Dirty Deal

by Crystal Kaswell

  His hand brushes the outside of my thigh. "I want to announce our relationship at the party."

  "Oh. Okay."

  "And to ask you to marry me."

  "Already?" It's only been a week. Not even.

  He nods. "Things are moving faster than I'd hoped."

  "What things?"

  His gaze goes back to the window. "We'll need to move up our timeline. Get married next month."

  "Next month as in April?"

  He nods. "That is the month after March."

  I think he's teasing me. Maybe. "Is that really plausible?"

  "If we tell everyone we've been dating in secret." He looks me in the eyes. There's something in his expression. A sadness. "I hate rushing this, but it's the only way."

  "What do you need from me?"

  "I made a document. More of my history. A fake history for us. I need you to make one for yourself. Tomorrow. Email it to me. I'll have it memorized."

  "We could just hang out. Get to know each other. That kind of thing."

  His smile is sad. "There isn't time." He leans in to press his lips to mine. "This is faster. Easier." He finishes his last sip of whiskey, stands, brings the glass back to the bar. "I'm going to be busy the rest of the week. I'll send a car for you Friday."

  "Okay."

  He turns so his back is to me. "You're welcome to hang out in the office, but I need to get back to work."

  "Oh. Sure." He's kicking me out of here too. And this time all he got from me was a kiss.

  "I'll email the document to you."

  I nod. "Sure. I'll see you Friday."

  "Goodnight, Kat."

  "Goodnight." I turn and leave and spend the subway ride thinking about the sadness in his eyes.

  It's something bad.

  But what?

  Chapter 9

  Blake's fingers graze my back. They press the silk of my dress into my skin.

  He rests his hand on the curve of my waist.

  It's possessive. Sweet. Loving.

  Of course, that's all a lie.

  No, the possessive part is real. I think. But the rest of it—

  I force my lips into a smile.

  I lean into his touch.

  He turns to me with wide, bright eyes. He stares at me like he's madly in love with me. Like I'm his favorite thing in the entire world.

  I swallow hard.

  This is a lie.

  He doesn't love me. I don't love him. Yes, I have all the facts in his about me memorized, and he knows all of mine, but that's surface level. We don't understand each other. Not when we're dressed.

  I press a French-manicured nail into the pad of my thumb. I think about sitting next to Lizzy, gossiping about all the obnoxious customers at Pixie Dust, the boutique where she works. I think about our dinner this evening, the one at the cute place around the corner, with the waiter who always gives me extra pancakes.

  When I look back to Blake, I forget everything.

  I think about his smile and his eyes and his shoulders.

  I think about his body on top of mine.

  I think about the sadness that creeps into his expression.

  And how badly I want to wipe it away.

  He leans in to whisper in my ear. "You're perfect."

  My breath catches in my throat. I'm perfect. At pretending. Only I'm not. Not really.

  He pulls back and turns to a man in a navy suit.

  Blake offers his hand. The guy shakes.

  He turns to me. "You must be Kat."

  I nod. "I must."

  "I've heard a lot about you." He offers his hand.

  I take it. Make my grip as strong as I can. "Kat Wilder. It's nice to meet you." I offer my best coquettish grin. Has Blake really mentioned me? We've only been faking dating a week.

  "Declan Jones." He pulls his hand back to his side. "Blake undersold your beauty."

  I press my lips into a smile. "Thank you. I've heard so much about you." Okay, I skimmed his name in that little document that explained Blake's entire life. Declan is a San Francisco tech guy.

  "And where is your date?" Blake asks.

  "I'm here on business, my friend. No dates. But I'm glad you volunteered to entertain me." Declan smiles. "Things didn't work out well with Grace. Different lifestyles."

  "That means she wasn't okay with him seeing other women." Blake raises an eyebrow as if to challenge his friend.

  Declan shrugs with false modesty. So the guy is a bit of a player. No surprise. All that matters is that he's buying into this whole ruse.

  I have to admit, it's convincing. Blake is the quiet, protective boyfriend, and I'm the pretty young thing he needs on his arm.

