Guard your heart. He seemed interested now, but she didn’t know anything about him or his dating habits. He might be the fly-through-and-conquer-then-leave type. She could be a professional about this. Granted there was nothing at all professional about Zachary asking them to have a fake relationship, but as far as she could tell, Hollywood did it all the time.
So she could too, somehow. Yeah right. Maybe she should stop looking at him. She laughed, knowing if anyone heard her laughing in here by herself, they’d think she’d lost it.
And then Devon stood in the doorway. “Thinking of your new love?”
She waved him in. “Devon! To what do I owe this honor?” She swallowed her embarrassment.
“I had a meeting downstairs so I thought I’d swing by before heading back.” He sat next to her. “How’s it going with the playboy?”
She choked on her water. “It’s great, actually. He knows his stuff, is easy to work with, and makes things fun around here.”
Devon watched her in silence until she became a little uncomfortable. “What? Devon, I have to work with him. Did you come here hoping I’d mope and complain?”
“I just don’t want to lose my main girl over a foreign hot guy who’s gonna leave as quickly as he came.”
“Was I ever your main girl, really?”
He shrugged. “You know what I mean.”
“I do. Look Devon. We’re still friends. Let’s go to dinner this next week. Nothing’s changed as far as that goes, but I’m committed to the plan. This is my baby now, as much as anyone’s, and we have to see it through and see it be successful.”
He grunted. “You’re loyal to a fault.”
“Perhaps I am, but consider my career. You would do the same.”
He stood to go. “I’ll call you about dinner.” Then he stooped to kiss her cheek.
Thad blocked his exit in the doorway. “Come to spy on the competition?”
Devon stood a few inches shorter than Thad but stared him down anyway. “No. You aren’t the competition.”
Thad crossed his arms. “Oh no?” He looked at Sage. “From what I hear, Devon’s company, is venturing into product as well. In about ten days, you will be our main competition.”
Sage couldn’t believe she hadn’t heard. “Is this true Devon?”
He nodded. “Just signed the agreement downstairs. Which makes me highly curious as to how Thad here came to know about it.”
He tapped his ears. “Super hearing.”
Sage snorted but Devon turned red in the face. “Confidentiality agreements mean nothing anymore.”
“Don’t be too hard on them, Devon. Everyone loves to tell a good story.”
Devon nodded to them both and stomped out of the room.
Sage shook her head. “You shouldn’t pester him like that. He is actually a very powerful man around here.”
Thad sat down beside her. “I’m not concerned. Power doesn’t intimidate me.”
“I can well believe that.” Thad emanated power, in a cheery jolly sort of way, the man probably got whatever he wanted from most people. And strangely, she was not inclined to deny him anything either. “How was your lunch?”
He shifted, a flash of discomfort on his face. “Fine. I took a picture of the sandwich for my brothers. He held it up to her. “Six inches.”
She smiled. Too much meat for her. “The famous NY deli sandwich.”
Zachary burst into their room. “What are you doing, Thad?”
He froze, his eyes widening. “Pardon me?”
Zachary clicked a remote and images flashed on the screen. “One of your fan websites is showing this. Someone screen shotted it and the tweets are just picking up momentum. “New girlfriend?”
Sage’s insides curled. Thad was seen welcoming a blonde into his arms, kissing her mouth. Kissing her mouth. She turned to him.
He held up his hands. “That is not what it looks like.”
But he even sounded guilty.
Sage counted to five before she responded. She had no right to claim anything from him, but after refusing to kiss her, he had openly kissed this other woman in broad daylight. She was happy to do her job, but she didn’t want to be played. “It looks very much like what it is. You kissing a woman.” She started to clean up her lunch. “Thad, I know we are having a fake relationship, but I can’t come out of this looking like an idiot.”
“You won’t, you don’t. That’s Monique. I told her to stop. She planned it, cameras and all. She’s just looking for attention. People do this all the time in Torren. We stop inviting them places.”
“And you agreed to meet her.”
Zachary kept clicking. Image after image of them, all on different sites.
“Stop already. I know.” Thad motioned to Zachary. “This is bad. But it will blow over, go away, if we ignore it. Me and Sage are about to have the most romantic first week of dating of our lives. No one will care about the greasy Monique once they see us.”
Sage snorted. “This conversation is getting more ridiculous by the minute. Look Zachary, maybe this isn’t such a good idea. As soon as my family knows about us.” She pointed to herself and Thad, “They are gonna be paying attention to stuff like this. Real feelings will become involved.”
Thad humphed. “You don’t think I’m affected by real feelings? I have a whole nation of people just waiting to gossip about me, a family full of brothers, and a mother. Yes, I have a mother too.”
“Then why are you meeting women for lunch, kissing them in broad daylight? Use some sense, man.” Zachary’s voice sounded harsher that Sage thought it needed to, but she was grateful for the sentiment.
“I could ask the same thing.” She stared him down. No matter who he was, Sage refused to be treated unfairly, or to come off worse after this whole thing.
