Page 22 of The Prince's Game
“I didn’t hear you complaining when I provided dinner, darlin’.”
“What part ofbe quietdon’t you get?”
“You know, I don’t think a woman has ever demanded silence from me before.”
Rachel snorted. “Well, I’m happy I could be your first.”
“Let me know if you want to explore a few more firsts, sweetheart. I live to please.” Will’s amusement was palpable. I could only imagine the way he was looking at my best friend right now.
“Seriously, Sarah, do you see what I’ve put up with all day? For a fucking contract that is insane, by the way?” Rachel then said to Will, “Don’t look at me like that, you think it’s nuts, too.”
“Actually, I think it’s perfect.”
“Just stop talking. Can you do that? For five minutes? Thanks.”
My face hurt from grinning so hard. Will Mershano had my friend worked up in a tizzy. She was notorious for her cold shoulder, but it seemed Evan’s cousin had wormed his way under her tough exterior and found a soft spot. One that inspired her to argue instead of ignore. Good. My friend needed a challenge. Maybe this one could help her get over her crazy ex.
“I can’t believe you let him into your apartment, Rach.” That was a big step for Rachel. The last time she invited a man up, it didn’t end well. But now wasn’t the time to press her on Will. Not with him listening to every word. “Anyway, I want to know about the contract.” I listed the terms Evan and I discussed, and Rachel confirmed they were all in there. “Even the get-out clause should he decide to go with someone else in the end?”
“Yes, even though Will says it’s a pointless requirement.” From the derision in her tone, it was a source of contention between her and the billionaire cousin.Just how much did they discuss today?
“I want it in there in case he changes his mind,” I said.
“Oh, it’s a smart clause. If you’re really going through with this, though, then I think you need to add something about his involvement in your future firm. The silent partner agreement is good, but there isn’t anything in here about his say in business affairs.”
“Yeah, we should add that.”
“I’m already working on it.”
This was why I adored my best friend. “You’re awesome.”
“But are you sure you want to do this, Sarah? Influential men like that . . .” She fell silent, not needing to finish the statement.
“He’s not Ryan, Rach.” Her former fiancé was a renowned Chicago politician with deep family ties and even deeper pockets. He was charming and sweet on the surface, but deep down he had control issues. Even after she called off the engagement, he believed Rachel still belonged to him.
“They’re all believable at first. It takes time to see their true colors.” Her quiet voice was underlined by a thousand memories that made me shiver. I didn’t know everything that happened, but I knew enough to understand her stance.
“Evan has nothing to gain by playing me, but just in case, I asked my awesome lawyer of a best friend to review it. To make sure there are no loopholes.”
“There aren’t any. It’s solid, but I need to add language about his involvement in your firm. I’ll give the amendment to Will for Evan’s review. If you’re sure this is what you want to do.”
“He’s giving me the opportunity to own my own firm, Rach. How do I turn that down?”
“I knew you were going to say that.” We were childhood best friends. She knew what this opportunity meant to me. It was a backward way of achieving my goals, but fate intervened in mysterious ways. Stern and Associates wasn’t my future; it was a means to an end. This contract allowed me to cross the finish line sooner rather than later.
“I know why you’re worried, but we’re not really dating here. It’s an agreement that helps both of us. Him especially.” No one should be forced into marriage or to create an heir. And it wasn’t like spending time with him would be a hardship. He was gorgeous, knew how to dance, and our attraction was mutual. I just had to make sure it didn’t go beyond the physical, and it was a win-win scenario.
“If he hurts you, I’ll kick his ass.”
“He can only hurt me if I let him, and I have no intention of letting him get that close.” It was the only way this arrangement would work.
“Nine weeks is a long time to guard your heart.”
“Should be pretty easy with him dating several other women. He’s going on a date with one of them tomorrow night while I hang out with the girls and do some more of those stupid interviews.”
“God, that sounds awful.”
“Oh, you have no idea.” I told her about the last few days and could hear her cringing over the line. “I’m sure Director Paul has more fun planned for us tomorrow.”
