Arranged

by Jennifer Kittredge

  “Sam, what are you doing here?” He moved toward me, and I fumbled with my keys, dropping them nervously at my feet. He picked them up and placed them in my hand.

  “I was in the neighborhood and wanted to be sure you received my flowers.” He leaned down, kissing me on my cheek, and I fumbled with my keys again.

  “Yes, I did. Thank you. I wanted to call and say thank you this morning but realized I didn’t have your number.”

  “Ah, I see. Well, we should remedy that. Let me see your phone.” He held out his hand.

  I handed him my phone hesitantly, unsure of having his phone number. As he punched his number in, I stared at his chiseled jaw shaded with what I assumed was a few days’ worth of stubble. He really was a beautiful creature. His five o’clock shadow gave him a roguish, sexy confidence which filled my mind with impure thoughts. He looked up, catching me staring at him, and a soft grin spread across his face. I was flustered, finding it impossible to speak. Warmth worked its way up my neck. I felt like a kid who’d been caught stealing candy out of a candy store.

  “There you go, then.”

  “Thank you again. You definitely put some much-needed fun into my life yesterday.”

  “I’m so glad I could help. How about dinner tonight?”

  “Um, you don’t have to do that, Sam. Honestly, you’ve done enough. I don’t need you to offer me dinners out of pity.” And I don’t need to spend any more time alone with you.

  “Oh, Sydney, this is definitely not pity. I’ll pick you up at seven. Be ready.”

  With that, he turned and strolled easily back to his car. I knew I shouldn’t be excited about another night out with Sam, but I couldn’t seem to quiet the emotions swirling inside me. It had been a really long time since I had felt any form of emotion other than sadness, so feeling happy and excited was a welcome change, even if I was playing with fire.

  Sam picked me up promptly at seven. He was dressed in jeans, a white long-sleeved button-down with the sleeves rolled up to his mid arm, and loafers. Damn, he’s hot.

  I had settled on jeans, heels, and a silk flowing tank top with big hoop earrings and was relieved that I was neither over nor under-dressed. He hadn’t thought to guide me, and I hadn’t thought to ask, so choosing an outfit had been a real challenge.

  “Aren’t you a sight for sore eyes,” he said as I opened the front door.

  “I could say the same about you.”

  His slow, sexy smile spread across his face. I felt my pulse quicken, desire building within me.

  “Shall we go?”

  “I’m ready.”

  “You look beautiful.”

  “Thank you. I haven’t had this much activity in my life in years.” I smiled to myself, happy he’d insisted on spending the evening with me.

  Sam opened the passenger-side door for me to slide in. He moved easily to the other side.

  “Where are we off to?”

  “It’s another surprise, but I think you’ll like it.”

  I settled in, enjoying the anticipation. After last night’s surprise, I was open to anything. Sam was fun, and I enjoyed his company.

  There was something about Sam Andrews that pulled at me. I didn’t quite know what it was, but it made me a little uncomfortable because I knew his reputation. I had to keep myself in check and remind myself we are simply two friends hanging out together. He’d said so himself. He didn’t believe in happily ever after. He made it perfectly clear that people changed, and it wasn’t likely that people stayed together forever.

  “So where are we going?” I asked, distracting myself from my racing thoughts.

  “I told you it was a surprise. We’re almost there.”

  He pulled his Aston Martin—I actually looked it up on line to find out what it was—up to the front of a home on Davis Island, got out, and walked around to my side of the car.

  “Where are we?”

  “My home,” he replied easily.

  I tensed at the words, and he obviously picked up on my immediate reserve.

  “It’s okay. We won’t be inside for long. I have something fun planned.”

  I hesitated, still not entirely comfortable and especially since he’d not mentioned going there. “Okay.” I didn’t think being alone with Sam at his house was a very good idea.

  “Come.” He took my hand in that assertive way I now recognized as who he was. Despite my misgivings, I liked the way my hand fitted in his. I shook my head, trying to remove the thought from my head.

