tough out there and my brother isn’t exactly highlighting your good side. But you have money and you’re...you know...”
He studied her now, like how he might study something on the bottom of his shoe. “I have no idea what you’re trying to say.”
“Well, your face is...fine.” As in perfect and compelling. Way too kissable.
His eyes widened. “Fine?”
Because space seemed like a good idea she stepped away from the desk. Tried to draw enough air into her lungs and head to be able to breathe again. “Don’t rich people travel in packs? I’m sure you can hang out at your country club or polo club, or wherever it is you go for fun, and find a nice woman who—”
“I am not hard up for a date.” He sounded stunned at the idea.
“Well, there.” She almost clapped but decided that was too much. “Good for you.”
“I am, however, on the wrong side of your brother’s ill-advised rant.” He made a face that suggested he thought she should be picking up on his point a bit faster. “I explained this to you at the hotel.”
“You said you needed good news to balance out the bad.” That made sense, which only made her wariness tick up even higher. “So, hire someone to pretend date you if you don’t want an actual girlfriend.”
“It needs to be you. You provide a reason for your brother’s specific attack.” When she tried to stop him, he kept right on talking. Rolled right over her. “We put on a very public show. We get people to see us as a couple, get engaged—not for real, of course—and we neutralize some of the damage your brother has done.”
“A fake fiancée.” She said the words nice and slow, thinking he’d stop her because he had to be kidding.
Never mind that she could barely stand him. Sure, she’d spun wild daydreams about him. Even imagined what he might look like without that serious suit and the fancy office, but come on.
“Exactly.” The phone on his desk rang. He hit a button and the sound cut off. “You’ve spent a significant part of your life protecting your baby brother and I suspect you will continue to do so now, even though it’s misguided.”
That hit a bit too close to the comments Vanessa had made last night. “Misguided? I’m confused. Are you arguing for this fake engagement thing or not?”
“People will see us together, which will telegraph the message that I am not the man your brother says I am. You wouldn’t date me otherwise. It will be a business arrangement that will benefit you greatly, and it will keep me from going after him for the money.” He shrugged. “And, since time is a factor, I went ahead and started the rumors. As you know.”
“Because that made sense to you?”
“Because your brother is in serious legal trouble and I can help him. I can also provide some guidance for the future and take the pressure off you. In many ways.”
For the first time she noticed his hands. Those long fingers. The strength. The way he rubbed his palms together as if that in-control voice didn’t quite match whatever was happening inside him.
But none of that calmed her wariness. Not when every word he uttered carried a note of a threat. “What does that mean?”
“You were recently fired.”
Her stomach dropped, and not in a good way. Forget his deep, soothing voice and the sexy confidence that thrummed off him. If he made one wrong comment about her losing her job she would lunge across the desk and strangle him with that blue tie. “Laid off.”
“We both know that’s not true.” Derrick didn’t stop talking long enough to let her break in. “It would appear I’m not the only one who has an image to salvage. While you’re doing that, I will pay your bills.”
That sounded like...well, not good. “No.”
“Consider this an acting role of sorts. One for which you should be paid.” He picked up the folder in front of him and slid it toward her. “Here.”
“What’s that?”
“A contract.”
The guy was prepared. She had to give him that. “You think I’m going to say yes then sign something?”
“Why wouldn’t you?”
“Love, honor, decency.” She probably should have thrown in a few more words but her brain refused to reboot. It had been misfiring ever since he’d smiled that first time.
“I’m not sure what any of those have to do with this arrangement.” He nodded at the folder. “Take a look. Everyone benefits.”
“Mostly you.”
“I don’t deny I get something out of this, but so do you. More important, so does Noah.”
That sounded good but she doubted Derrick would deal fairly with Noah at this point. She couldn’t believe the charges against her brother. But the idea that Derrick would waste time going after Noah if he was innocent didn’t make much sense, either.
As soon as the doubts crept into her head about her brother, she tried to push them out again. Be loyal. “Noah denies the charges.”
“He’s lying.” Derrick didn’t even flinch as he talked. Never broke eye contact. Didn’t give away any sign that he doubted what he said.
Something about his coolness made her insides shake. “Why should I believe you over my brother?”
“Deep down, you know I’m right.”
“I don’t think—”
“Yes, it would be better if you didn’t, but I’m betting you will study this proposal from every angle.” Derrick put his hand on the folder. “You can have until tomorrow morning.”
She had to grab on to the chair next to her for balance. The room had started spinning and with each word he said rocked her harder. “For what?”
“To give me your response. As I said, time is of the essence. I am currently holding off the prosecutor but he needs an answer about your brother.”
“And he’ll do what you say?”
“We went to college together.”
“Of course you did.” From her experience with the job search she knew powerful people stuck together. But the caress of Derrick’s voice, the concern in his tone—it all had her taking another step back. “This bargain or offer or whatever it is...it’s ridiculous. You know that, right? I need to know you know that.”
But even as she said the words her mind starting working. He could help Noah. She could get her life in order. Derrick offered breathing room and support, and that tempted her even though she knew she couldn’t trust him one inch.
“Your brother’s actions leave me with little option, and he shows no signs of stopping even if he is arrested. Shareholder discontent is an issue. I also have a
