Page 78 of Thoroughly Innocent Intent

Thank God I didn’t tell him how I feel. I gave him my trust and my body, but he doesn’t know he has my heart, too. And he never will. At least Chase spared me that indignity by letting me in on the plan. Unfortunately, knowing the truth makes my next steps harder, not easier.

The foundation he wanted is built. My name is tied to it. Walking away would raise questions professionally, not just about the fact that I dated a client, but about my ability to remain professional through a breakup.

I could go public, speak up about what happened and what kind of person Colt really is, but the city loves him too much to have any empathy for me in this situation. I doubt they’d believe him capable of such deception. He’s too good an actor. Too suave with his words. I have no option other than to go forward, which means I’ll forever be linked to a man who used me for his own selfish reasons. I suppose that’s what I get for letting pride get in the way of common sense.

The tears threaten to fall and I blink them away furiously. He doesn’t deserve them, and I refuse to give him anything more than I already have. In fact, it’s time I take something for myself.

Chase is right, Colt is easily the most recognizable name I’ve worked with, and the visibility I could gain through our association might give me the credibility I’ve been searching for, pushing my goals into overdrive. That’s what I wanted before meeting him, and I thought I’d have to form my own foundation to make it happen. Colt’s name alone might achieve that for me.

True, that would effectively make me just another of his exploits, but if I can use that to reach more people and build more organizations that have a positive influence? Well, being one of many, might be a small price to pay.

***

“Thank God I found you, I’ve been looking everywhere.” Colt bursts into my office. “Chase was way off target. Let me explain.”

“Stop.” I hold my hand up, a warning not to come any closer. Logically I know he can’t hear my heartbeat thumping with anxiety from across the room, but that doesn’t mean I want him any closer. “I am not naïve enough to fall for the same ruse twice, so there’s no need to pretend anymore.”

“I’m not…”

“Stop,” I interrupt. “You got the boost to your image that you wanted so people will take you seriously. Now, it’s my turn. First, you can continue to call me your girlfriend for the duration of the season, but I won’t go to the games or speak to the press. You’ll just have to make up some excuse for my absence. I want no part of perpetuating this lie, though as long as I’m yourgirlfriendthey can use my name and the name of my business in anything they write about you so I can generate some awareness of my charities and their mission.”

“Sam.” He takes a step toward me.

“Samantha,” I correct. He stops in his tracks.

“It’s not a lie.” He holds his hands up.

“Second,” I continue. “I want referrals to Chase’s other clients. If anyone has a cause they’d like to champion, or if they want me to suggest something they can contribute to, I would be happy to work with them to do some good in the world.”

“Did you hear me, Honey? I said it’s not a lie.” He moves his head slowly from side to side, as if moving fast will spook me.

“And I said I’m not naïve enough to fall for the same thing twice. I already agreed to go along with your stupid plan. What do you care if I know the truth? Unless you take some sick pleasure in manipulating people?”

“Dammit, Sam, there is no plan,” he shouts, his face turning red as his chest heaves.

“This ruse is going to fall apart pretty quickly if I have to call building security.” I stand my ground, though inside I’m shaking at his outburst.

He stands still, takes a deep breath.

“You aren’t a ruse.” He holds his hands up as if in surrender. “How could you think that’s all you are to me?”

“I didn’t, until Chase set me straight. You really are a very good actor.”

“I wasn’t acting.” He has the audacity to hold my gaze as if he’s telling the truth.

“Your agent thinks otherwise.”

“Only because he didn’t know about you before the press caught wind of it.”

“That’s a bit of a pattern, isn’t it?” I cross my arms and lean back in my chair, waiting for him to catch up.

“I don’t understand.” A wrinkle creases his forehead.

“You don’t tell people about me until you have to. You told your friends about meafterI met them in the suite. You told your daughter about meafterour picture was taken. You don’t tell anyone about me unless and until you have to.”

“I explained every one of those situations. You know it didn’t happen like that.” He never breaks eye contact.

“You explained them, yes. Now, I see those explanations for what they are. Tell me, did you lie because you knew I wouldn’t want any part of it, or was there no other wholesome girl to pretend to date you?”

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