She didn't speak, and I kept going.
"All of this rides on you. I've placed a great deal of trust in you right now. You could run to Julian tomorrow, or even Mateo, and blow this entire idea for me—but I hope you won't. Think about the money and what it could do for you.
A few months of your time, for what I'll pay you, is more than you'll make all year. In fact, I'll guarantee you sixty grand. Six months. Even if we part ways after three. It has to be twice what you make in a year."
"And all I have to do is . . ."
". . . is act as though you love me." She fixed me with a look, which said everything she didn't want to express.
"Do I get this in writing?"
"Yes. We'll both sign a confidentiality agreement. I'll pay you twenty grand up front. You'll get the rest at the end of each month. In addition, I'll open an account for you to use for expenses. Clothes, any incidentals; that sort of thing. I expect you to dress the part, as well as act it."
She studied me for a moment. "I need to think about this."
"You can't think long. If you agree, you need clothes for Saturday, and we need to spend some time together getting to know each other."
"If I don't agree?"
"I'll tell Mateo you're ill and can't make it. Then hope he gives me a chance to prove myself and hires me regardless."
"And if not?"
"I'll leave New york, but I don't want to. I want to stay here, and I'm asking you to help me."
She stood up. "I have to go."
I rose to my feet, looking down—she barely reached my chest. "I need your answer soon."
"I know."
"Where are you parked?"
She blinked at me. "I don't have a car, Mr. Moore. I walked here."
"It's too late for you to be out on your own. I'll get Henry to call you a cab."
"I can't afford a cab."
"I'll pay for it," I huffed. "I don't want you walking. Can you drive? Do you know how?"
"Yes, I just can't afford to own a car."
"I'll get you one. If you agree to do this arrangement, I'll buy you a car. You can keep it. Think of it as a signing bonus."
She bit her lip, shaking her head. "I don't know what to think about any of this."
"Think of it as an opportunity. A lucrative one." I flashed a grin. "A deal with the devil, if you want."
She only arched her eyebrow. "Good night, Mr. Moore."
"Ethan."
"What?"
"If I can't call you Miss Brown, you can't call me Mr. Moore, either. My name is Richard. You'll have to get used to saying it."
"Maybe I'll call you something else entirely."
I could imagine what she called me to herself. I could think of several names that would be appropriate.
"We'll speak in the morning." With a nod, she left. I called down to Henry, telling him to
get her a cab and put it on my account. I got myself a scotch and sat down on the sofa, frustrated. Earlier, when I spoke, I made the snap decision to make Miss Brown my
fiancée rather than merely my girlfriend.
It made my decision to leave Titan Inc. all that more solid. It showed I was serious and ready for real commitment— something I felt Mateo would value. It didn't matter to me
one way or another—girlfriend or fiancée—but to someone like Mateo, it would.
Girlfriend said temporary, replaceable. Fiancée implied permanency and trust. I was certain he would react favorably to that title.
I yanked on my cowlick in apprehension, and downed the scotch in one swallow. I had hoped to get an answer from her right away; however, it became apparent I wasn't going
to get it. So now, Miss Brown, the woman I disliked, and from all accounts, felt the same way about me, held my future in her hands.
It was an odd feeling.I didn't like it. I sank into the cushion of the sofa as my head fell back, my mind drifting. My phone beeping startled me, and I realized I'd nodded off. I picked up the phone, glancing at the two words on the screen.
I accept.
With a smirk, I tossed my phone on the table. My plan was full steam ahead.
The next morning, we both acted as if nothing was different. Miss Brown brought in my coffee and bagel, carefully placing them on my desk. She went over my schedule, confirming two meetings I had outside the office.
"I won't be back this afternoon."
She looked puzzled, checking her notebook.
"You don't have anything in your schedule."
"I made the appointment myself. Personal business. I'll go.straight to my two o'clock afterward. In fact, I won't be back this afternoon. Take the time off."
"Pardon me?"
I sighed. "Miss Brown, can you not understand English?
Take the afternoon off."
"But . . ."
I pinned her with a glare. "Take the afternoon off."
I lowered my voice. "My place at seven, okay?"
"Okay," she breathed out.
"If you need anything—business related—text me..Otherwise, it needs to wait."
She nodded. "I understand."
It was common knowledge Titan Inc. monitored emails. Not one to take chances, I had my own cellphone, to which only a select few had the number. I knew there was no point asking Miss Brown if she had one, as money seemed limited.
I planned to rectify that today, along with my other errands. I didn't want to take the chance Julian had texts and calls monitored, as well.
"You can go." I dismissed her. She hesitated before withdrawing an envelope from her
thick notepad, and placed it on the desk.
She left without a word, closing the door behind her. I took a bite of my bagel, then reached for the envelope and opened it, removing the folded papers. It was a list about her. Things she thought I should know: pertinent dates, her favorite colors, music, foods, general likes and dislikes.