“Wouldn’t hurt so much if it wasn’t true.”
“Well…” He gives me a pitying look.
“They said it would be good if I looked like a man who values commitment, and if I had someone steady by my side. After seeing how miserable my father is, I can safely say that’s never gonna happen.”
“Not all marriages are miserable.” He scratches his cheek.
I lift a brow. “Have you proposed yet?”
“No. But I’m going to.”
“Look at you, being a model citizen. You’ll start wearing cardigans next.” The sarcasm in my voice holds a hint of bitterness.
He chuckles. “You’re just jealous.
I glower, because he’s right. I’ve never met anyone I’ve even come close to settling down with.
“Have you ever been in love?” he asks curiously.
I snort. “Love is something invented by Valentine’s Day card manufacturers.”
“I used to think that, but it’s not.”
“Look, with all due respect, you two do seem happy, but it’s not going to last once the cold, clear air of reality cuts through the fog of lust.”
“Wow. That’s some cynicism you got there, my friend.” His eyes glint—he’s only a little amused.
Fuck, how many people can I piss off today?
“Sorry,” I say grudgingly. “It’s been a tricky morning. I don’t know what to do about the Foundation. I’m not going to propose to someone just so I can look respectable.”
Orson grins. “Maybe you should get yourself a trophy wife.”
I snort.
But he says, “I mean it. A fake fiancée. Someone to act the role and stave off the headlines. I’ve seen you play Lysander in A Midsummer Night’s Dream. You’re not a bad actor. I’m sureyou can find a girl who’s willing to play the role for a few months until the scandal dies down.”
“I don’t know a single girl I’d be interested in living with for even five minutes.”
“Dude, you don’t actually have to be a couple. Can’t you think of a friend who might want to help you out? Someone you like? Not all girls are evil. Some are actually quite nice.” He’s teasing me now.
I open my mouth to reply, then close it again as the vision of someone with bright red hair, pale skin, and flashing green eyes appears in my mind.
Oh God, can you imagine it? Asking Chessie Ross to play the role? She’d bite my fucking head off.
Although… if I were to make her an offer she couldn’t refuse… Make her see it as a business deal…
Orson’s grin widens. “I can see you like that evil plan.”
“Mwahaha. It might actually work.”
“Want to share who you have in mind?”
“Not yet. I’ll need to think about it first.”
He laughs. “Okay, let’s get these reports done, then. I’ve got a gorgeous soft woman waiting at home for me, and I’d much rather spend the day with her than with you.”
Chapter Four