  “Mr. Andrews, everything’s ready, sir.”

  “Thanks, John. I appreciate it. John, Sydney Alexander.”

  “How do you do, ma’am.”

  “Sydney. Please. It’s nice to meet you, John.”

  My nerves were on high alert as we walked through the magnificent house and out onto the back deck.

  “Wow, this is absolutely gorgeous.”

  “It is. It also happens to be one of my favorite places. The view is spectacular—soothing, I think, which is why it appeals to me.”

  “I can see why.”

  “Come. Dinner will be ready soon.”

  Sam took my hand again, leading me to a massive yacht behind his house.

  “I hope you don’t get seasick.”

  “I don’t. I love being on the water. Are we going out?”

  “Yes. I thought dinner and a sunset cruise would be nice. What do you think?”

  “I think it sounds fantastic. You really didn’t have to go to all this trouble.” I felt a bit uneasy, knowing Sam had gone out of his way for me. No one had ever made an effort for me like this before.

  “It’s no trouble at all. I told you, I like making people happy. It’s good to see you smile, Sydney.”

  We made our way onto the yacht. Sam’s crew was at hand, and the captain came out to greet us and notified Sam we would be on our way in a few moments.

  “Ah, Sherri. It’s great to have you on board tonight.”

  “It’s nice to see you again, Mr. Andrews. Hello, Sydney.” She smiled politely at me. “What can I get you two to start off with?”

  “How about two glasses of something sparkling, Sherri? Something light and crisp seems about right for this beautiful night,” Sam replied easily.

  “Yes, sir. I’ll be back in a moment.”

  In silence, we made our way up to the second deck and out onto the upper balcony. The night had a refreshingly soft chill to it. February in Florida had beautiful weather, and tonight was one of those nights where the soft, cool air was welcome. Sherri came back with a glass of champagne for each of us.

  “Mr. Andrews, dinner will be ready in about thirty minutes.”

  “Wonderful. Thank you, Sherri.”

  I could feel Sam’s eyes on me, which set me a little on edge. I wasn’t sure why I felt so nervous around him tonight. He was merely being friendly, I reminded myself. He’d said he liked bringing happiness into others’ lives. I really need to get a grip.

  “Cheers, Sydney. To a beautiful night and an even more beautiful companion.”

  “Cheers to you, Sam. Thank you for being so gracious to me this weekend.”

  “It’s my absolute pleasure.”

  I felt the boat move gently away from the dock. A thrill of excitement made its way up my spine. I loved nothing more than being on the water. There was something about it that soothed my soul, and it needed some serious soothing, too. Sam had given me that gift this weekend. It has been a long time since I had felt contented and peaceful.

  “I mean it, Sam. It’s been a long time since I have felt this at peace. Thank you.”

  “You’re very welcome. Take it in and enjoy it.”

  We moved slowly into the bay in a comfortable silence. I sipped cautiously at my champagne, determined to make it last, and relished in the crisp tang of the breeze against my cheeks. He captured my attention when he took my hand to lead me to the outside dining table covered with candles. Sherri arrived soon after with our dinner.

 
“Thank you, Sherri. I think we’re all set for now.”

  “You’re welcome, Mr. Andrews. I’ll be back shortly to check on you.”

  “So, Sam Andrews, is this how you treat all your friends?” I asked him with a sly smile on my face. It had slipped out, though I wasn’t sorry. Whether it was the bubbly drink, or the setting, or both, I felt daring, a little emboldened and a whole lot curious.

  “Actually, no. You’re the first. I mean, I love my friends dearly, but I haven’t let anyone this close in a long time.”

  “Oh.” He caught me totally off guard. I would have sworn he did this for all his friends and the women he dated.

  “You’re a breath of fresh air, Sydney. I appreciate your company.”

  “I’m flattered, but why me? What makes me so different? I don’t understand.”

