Page 24 of Strictly Business

“It’s not real,” I remind her, with a shrug. “Just a little white lie until we both get what we want.”

There’s no clause in the contract that says I can’t tell someone, but I know if news got out about this, it would be detrimental, for both Nicholas and me. I’ve been avoiding my grandma and sister, knowing they’ll have a million questions when they catch wind of all this, starting with why the hell I didn’t tell them about Nicholas, and what happened with Liam. But I needed to tell someone, and telling Jade feels like the safest choice.

Plus, she caught me in a store earlier today using Nicholas’s black credit card, so I had no choice but to tell her.

I’m not an actress, I never claimed to be one, so when she asked, I froze, panicked, and blurted it all out.

A scoff escapes her. “It’s more than a little white lie. Are you sure there’s nothing going on between you two?” Jade asks, her voice laced with suspicion, as she waves her hand in the air. “I mean, are you making up this whole… business deal to cover it up? Because if there is, I wouldn’t judge you, you know that.”

“I know you wouldn’t,” I say with a smile. “And that’s one of the reasons I love you. But no, it’s not real.” I shake my head. “I just happened to walk in when he was meeting with the board. He would have picked anyone for the job. I’m just a pawn in his game, helping him win. Nothing more.”

And that’s the truth.

I might imagine lingering glances, even the occasional warm touch, but when it comes down to it, this is just a coincidence. If Jade had been the one in the room that day, she would have gotten the job. They’d be engaged right now, and they’d be a much better match.

I push the thought aside as Jade scoffs, clearly not buying it.

“I’d say you’re playing your pieces too.” She grins, holding up the black card Nicholas gave me. Before I can stop her, she’swaving it in front of me, and I quickly snatch it back, narrowing my eyes at her.

I know Nicholas made it clear that my purchases won’t make a dent in his wealth, but I’m sure Jade would be more than happy to burn a hole in his pockets.

“He told me to buy a dress,” I explain, slipping the card back into my clutch. “I didn’t want to embarrass him by showing up to the gala wearing one of my old, raggedy dresses. That’s the only reason I took him up on the offer.”

Jade laughs, shaking her head as she eyes me. “Embarrassment is the last thing he’ll feel.” Her gaze scans me from head to toe. “You already know you’re stunning, but tonight…” She whistles, her eyes gleaming.

I tilt my head, amused. “Did you just whistle at me?”

“Hell yes.” She grins. “You look hot.”

“You’re just being nice,” I say, dismissing her compliment with a wave.

She shakes her head, a knowing smile tugging at her lips. “Trust me,” she insists. “When Nicholas sees you in that dress, I don’t think he’s going to remember that you’re his assistant, or that this is just a business deal. Because honey…” She raises an eyebrow. “He might be your boss, but he’s also just a man.”

Warmth floods my face at her words, and I shoot her a playful glare. “You’re delusional.”

She hums, leaning back on my bed and crossing her legs. “I’m right,” she corrects.

I glance at the mirror, my eyes roaming over my reflection as I nervously tug at the fabric. The dress clings to places I’d rather not draw attention to. Finding something in such a short amount of time is difficult enough, but for a bigger body like mine? It feels impossible. The embarrassment of walking into store after store, feeling like I didn’t belong, hits me all over again. And sure, maybe I didn’t belong there, but this dress…

I smooth my hands over the soft silk material of the floor-length black dress Jade picked out. The huge slit running up the side shows off my thick thighs—one of my biggest insecurities.

I swallow the lump in my throat at the sight of the dress clinging to my body, wanting to tear my eyes away, and luckily, my phone rings and I grab it, seeing Nicholas’s name flashing on the screen.

“It’s him.”

“Answer it,” Jade urges, her voice teasing. “You can’t keep yourfiancéon hold.”

I roll my eyes, shuddering at the word, especially when Nicholas says it with such intensity it makes me forget my own name. I definitely don’t need Jade reminding me of it.

Taking a deep breath, I accept the call and bring the phone to my ear. “Mr. Blackwood?”

“Amara,” Nicholas’s voice comes through, deep and thick. “What did I tell you about calling me that?”

“Sorry, Nicholas.” Saying his name shouldn’t make me blush, but the heat still creeps up my skin anyway.

“Much better,” he says, his low voice making my pulse race. “My driver informed me he’s outside your apartment. Are you almost done?”

I glance at the clock, eyes widening as I realize how little time I have left. I look over at Jade, who’s completely distracted, bopping Pumpkin on the nose.

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