“I can give you a half-million good reasons to commit to our fake nuptials.”
“I’m not really into that kind of intense role-playing. Bullshit doesn’t impress me much.”
“But just think of how much fun we could have pulling off a sham marriage? You were always my backup before, when I needed a fake date, fake girlfriend, or hell, a fake fling. You used to love stunts like this. We’re just upping the ante!”
He gripped the roses hard in his fist and stared at me, begging me to just say yes.
“That’s just it. Those were just stunts, practical jokes, and they were temporary.”
“This one will be too. I told you, I only have to stick it out for two years to fulfill the terms of the Will.”
“I’ve never pulled a stunt of this magnitude,” I said.
“Remember when you got all pissed off at Marcie Roberts and pretended to kiss me at that party, just to get back at her? Man, what a kiss!”
I nudged him. “Hey! I put my hand over your lips and kissed my own hand.”
“Well, it looked mighty convincing to everyone else.” He paused and looked at me with a very serious expression on his face. “Look, I really think we could be something great. By all logical standards, I’m the perfect companion for you. You already know I’m willing to talk, listen, and completely support you.”
“For two years? You’re quite the catch. Maybe I’ll throw you back and get someone who will keep me for a little longer. I mean what if I miss my chance to be with the one guy I’m meant to be with?”
There had to be a way out of this, but the longer we talked, the more this deal actually sounded like a good idea, but Charlie never settled down. He never kept one girl on his arm for long. Did I really want to risk putting up with that for two years? Having him betray me after he promised he wouldn’t?
“I know I’m not perfect, not by a long shot,” he said. “But I know without a doubt that the right guy is standing right in front of you.”
“For two years,” I reemphasized and his lips thinned. I had him there and even he couldn’t deny that point. “You’re quite the catch, but honestly, I don’t think I’m so bad myself. Maybe I’ll throw you back and fish for someone who’ll keep me a little longer.”
“You’re right. I’m an idiot. It’s crazy for me to even ask you to consider something so crazy. You’re a good girl, beautiful, smart and I don’t deserve someone like you,” he said and reached for my hand.
I gazed into his blue eyes and couldn’t help notice how the sunlight made them glitter. I wished I wasn’t still attracted to him, but I was and it only made everything worse. The chances of me actually finding my one true love anywhere were slim, especially if I could never get my ass out of this town. “You need to find the right girl to settle down with, and I don’t think you’re going to find her in a month, especially with, uh...limited resources in this town. She’ll come in good time. And I think she’s going to sweep you off your feet, but it’s not me, Charlie.”
“I don’t have time to wait for her. Time crunch, remember? The clock is ticking away.”
“Then you shouldn’t be wasting your time with me,” I insisted. “This town is your oyster, date away. Find the princess of your fairytale. Your Cinderella awaits.” I turned to finally head inside to work, but he reached out and took my arm, dragging me back toward him.
“Listen, I know my bullshit lines won’t work on you. You’ve always been able to see right through me so I’ll be blunt. We used to be great friends.”
“Charlie,” I said, looking down at my phone, “I’ve gotta clock in so I don’t get in trouble for being late. I can’t afford to get fired from this assignment. The clock is ticking.”
“Yeah, I know the feeling.”
“How can I help you? And don’t say by putting a ring on my finger.”
“I have a proposal.”
“Yeah, but I’ve already turned it down.”
“Just hear me out.”
“I’m listening,” I said, tapping my foot impatiently.
“We’re friends, right?”
“Right.”
“Well, who says we can’t stay that way? We’ll both know the marriage is a big fucking scam, but I’ll give you two wonderful years, and I won’t cheat on you that whole time, not even once. I can promise a helluva ride—and I mean that literally, if that’s something you’re into. When it’s over, I’ll walk away after signing over a bunch of my money to you, and I won’t say one word to anybody about our little con, because the last thing I wanna do is screw up your reputation or make mine worse. We’ll just part as friends, and in the meantime, you’ll make me the happiest man on the planet.”
My jaw dropped. “Wow. That has to be the most romantic proposal I’ve ever heard,” I deadpanned.