Chapter 8

I stared at my closet the next evening, wondering what I was going to wear. I had no desire to wear something suggestive and give Jaz the wrong idea. But I couldn’t go to his place looking frumpy. I knew that this meeting was going to be the turning point in our relationship and no matter how much I was starting to not like the condescending attitude he had towards me, I had to admit I wanted to make a good first impression—or second first impression.

If Sandra were here, I knew I would be able to count on her help. But she had gone out for a business dinner. The last thing I even wanted to do was inconvenience her even more than I had already done. I needed to learn how to do some things for myself. I was already self-dependent in more ways than one and I had been that way for a long while now. Choosing an outfit for a business dinner was not going to be a problem… hopefully.

I was glad Sandra was not home yet though. If she were, I would have been entitled to a host of questions. Questions I didn’t want to answer because I knew the lies that would come out of my mouth would be a little too extreme. Sandra knew me so well that she would know immediately that I was lying.

I sighed and closed my eyes for a few seconds, trying to refocus. I needed this. The last thing I wanted was to show up like some weirdo and have the man back out of the deal—no matter that he was the one who had proposed it in the first place.

One million dollars.

The thought of the money alone chilled me. I was actually scared. Why would he want to give me so much money? Maybe this was a ruse he did since he was rich? Lure desperate girls to his place with the promise of a huge sum of money then do whatever he wanted to them? I knew that a lot of people would consider me sheltered but it didn’t make me naïve wither.

On the contrary, it was not easy for me to put my trust in people. When you had a dad like mine, you had to be on your feet constantly. It was a difficult feeling. Which was why I was so undecided now. I didn’t know what to do.

I sighed then I went to the bed and picked my phone up. It was 6:15 pm and I had not even showered. Jax had already sent me the address and after looking it up, I noticed it was about thirty minutes away. I was nowhere near ready. I put my head in my hands for a few seconds then I went back to the closet with a renewed determination. After calling an Uber, I flung my phone on the bed and picked out a dress; it was nothing too formal. Flattering without being seductive.

Like I had already said, the last thing I wanted was to give this man the wrong idea. I knew it was practically impossible, but I didn’t want to give sexual favors in return for this money. I was not desperate like that. Maybe I would consider it in a future time, but definitely not now. After pulling out the shoes I was going to wear—low heels—I went to the bathroom. Shower time was always sacred to me, but I found myself rushing it. I already knew I was going to be late, but I didn’t want to reach even later than I was originally supposed to.

Fifteen minutes later, I was out. I considered putting on makeup but again, I didn’t want to give off the wrong idea. I was aiming to be as simple as possible; I didn’t want Jax Coleman thinking I was trying to impress him or something. I mean, I didn’t want him to think I was frumpy or something and decide that I would not make a good pretend fiancée. But I didn’t want to give off the impression I was coming after him either.

So, I went out when the uber arrived. I contemplated sending the address Jax had sent to me to Sandra just in case anything happened. But I changed my mind. If anything happened to me, it would be my cross to bear. After all, I had chosen to trust a completely strange man, even if it was just for a night.

The ride seemed like it was more than thirty minutes even though the clock on my phone was telling me differently. I was a little surprised at the fact that Jax had not yet texted me. It made me feel a little apprehensive actually. Had he found someone that would be better suited for the role? Someone that fits into his world more than I ever would? I didn’t know. I hated the fact that all these thoughts were consuming me, but I couldn’t help it either. It even looked like a silly prank at this point. I had to say my hands were shaking as I watched up to what was supposedly his apartment.

The apartment complex was just as flashy as Sandra’s. I didn’t particularly like it, but the man had not asked me here to criticize the building he lived in, so I was going to keep my thoughts to myself. I walked inside, into the lobby. I went to the elevator and got in. he had said in his text to come up to the last floor. And that his apartment was the only one on the floor. Penthouse apartment. Must be nice to have money.

I reached then pressed the bell and waited. Jax opened the door suddenly and I felt my breath catch in my chest. I swallowed as I stared at the man. He looked good. His shirt was buttoned fully so I could see his chest, he had tucked it into a pair of casual pants and his hair was slightly wet. He had probably just gotten out of the shower.

I thanked whatever spirit guide had told me to dress the way I did. I didn’t feel like some kind of clown now. I was glad I had taken the decision not to wear any makeup. With how casual he looked now, he would have gotten the wrong impression.

My face heated up when I realized that he had said something, and I had been too busy ogling him. The smirk on his face let me know that he had noticed. I didn’t want him to notice that I found him attractive or that he had any kind of effect on me. I didn’t want him to use that to his advantage. This man was a businessman; I was not naïve enough to think that he was just going to smile and feel flattered.

“Hey,” I said a little awkwardly then cleared my throat.

Jax’s response was a low throaty chuckle that actually made me shiver.

“I’m just going to assume that you didn’t hear a word of what I said, so I am going to repeat. You look great. Thank you for coming, albeit late.”

My face heated up even more at the little remark. I couldn’t even say anything because he was right; I was late. I just smiled and muttered a small thank you then walked into the apartment after he ushered me in.

I had to stop myself from exclaiming out loud. The apartment was chic and stylish. It wasn’t as ostentatious as the exterior would make you believe. Maybe he did have good taste. I stood and watched silently, then shook when I heard the man talk directly behind me. I hated how his voice had an effect on me. I pretended I wasn’t affected by him though. I maintained the position I was in and tried my best to act as casual as possible.

He clearly already had an inflated ego problem. I wasn’t going to inflate it even more than was necessary.

“You like my apartment?” he asked.

I nodded, tilting my head to the side a little. I didn’t trust my voice very much at that moment.

“Are you second-guessing this, Reine?” he asked me, still behind me.

I was at a loss for words. Did I say the truth that, yes, I was second-guessing this, and I wasn’t sure my dignity and self-worth could be bought for one million dollars? But the smarter part of me that wasn’t ruled by my sensitivities and emotions wanted me to retort with a sarcastic comeback. I didn’t want to appear as weak to this man.

I sighed as my mind went through all the one hundred and one motions. I hated this…