  Blake bids his friend goodbye and turns to another man. He's tall, with a strong jaw and deep, intense eyes.

  "Should I know him?" I whisper.

  Blake shakes his head. "No. He's not a friend."

  "Then why's he here?"

  "You know the old expression. Keep your friends close and your enemies closer."

  This time, my smile is real. "You have enemies?"

  "More like competitors. That's Phoenix Marlowe. He's the owner of Odyssey."

  "I'm barely computer literate."

  "It's a new artificial intelligence program. Very cutting edge. It could disrupt the entire industry." He shakes his head. "Listen to me, using lingo. Forgive me."

  "Okay." The sincerity in his voice makes my knees weak.

  "I should introduce your sister, but…"

  "But?"

  "He has a reputation."

  "You're protective of Lizzy?"

  He nods. "She's family now."

  I stare back at him. He means it. So something about our impending marriage is real. He really does believe we'll be family. At least for a while.

  "He's handsome." He really is. "Not as handsome as you, but—"

  "I'm not jealous."

  "No? What if I go on and on about how I'd like to tear off his suit?"

  Blake stares back at me with a try harder expression.

  "How I'd like him to tie me to his bed?"

  "Would you?"

  "Maybe." No.

  Blake's eyes narrow. He is jealous. He shakes his head, refusing to admit it. "Then I'd have to find somewhere private right away. To remind you of how badly you need me."

  Yes. I like this plan. I nod. "You should."

  But we're cut off by another friend.

  I smile through our introduction. Then another. Then a dozen more.

  It gets to be a routine. Blake announces me. The guy says something about how I'm too beautiful for Blake. I laugh. Clutch Blake's arm. Insist he's the only one for me.

  He holds me tighter.

  His voice gets lower.

  Like he really is jealous.

  Like he can't stand other guys looking at me.

  A woman in her mid-twenties cuts in. "Blake."

  He remains steel. "This is my sister, Fiona."

  She nods hello. Presses her dark hair behind her ears. "Kat, isn't it?"

  I nod. "It's nice to meet you."

  She nods as she shakes. "Yes… it's… interesting." Her voice trails off. She doesn't believe our story, but she doesn't dwell on it. She turns to her brother. "Mom wants to meet your girlfriend. She said something about how she hopes you finally care about more than getting between a woman's legs."

  His mom said that?

  That's weird…

  Or maybe that's Fiona talking. There's something about her posture. She's on edge. Jealous? Or doubtful? It's hard to say.

  Either way, I need to sell this.

  I hold Blake tighter. "It's funny. Our relationship started out purely sexual. It was… mind-blowing. I'll spare you the details. But Blake is so sweet." I turn to him. Stare into his eyes. Cultivate every ounce of affection in the world. "I couldn't help myself. I fell head over heels."

  He runs his fingertips over my chin. "Kat…" His voice is soft. Sweet. Pure affection.

  Pure lov
e.

  He leans closer.

  Closer.

  His lips brush mine.

  He kisses me like he's madly in love with me.

  My stomach flutters. My knees knock together. My entire body is light. I believe it. I believe every drop of it.

  I rise to my tiptoes.

  I slide my arm around his neck.

  He presses his palm into my lower back to pull me closer.

  I kiss back harder. Pretend or not, his lips are perfect against mine.

  Fiona scoffs. "Get a room."

  Blake pulls back. He throws his sister a fuck you glance. "Where's Trey?"

  She plays with her wedding ring. "A conference."

  There's a sadness in her expression.

  Her husband is off somewhere and Blake is throwing our relationship in her face. That must hurt.

  Even if she seems… unpleasant.

  "He couldn't be bothered?" Blake's voice is all protective older brother.

  It makes my knees weak. First looking out for Lizzy and now for his not particularly kind sister. It's charming.

  "Mom is tired today. Put in some face time before your speech, okay?" she asks.

  "It's under control."

