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Why does he sound like he’s trying to make himself believe it?
My brain sputters.
All I can see right now is that ring in its little grey box, the blue velvet inside cushioning the precious diamonds and stillborn promises.
I don’t doubt for a second they’re real, and they’re spectacular.
Oh, and its resale value will probably break my jaw when it hits the ground. He’s paying me a massive premium in jewelry on top of the six figures hitting my account.
The bigger the lie, the more I earn.
That should thrill me, coming into a small fortune I never imagined, but it doesn’t.
Not while I’m staring at something that shouldn’t exist.
A ring from a man who’s hilariously out of my league. The one thing I never thought I’d get with a monster catch.
A fake fiancé.
A man who doesn’t want to marry me.
Of course, he shouldn’t. He doesn’t evenknowme.
Still.
Still, I can’t help feeling it bone-deep like a surprise sucker punch, knowing that the only ring I’ll ever get is just a whacky business transaction.
Not because I’m lovable.
Not because it means anything.
Not because I’m someone he’d ever date, much less marry.
“Dex,” I start, trying to figure out how to respond, but he presses a firm finger gently against my lips.
“I’m not done. Since your grandmother was on board with me lending some advice, I want you to know the offer stands. I’d be happy to look over the Sugar Bowl’s financials and business practices anytime.” He glances at my laptop. “I’m decent with numbers, if you need a hand.”
My face heats.
Oh, boy.
It feels too much like the cute boy in class offering homework help and suddenly I’m a mess of butterflies.
“You’d do that for me? My records are a crapfest, fair warning.” For the first time, I look back up at him and meet his gaze. It’s so unwavering I shiver. “You’d really take time out of your day to see if you can improve my business?”
“Sure. I’ve been doing this for a long time, analyzing cash flow from top to bottom. I don’t know much about baking, but I know a hell of a lot about business.”
“Shit.” I might cry.
That meltdown I’ve been putting off hits full force.
This whole thing keeps snowballing. I don’t know what to say or what to do. Now we’re fake engaged with a ring and he’s going to be my tutor. No doubt pinpointing all the dumb mistakes I’ve been making along the way.
I should be soaring, but there’s a weight in my chest that keeps me grounded.
“Shit,” I whisper again because I’ve run out of other words. What’s even the right response to this?
“Junie?” Dexter’s voice is soft, and when I look at him, there’s concern flashing in his eyes.
