by Holly Rayner
Simple and true. There was no better answer than that, right? Clearly, the woman was unsatisfied with that answer. She placed her hands on her hips and stared them both down. When Jay refused to answer, she shook her head.
“Fine. You keep your secrets for now. We have a way of finding things out, you know.”
“Yes. I do,” he said.
Marianne was surprised at how cold his tone was. When the woman walked away, she looked up at him with an unspoken question in her eyes.
“Gossip columnist. The only person cheeky enough to come right up and demand information,” Jay grumbled.
From inside her purse, Marianne’s phone vibrated. She reached in and realized just how late it had gotten.
“I have to go,” she said.
“Zoe?” he asked.
She nodded. “My mother needs to get home, and I’m out later than I said I’d be.”
“I’ll drive you back,” he said.
She held up a hand.
“Really, it’s okay. I’m sure I can find a cab from here.”
He shook his head.
“Nonsense. Head outside and I’ll have my driver take you home.”
She considered it for a moment, then agreed.
“All right. Thank you…for everything. It’s been a night to remember,” she said.
He took her hand in his, and her belly erupted in butterflies.
“Thank you. If it weren’t for you, I don’t know where I’d be. You are my angel, Marianne.”
They gazed into each other’s eyes for a moment before Marianne remembered herself and tugged her hand back. He waved as she made her way back out the door, a little sad to be missing the rest of the party. She texted her mom to let her know she was on the way, and by the time she looked up, the driver had once again appeared as if from out of nowhere.
“Miss,” he said, opening the door with a small smile.
“Thank you,” she said, sliding in. As the door closed behind her, Marianne inhaled and released the breath. The scent of him lingered all around her, and she basked in it as the luxury car took her away from a glittering world that felt like a dream.
Which, of course, it was. And she would do quite well to remember it.
Tomorrow.
Chapter 11
Jay
Jay stared out the window of his office, thinking about Marianne.
The way she’d handled herself among the elites of the city, as though she were just among friends. The way she’d felt in his arms as he’d spun her around.
He’d thought about kissing her.
Fortunately, he’d caught himself in time and had pulled back, but for just a moment, it had seemed as if she might possibly…
No.
This was a business deal. Jay was very good about not mixing business with pleasure. In fact, this wild scheme was the first time he’d even allowed the two aspects of his life to get remotely close.
He had to remember the stakes. Any day, a government agent could arrive and put him on a plane to nowhere.
“Working hard?”
Jay turned to see his lawyer at the door, and his stomach dropped.
“Grant. Should I be booking my flight? If I’m going to go, I’d rather go first-class than in the back of some military plane, or however they do it.”
Grant shook his head and sat across from Jay.
“You’re safe for now. I’ve negotiated some time under the stipulation that you resolve the issue soon. I’m hoping the retirement fund investigation will come to a close any day, and we can work on that investor’s visa.”
Jay cleared his throat.
“Yes, that would be great. In case that doesn’t work out, though, I want you to know that I took to heart what you said at our last meeting.”
Grant lifted a brow, confused.
“You’ll have to be a little more specific,” he said.
“I’ve started seeing someone,” Jay said.
And just like that, Grant’s eyebrows shot right back up to his hairline.
“You have?” he asked.
Jay nodded.
“Yes. If all goes south with the company, there is a chance that a green card marriage could be the solution to that problem.”
Grant’s expression was somber as he considered Jay’s words.
“I’m sorry, Jay. We’ll fix all of this, okay? You won’t have to marry someone you don’t love.”
For some reason, those words didn’t sit well with Jay. Grant had no idea who Marianne was…what an incredible woman she was.
Of course, he himself hadn’t known that, either, until just days before.
“Is there any word on the investigation? Is that why you’re here?”
Grant shook his head.
“I’m afraid not. I simply wanted to check in with you to provide that update. For the time being, your place in the country is secure. Dating that woman certainly wouldn’t hurt. I recommend you keep up the pretense for as long as needed.”
Jay nodded, his gaze distant once more.
“Yes. Of course. Thank you for the update,” Jay said.
Grant stood, heading toward the door. He turned and nodded out at the city.
“Any plans for tonight?”
Jay chuckled.
“No. My nights generally tend to be reserved for worrying about my shattered life at home, by myself.”
“Well, try and get out more then, Jay,” Grant said. “It’s good for you.”
And with that, Grant disappeared, leaving Jay alone once again with his thoughts. The work days passed in a blink, leaving him to the long and empty nights alone with his thoughts.
It certainly was no way to live.
Jay sighed and shut down his computer. He bid farewell to the people he passed on the floor, and he considered taking the stairs. For some reason, though, he no longer felt like flying down them in a torrent of rage. Instead, he pressed the button for the elevator, and once he stepped in, he hesitated.
What if?
He pressed the button for the accounting floor, and, to his surprise, he realized he was nervous.
