Chapter 5
Zach
The sponsor meeting couldn’t have gone better. After two hours of discussing terms and contract details over wagyu steaks and aged whiskey, we’ve reached an agreement that will make me the new face of their luxury watch line.
Mark is practically glowing as we leave the private dining room, already talking strategy for the big announcement.
As we head toward the exit, I spot a familiar figure seated at a table across the room.
Lainey. She’s wearing a navy-blue dress that hugs her curves in all the right places, her blonde hair falling in loose waves around her shoulders.
But it’s her expression that catches my attention—that polite, slightly strained smile I’ve come to recognize as her “I’d rather be anywhere else” face.
“I think I’ll stick around for a while,” I tell Mark, nodding toward the bar.
He follows my gaze and spots Lainey. “Behave yourself, Zach. Don’t make me call Janelle.”
The mention of Janelle makes me wince. The last thing I need is her stepping in to manage my so-called image. “Relax, Mark. I promise to be on my best behavior.”
“That’s what worries me.” He shakes his head and heads for the exit, leaving me to my own devices.
Once Mark is gone, I can’t resist the urge to get a closer look at Lainey’s latest attempt at finding the perfect wedding date. I make my way to the table next to hers, sliding into the seat so I’m in her line of sight, but without her date noticing. I pick up the menu, hiding my face.
Her date is exactly what I expected—another cookie-cutter businessman in an expensive suit, probably chosen from whatever dating app she’s using based on his profile pictures and carefully curated bio. But it’s Lainey’s rapid-fire questioning that really catches my attention.
“How do you feel about public displays of affection?” she asks, pen poised over what appears to be an actual notebook. Who takes notes on a date? Only Lainey.
I have to suppress a laugh. She’s treating this like she’s screening candidates for a role, and the poor guy looks increasingly uncomfortable with each question.
It’s adorable in a slightly terrifying way, watching her methodically work through what I can only assume is her comprehensive checklist of Mr. Perfect material.
I drop the menu and make a ridiculous face her way. She finally sees me, her face knit in confusion. She does her best to ignore me, though, going back to her questions.
“What’s your stance on dancing at social events?”
I cross my eyes at her from over the menu, holding up the drink list as if it’s a spy shield. Her eyes flash to me, and this time, she has to bite her lip to keep from laughing.
She gives me a warning look that says stop it, but I can see her struggling to stay composed.
“How comfortable are you meeting new people?”
She tries to focus on her date, but I lift my glass in a mock toast and raise my eyebrows, doing my best to make her laugh. Her cheeks go pink as she quickly looks back at her date, but not before I catch the ghost of a real smile.
“Would you be willing to coordinate outfits for special occasions?”
Her date looks like he’s struggling to keep up, but Lainey’s pen is poised, ready for his response. He excuses himself to use the restroom—probably to call for an emergency rescue from a friend—I see my opportunity.
Sliding smoothly over to her table, I sit down across from her. Lainey looks up, eyes wide in shock.
Lainey looks in the direction her date disappeared. “Zach! What are you doing? Are you stalking me? You better leave before my date comes back.”
Her accusation makes me laugh. “Hardly. I was here for business.” I slide smoothly into the chair across from her, enjoying the way her cheeks flush with irritation. “Though I have to say, your dating strategy is far more entertaining than any business dinner.”
“Don’t you have somewhere else to be?” She tries to look stern, but there’s a spark in her eyes that tells me she’s not as annoyed as she’s pretending to be.
“Nowhere nearly as interesting as right here.” I reach over and pick up her notebook, scanning the list of questions she’s written down. “Let’s see… ‘Willingness to participate in couple photos?’ Really, Lainey?”
She snatches the notebook back, clutching it to her chest. “It’s a perfectly valid question.”
“You’re taking this whole wedding date search way too seriously.” I lean back in my chair, studying her. “All these questions, all these carefully screened candidates, and you’re still no closer to finding the right guy, are you?”
“I’m being practical,” she insists, but I can see the uncertainty in her eyes.
“How many dates have you been on now?”
“This is date three.”
“You’re being a hopeless romantic, trying to disguise it as practicality.” The words hit home—I can tell by the way she bites her lower lip. “You’ve got this idea in your head of the perfect guy who’ll check all your boxes, but life doesn’t work that way.”
