Page 22 of A Bossy Proposal

I smile as I read it and reply.

You’re welcome, Amelia.

My fingers hover over the keyboard, and I glance up at the ceiling. But before I can stop myself, I type.

I have a proposition for you. You might like it.

She responds almost immediately.

Intrigued…

I push out of my chair and pace the room, my mind racing.

Come to my office.

The proposition I’m about to make to Amelia feels both brilliant and insane. I run my hand through my hair, trying to calm my nerves. Because this goes against everything I planned.

The soft padding of feet comes down the hallway.

I turn, and my breath catches in my throat when I see her.

She stands in the doorway, her hair loose around her shoulders, wearing a simple t-shirt and shorts.

She looks...beautiful, but also vulnerable. Nothing like the polished professional I see every day at the office.

I clear my throat. “Amelia, thank you for coming.”

She nods, her eyes curious. “What’s this about, Mr. Davenport?”

“West,” I correct her automatically. “Call me West when we’re not at work.”

She raises an eyebrow but doesn’t comment.

I take a deep breath. “I have a proposition for you. It’s unconventional, and you’re free to refuse.”

Amelia’s expression grows wary. “Okay...”

I pace again, unable to stay still. “You know my father’s been pressuring me to settle down. He’s even trying to set me up with someone.”

“Elizabeth Jameson.” She nods slowly, confusion clear on her face.

“I can’t marry her or anyone, for that matter.” I stop and face her. “And what I need is a fiancée...fake, of course. Someone to get my father off my back for a month or so.”

“Of course. I’ll be gone before that happens.”

“You misunderstood me,” I tell her. “I was thinking you could be my fake fiancée.”

Her eyes widen in surprise. “Your father knows we’re not together.”

“I’m a very private man, Amelia. My father doesn’t know what I do.”

“He knows you went to a sex club,” she quips.

I arch an eyebrow, but before I lose my nerve, I continue. “If you agree to be my fake fiancée for no predetermined amount of time, I promise it will be no longer than one year.” That should be enough time for my brother and me to take over. “If you agree, when the deal is over, I will give you one million dollars.”

Chapter 8

Amelia

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