  "No, now. I'm not sure she's going to make it through your speech." She looks me up and down, picking me apart. "Where exactly did you and Blake meet?"

  I stare back with my best I'm madly in love with your brother look. "I bumped into him on my way out of an interview."

  "Oh? You work. That must be a refreshing change, Blake," Fiona says.

  Irritation flares in his expression. Okay, there's a hint in his eyes. But that's a lot for him.

  "What do you do?" Fiona asks.

  "I'm a waitress," I say.

  Fiona fights something. Judgment. Or maybe solidarity. I'm not sure.

  She looks to her phone. Frowns. "It was nice to meet you but I need to make a call."

  Something passes between her and Blake. It's pure sibling magic. I do the same thing with Lizzy.

  When their gaze breaks, she turns and leaves. Her steps are heavy. Frustrated.

  And my heart is racing.

  I'm still floating from that kiss.

  It was pretend.

  But none of this feels pretend.

  Not anymore.

  I grab a champagne flute from a passing waiter.

  It's amazing. Sweet. Bubbly. Fruity.

  I tilt the glass back, but Blake grabs my wrist.

  He leans in to whisper. "Slow down."

  It's a good idea. I need my wits about me. I need my inhibitions at full force.

  I nod. "Of course, honey."

  He presses his palm against my back as he leads me through the crowd. Everyone waves or nods.

  Most look at me the way Fiona did, like they're assessing me. Deciding if I'm the love of his life or a disposable piece of arm candy.

  I keep my eyes on the decorations. Sleek, abstract art in gold and silver. Totally incomprehensible, just like Blake.

  We make our way to a row of seats in the corner of the room. There's a woman sitting in the corner, nursing a glass of champagne.

  She's in her forties. Or maybe her fifties. I've never been good with ages. She's thin. No, she's tiny. Like she's disappearing.

  She's pretty, well-dressed with perfect hair and makeup, but there's something off about her. She's pale. Not typical New York in the winter pale. It's more like she's ill.

  Color spreads over her face as she sees Blake. Her eyes light up. Her lips curl into a smile.

  She looks me over. Not like everyone else. Like she's happy to see me. Like she wants me to be good enough for Blake. To be everything for Blake.

  She stands slowly.

  Blake rushes to help her, but he's too slow.

  She shakes her head. "My son has always been very protective." She turns to me. "You must be Kat."

  "Yes." I struggle to meet her gaze. She has the same intensity that Blake does, like she can read my mind. "I've heard so much about you."

  "Oh, you're so sweet to lie. If I know Blake, well, I doubt you've heard much about anything."

  I smile. A real smile this time.

  "Call me Meryl. And, please, none of that Mrs. Sterling crap. If you insist, it's Miss. Can't have any eligible bachelors thinking I'm off the market."

  I go to shake her hand, but she hugs me instead.

  Her head is pressed right up against my chest. Meryl is on the shorter side, and I'm wearing towering heels under my dress.

  She laughs. "Ah! I see why my son likes you."

  "Mom." Blake clears his throat. For a second, he sounds like a teenager complaining that his parents are embarrassing him.

  It's incredibly endearing.

  She laughs. "My son. It's not his fault, but he thinks I'm too old to notice these things." She turns to Blake. "One day you'll be in your late forties. You'll still be noticing breasts."

  Blake's cheeks flush. Holy crap. His mom is embarrassing him. It's so normal.

  Meryl shakes her head. "Dear, do you need to sit? Those heels look excruciating."

  "I'll be fine. I'm on my feet all day."

  "Really? What do you do?"

  "I'm a waitress." I brace for a snarky comment. Meryl seems nice, but people with money, you never know if they look down on the commoners.

  "Isn't it supposed to be server nowadays?" she asks.

  "It's all the same, really." Though I'm not doing it anymore.

  "You call shit roses, it still smells like shit." She laughs. "I used to wait tables at the nicest place in town. That's where I met the late Mr. Sterling."

  "Oh?"

  She nods. "You should have seen him. He dressed even better than Blake does. He was so flashy with his platinum watch. When Orson—"

  "Orson, really?"