What could he possibly be nervous about? He was Jay Parish! Most eligible bachelor in town! But, for some reason, he knew that didn’t matter to Marianne.
She cared about who he was, not what he had. Jay had never experienced such a connection before, and, if he was honest with himself, he wanted to explore it.
Certainly, there was no harm in a little flirting, right?
The doors opened on the fourth floor, and Jay caught sight of Marianne at her desk, typing away. He waited just outside the elevator for a moment, watching her at work.
Her gaze was so intently focused, those green eyes penetrating as she worked fastidiously on her document. A man walked up to the desk and she didn’t notice.
“Lovely weather we’re having today, huh?” he asked.
Was he flirting with her? Something animalistic inside Jay growled, and he stayed still as he watched Marianne glance up and grace the man with a friendly smile.
Jay’s eyes narrowed as he crossed his arms.
“I’m afraid I’ve been too buried in work to notice,” she said, her tone pleasant.
The man leaned over, placing his elbows on her desk.
“You should get out more, Marianne. Enjoy the city.”
“I get out plenty,” she said.
Of course, Jay knew that was a lie. The first time she’d been out in ages was with him, just this weekend.
“Oh, come on,” the man pressed. “Every time we do a group trip to the bar, you never come.”
“I have a family to take care of, Gerald,” Marianne said, her tone a little less pleasant now.
“That’s fair. Well then, forget the group outings. What about getting a drink with just me?”
Marianne’s eyes widened in surprise, and Jay nearly laughed. He saw that coming from miles away! He watched as she collected her thoughts, and he could only imagine what was going on behind those e
merald eyes.
For all intents and purposes, she wasn’t exactly single at the moment.
A pang of guilt shot through him. For all he knew, this accountant was a nice, reliable guy. Instead of letting Marianne find love with him, she was bound to an agreement, all so he could get a green card and she could have financial security.
Was he ruining her life?
“I appreciate the offer, but I’m not available to date at the moment,” she said.
It was the nicest letdown Jay had ever heard. The accountant nodded and stepped back.
“Well, if that ever changes, I’d be happy to get to know you a little better,” he said.
“Thanks, Gerald. I enjoy our office friendship very much,” she said, cleverly resetting the boundary.
“See you around,” Gerald said with a small wave.
As he walked away, Jay continued to watch as Marianne glanced down and took a breath. When she looked back up, her gaze collided with his.
She tilted her head as Jay approached.
“Are you keeping an eye on me, now?” she asked.
He shook his head.
“Not at all. I was finished for the day and somehow, I found myself on the accounting floor. I was going to say hello to you, but that fine gentleman beat me to it.”
Marianne glanced back in the direction Gerald had left and sighed.
“Gerald is a nice man,” she said noncommittally.
“Can I walk you to your car?” Jay asked.
He caught her by surprise. She blinked, then nodded.
“Sure,” she said.
She turned off her computer and lifted a work bag onto her shoulder. Together they stepped back into the elevator, facing the doors as Jay pressed the button for the lobby.
“Am I ruining your love life?” he asked without preamble.
“What?” she asked, gazing up at him with those beautiful wide eyes.
“That guy…Gerald…seems nice. Would you want to date him if we didn’t have this arrangement?”
Marianne considered that question for a moment, then shook her head.
“There have been many nice men that have solicited me for dates. Yours was the only offer I’ve accepted.”
“It’s not really an offer of love, though,” he said.
Did she wince? He couldn’t tell.
“Yes, I am very aware of that, Jay,” she said. “But you don’t need to worry. My love life died the day I was abandoned with a child to raise alone. I learned a very valuable lesson that day.”
“So, what are you, like twenty-five? And you’ve decided that love is dead already? You have your whole life ahead of you,” he said.
“I’m thirty-two,” she said, “And yes. I don’t need to have my heart broken twice.”
The elevator doors opened to the bustling lobby, and Jay led the way through the crowd until they were able to step outside onto the less busy sidewalk and cross the street to the parking garage.
“Not every man would break your heart,” he said, picking up the conversation.
She whirled and glared up at him.
“What are you trying to do here, Jay?” she asked.
His eyebrows narrowed.
“I don’t know what you mean.”
“You’re asking some weird questions for someone who is about to become my husband via a business deal. Why are you so concerned with my love life now, after our deal has already been made?”
“Because I’ve gotten to know you. I think you’re a very nice person, and I would like you to be happy.”
“I am perfectly happy, and what’s more, I’m happy on my own. I am in charge of my own happiness and the happiness of my family, and I don’t need some man coming in and ruining all of that. What I have works.”
“So, you’re never lonely,” he said.
Her glare deepened.
“Of course not. I have my mother. I have my daughter. I have plenty of pleasant conversations at work with my colleagues, and now, against all good judgement, I seem to have you,” she said.
“Only for a little while,” he said. “I promise not to be a burden to you for any longer than is necessary.”
That seemed to take the wind from her sails. Her shoulders dropped and her glare dissolved.
