She smiles.
I glance down at my watch, groaning. “My father will be here in thirty minutes. I need you to be in my office five minutes beforehand to go over a few things.”
She gives me a nervous smile.
I feel the same way.
I take a deep breath and make my way to my office, my mind racing. This situation is so surreal. Just yesterday, Amelia was my quiet, efficient assistant, and now she’s my fake fiancée.
I run a hand through my hair as I sink into my chair.
I glance at Amelia.
What the hell am I doing?
Dragging her into this mess when she deserves so much better than this.
And I promised myself not to pursue her until I knew I wouldn’t be a rebound.
I enact the blackout glass and bang my head on my desk.
Later, a soft knock on the door interrupts my thoughts. “Come in,” I call out.
Amelia pokes her head in, offering me a tentative smile. “Your father is due any time now?”
“Come here.” I gesture to the chair across from my desk. “I just wanted to go over a few things before my dad gets here.”
She nods, perching on the edge of the chair. “Okay, what do you need?”
“Well, first of all, thank you for agreeing to this.” I lean forward, meeting her gaze. “I know it’s a lot to ask, and I appreciate you going along with it.”
“Of course.” She gives me a reassuring smile. “I’m happy to help. And it’s not like I had a better option, right?”
I wince at the reminder of her living situation. “Still, I feel terrible about putting you in this position. But I promise, I’ll make it up to you.”
I will once my father is happy with my relationship. I’ll date her properly. Without any devious plans.
“Don’t worry about it. It’s a win-win.” She waves a hand dismissively. “I’ve got somewhere to live. I can do this. Now tell me what I need to do.”
I nod, grateful for her understanding. “Okay, well, the basics are that we’ve been dating for six months and recently took our secret relationship to the next level. You know who my family is. I know you don’t have any.”
Amelia sighs. “Is there anything else I should know?”
“Just be prepared for my dad to grill you on every aspect of our relationship.” I grimace. “He’s not going to make this easy for either of us. Nothing you say is a mistake, so don’t wince.”
Amelia nods, her expression determined. “I can handle it. Don’t worry, West, I’ve got your back.”
I smile, feeling a surge of gratitude. “I know you do, Ames. Thank you.”
A knock at the door interrupts us, and I take a deep breath. “That’s my cue. Are you ready?”
Amelia squares her shoulders. “As I’ll ever be. Let’s do this.”
She runs around to my side of the desk, hitches her skirt and straddles my thighs. Our eyes connect as her weight settles onto my lap, her warmth seeping through the fabric of my suit.
I glance down to see her electric blue panties. Lace and see-through.
“Are you trying to turn me on?”