Page 8 of Fake Dating My Billionaire Boss

She shakes her head vigorously and sucks down more of the drink. Buying herself time to think, maybe. About what? What could be going through her head, right now?

“I’m aware you’re probably tied up with other projects at the moment,” I tell her. “This work I’m proposing is on a tight timeline, and that’s not ideal. I’m also well aware that your style of painting is far from what I’m requesting. Your friend was insistent that we meet, otherwise I wouldn't be wasting your time.”

She keeps sucking down her Shirley Temple. I watch the second half of the bright red drink disappear.

Finally, she eats the cherry garnish and sets the empty glass aside. “Okay.”

“Okay?” I raise an eyebrow.

“Okay, I’ll take the job. Your painting… I’d be happy to work on it for you.”

“Well, that’s good news.”Why does she sound upset? Why is she frowning down at her hands?I scrunch my brow as I scrutinize her. “Are you sure? It’s a big project and I need full commitment.”

She keeps frowning as she nods. “I’m—I’m sure. Yeah, I’m sure.”

She doesn’tsoundsure.

She reaches for her clutch and sets it down in her lap. “Hey, it’s been a long day, and I should probably get home to Bo. Can we iron out the rest of the details over the phone?”

“I’d rather solidify our agreement tonight.”

This knot in my neck will not go away. I reach up and rub the spot as I consider my massive to-do list. They haunt me—all the day-to-day tasks I manage. I’m eager to tick this item so I can put my time into other projects, like getting the museum space ready for the big opening on August 29th.

I pick up my cell phone and unlock the screen. “I’ve written up a document about the painting. I’ll forward it to you so that you can read over my expectations. In the meantime, I’ll transfer twenty percent of the final payment. Do you use PayPal? Venmo?”

“Venmo’s fine but wait—We haven’t even talked money yet.”

“I’m offering fifty grand for the final piece, so I’ll send along ten thousand tonight. And when you’ve purchased supplies, send me the invoice and I’ll cover that, too.”

Her jaw drops. She adjusts her expression swiftly and then sticks out her hand. “Deal.”

I grip her hand and we shake. Her hand feels clammy and cool. She won’t look me in the eye.

What’s she hiding?

I don’t like it, but I’m not a man to second guess my decisions. I’ve just hired Bella Sinclair to paint for me, and how she handles the job will be up to her. Hopefully, she won’t disappoint me.

Chapter 4

Bella

I have skills.

Somehow, in the past twenty-nine years of surviving life on this planet, I learned how to jump from a frying pan into a fire.

My “Maxine Problem” just became my much bigger “Damian Problem.”

The elevator in my apartment building has been out of order for months. The stairwell smells of rotting fish and old sneakers. By the time I reach the sixth floor, I’m out of breath.

Breathe, Bella, I tell myself, as I teeter down the hall. I can’t wait to see Bo and get out of these freaking heels.

It’ll all be okay.I now have ten grand in my bank account, so I can afford to take time off from my stupid day-job as a remote administrative assistant to a tile company. Good riddance to that particular time-suck. I hope to never invoice another box of Desert Sands Matte Beige ceramic floor tile again in my life. And I won’t have to pick up waitressing shifts, either. I can focus on my art.

I’ll use the next two months to create a beautiful landscape, exactly like Maxine requested. Damian won’t be happy when he sees it, but I’ll deal with that when the time comes. I’ll even give him all his money back. Soon enough, I’ll be rolling in dough. The show in Maxine’s gallery will finally launch my career, so refunding Damian’s ten grand won’t be a problem.

Breathe, I tell myself again.

I’m going to get through this.

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