Page 79 of Thoroughly Innocent Intent

“You can’t honestly think I was pretending all this time.” He blinks his eyes as if he’s struggling to follow my words.

“Like I said, you’re a good actor.” I stare him down.

“I took you to bed. That wasn’t just sex, honey. There was a connection.” He draws an imaginary line between us.

A few weeks ago, I would have thought that was true. Now, I know better. “Good strategy. Using my inexperience to make me think I’m wrong. It won’t work this time.”

“And you? Do you expect me to believe you were acting? That you don’t have any feelings for me at all?” He glares at me in disbelief.

I brace myself for the lie I’m about to tell. “What I feel isn’t important. As long as I’m able to use this situation to do some good for my clients and the people they help, I’m happy.”

“Sam I…”

“Chase offered to run interference,” I interrupt. “Have him call me with the details of what comes next, and to give me those referrals. Goodbye, Colt.”

I focus on the papers on my desk, so I don’t have to look at him. He doesn’t move until I hum, “Security,” and even then, he only takes one step back. It’s not until I pick up the phone that he turns for the door and walks out of my office for what I hope is the last time.

Colt

“Tellmeexactlywhatyou said,” I grit into the receiver.

“Well, uh, I apologized of course, and explained that my comments were made based on your past habits, not your current ones.” Chase swallows audibly. “And I told her we hadn’t talked since I first set up the appointment for you to meet with her, so I had no real basis to judge what was happening between you two, and that she shouldn’t let my mistake come between the two of you.”

“What was her response?”

“That I have years of experience with your habits so my observations wouldn’t be entirely unfounded.”

“Sounds about right.” I can’t stop my lips from curling into a weak smile. It’s such a typical Sam response, I’m proud of her for showing conviction even though it’s not what I want to hear.

He clears his throat. “I did tell her you aren’t the same person you were before, and that she’s the reason for the change. And I pleaded with her not to throw away what you have because I made a mistake.”

“And?”

“She said she’s glad she could help you evolve, and to please hold up my end of the bargain by emailing her a copy of my client list.”

“Thanks for trying. Give her whatever she wants.” I rub my temples, willing the headache to go away. It won’t, it hasn’t for days, but that doesn’t stop me from wishing for a reprieve.

“You know, when I told her we could increase her visibility, this wasn’t what I meant. I can’t just give her my client list.” Chase’s voice is clipped in my ear.

“Then give her name to all your clients. You’re the one who put the idea of increased visibility in her head. So, give her some. At least she’ll do good with it.”

Chase grunts, but doesn’t object. He knows I’m right, and Sam only wants visibility so she can drive money and awareness to causes that help people.

“Are you sure you don’t want to make arrangements for her to attend the playoff game? Your girlfriend would be expected to attend.”

“She’s not my girlfriend anymore, is she? So no, I don’t want to make arrangements for my fake girlfriend to attend a game just so you can use that to improve my image.” I bark into the receiver.

“Sorry.” I can picture him wincing. “I didn’t mean that the way it sounded. I was thinking more along the lines of her attending a game being a good reason to talk to her.”

“She doesn’t want to hear anything I have to say.”

“Okay. Well, on a positive note, the fundraiser seems to have been a success. It started a conversation about the pros and cons of declaring for the draft before graduation. That’s a great angle for a series of interviews with prospective draft candidates, if you go the commentator route. You’ve received some very positive remarks from prospective employers for raising awareness of this topic.” His typically level voice is strained, reaching for something positive.

“Are you trying to cheer me up?” I lean forward and sigh, resting my elbows on my knees.

“Is it working?”

“Not really. The only person I want to give me positive remarks can’t stand the sight of me.”

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