Page 12 of Fiancé for Hire

But as she talked, she realized that there was one outing that she did need him to act as if they’d been together for a while. She needed him to pretend to be her man, and that’s what she told him.

“My work event will be different than the others,” she said and proceeded to tell him about the celebration her company was throwing for the managers. It was a black-tie event that would be held at one of the owner’s mansions in Tuxedo Park, an affluent area of Buckhead, Georgia.

The event was a big deal, at least for Antika, because it was the first time that she’d played a major role in securing a multimillion-dollar contract. She was looking forward both to the bonus and the accolades that came with the recognition for her hard work.

She just wished that Edward wouldn’t be there. Otherwise, it would be the perfect gift for a job well done.

“Congratulations,” Drevon said and lifted his glass, and Antika did the same and clinked with his as he said, “Here’s to many more successes.”

As she sipped her martini, Antika studied Drevon, hating that she had prejudged him. So far, she liked him and could easily see them being friends. Then again, he’d already said that he wasn’t doing this man for hire thing again. So that probably wasn’t going to happen.

“Okay, so based on what you’ve said, I only need to wear my acting hat for your work event,” Drevon said. “But for everything else, I’m basically your…what…plus one?”

“Exactly.”

He nodded, looking at her in that intense way again. “So who is he?”

Antika frowned. “Who is who?”

“The man who you’re trying to convince that you’ve moved on.”

All she could do was stare at Drevon, wondering how he had put that together. Instead of denying it, she decided to come clean.

“His name is Edward, and like me, he’s a district manager. Let’s just say I shouldn’t have ever dated him.”

Not only shouldn’t she have dated someone she worked so closely with, but he should’ve been her last choice. Antika hadn’t realized it immediately, but it hadn’t taken long to know that they weren’t compatible. Yet, she didn’t break things off with him.

For the next few minutes, she gave Drevon some insight into the relationship without sharing too much. She also told him more about her job and the company. Learning that he was also a wine connoisseur and collector, she hoped there would be a chance for her to see his collection.

The more they talked, the more they learned about each other. He had an older sister, while she grew up with three brothers. It was interesting to learn that he had started his modeling career while in college after an agent ran into him on campus. When the agent asked him if he had ever considered modeling, he had first thought she was kidding, but soon learned she’d been serious. Ten years later he was at the top of his career.

Recently, he had become a freelance model, no longer represented by an agency. He booked his own jobs.

“Isn’t that hard?” Antika asked, wondering why someone would want to take on that responsibility.

“Not really. I’ve been modeling for so long now that I’ve made some great connections. Representing myself gives me more freedom to do what I want and when.”

Antika’s respect for him rose a bit more. She loved her job, but there were times when she wouldn’t mind doing her own thing. But she wasn’t a risk-taker, and she liked the idea of a steady income. If she went on her own, that might not be the case.

“I’ve heard that female models barely eat,” Antika said between bites. “Is that the case for male models? Are you guys always counting calories or depriving yourselves of carbs and desserts?”

“Sometimes.” Drevon grinned, and it felt as if someone opened the blinds and let the sunshine in.

Damn, this man was gorgeous.

What the hell had she been thinking the other day when she’d basically said that he wasn’t her type? He was every woman’s type.

Unfortunately, she could see herself falling for him—which was something she couldn’t let happen. If her ex-husband and the men who came after him had the ability to hurt her, Drevon had the ability to break her beyond repair.

That was all the more reason to protect herself and keep the walls up around her heart.

“I’ve always been a healthy eater and enjoyed working out,” Drevon explained. “So when I started my modeling career, I only had to make a few minor changes. But I am mindful of what I eat especially when I’m preparing for a big modeling shoot. Right now, I’m taking some time off to figure out a few things.”

The nosy part of her wanted to ask what type of things he had to figure out, but that was none of her business. They were just getting to know each other so that when they were out together in public, they could at least look as if they’d spent time together.

Drevon wiped his mouth with the cloth napkin, set it on the table, then grasped her hand. An electric current of desire scurried up her arm and sent a bolt of awareness to every cell in her body.

He leaned in close, and his alluring scent surrounded her. “I have a feeling we’re going to have a good time together,” he whispered close to her ear. “I’m looking forward to being your plus-one.”

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