“Oh, and you’re such an expert on relationships?” She arches an eyebrow, a challenge written across her face.
“I’m an expert on chemistry,” I counter, leaning forward. “And you know what? None of these guys you’re interviewing have it with you. That’s why you’re sitting here with your little questionnaire instead of actually enjoying yourself.”
“Chemistry isn’t everything.”
“No, but it’s a hell of a lot more important than whether someone will pose for photos with you.” I reach across the table and tap the notebook in her hands. “My offer still stands, you know. And I guarantee I’d make a better date than any of these guys you’re interrogating.”
The shock on her face is priceless. “You’re impossible.”
“Probably.” I stand up, enjoying the way she’s looking at me like I’ve just turned her whole world sideways. “Think about it—you already know I clean up nice. I’m not afraid of cameras, and I definitely know how to dance.”
With a wink, I turn and make my way toward the exit, feeling her gaze follow me as I go. I can practically hear her thoughts, running through all the reasons she shouldn’t even consider my offer. But somehow, I know she will.
I’m halfway across the parking lot when I hear her voice behind me.
“Zach!”
I stop mid-stride, turning to find Lainey hurrying after me, her heels clicking against the pavement. Her cheeks are flushed, and she’s clutching that damn notebook to her chest like it’s her lifeline.
I fold my arms, waiting as she comes to a halt in front of me, slightly out of breath. “Changed your mind already?”
“Don’t flatter yourself,” she snaps, though the way she avoids looking at me undercuts the irritation in her tone.
I arch an eyebrow. “So why the sprint through the parking lot?”
She hesitates, shifting the notebook under one arm. “I… thought about what you said. About chemistry. And…” She blows out a breath, clearly frustrated. “You might have a point.”
My smirk grows. “That sounded dangerously close to a compliment.”
“Don’t push it,” she warns, though there’s no real heat in her words.
I step closer, dropping my arms to my sides. “So, what are you saying?”
She halts a few feet from me, glaring. “Are you serious?”
I tilt my head, confused. “About what?”
“This.” She gestures vaguely between us, narrowing her eyes. “Your offer. Are you actually serious about being my date to the wedding, or are you just messing with me?”
I step closer, my expression softening. “I’m serious, Lainey. Look, you need someone, and I’m offering. It’s not that complicated.”
Her gaze flickers with doubt. “Before I even think about accepting, what’s the catch?”
I grin, shoving my hands into my pockets. “I knew you’d ask that. Alright, here it is: my family reunion is coming up, and I need a date.”
She stares at me, her mouth falling open slightly. “I knew it! I knew you had an ulterior motive.”
“What can I say?” I give her my most charming smile. “You’re efficient. Why go through the hassle of finding someone else when we can help each other out?”
She arches an eyebrow, still skeptical. “And why do you think this will work?”
I drop my voice, letting the playful edge return. “Because we’ve already gotten that tension out of our system.”
Her cheeks flush at the reminder, and I catch the way she presses her lips together, trying to block out whatever memory just surfaced.
“Zach,” she starts, warning in her tone.
I hold up a hand to stop her, keeping my grin intact. “Hear me out. Falling in love won’t be an issue. You can’t stand me, and I’m about as far from your checklist as it gets.”
Her eyes narrow, but there’s a spark of intrigue there. “What’s your point?”
“My point,” I say, stepping even closer, “is that I can be everything on that list. And I can prove it to you in one weekend.”
She scoffs, shaking her head, but I can tell she’s wavering.
“And,” I add, pressing my advantage, “I’ll even give you pointers to help you find your perfect guy. Think of it as research.”
Her laugh is quick and incredulous, her shoulders relaxing just slightly. “You’re unbelievable.”
“Is that a yes?” I ask, my grin widening.
Lainey hesitates, glancing at the notebook before meeting my gaze. “Fine,” she says finally, her voice steady. “But on one condition—you better not fall in love with me.”
I raise my hands in mock surrender, my eyes sparkling with amusement. “Wouldn’t dream of it.”
This arrangement might be business, but something tells me Lainey Carrey is going to make it anything but simple.