He ran a hand through his hair. “She’s an old family friend, but she’s known for this stuff. I should have predicted. I just think everyone deserves a second chance, you know? Or twentieth. She’s pretty predictable. I should have known.” He tuned to Sage. “Look, I know how this makes you look. I’m sorry. I’ll make it up to you. We can write the story so you have the upper hand or something.” He got down on one knee. “I will spend our whole fake dating relationship worshipping you in every way. Taking note of everything you say, working to make all your dreams a reality.” His eyes, wide, earnest, she almost melted at his feet until she had to remind herself a couple times, that he was talking about a fake relationship. That he didn’t mean any of it. And that he was trying to get out of the doghouse.
“What are we going to do to fix this?”
Thad winked. “I have a few ideas. I’ll pick you up at seven?”
Sage paused. She didn’t trust Thad, not when he had such quick responses, but she agreed to give him a chance. “Seven it is.”
Chapter 10
Thad knew he had a lot to prove on this first date. A playboy image was fine as long as he was respectful and single, but a playboy image when he is supposed to be developing a relationship with a respectable woman, would not fly. And Sage deserved better. When all is said and done the whole charade would have to leave her better off because of their time together, personally and in the press.
He cared for Sage. As he considered how to shield her from harm, he started to realize how much. She was important to him. He was in earnest when he explained that in their quiet moments he would be sincere. He didn’t know where his feelings for Sage could take him, but for now, he had seen nothing that would make him want to backpedal. Except that they lived in different countries with no thought of giving up their homelands forever.
He texted his assistant. He had hired a new one for here in New York. Everything would be perfect. And draw attention, and give the press a lot of meat to mull over into the wee hours of the morning.
As the time to pick up Sage drew closer, he dressed with care, best casual suit, colored shirt, collar open, favorite cologne, unique, a Torren original. He shaved, but left
a touch of scruff. Eyeing himself critically in the mirror, he grinned. Then he texted Sage. “Are you ready, beautiful?”
“Already pouring on the compliments?”
“This is private, so I’m being sincere, remember?”
“Thank you. I’m ready.”
His driver waited downstairs. He whistled to himself on the way to her apartment. She lived close to Times Square which was perfect for his plans.
He exited the stopped car and rang the bell. Her excited voice came over the speaker, “Be right down.”
The sight of her made him swallow twice before he dared speak. No sense sounding like an inexperienced teenager. But she was stunning. Her dress, red, hugged her curves. He wanted to placed his hands at her waist and pull her close. But he resisted. Instead, he leaned close and said, “Still private. This is just for you as well. I’ve never dated a more stunning woman.”
Her eyes widened and then she smiled up at him. “Thank you. I need to remind myself you really do have sincere moments in all this. You know, the more I consider tonight, the more I look forward to you proving how our farce won’t ruin my reputation.”
Pleased, he nodded. “And you have yet to see what’s in store.”
He called out a bit louder. “I hope you like Italian. Our first stop is supposed to be the best in all of Manhattan.”
“I love Italian.”
“Perfect.”
They climbed into the car and he closed the privacy window. “We can speak freely in here.”
She sat next to him, close, and he draped an arm over her shoulder. She wiggled into him to get comfortable. “I imagine we can always speak freely. It’s not like we have much to hide.”
“No, but I just wanted to tell you I’m more excited about this date than any other. Some of it is all for show, you’ll see my ploys to gain attention, but I hope you also see moments where we are meant to have a little fun.”
Her eyes sparkled. “I’m all about fun.”
“Then this night is made for you.”
They talked of the inconsequential details that old friends do. He felt completely at ease, and she seemed relaxed. In some ways, being on a fake date took all the pressure off. Then the car pulled to a stop in front of one of the oldest restaurants in New York. “Show time.”
The entry was lined with cameras and people clamoring for attention.
“What?” Sage’s mouth opened in shock.
He grabbed her hand before he opened the door. “Relax. Just have some fun with it.”
She swallowed and then nodded.
He opened the door and the shouts and the flashes of cameras bombarded their senses. “Perhaps I overdid it with the leaked intel.”
She laughed. “I’d say.” But she smiled and waved to everyone.
A nearby man shouted, “You know he’s cheating on you, right?”
She shook her head and waved her hand as if it were nothing.
“How do you like being played, Sage?”
She froze.
“Let it roll off.” He whispered close to her ear.
They turned to face one side and then the other of the crowd, smiled for pictures and then they hurried inside. The maître d' met them at the door and led them quickly and quietly up a set of stairs. Deep, rich hardwoods lined the walls. The floor creaked in a delicious old sound. The lights were dim, and soft classical music played.
At the top of the stairs, they continued through a smaller dining room, mostly empty, and out onto a balcony. It wrapped around the building and they climbed one more set of stairs. Exiting onto the roof, she felt like they had entered another world. Thad was grateful his assistant in America was as detail oriented as the man in Torren. Sage gasped beside him. “This is incredible.”
