Chapter 9
DANIELLE
“Ican’t believe this. I can’t say no to that kind of money without thinking it through, Blake, and you know it.”
Blake nods, watching me.
“If I even consider this,” I say slowly, “there has to be rules.”
Blake leans against the counter, watching me carefully. “Name them.”
“No sleeping together. No real feelings. And the moment this deal ends, we go our separate ways.”
“Fine,” he replies quietly. “But in public, you’re my wife.”
My stomach flips at the word ‘wife.’
I drag in a steady breath, forcing myself to focus on the real issue.
“This company was everything to your dad, and he was a good man. If he put this as a clause, he must have had a good reason to do it.”
I take another breath, my hand trembling.
Could I marry some jerk who’d dumped me when I was young and naive?
But how could I turn this down?
“I need to consider it.”
This will have to be on my terms. Every part of it.
“And I want to see the contract.”
Blake reaches into his back pocket, handing over a thick envelope. “I’ll let you read it. Don’t tell a soul, okay? Seriously.” He holds my gaze, backing away with a heavy sigh.
“What a proposal.”
“It’s not real, Danielle. I’m sure you’ll get the fairy tale one day.” Blake shrugs, giving me a sad smile. “Until then, help me run this empire.”
He backs out of the room, and I release a breath I didn’t even realize I was holding.
What the fuck just happened?
Kiera strolls in some time later, doing a double take at the sight of me. “Did you have a bad night again?”
“Huh?”
“You look pale.” Kiera makes a face, nodding at the coffee in my hand. “You’re going to need something stronger than that. I’m going to Starbucks later; I’ll grab you a double shot.”
I blink like I’m in slow motion, the envelope in my hand weighing a ton. “Thanks.”
Who can I talk to?
Blake’s already told me it’s strictly confidential, but this is a huge decision.
I could tear the contract up and tell Blake to fuck himself, but really?
This company is dear to me, and the decisions aren’t easy to make.
The thought of being by Blake’s side in business isn’t the worst scenario.
But pretending to be in love with him?
That’s a different matter.
What did that even involve?
I float through the day in a daze, missing vital conversations in meetings and annoying the hell out of Issac.
“Danielle, what’s up with you?” Issac asks over lunch, pushing a chocolate donut in my direction. “You look like you’ve died.”
“Gee, thanks.” Sarcasm is my best friend, but I just sound wounded.
Issac munches on his donut, studying me with a frown. “Seriously, talk to me.”
“I didn’t sleep well,” I lie, biting into the chocolate icing.
“Is something wrong?”
Yes. My ex just proposed to me with a contract.
“I just need an early night.”
Issac stops questioning me, and the conversation fizzles out.
Poor guy.
“Are we still on for our date?” Issac asks, arching a brow at me.
“Can I let you know? Sorry, maybe I’m coming down with something.”
Issac nods, reaching across the table to rest his hand on mine. “It’s okay, but don’t even think of calling in sick. I don’t think we could survive without you.”
Wonderful.
An hour later, I’m at my desk, the contract burning a hole in my bag.
I need to read it.
But not here.
BLAKE
The ceiling is so detailed. It’s like Bob Ross got drunk and created a masterpiece that he forgot he did, and someone turned it into a ceiling.
Ha.
Bob Ross.
“BJ.”
I’m going to kick Issac’s ass if he keeps calling me by the name of an oral sex act.
“Do come in,” I drawl, not moving from my position on the sofa.
“Thank you, I will.”
Issac drops a six pack of beers on the table, groaning as he slumps into the seat across from me.
“Maybe we should plan your bachelor party.”
This idiot.
“Haven’t you got a life?” I sigh, staring back at the ceiling.
“Seriously though, what about Camilla from Accounts?”
I know I should feel guilty for asking Danielle, but I don’t.
She’s the only person I can do this with. I’m just glad she didn’t turn me down flat.
“I don’t think so.”
“Well, who have you got in mind?” Issac doesn’t let it drop, and I grit my teeth with frustration.
Why does he have to like Danielle?
The only person I know that will help me.
I’ve got to tell him.
Otherwise, he’ll be dating her, and she won’t even consider it as an option.
“I’ve asked Danielle.”
There’s a pause, and Issac sits up straight, staring at me through wide eyes. “What?”
“You heard me. It’s nothing personal.”
Issac glares at me, shaking his head. “What did she say, Blake?”
I return his gaze, dropping my legs to the floor so I’m sitting upright. “She’s thinking about it.”
Issac doesn’t respond—he doesn’t need to—his silence speaks volumes.
“Look, I know you like her, but I’m thinking of this as a business arrangement. Like you said.”
“Yeah, and she can’t date anyone else for five fucking years! Did you consider that?” Issac snaps, raking a hand through his hair. “Shit, Blake!”
I want to correct him and tell him she can still see him if they keep it on the down low, but she hasn’t even said yes yet.
For all I know, she might refuse.
“Hey, you’re the one that said to see it as a business arrangement.”
“She’s your ex.”
I don’t know where he’s going with this, so I let him carry on whining.
“She’ll never do it.” Issac sounds triumphant, and it pisses me off. “That explains why she was off today at lunch.”
The thought of Issac and Danielle having lunch pisses me off further, but what the fuck can I say?
Please don’t date my ex as she might be my fake wife soon?
“This isn’t my choice, Issac. I have to marry someone.”
“Yeah, but does it have to be her?” Issac jumps to his feet, pacing the floor. “She’s amazing, Blake. She’s not let a thing slide in your absence, and she deserves more than this.”
I say at first nothing as he praises my ex. Then I respond, “Hmm, more than half the business and whatever she wants in the world? You got a better offer for her, Issac?”
“Yeah. Real feelings.”
“Listen to me. This isn’t personal at all. I’m not interested in Danielle like that.”
“Bullshit.”
“Look, if she wants to date you, let her crack on. This is a business arrangement. So calm the fuck down.”
If Danielle likes Issac so much, I’m sure she’ll decline.
She isn’t the sort of woman to go half-assed into anything.
If they like each other, who am I to stand in their way?
I’m just her potential business husband.