Page 1 of Hired Husband

CHAPTER 1

ISAAC

Iset the latest issue of Engineering News-Record down on my desk and slowly leaned back in my chair, struggling to catch up to the fact that the guy smiling back at me from the front cover… was me.

I, Isaac Thayer, had made the cover of ENR.

How bizarre is that?

While most people would probably find it about as exciting as making the cover of Watching Paint Dry Quarterly, I didn’t fall into that category. As an engineer, I was stoked to be featured in my profession’s version of Rolling Stone.

Seriously, this was one of the magazines, the journal professors kept stacked in their offices and told their students to page through for inspiration when they thought about giving up. Hell, I’d paged through a few issues myself when I started questioning my own sanity for choosing to pursue this line of work.

I looked across my desk at Colin, who was grinning like only an older brother who’d supported me every step of the way could grin. “I really am proud of you.”

“So am I,” I replied without even trying to pretend otherwise. “They used a good photo too, which helps.”

He chuckled and dragged the magazine closer to himself across the desk with his fingertips before swiping it up again. “They’ve somehow even managed to make you look intelligent. God only knows how they got that right.”

I rolled my eyes. “Thanks. So much for your unwavering support.”

He snorted. “I am unwaveringly supportive. My wife is even insisting on throwing a party to celebrate the achievement.”

“Yeah, but that’s your wife. It means I have Deja’s unwavering support.” I shot him a fake glare, then sighed as I glanced toward the Chicago skyline stretching out in every direction beyond the window. “I still didn’t need a party, though.”

“Trust me, I get it, but that concept doesn’t exist in the Saads’ frame of reference. When anything happens, you have a party to celebrate and this has given her a pretty legitimate reason, so you’re going to have to suck it up and have fun.”

I chuckled. “That sounds about right. When I told her it wasn’t necessary, she patted my cheek and told me not to worry, saying that I was just along for the ride.”

“At least you know that she throws a mean party,” he said. “I think it’s genetically encoded in that family to be amazing hosts.”

“Yeah, I’m definitely not mad about it,” I said. “Every one of their parties I’ve attended has been great so far, so I’m looking forward to seeing what she’s got up her sleeve for this one.”

“I’ve been sworn to secrecy, but I can tell you that she found an incredible venue. She chose it specifically since it’s supposed to be so hot this weekend.”

“Basel’s going to be in town too, right?”

“Yeah, he’ll be here.” A slightly resigned expression crossed his features as he glanced down at the stack of folders in his lap. “All of these are for him. I swear, it never ends.”

I laughed. “Well, he is your father-in-law, so no, it’s never going to end.”

“Nah, I’m not talking about him. He’s fine. It’s the red tape surrounding the merger that’s getting me down.”

I nodded, but there was nothing I could really say to that. Basel, Deja’s father, was a titan of industry, an Egyptian powerhouse who dominated every deal he got involved with, but also loved nothing more than a good celebration with his family.

Colin had been preparing for his arrival for a week, finalizing financial reports and the latest project updates following the merger of GlobalStar, Basel’s company, and Thayer Steelworks. For all the trips my brother and his wife had made back to Egypt after getting married, there was somehow always more paperwork to be drawn up and discussed at his next meeting with his father-in-law.

“All I know is that you two better not spend the entire party talking business,” I said. “We’re celebrating. That means I want to see you dancing on tables and taking shots.”

Colin scoffed and shook his head. “When have I ever done that?”

“Exactly. There’s a first time for everything and this would be a great opportunity for you to learn how to let your hair down.”

“I know how to let my hair down.”

I arched an eyebrow at him and glanced at the stack of folders. “Since when? Spreadsheets are not fun, Colin. I better not see any of those at the party.”

“Take it up with Basel,” he said firmly, lifting a hand to rake his fingers through his hair. “He manages to blend business and pleasure like it’s the world’s finest cocktail. There’s no such thing as not working when he’s around.”