  "I'm afraid so." Her smile lights up her entire face. "When he came into the restaurant, it was a commotion. All the girls wanted that table. It was the dream to marry a rich customer. Best way to get a better life. But I hated the asshole."

  "How did you two end up married?"

  "I've embarrassed Blake too much already."

  Blake is still red. It's amazing. I can hardly believe that he's capable of any kind of shyness.

  I lean closer and lower my voice to a whisper. "I won't tell."

  "It started off as sex. It was about the only thing we had in common. We got caught up in the passion. Then I… well, Blake knows this story. I got pregnant. It was a surprise, but it was wanted. I'd always dreamt of being a mother. We married immediately. Things were different then. People didn't have children out of wedlock." She finishes her last drop of champagne and moves towards the nearest waiter.

  Blake fusses over Meryl. He takes her glass. Shoots her a concerned look.

  She shakes her head. "I'd better let you go, dear. I'm sure Blake wants to show you off."

  "Likely."

  She studies my expression. "I wouldn't fault you if you were after his money or his looks."

  "I… Uh… It did start that way. Physically, I mean. But Blake's…" I look at Blake in the hopes he can rescue me from this conversation, but he's still finding another glass of wine. "He's wonderful."

  "Really? He's always seemed… uncompromising."

  "Sometimes. But I… I trust him to take care of me." At least that's not a lie. Not technically. I trust him to get me off. And that's taking care of me. In a way.

  "Be patient with him. His father wasn't a good man. It's no excuse, but…" She shakes her head as she falls into her thoughts.

  Blake arrives with two fresh glasses. He hands one to his mom and one to me. "Give us a minute."

  I nod. "Of course. It was lovely to meet you."

  Meryl nods. Neither of them speaks until I turn, and even then, it's too quiet for me to hear.

  Even so, I can tell they're talking about me.

  I can tell they're sharing a secret.

  Chapter 10

  The bathroom is as beautiful
as the rest of the hotel ballroom. The floors are marble. The mirrors are ornate. Modern art lines the walls.

  I turn the shiny fixture to cold and splash my neck.

  It helps.

  A stall door opens behind me. Footsteps move closer.

  I focus on applying another coat of lipstick. That berry color. The one that makes me feel like a sex goddess.

  Fiona steps up to the mirror. She stares at the sink as she washes her hands. Her eyes are red. Puffy.

  She's been crying.

  She looks to me as she grabs a paper towel. "I'm surprised Blake let you off his leash."

  I force myself to smile. That might be a threat or it might be sincere curiosity. Either way, I'm selling myself as madly in love. "He can't exactly join me here."

  "Hmm."

  "He is protective."

  "Try having him as an older brother."

  "I can imagine."

  "Every guy at our school was afraid to date me. They thought Blake would kick their asses."

  "Would he?"

  "What do you think?"

  "Excuse me?"

  "He's your boyfriend. You don't know how he reacts to jealousy?"

  "That was a long time ago."

  "Mhmm." She brushes her dark hair behind her ear. "No. Blake isn't violent. Well… not usually."

  I swallow the question that rises in my throat. There's something she isn't saying. Something I'm not supposed to know.

  She gives me another once-over. "I have to say. I didn't expect him with someone like you."

  "Like me how?"

  She pulls her lipstick from her clutch. "Blake is married to his job. He's worse than my husband. I always imagined him with someone who was the same."

  "I love my work too."

  "Waiting tables?"

  "I'm an artist. I have a lot to learn. It keeps me busy."

  She nods, accepting my story. Or maybe that's an okay, whatever you tell yourself nod. I'm not sure.

  "Blake makes time for me." That's true. Sort of. "He wants to change things. He knows he won't be happy unless he does."

  "I hope you're right. But you know what they say about men and change?"

  "No. I don't."

  "That's it. They don't."

  Deep breath. This is a test and I need to pass. "I guess time will tell."

  Fiona bites her lip. "Or does it not matter to you?"

  "Excuse me?"