Page 75 of The Player + The Pact = I Do

“Yeah. People tend to be more available in the evenings. It’s often easier to get dinner in someone’s diary than a meeting.”

She nods. “Right. Makes sense.” She clears her throat and busies herself smoothing her napkin in her lap. “I’ve hired a guy to help me move out tomorrow,” she says. “I don’t want to outstay my welcome. I’ve taken tomorrow off and I’m working Sunday. So tomorrow morning, I’ll have coffee with Dad and then I’ll be out of your way by the time you get home.”

It takes me a couple of minutes for my brain to process exactly what she’s saying. When her words land, the knot in my stomach I was expecting when I saw Caroline earlier finally twists my insides. “You’re moving out tomorrow?” I keep my voice low.

“Yeah. That was the plan, right? We have the awards tonight and then, that’s it?”

I’ve been so focused on tonight, I haven’t thought about what comes next. What she’s saying makes sense. The dealwas that Jules would pretend to be my fiancée until tonight. And although lines have been blurred, it’s not like we’re really engaged.

“I’m just going to the restroom,” she says, before I get a chance to answer.

The awards are whizzing by quickly. Ben, sitting next to me, warns me I’m up next, or I wouldn’t have noticed that Developer of the Decade was about to be announced. I turn to see where Jules is. She’s nowhere in sight.

Jonathan comes onstage and I can feel people’s eyes on me. I focus on the stage—and realize that Jules is standing slightly behind him. Why is she onstage? She doesn’t know him.

Dread spreads through my brain and down my spine. What is happening? Am I about to be embarrassed in front of the entire industry? Is Jules in on some kind of scheme?

I tune in to what Jonathan is saying. He’s going through some of the developments I’ve brought to market over the last decade. People interrupt with smatterings of applause. I glance across at Caroline, who’s grinning up at the stage as if she’s enjoying the description of my success.

Jonathan steps to the side and Jules takes his place. I hold my breath, gripping the table, waiting.

“How Leo Hart does business is just as important as how successful he is. He’s as popular in the office, with all the people who work for him, as he is with the people he sits across from at the negotiating table. He’s a man whose word stands for something. A man of principles and integrity. I’m lucky to be his fiancée, and proud to tell you that the man you’re celebrating tonight deserves every honor and then some. Let’s all welcome to the stage, Developer of the Decade, easy to like, easy to love, Leo Hart.”

Our table is just steps from the stage, so I’m face-to-facewith Jules in a couple of seconds. Our eyes lock as she hands me the award. Yes, she had to say all those things about me, but did she mean it when she said I was easy to love?

Jules turns to leave the stage, but I catch her hand and hold it as I make a short speech, thanking everyone who’s helped me get where I am now. It passes in a blur, and before I know it, Jules and I are making our way back to our seats.

I hold her hand tightly in mine for the rest of the evening, not wanting to let her go for a second.

The rest of the night passes quickly. When the ceremony’s over, we’re told there’s an after-hours party in the room next door.

My gaze slices to Jules and it’s clear that neither of us wants to go. Bennett, Fisher, and the others all come up and congratulate me, then it’s just Jules and me heading to the car. We’re in the lobby when Caroline and Grant appear in front of us.

“Darling, wonderful speech,” she says. “Let me get your number and we’ll arrange that dinner.”

My eye twitches, but I dutifully pull out my phone. Before we can exchange numbers, Jules interrupts. “I’ll give you my number, Caroline. I’m much easier to get a hold of.”

Caroline smiles, and she and Jules swap numbers.

Grant slaps me on the back. “Here’s my card. If you ever want a second opinion about anything, just give me a call. I know you haven’t worked with Hammonds before, but we have some great international reach. Asia in particular is a strength for us. I just had an investor buy five units in a new development over the phone. He didn’t even see renderings.”

I nod, pretending I’m interested. I’m not. Not even ifHammonds was the only brokerage in the city. If that were the case, I’d set up my own fucking brokerage. I glance across at Caroline, giggling with Jules like they’re best friends. Grant is so close, I’m slightly concerned he’s going to try to crawl up my arsehole.

I need a shower.

“I’ll keep it in mind,” I say. “Jules, the car is just there. We should go.”

“Lovely to see you, darling,” Caroline says again to me. “It’s wonderful seeing you’ve made something out of yourself. I always knew you would.”

I no longer care if I look rude. I nod, scoop up Jules’ hand, and head out to the car.

I’m not just going to have a shower. I’m going to have to burn my suit and shave my head to rid myself of that encounter.

I slide into the car next to Jules and sweep my hands through my hair.

“That went well,” Jules says.

I should thank her for making her speech, but I can’t bring myself to speak. I can taste Caroline’s heavy perfume, feel her fingers on my hand.

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