Candles flickered on every surface all around them. The clicking of a camera surprised them both. Then Thad groaned. “I almost forgot about this part of it all.”
He swiveled Sage and they posed for a picture. “I gave him an exclusive. He paid a pretty penny for it too.”
Their table was set in the middle of the open area on the roof. As soon as Sage sat, a waitress laid the napkin across her lap and a string quartet began soft music.
“Thad, you really know how to show a girl a good time.”
Thad eyed their cameraman and then said. “I have a lot to make up for.”
Sage nodded. “You do. You’re off to a good start. At least she doesn’t mean anything to you.”
“I’m gonna prove it. You’ll never have another moment to doubt me.”
They gave their drink orders and picked an appetizer and then Thad winked. “Let’s play twenty questions.”
She grimaced. “Too many. How about two truths and a lie?”
“What’s wrong with twenty questions? You don’t want to tell me too much, is that it?”
“Well, exactly. This is great, but I’m not totally sure where we stand yet.”
The cameraman held a recording device out to catch their conversation.
“I’ll be anything you need. Keep giving me a chance.”
She smiled and said nothing.
“Ok, my two truths and a lie…”
Chapter 11
Sage had never had more fun on a date. Thad was amazing in all his planning, and it was so exhilarating to put on a show for their audience. Dinner was delicious, and now they were headed to the “after show” as Thad had called it.
“What does the after show involve?”
“You will just have to see.”
She sat up straighter in her seat and watched out the window. “Times Square?”
The car pulled to a stop one block over from the flashing lights and noise and crowd of Times Square.
They got out and Thad hurried right to the middle of it all, people on all sides.
“What are we doing here?” She liked Times Square well enough, but usually worked hard to avoid it whenever possible. But Thad was new to New York. Perhaps he still saw the excitement in it?
As they approached, the crowd grew thicker. They had to push through groups. The area looked like several tour buses had dropped off their entire capacity of occupants. Different languages from all directions excited Sage even while she wished half the people had not come at the same time as them.
Thad led them to a roped off section and he separated the rope from the pole and bowed for her to enter.
“What? Are you sure we can? What if we mess up their thing?”
“This, my dear, is our thing.”
She sucked in a breath. “Thad, what is this?” She smiled, but a tight nervousness grew. Already the huge crowd had turned to face them, curious about why they were standing in a roped off section of Times Square. She wished she could tell them.
“Relax, you look like a rabbit in the middle of the road.” Thad winked. “Trust me.”
In the center of their space was a microphone and several huge speakers. Thad waved toward something off to their right and music started to play, softly. The crowd quieted and people from farther away, gathered closer. Sage started to feel like they were at a concert, only she was onstage, something she had never done nor imagined doing. The sea of people blended together.
Thad held out his hand for hers and then led them to the microphone. “We’d like to thank you for being here with us for this special moment.”
Sage nodded like she was grateful for each one.
“Before we start, I just wanted to take a moment and apologize to Sage for treating her trust in me so callously.” He turned to her. “And this is my very public way of proving myself to you. We don’t know each other very well yet, but I want to see where this takes us. I’m. All. In.” He subtly winked then turned to the crowd. “And I’m asking you to do the same. So, Sage Parker, I dedicate this first song to you.”
Then the music to “Stand By Me” began, and Sage’s smile could have broken her face. She loved this song. It was a classic, overplayed, over sung, but she never tired of it, and the crowd�
��s cheers drowned out Thad for a moment. And then they sang along, a huge, swaying crowd of strangers joined in, multiple different accents obvious. He pulled her close and held the mic between them. For a moment she panicked. Mostly tone deaf, she avoided moments like this very one. People never asked her to sing twice. But the crowd was swaying in place, singing terribly, Thad was belting out the words, she felt a speck of courage and grabbed on tight. As her first notes sounded through the speakers, a few people cringed, but she kept at it with a big smile and then the crowd cheered louder. She laughed.
Phones were out. The whole square was singing “Stand By Me” together. And Thad had created all of this. He was a marketing genius. And an unforgettable date.
She knew it was all pretend, but her heart fluttered anyway. How would she ever resist falling completely in love with this man?
His arm was draped across her shoulder and they swayed to the closing notes of the song. The crowd cheered and shouted, chanting, “Encore! Encore!”
Then he pulled her close and whispered, “That’s all I’ve got. Now what?”
She sucked in her breath. “What?”
“Ha! Just kidding.”
The next song started, “Lean On Me.” And Sage died laughing. “You’ve brought all the classics.”
He put the mic away and gestured for the crowd to sing. Then he pulled her into his arms and they danced.
At first she felt stiff, self-conscious with an audience, but his soft whispers and big smiles soon made her forget everyone but him and then the crowd faded and she stared into his eyes and hoped for many more nights looking into those same eyes.
They danced through a whole playlist and then Thad stood back at the mic. “Thank you for this! We will never forget you!”
She waved with him and then they worked their way through the crowd to the car that waited to pick them up.
The American (Billionaire Royals Book 6) Page 5
