Chapter 28 NEW BEGINNINGS (II)
Chapter 28 NEW BEGINNINGS (II)
HAYLEY
I glance at the table;
“Are you expecting someone? This is way too much food for two people, even for a celebration.”
He nods, wiping his lips with the neatly folded napkin.
“Yes, I’m expecting someone. But before then, I have a favour to ask you.”
My interest is piqued.
I straighten, leaning across the table.
“Whatever it is, Peter, as long as it is within my power, I will do it for you.”
The serious gleam in his eyes tells me that this matter is no joke.
“It’s a serious commitment, Hayley. Before I tell you, I need you to understand that you’re not under any compulsion to help me.”
I nod.
“I understand. Tell me already.”
He lets out a long sigh.
“Remember how I told you that I was the black sheep of my family?”
“Yeah?”
“Well, I’ve got a nephew who takes after me. Like I said before, my family is quite prestigious back in New York. They’re all about status and appearances and all that upright stuff.
My nephew is an illegitimate child. He’s the product of an affair between his father and a waitress he met while on vacation many years ago, so he’s been completely ostracized by the family.
We found out last week that his father left a sizable inheritance behind for him after his death. But he can only claim it if he’s married or engaged to a woman before the age of thirty.”
“To a woman?”
“Yeah. He’s gay.”
I nod, already cussing out his stiff ass family in my mind.
“That is where you come in, angel.”
I blink in surprise. “M-me?”
“Yes.” He raises his right hand and James steps forward, handing him a stack of papers;
“I’m willing to pay you three million pounds per month to pretend to be my nephew’s fiancé for six months.
We have a reunion in Dubai this weekend, and it’s compulsory for him to show up with his future wife. If you agree, three of us will have to leave for Dubai in the next couple days.”
I lean back in my chair, letting the silence soothe the relentless noise in my brain.
“Just to be sure, you want to pay me to act as your nephew’s fake fiancé?”
He nudges the papers on the table. “The contract is already drawn, angel. All that’s left is your response.”
I think about it for a minute.
During the past five years, I made sure to keep my life as simple and boring as possible, after escaping from the drama in Edward’s household.
I abided by the rules. I played it safe. I never took risks.
Now, a handful of years later, my soul craves a bit of drama. A tiny dash of excitement never hurt anyone.
“You said someone was joining us. Is it your nephew? Can I see him?”
“Of course you can.”
He lifts a finger and James appears out of nowhere.
“Yes, boss.”
“Inform Dean that his presence is needed.”
“Sure, sir.”
We sit in tense silence and I down two glasses of wine in a bid to calm my frayed nerves.
Finally, two entire minutes later, Peter’s eyes light up at someone behind me.
“Dean, you made it.”
“Hello, uncle.”
That voice.
I freeze, goosebumps roughening my skin.
He comes to a stop between me and Peter, and I have to crane my neck to see his face.
Our eyes finally meet and mine widens in awe.
The first thing that comes to my mind is: “danggg, he’s fine!”
This is not an exaggeration.
Dean Davenport is gorgeous. Drop dead gorgeous. The kind of gorgeous that smacks you in the face and instantly loosens the elastic in your panties.
He has a swagger about him that just gives off this smoky, sensual level of confidence.
His dark brown hair falls over his forehead in a riot of unruly curls. His designer trench coat and shiny Oxford boots scream new, fresh money even from a mile away.
I almost turn putty when he takes my hand and presses a lingering kiss to the back of my palm.
“Hello, Miss Ferguson. It’s a pleasure to finally meet you. You’re the most beautiful woman I have ever seen…”
“Girl, are you crazy?!!” Scarlett shrieks, almost choking on her watermelon daiquiri.
“Girl, are you crazy!” Estelle mimics, bouncing happily on her lap.
“Careful, Scarlett. You know she learns fast.”
Scarlett gathers Estelle against her chest and smacks a big kiss on her apple cheeks.
“Don’t repeat the terrible things you hear aunty Scarlett say in public, you hear me, honey bun?”
“Yes, aunty! Can I play with Elsa and Fifi now?”
Elsa and Fifi are part of the latest doll collection that Mr. Davenport bought her on his trip to Berlin. I believe they have a tea party in the next couple minutes.
“Of course, baby.”
Scarlett lowers her to the floor and she runs into my arms.
My heart melts when she wraps her little arms around my neck and whispers;
“You’re so gorgeous, mommy. I love your dress.”
“Oh, my sweet girl.” I pull her into a tight hug, my eyes stinging with unshed tears. “Thank you so much! I love you.”
“I love you more.” She kisses my forehead and scampers off. “Gotta go. Can’t keep Elsa and Fifi waiting.”
“Isn’t she just the sweetest little girl?” I ask Scarlett, dabbing at the tears in my eyes with a tissue.
“She sure is.” My best friend scoots closer; “now, about this contract you signed.”
I release a long groan, pressing the heels of my palm to my tired eyes.
“Girl, I was actually gonna take some days off and think about it first, but Dean Davenport walked in there and I seemed to develop a brain aneurysm. I signed it on the spot.”
“Dang, he’s that fine?”
“Apparently, the entire Davenport family has really, really good genes.”
Scarlett shrugs, “but it’s a good bargain. Five million pounds to be a fake fiancé for a couple of months? Girl, I’d shake my ass at Central park buck ass naked for five hundred thousand quid.”
We dissolve into a fit of giggles and proceed to clink glasses.
“So, when do you leave for Dubai?”
“Next weekend. Will you please watch…”
“Do you even have to ask? You know Estelle is always safe and sound with me. Go have your fun, baby. Ogle enough hot men for the both of us!”