Page 70 of Fake it for Keeps

“Okay,” I said slowly. “And the lunch?”

“It’s my way of saying sorry. Don’t people bring you lunch?”

The question caught me off guard. “Like Doordash, sure.”

“No, I mean doesn’t anyone cook for you? You’re acting like no one has brought you food like this before.”

“They haven’t,” I said honestly.

“Oh.” She chewed and swallowed. “That’s sad.”

In all my years, through all the women I’d dated or slept with or whatever, none of them had ever brought me lunch. They never thought about what I might like. Never made an effort that wasn’t about being seen at an expensive restaurant or getting something from me.

Her smile returned, softer this time. “Well, there’s a first time for everything. Now sit. Eat. And let me tell you about my ideas for the next couple weeks while your mouth is busy chewing.”

I sat, still processing this shift in her demeanor. The food smelled incredible. I realized I hadn’t eaten anything since a protein bar at six this morning and that was long gone. My stomach growled like a junkyard dog at a trespassing cat.

I dug into the food and found myself relaxing in a way I hadn’t in days. There was something about having her here, in my space, that made my world feel more balanced. It didn’t hurt that her food was delicious.

“So,” Hallie said, wiping her mouth with a napkin. “Our wedding is only a few weeks away now.”

The reminder sent a jolt through me. Valentine’s Day was rushing toward us faster than I was ready for. “Yes, ma’am,” I said around a mouthful of tortellini.

Hallie nodded. “Which means we need to make a big push toward convincing the world that you’re not the pussy hound you used to be.”

I snorted a laugh. “Straight to the point.”

“Someone has to be.” She leaned forward with a quizzical expression. “We need a grand gesture. Something that shows you’re not just in this for the optics, but because you’re actually a good person who cares about things beyond yourself.”

“I am a good person who cares about things beyond myself,” I protested.

“That is debatable, but the world needs to think it’s true.” She pulled out her phone and started scrolling. “I was thinking we should make an appearance at a fundraiser. Make a staggering donation in both our names. Really cement the image of you as someone who’s settled down and is using his wealth for good.”

I leaned back in my chair, studying her. “You want some of the credit, huh?”

She shrugged, but I caught the glint of amusement in her eyes. “It’s my idea. I deserve credit. And besides…” She looked up at me through her lashes in a way that did unfortunate things to my concentration. “Shouldn’t it be in both our names? I’m going to be your wife, after all.”

The word “wife” coming from her lips lit my insides on fire. I also chuckled at the stones on this woman. “I like your style,” I said. “So what charity are we talking about?”

She pulled up a list on her phone. “I’ve been doing a little research. There’s the Met Gala coming up in May, but that’s after our wedding. There’s a cancer research benefit next week. The Children’s Hospital is having their annual fundraiser. The Museum of Natural History.”

“Been there, done those,” I said. “What else you got?”

She scrolled further. “There’s this new nonprofit hosting their first annual charity event. They’re trying to raise funds for a team of people to educate New York’s youth on the dangers of drunk driving.”

Everything went still. Drunk driving.

“That one,” I said in a raspy voice. “That’s the one.”

Hallie looked up with surprise. “But it’s their first event. It’ll have the least publicity of anything on this list. Probably minimal media coverage. Terrible catering.”

“I don’t care.” I met her eyes. “That’s the one we’re doing.”

She looked at me, trying to piece together why I’d chosen that particular charity. But she didn’t push. “Okay,” she said slowly. “I’ll reach out to them, let them know you’re planning to attend.”

“Don’t do that.”

“What?”