Page 34 of Faking it with the Billionaire
Her words strike a chord within me; it hurts, but I don’t let on to it. “And I’m paying you to accompany me to these types of events, to be my girlfriend,” I say. I glance at Lia, who seems to be focused on Bristol, but this conversation needs to take a different turn. I don’t want her overhearing anything about my arrangement with Emerson.
“Daddy, can we hire her?” Bristol asks before I have time to pull my daughter aside and ask her what she thinks of Lia.
“When can you start?”
* * *
Hiring Lia was a good decision. She’s only been with us a few days, but already Em seems not to be so overwhelmed. While she accompanies the nanny to school in the afternoon for pickup, with Mitchell on the premises, it gives her the morning free to herself.
But she’s insisted on still being there in the afternoon, which I find oddly satisfying, like she wants to be in Bristol’s life. Yes, I know it’s just a job—she’s hired to protect my daughter—but I can’t help but think maybe she wants to be here too.
And with that realization, it dawns on me that Emerson’s not going anywhere. She’s here to stay, at least while the threat remains on my family and she’s my fake girlfriend. If I’m honest, I could drag it out. I rather like having her attention on me, as if I’m the only one in the world who exists.
I’m a selfish bastard for making her play the role of my girlfriend, but it’ll be so worth it. Especially tonight at the charity event.
Mitchell comes waltzing in through the front entrance, carrying a garment bag in one hand and a shopping bag in the other. “Mr. Greyson,” he says, announcing his presence.
I can see him over the banister from upstairs. I knew the minute he opened the front gate that he was on his way inside, but I appreciate what he was trying to do.
I glance at the garment bag. “Everything go okay at the store?” I don’t need any surprises.
“Perfectly. I have what you requested for this evening.”
“Great, bring it upstairs.” I gesture for him to come on up, and then I lead him to Emerson’s room, having him hang the dress on the closet door and leave the shoes in the box on the floor nearby.
“Are you sure it’ll fit, sir? You only have a few hours until the event this evening.” He’s more concerned than I am about the gown and shoes.
I snuck a peek inside her closet while she was away and contacted one of the designers I use to guarantee that the dress and shoes would fit Emerson.
There are some surprises I don’t like, and not having the dress and shoes fit on the night of the event is one of them.
“It’s fine, Mitchell. She should be back from the park with Bristol any minute.” I dismiss him for the rest of the afternoon. He’ll be required to drive us to and from the event this evening, and I don’t want him getting tired behind the wheel or distracted.
The front buzzer wails and I grab my phone, letting Lia inside. Unlike some nannies who live with their employers, Lia is more of a dayshift nanny. She helps with Bristol during business hours or when I have away games. There’s an extra bedroom for her if she needs to sleep over, but it’s not a requirement of the job.
I suppose some of the responsibility still falls on Emerson, but not nearly as much. Lia makes the meals, gets Bristol ready for bed, and, once she’s asleep, is free to go so long as Em is home to take over.
It’s an arrangement that seems to work for everyone. It gives Emerson more free time, and Bristol is ecstatic to have two people who adore her.
Emerson punches in the code at the front gate when they arrive back from the park. It’s a short walk, a couple of blocks away, and with the weather being nice today, I’m happy to see Bristol get out and run around for a bit.
My phone buzzes with a visual of the two girls coming back from the park. I can’t help but smile at the sight of them and shove my phone into my pocket. I need to shower and get dressed shortly for the gala, but I want to surprise Em with the gown and shoes that I picked out just for her.
“Hey,” she says, opening the front door, surprised to see me. I’m usually busy buried in the gym working out if I’m home and have a little free time. “No workout this afternoon?”
“I had practice with the guys this morning,” I remind her. I’m still a little sore from the beating that I had on the ice the other day. The bruise on my face was nothing compared to the bruise on my chest from James.
I can’t even remember when the beef between us started, but every time we’re playing the Bruisers, he’s always coming at me, and I’m nailing his ass to the wall.
The other day, it felt like we saw more of the penalty box than the ice. Seems neither one of us are willing to forget a grudge.
But the gala is tonight, and I’m grateful for the time away from work. I certainly intend to enjoy Emerson’s company.
“I have a surprise for you,” I say.
“For me?” Bristol’s eyes widen.
“For both of you.” I don’t want to disappoint my daughter when the surprise is solely for Emerson. I tread carefully, wanting to make this into something fun.