“You are not a burden, Jay. This weekend, I had more fun than I’ve had in ages. I would like to be friends, but please know that my love life is off-limits. I don’t have any intention of seeking out a partner again. Why else would I agree to this thing in the first place?”
He wanted to believe her, but his senses were ringing. She was giving him a line. He had impeccable instincts, and he could feel it with every fiber of his being.
She was lying.
What could he do about it?
“Fair enough,” he said. “I will let the topic drop, but please know that I would like you to be happy. I also enjoy this friendship we have here.”
She opened her car door and placed herself behind it, putting a barrier between them.
Ah, Marianne and her mighty shields. He certainly had plenty of barriers to his own emotions, but she was on a whole other level.
“Fantastic. Now if you’ll excuse me, I’ve got to get home for dinner.”
Jay nodded and took a step back, giving her a little more space.
“I hope you have a lovely evening. I’ll be in touch for our next date soon.”
“How soon?” she asked.
He shrugged.
“This weekend? I talked to my lawyer today and he seems to have been able to buy us some more time, so the dates don’t need to be quite so frequent.”
She frowned, and he wondered why. Was she disappointed that they would have to wait so long?
“You mean he bought you more time,” she said.
Ah, well. Jay was reading into things that clearly didn’t exist. He nodded.
“Correct. I’ve been given more time.”
“Well, good. I’ll plan on seeing you this weekend, then. Will the dress code be the same?” she asked.
“Not sure yet. I’ll let you know.”
“Sounds good. Goodbye, Jay,” she said.
Without a backward glance, she ducked into her car and closed the door. The sound echoed through the garage, and Jay stepped back as she pulled out, gave him a small wave, and disappeared down the street.
She left an emptiness behind her. Jay shoved his hands into his pockets and walked out of the garage, veering in the direction of the park. He found himself on one of the walking paths, black street lights on either side of him as he strolled forward, lost in thought.
Marianne wasn’t lonely.
Jay nearly laughed at the thought. She’d been abandoned, pregnant, by some idiot. She’d had to toil and scrape her money together just to get by, constantly worried for her family’s welfare, feeling the weight of it on her sturdy, but small shoulders.
And yet she knew joy.
Jay, on the other hand, had it all. He had the big house, the power, the connections. He could do anything he wanted any time he wanted to…he had complete and total freedom.
And he had nothing, when compared to her.
Jay knew loneliness intimately. It had become a wayward friend over the years. After his parents had died, he’d cut himself off from all his friends, and he’d had no extended family. He’d purposely closed himself off from the world, focusing on his business and how to build it to new heights.
Jay knew exactly what cutting people out looked like, and it was why he recognized it in Marianne. She might have thought she was content with spending time with just her daughter and her mother, but Jay could see it in her eyes.
She longed for more.
She might not ever admit it to him, but one lonely soul could always recognize another. Jay considered his concerns as he meandered through the tree-laden paths. If she really was lonely and looking for something romantic, what was he taking from her by engaging in this farce of a marriage?
How unfair was he be
ing? How thoughtless?
A baseball bowled across the grass and rolled in front of him. He ducked down and scooped it up. A group of boys were playing baseball on the diamond, all of them watching him. One kid held up a glove, and Jay tossed the ball back.
“Thank you!” they said in a chorus.
“Yep!” Jay called back.
It was enough to shake him from his thoughts. Jay had no idea what the future held in store for himself or for Marianne, but one thing was for certain.
He would treat her to the best possible life he could while she worked with him.
After all, it was the least he could do.
Chapter 12
Marianne
Marianne sprinkled salt onto popcorn as she pulled the freshly popped snack off of the stovetop burner. A few errant pieces jumped up from the pile, and Marianne plucked a hot piece and took a bite, savoring the taste for a moment.
Maybe a little more butter.
She scooped a slice of butter from the stick on the counter and ran it through the popcorn, then sprinkled a little bit of parmesan cheese on the top and poured the snack into two separate bowls.
“Mama! Are you ready yet?” Zoe called.
“Patience is a virtue!” Marianne called back.
“I don’t know what that means!” Zoe said.
Marianne smiled to herself as she hefted both popcorn bowls and two juice boxes into the living room, where her daughter was impatiently waiting for their movie night to begin.
“What took so long?” Zoe asked.
Marianne laughed.
“It took five minutes to make sure the popcorn was done right. Trust me, it’s worth the wait.”
Marianne set a bowl down next to Zoe and handed her a juice. They each picked out a soft blanket and snuggled into the couch, ready for their usual movie night.
“Ready,” Zoe said, nestling against her mother’s side.
Marianne grabbed the remote and selected Zoe’s current favorite movie: a cartoon with a strong-willed princess that still falls in love with the prince.
If the princess wasn’t such a good role model, Marianne might have considered picking a different movie, but it wasn’t really her choice. Zoe had found her niche and was instantly obsessed.