  “Well, for one, you don’t trip all over yourself when you’re near me, like most people do. In fact, I think the first time we met you were a little more put off that you actually had to meet with me.” He chuckled as he swirled the wine in his glass.

  “Bingo.”

  “I could tell. You actually pulled yourself together rather quickly, but I knew you were annoyed at having to meet with Sam Andrews.”

  “I was. Knowing your reputation, I didn’t want to have to deal with your antics. From what I hear, you can be a real bulldog when it comes to business. I had no idea what you would be like that day, and I wasn’t sure I wanted to find out.”

  “Ah, yes, a bulldog. I’ve heard that many times. When it comes to getting what I want, I’ll do whatever it takes,” he said simply. His eyes, however, lingered on mine, their intensity teasing hot color into my cheeks. A soft chill traced up my spine.

  “The second reason I enjoy your company is that you are not overly impressed with money and things. You enjoy them and appreciate them, but you don’t crave them. You aren’t salivating to get your hands on them. Most of the women I’ve dated are really only after one thing—well two things really. My money, and what I can offer them. I don’t feel that way with you. In fact, I bet if I didn’t have any of this, you’d still be here.”

  I felt heat rise up my neck. “You’re right. I would. Yes, this is wonderful and exciting, but it’s actually your company I enjoy more than any of it. You’re the first person to put a smile on my face and make me laugh in a very long time.”

  “Well, the feeling’s mutual, Sydney. Actually, I want to talk to you about something. I’ve been mulling it over in my mind since I met you.”

  “I’m all ears.”

  “I’d like to hire you.”

  I don’t quite know how to respond. “Hire me for what? You already work with Emily for all your real estate needs. I would never do that to her if that’s what you’re asking.”

  “That’s not what I’m asking.” He paused for a moment, running his hand through his hair in a gesture that seemed to speak uncertainty. Even the thought of Sam Andrews vaguely uncertain was intriguing. “I’d like to hire you to marry me and be my wife for the next year or so.”

  My mouth fell open.

  “I’m sorry. What? What do you mean, you’d like to hire me to be your wife? Have you totally lost your mind?”

  “Just hear me out, Sydney. Please.”

  “Oh, I’m all ears,” I said sarcastically.

  “Okay, I know this sounds crazy. My grandfather recently notified me that there is a clause in his will regarding his grandchildren. There are only two of us—me and my cousin Marcus, who is a complete asshole—but the clause reads that we can only inherit if we’re married. If we aren’t married by the time he passes away, his entire estate, everything, will be split up and sold off to the highest bidder. If one of us is married and the other isn’t, the married grandchild will inherit everything. Marcus is married. He has been for about five years now. I, as you well know, don’t necessarily believe in the institution of marriage, so it was never on my radar until he made it clear to me last month. I intended to simply let it go and give it all up, but then you walked into my life. You’d be paid well, Sydney.”

  “I can’t believe this. I’m at a total loss for words. I thought you actually enjoyed my company. I thought we were becoming friends.” Tears welled up in my eyes, and I dashed them away with the back of my hand. I hated myself in that moment for my weakness, but I hated him more for his callous indifference.

  “Sydney, that’s why I’m asking you. When I met you, you were different. I actually enjoy being with you. You’re an absolute pleasure. This thought didn’t even pop into my head until we were on our way home from Miami last night. Remember when you asked, ‘a penny for your thoughts?’ The plan had just come to me. I know it sounds crazy.”

  “I just don’t understand, Sam. You have so much. Why do you care if you inherit more? How much could you possibly need?”

  “It’s not what I’ll inherit Sydney. It’s more about having control over our family’s business. Yes, I have my own, but I can’t let Marcus take control and ruin everything my grandfather has built. He’ll destroy it. He’ll lose everything with his reckless spending and less than legal business ventures. My father is dead. Marcus’ father, my uncle, is a complete drunk, so my grandfather willed everything to his grandchildren instead. I don’t want him to lose everything he worked so hard to build. It doesn’t seem fair. Will you at least think about it?”

