Page 60 of Hoax and Kisses
“It won’t be a problem,” I try.
The effort is pointless, really. He’s already made up his mind about how poorly he thinks I’m handling this problem. And there’s no way I’ll tell him that I’m handling said problem by fake dating the town’s most eligible bachelor to earn the favor of the locals.
I swallow the nervous laughter that bubbles up in my throat.
Jesus, what would he think of me if he knew? He wouldn’t recognize me, that’s for sure. I don’t even recognize myself. It’s been a week, and so far, I’ve been humiliated and screamed at. I cried and discovered that life can actually have meaning outside of work if you make time for it.
What a weird concept, right?
“Though the locals seem to hold a grudge against you,” I continue. “What the hell happened when the deal fell through?”
“We weren’t a good fit, that’s all.” His tone is dismissive, condescending. “Too many unhappy voices. It wasn’t good for business, so we went somewhere we were wanted. But that has nothing to do with now, princess. The board meeting is in less than two months. You have to give me something before then.”
“I will,” I say, throat tight.
Oscar hums on the other end of the line. “This company is my life’s work and your legacy, princess. Don’t force them to look for an outside hire.”
Before I can respond, the three tones signaling that he’s disconnected the call ring in my ear.
I sigh. He’s brought this up twice before, and I’m starting to think he’s not bluffing. Though this time around, my stomach didn’t sink. And that dreadful pang in my chest that reminds me I’m failing my father and all he’s worked so hard for doesn’t come.
I spend the rest of the morning sending emails and confirming the speakers at our upcoming annual cocktail party, and at two p.m., I close my laptop.
It’s strange. And exhilarating, really. Who am I, finishing work this early on a Saturday?
Getting ready to leave, I slip into my new favorite pair of leggings, high socks, leg warmers, and an oversized shirt. When I snag my purse from where it’s tipped on its side, something falls out and hits the floor with a thud.
I scoop up the book Lola gave me. I’d forgotten all about it. I tuck it back in, pick up the change of clothes I set out for tonight, and head out.
When I get to Cooper’s microbrewery, I park next to Matt’s truck in the driveway. The facility looks a lot like a farm, with a massive wooden warehouse and a silo that probably stores grain for the beer. It’s dripping with the typical rustic charm you’d expect from a small town like Pine Falls. Tourists must eat this up.
Through my windshield, I spot Matt and a clean-shaven man with a backward hat carrying a heavy-looking board.
I climb out, and as I close the car door, Matt turns, and a wide smile settles on his face. “You came!” he shouts.
I frown. Of course I came. Did he doubt that I would?
Tugging at the strap of my bag, I flash him a grin.
My pulse quickens as I cross the gravel driveway, a little flustered by the smile he so easily broke into at the sight of me. “Need a hand with that?” I ask, nodding toward the board.
Matt tsks, the grin still firmly in place. “Nah, we’re good. We’ve already moved two others. At least we’re getting our arm workout in.”
My attention drifts to his biceps, taut with the effort. He’s only wearing a T-shirt, a light sheen of sweat coating his skin, despite the crisp afternoon temperature.
I don’t know how long I stare or if there’s a puddle of drool at my feet, but when my gaze shifts back to his face, Matt’s grin widens with smug satisfaction.
Busted.
At this point, I’m not even being subtle about it, so I don’t bother hiding the flush creeping into my cheeks.
“Give us a second to put this down, and I’ll be right over.”
He and the man I assume is Cooper haul the board to the building and set it on two sawhorses with athud, sending dirt flying around them.
Matt dusts off his hands on his pants, then walks to me.
“Hi,” he says as he steps up close. He leans in and drops a sweaty kiss on my cheek, lingering there a bit too long. For theatrics, I’m sure. “I’m glad you came,” he adds, like he’s genuinely happy that I came. For him.
