Page 30 of Bridesmaid for Hire
“Just trying to get to know you better.” He turns toward me as I settle into bed. I take one of the king-sized pillows and I slam it between us.
“Don’t even think about crossing over this pillow. That’s your side and this is my side.”
“Don’t need to worry about me touching you,” he says as he lifts the pillow and settles it behind his head. “I’m here for business and nothing else. And if you considered yourself a businesswoman, then you would have the same attitude.”
I sit up and stare at him. “Are you questioning my business practices?”
“I’m just saying if you looked at this from a business perspective, you wouldn’t be putting up such a fight. You’d see this as an opportunity. I can help you and you can help me.”
“And how in fact canyouhelp me?”
“Well, since I’m obviously in the know with Haisley, I can make sure to talk you up, support you in your new bridesmaid endeavor, be the doting boyfriend.”
“Uh-huh…and how does that make up for you sleeping in my bungalow on my vacation?”
“Listen, you’re the one who invited yourself as a date. You were the one who pulled the trigger on the fake relationship. I was just going to attend this wedding, hopefully have a few conversations with Hopper, but now you’ve turned it into so much more. And I can either be your assistant in this insane mission…or I can be your worst enemy. Take your pick.” He offers me an evil smirk that makes me want to scream.
“If you’re going to act like a dick, I’m going to act like a dick.”
“Yes, but it’s your reputation that you’re hurting. It’s your business. I can always find a new job, but can you really stomach the idea of losing the business you’ve been building since you graduated?”
Ugh, he’s so right and that makes him that much more annoying. Because I would never do anything to jeopardize my business. I have poured every ounce of myself into it and the thought of ruining it to prove a point to a man that I can’t stand is—well, it’s just not an option.
Which only means one thing…it’s time to strike up a contract.
I can’t have him going rogue. I have to keep him in line and a contract is the only way to do that.
I flip the covers back and I walk over to the desk where I’ve set out my computer, some paper, and my favorite pens. Yes, I was supposed to be on vacation, but I like to have things readily available just in case there are any emergencies with my couples.
I bring the notepad and pen over to the bed just as he asks, “What are you doing?”
“We’re writing out a contract.”
“A contract?” he asks as he sits up now and leans against the headboard. I glance to the right for a brief moment, catching sight of his impressive chest once more and truly hating him for keeping up with his workout regimen. This would be so much better if he was at least clothed. “For what?”
“To keep you in line,” I answer.
“Me in line?” he points to his chest. “I’m not the one going around claiming to be people’s significant other. That was all on you. I was just trying to live my life. If anyone needs to be kept in line, it’s you.”
He’s never going to let me live that down. “Fine, then because I don’t trust you. You just waltzed in here, made yourself at home with no regard for my wishes. Ever think that this might be my sanctuary and I don’t want it disturbed by your smelly man shoes and unkempt suitcase scattered across the floor?”
“No,” he says flatly. “Ever consider that I didn’t want you as mycharminggirlfriend during this trip? How do you know I don’t have a girl back home?”
“Because Gary asked me if my friend Hattie was still single. He wanted to set you up.”
“Why the hell would he ask that?” Brody says with a curl to his lip. Never realized how much he wasn’t into relationships until now. Between what Haisley said and now his total distaste at being set up with Hattie. He would be so lucky. Hattie is a real catch.
“Gary asked that because he’s moving on with his life and he wants you to settle down so he can do couples things with you.”
Brody clutches his chest. “Aww, that’s sweet.”
“Ew, stop that.” I shiver. “I don’t need you awing over my brother.”
“You know, it’s okay for guys to have close friends. You have Hattie, let me have Gary.”
“Gary is a simpleton,” I say as I write “Maggie and Brody Contract” at the top of my piece of paper.
“I can agree with that, but that doesn’t mean he shouldn’t be loved.”