  “You’re asking me to give up my life for you. That’s a lot to ask.”

  “I understand, but you said you’ve been living in your pj’s for a year, Sydney. This has got to sound much more exciting than that. Plus, you’ll be compensated—handsomely. Twenty thousand dollars a month, with a guarantee of two hundred and fifty thousand dollars, no matter how long our business arrangement lasts. If the arrangement goes on longer than a year, you’ll receive another two hundred and fifty thousand. I don’t think it will, as my grandfather doesn’t have much longer to live. They have given him maybe six months.”

  “Holy shit, Sam. That’s a lot of money. I don’t need that much money. I do make a living on my own, you know.”

  “I know. But…this is important to me. I wouldn’t trust anyone else. I know we’ve only just met, but you’re not like everyone else. You’re kind and honest. I don’t have to put on a game face with you. I actually feel like I can trust you.”

  My head spun, the victim of a thousand incoherent thoughts colliding in mental chaos. Was this really happening to me? This proposition was more than I could process at the moment.

  “I need time to think about this.”

  “That’s all I ask.”

  “I’m not making any guarantees, Sam. I said I would think about it. That’s it.”

  “Thank you.”

  Chapter Four

  I lay in my bed, staring up at the ceiling, Bear curled against me. He thought he was a small lap dog, when in all actuality, he was a very large chocolate labradoodle. His big blue eyes looked up at me when I sighed heavily.

  “What in the world have I gotten myself into, Bear?” I moaned my frustrations at the ceiling.

  He looked at me for a moment, then rested his head back on my stomach. I was still in shock over Sam’s proposition. How could someone actually expect another person to give up a part of their life for a period of time, even if it was to help them inherit a shit ton of money? It didn’t make sense. He already had so much. I felt like there was something he hadn’t told me, something he’d purposely left out of the equation.

  Yes, the money would be absolutely life-changing. I was in debt up to my eyeballs since James left me. A hundred thousand dollars in debt, to be exact, and I struggled to get a handle on it. James had no problem walking away and leaving me with everything. What an asshole.

  Then there was my mom. Lauren and I had been taking care of her for the last few years since Dad died. Mom had never worked. Instead, she chose to stay home and raise us girls. When dad died, she received very little monthly, barely making ends meet.

  Add
ed to that, with all the surgeries she’d had to have since the accident, Lauren and I did our best to help her out monthly so that she could do more than just survive. Even our contribution didn’t make that much of an impact, but it helped some. The money from Sam would change all our lives.

  Prying myself out of bed, I made my way to the kitchen for a cup of coffee. I had no plans this Sunday. I intended to make the most out of doing absolutely nothing. Bear and I sat out on the back porch. He loved sunning himself on the deck, while I lounged in my favorite chair, cup of coffee in hand. There was so much to think about. Could I really sell my life for the next year and a half? What would that make me if I did? Could I pretend to be Sam’s wife? Would we be convincing enough to get away with it? If I agreed, he’d have to stop seeing other women for the time we were together. There was no way I could handle that. I wouldn’t want to be made to look like a fool while married to the world’s most notorious bachelor.

  Ugh. I wished Emily were home from vacation, so I could have someone to talk this over with—although I couldn’t talk it over with her because Sam had sworn me to secrecy. He’d explained there’d be contracts for both of us to sign if I went through with this.

  I spent most of my day in my pj’s, lost in thought about the pros and cons of the proposition. Part of me wanted to run as fast as I could in the opposite direction, and the other part wanted to dive right in. The thought of being able to take care of my mom and get out of debt was definitely appealing.

  My phone rang, making me jump. Looking at the number coming through, I saw it was Lauren.

  “Hey, sis.”

  “Hey, Laur, what’s up?”

  “Not much, just checking in.”