mia asks sweetly and I chuckle.

“Probably because I’m dead sexy and rich as fuck.”

“You’re also a truly arrogant asshole.”

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