Page 16 of At Your Service
“These lovebirds have lots of planning to do,” Ron interrupted. “And we’re going to keep you up to date with those plans. But for now, we have more announcements.”
Thankful for the reprieve, Major offered the press another smile, before leaning in to whisper in Nina’s ear, “Our part’s done. Let’s get out of here.”
Her quick nod and the instant look of relief that washed over her face also reminded him the smile and natural movements he’d just glimpsed were part of the sham. She didn’t want to be there any more than he did.
If Cinderella hadn’t run away from the ball at the stroke of midnight, she may have walked into a room with Prince Charming following closely behind, feeling the quick jolt of excitement, anticipation and lust.
Nina was feeling every one of those things and then some as she slid the card over the panel on the door and walked into her hotel room. Just twenty-four hours ago she’d entered this same room, but she hadn’t been wearing a designer dress that sparkled with what she’d now identified as success, nor had there been a great-looking guy standing just a few feet behind her.
“Would you like a drink?” It sounded cliché but polite nonetheless.
“Sure. I’ll pour,” he said as they moved into the living area of the suite. Just a few feet away stood a large round table with two chairs on either side. It sat in front of the only window with a view of one of the New York streets. Buildings, people and lots of cars were below even at almost eleven at night.
“I’ll be back in a sec.” She made her way into the bedroom when she heard her phone ringing inside her purse.
“Hey,” she answered as she sat on the bed.
“Where are you? I’ve been texting and calling you all night,” Angie said. “Dad’s worried sick and ready to call the police to file a missing person report, and Daisy wants to get in the car to drive up there to bring you home.”
Nina sighed. She hadn’t called them back after telling them this morning that she’d missed her train. So much had happened in those twelve hours that she hadn’t completely forgotten about her family, but she had put them on the back burner for a change.
“Sorry. I meant to call you sooner to explain what’s going on.”
“Okay. Well, explain now.”
Right. Explain how the deal she’d finally been able to land had somehow morphed into a six-week assignment that could either make or break her experience in the fashion industry. She glanced over at the window, to the night sky in the big city, still in awe of where she was and how she’d come to be there.
“They offered me a project for six weeks. It’s kind of like a trial run for the business with a few other duties.” There, that didn’t sound so crazy.
“What do you mean ‘other duties’? Are they going to use your app or not? And why’d you have to stay longer just to get the job? Dad’s been asking for you and I can’t spend another night here. I’ve got the night shift for the next five days at the hotel.”
Angie worked at a casino hotel and often had the night shift, which meant Nina had the night shift with their father because Daisy was the most unreliable of the Fuller sisters.
“You and Daisy will have to work out a schedule. I’m going to be here for the next six weeks as part of this deal I’ve accepted.”
“What are you talking about? It’s just an app. Either they’re using it or they’re not—and if they are, it’s not necessary for you to stay there during some trial period.”
“It’s necessary if I’m also pretending to be the guy’s fiancée to help their company boost sales,” she blurted.
After only a couple seconds’ hesitation, Angie all but yelled through the phone, “What? Are you serious? You’re like some escort?”
“I am not an escort,” she snapped. She wasn’t aware of escorts wearing designer gowns and getting a personal driver. Although she could be mistaken, considering she’d never made it her business to know what escorts did or didn’t do, or have or didn’t have.
“Look, this is the biggest opportunity of my life and I’m taking it. So for the next six weeks, I’ll be Major Gold’s fake fiancée and his company will be featuring my app on all of its web sites.”
Angie was silent for a moment. “And what happens after that? He offers to put you up in an apartment and you continue to be at his beck and call?”
Nina rolled her eyes even though Angie wasn’t there to see how exasperating her comments were. “This isn’tPretty Woman,” she said, referring to one of the Fuller sisters’ favorite movies. “It’s a job that I plan to do to put my business in a better position in this industry.”
“This is insane and Dad’s not gonna like it.”
“He’ll like it when it provides a way for me to take care of him on a long-term basis,” she quipped. “Look, I gotta go. Just figure out a new schedule with you and Daisy and keep me posted. I’ll be home as soon as this is over.”
Angie wasn’t happy when she hung up and Nina wasn’t nearly as giddy as she’d been when she’d first walked into the room. In fact, as she disconnected the call and let her hands drop into her lap, she wondered briefly if Cinderella’s coach had just turned into a pumpkin.
Ten minutes later, she walked back into the living area. Major had removed his jacket and tie, and was sitting on the couch, surfing TV channels.
“Everything okay?” he asked when she took a seat beside him.
