The man behind me at the moment still has his arm around my waist. Whatever, time for plan number 36. Gently, I moved his hand aside, holding my breath as I changed my clothes, afraid of waking him up.

Luckily, I slipped away before he woke up.

***

My best friend, Grace, sat in front of me, eyes brimming with gossip. I shot her an annoyed glare. She finally put her excitement on hold. "Alright, alright, this whole thing was my fault. As compensation, I'll buy you coffee for a month."

"That's more like it."

"But still, yesterday was so intense you didn't even answer my calls."

"I didn't ignore you! My battery died!"

"Oh, no battery."

I couldn't help but hold my forehead. A woman's imagination sometimes needed no fuel. Then again, maybe I didn't exactly lose out. A face like that… I thought I wouldn't see him again. But who would've thought we'd meet again like this.

He helped me up, his hand brushing my waist, sending shivers down my spine. Once I was standing, he let go, sinking lazily into the sofa.

He waved at me. "Come sit down. Don't be shy."

I smiled awkwardly. He was the boss now. I couldn't afford any mistakes. I sat across from him.

"Linda, are you ready to explain?"

I was grateful I was already sitting; otherwise, I might have collapsed.

Seeing my silence, Zian spoke again. "Linda..."

I couldn't take it anymore and blurted out an explanation.

He was silent for a moment. "So... you thought I was a... gigolo?"

"More like a male escort."

His face darkened. The tension in the room thickened. But with my rent barely covered, I decided to bite the bullet. "Mr. Simon, it was just a misunderstanding. As long as you forgive me, I'll work like a horse if I have to."

"Really?"

"Yes, just don't fire me. And no pay cuts!"

He smirked. "Relax, I'm not interested in your dates."

"Then what do you want?"

"Be my girlfriend."

My eyes widened. "Is that appropriate?"

"It's just for my family. They want me married soon, but they don't know I... uh, lost my freedom a week ago."

Hearing that, I snapped, "Don't worry! I'll get the job done!"

"Good. I'll let you know when we start. Now, go back to work."

"The elevator's broken?" "No, there are too many coworkers using it during rush hour. I didn't want to be seen." "You're that afraid of being seen?" I answered without hesitation, "Of course."

Nick paused for a moment, pressing his lips together. "Why?"

"Because we're pretending to be a couple. Sooner or later, we'll break up. It's not easy to explain when that happens."

"And if we were a real couple?"

I shrugged. "I think it’d be fine." Did I just say that out loud? His expression, which had been so serious, suddenly lightened.

"Where are we going now?" I asked, trying to change the subject. "I can be whatever type of girl you like—wicked or sweet."

I playfully patted his shoulder. "Don't worry, Mr. Carter, I can handle it."

He stared at me without a word. That’s when I realized my hand was still resting on his shoulder. Oops. I needed to work on my habit of talking with my hands when I got excited.

I let out an awkward laugh and quickly pulled my hand back. Just then, he handed me a thermos. "Drink some water. Take your time."

His sudden thoughtfulness caught me off guard. But since I was actually thirsty, I took a sip. The whole time, I could feel his eyes on me.

I glanced back at him. "Do you want some?"

The moment I asked, I realized how awkward that sounded. But Nick didn't hesitate—he took the cup and drank from it. Indirect kiss. Not that it should matter, considering we... well... kissed before. Still, my cheeks warmed.

***

Thankfully, the car stopped. He got out first and I followed behind.

I was ready for the worst.

When I stepped inside, I was surprised. "Just the two of us?"

"Who else?"

"Your family?"

He smirked. "Linda, you don’t think they're that easy to fool, do you?"

I sighed in relief. "Good point. So what now?"

"Sit down and eat first. We need to get our story straight before they ask too many questions."

"You're right, Mr. Carter. You're more thoughtful than I expected."

"Call me Nick."

I smiled awkwardly. "Nick."

He sliced the steak in front of me with a smooth, practiced motion. "Eat up."

I couldn't help but be impressed. I didn’t expect him to be this considerate. Just my luck. The moment we stepped out of the restaurant, I froze. A familiar figure caught my eye. Zian Simon.

Without thinking, I grabbed Nick’s coat and buried myself in his chest. The scent of cedar filled my nose and my heart pounded.

Nick tensed slightly. "What's wrong?"

"I saw someone... unpleasant. Let me hide."

Footsteps stopped nearby. That annoying voice I knew all too well rang out. "Linda?"