He dropped my wrist like I’d burned him and lifted his hands in surrender. “Okay.”
I wasn’t even surprised when he walked inside behind me and up the stairs to my apartment.
“I’m not worried about disappointing my father,” Hayden said as he followed me through my apartment toward the kitchen. “Honestly, I couldn’t give fewer fucks what he thinks of me and my life choices, but if I don’t get married in the next three weeks, he’ll write me out of the will.”
This was what had convinced him to talk to me for the first time since leaving me? Money?
I spun around to face him. “I’m not going to help you lie to your family.”
He let out a heavy breath. “What do you want, Danielle? More money in the divorce? A honeymoon in the Bahamas? A mansion somewhere? Name your price.”
I couldn’t hold back my scoff. It was like he didn’t know me at all. “I don’t want your money or anything you could buy with it.”
“Then what? What can I do to convince you?”
I took a step toward him, making sure he heard my next words. “You showed up out of the blue and asked me to fakemarryyou. In what world is that an okay request to make of the girlyoudumped without so much as an explanation? You didn’t even ask if I’m seeing anyone.”
“Are you?”
I let out a dry laugh. “A little late, Blake.”
I could’ve sworn I saw him flinch. “Look, I’m sorry. You’re right, I should have led with that.”
“Wow, apologizing. You must really be desperate.”
His eyes fell shut as he sucked in a breath. “Sunday School… please.”
“Your father’s money means that much to you?”
“No,” he whispered. “I don’t want his money or his company, but Miles does. If I don’t do this, Dad will leave everything to Miles, yes, but with conditions since he’s a controlling asshole who wants to decide how everyone else should live their lives.”
“What kind of conditions?”
“I honestly don’t know. Maybe he’ll make him get married, maybe something else.”
“And if he doesn’t agree?”
Hayden laughed without a trace of humor. “We bothknow he will. My brother has wanted that company since he was six years old. It’s his dream.”
I let out a heavy breath. “If I were to agree to this fake-marriage plan of yours, what would I have to do?” I couldn’t believe I was considering this, but if there was one thing Hayden and I could agree on, it was that we wanted what was best for Miles.
“We’d agree on and sign a prenup; then you’d move in with me after the wedding for the duration of the arrangement. You’ll have to formally meet my family and attend the occasional event, but otherwise, you’ll be able to do whatever you please.”
“And you’re sure you want to do this?”
“What do you mean?”
“You couldn’t even look at me when I saw you at Christmas, and now you want to pretend to be in love with me?”
His eyes locked on mine, and I could feel the electricity crackling between us like it used to. “You’re the only woman in the world I trust enough to do this with. And Miles is worth it.”
I swallowed, trying to ignore the way my body wanted to react to that stare, like he was trying to see all the way into my soul. “I’ll consider it.”
“Does this mean you’re going to unblock my number, or do I have to wait for you on the sidewalk again?” The hint of a smirk appeared on his lips, and a thread of amusement weaved through his aura.
“We’ll see.”
His smirk deepened. “I’m looking forward to it.”
