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“That’s correct,” Colton rumbles, his cold stare as serious as ever. I’m not sure if I should laugh or run.
“This is insane,” I squeal, jumping to my feet. Raking my hands through my hair, I start pacing.
Max stands up too. “We know this is highly unusual, and we understand the commitment it requires from you, which is why the compensation is very generous.”
Halting in my tracks, I turn to meet his eyes. Right. Life-changing payout. “How much is the compensation, exactly?” I was shooting for a casual tone, but my words come out more curious—and maybe a little desperate.
Colton stands up to join us, stuffing his hands in his suit pockets. “Five hundred thousand dollars. Per year.”
The room starts spinning, leaving me dizzy. That’s definitely a life-changing amount. More than I would ever dream of having in my bank account.
“As I said, it’s very generous,” Max croons, sitting back down. “In addition to the monetary compensation, you’ll also have the opportunity to meet everyone in Colton’s circle, including top directors and film producers.”
“Would I still be allowed to audition for other parts in the meantime? Work?” I ask, my throat dry.
“Certainly.” Max nods. “I don’t see why not.”
I bite my lip. “Okay.”
“Do you need time to think about it?” Colton’s tone is softer than before, catching me off guard.
“I . . . Give me a second.” I continue pacing the room. That’s a lot of money. It would not only pay my rent for years to come, but I could move away, try my luck in New York. It would mean a fresh start. Who knows? I might even land a job here in LA with all the new people I’d meet. But marrying him? That’s even more bizarre than anything I was expecting. Less creepy, but definitely still weird.
I steal another glance at Colton. He’s still standing, hands in his pockets, looking at me with concern. He’s a good-looking guy, there’s no denying that. But marrying him? Then again, when else would I have the opportunity to earn that kind of money?
Taking a deep breath, I turn to Colton. “What would I have to do, exactly?”
5
Just Another Part
Jane
“Everything will be spelled out in a contract,” Max answers calmly. “But you’d have to be seen together—go on dates, work events, trips. Basically, on the outside, you’d have to appear like a married couple.”
I narrow my eyes. “What about on the inside?”
Colton shakes his head slightly. “Nothing beyond public appearances will be asked of you, Jane. It’s not that kind of deal. I don’t really want a wife. I just need someone to play the part so that the outside world—including potential investors—believe it.”
“Why two years?”
“We need to make this believable,” Max says. “You’ll have to date for some time, then announce your engagement. Then, you’ll get married and live together as husband and wife for a while before we can call it off without arousing suspicion.”
“Live together?” Right, I forgot they mentioned it was a live-in part. Not that I love my crappy studio apartment, but I like my solitude. Reminders of my previous life, when I was never alone, flash through my mind, sending chills down my spine.
“Of course,” Max replies. “How would anyone believe that you are engaged, and especially married, if you don’t live together?”
“My house is fairly big,” Colton says. “You’ll have your own wing, and you won’t see me a lot there. I spend most of my time at work.”
I lift my hands in exasperation. “What will I do in your house all day, then? Clean?”
“Oh, no.” Colton chuckles, and the sound immediately soothes me. “Nothing like that. I have a full-time housekeeper. You’ll only have to act the part in public, which means you also won’t be able to date or be seen with other men in intimate settings.”
I bite my lip, taking this all in. “Okay.” It’s not like I’m dating right now anyway.
“Okay, as in you’re on board?” Colton arches his eyebrows. There’s a glint of wonder in his eyes, but also something else. Maybe hope? Why can’t this guy manage to find himself a real wife?
“There will be a contract in place?” I press.
