Page 8 of Boss's Red Glare

Her eyes widen dramatically. "A proposition? Sounds ominous."

"Nothing inappropriate," I clarify quickly, inwardly cringing at my choice of words. "I mean, a professional proposition. Kind of. Mostly."

She tilts her head, clearly amused by my fumbling. "You’re not making this any less suspicious."

I sigh deeply, stopping and turning toward her fully. "Here’s the thing. The Fourth of July barbecue is critical. Investors want to see more than just business?—"

"—they want to see community and small-town values," she interrupts smoothly, finishing my thought effortlessly. "Yes, I got the memo."

I almost smile. "Right. Well, Darren had this idea. It’s absurd, but…he thinks it would help secure their investment."

She studies me carefully, eyes narrowed slightly. "What kind of idea?"

I rub the back of my neck nervously. "He suggested you pretend to be my girlfriend for the event. Show the investors a picture of stability. Something relatable. Like small-town family values."

Her mouth falls open. "You want us to fake date?"

Hearing it aloud makes me cringe slightly. "Yes, essentially. Just for the evening. A few hours of playing pretend."

She stares at me blankly, as if I’ve started speaking in tongues. "Connor, I don't…I mean, that seems?—"

"Ridiculous, I know." I rush to fill the awkward silence. "It was Darren’s idea. You can say no. Honestly, forget I said anything."

But she doesn't immediately say no. Instead, she studies me thoughtfully. "And you think this would really help?"

I exhale slowly, a sliver of hope creeping into my chest. "I genuinely think it could. And honestly, Maisie, you're perfect for this."

A faint blush colors her cheeks. "Perfect?"

"You're charming," I say quickly, clearing my throat. "Warm. Personable. Everything I'm not, essentially."

She laughs softly, shaking her head. "I wouldn’t say that."

"It's true," I insist. "The investors will fall in love with you." I pause, my voice softer. "It’s impossible not to."

She looks up at me sharply, surprise flickering in her eyes, and something unspoken passes between us—fragile, charged. Mypulse quickens, awareness crackling between us in a way I didn't anticipate.

"I don't know," she says softly, her voice uncertain. "Lines, boundaries…"

"I understand completely." Disappointment rushes through me. "This was probably inappropriate—forget I said anything. I'll think of another way."

She touches my arm lightly, and I glance down, startled by the warmth of her hand. "Wait, Connor. Just give me a second."

I wait, heart thudding painfully. Her brow furrows as she considers carefully. Then, she sighs. "Okay."

"Okay?" My heart leaps strangely.

She gives a tentative smile. "Okay. I'll do it. Fake dating, one night only."

Relief floods through me, along with a ridiculous sense of exhilaration. "Really?"

She nods, her smile brightening. "Just promise you won't regret this."

"I doubt that's possible," I reply honestly.

Her cheeks flush deeper, her eyes sparkling mischievously. "Be careful, Connor Bradford. You might end up actually liking me."

My pulse races at the teasing challenge in her voice. "I'm willing to risk it."

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