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"What do you want out of it, if we do this? You'd be giving up a lot. You wouldn't be able to see anyone, at least for a while."

"I don't know. I get to see this asshole publicly humiliated, and restore my friend's faith in you."And go out on dates with a beautiful woman.

I smile, tentative. "I'm in the middle of a court case right now anyways, so I don't have the mental or emotional desire to go looking for anything serious."

She pulls her hand away from mine. "What court case? I don't want to deal with any negative press."

I laugh. At least she has her priorities straight.

"It's some old legal issue about a property I inherited from my grandfather. Technically, my name's not even attached to the case. It's nothing to worry about," I promise her.

7

Florence

"Thanks, Hettie." I smile as I close the door behind her. Josie's coming over this evening to discuss the details of our arrangement. I have a list of items we should cover and a standard NDA for her to sign that will protect me if she chooses not to do it.

Walking back into the dining room, I look around. Donna cleaned earlier, and everything looks good.

Marin stands up at the table. "Do you need anything else from me before I disappear?"

I roll my eyes. "You don't think I can handle a date on my own? I remember how to treat a woman, Marin."

She laughs. "Seeing as this is more like a business meeting than a date…" She stops, studying me. "You're actually nervous about this."

It feels more like a date.

"There's something about her. She has this uncanny ability to see through me." I glance at her. "Like you do, only different."

She raises an eyebrow. "I think this woman is going to break through your defenses. She's already melting you around the edges."

"It's not like that," I argue. "She's been in love with her best friend for decades. Unrequited. Her heart's not open for business."

Marin tsks softly in the back of her throat. "Keep telling yourself that, Florence."

An hour later, Josie's at my door.

"Hey. Come on in," I tell her.

She follows me into the living room.

"Can I get you something to drink?" I ask.

She looks around my large living room—the white leather sofa, the electric fireplace, and the wall full of books.

"Wow. Nice place." She eyes the bookshelf.

I take her elbow, laughing, and lead her to the table. "Let's talk about the details first, then you can look at my books."

She raises an eyebrow, looking at me. It strikes me again how tall she is.

"Okay." She gives herself a little shake. "Sorry. I forgot for a minute—that this isn't real." Her voice softens, and she looks a little disappointed.

"You don't have to do this," I point out. I pull out a chair for her. "Sit down. Do you want something to drink?" I ask again.

"Do you have whisky?" she asks, looking at me hopefully.

"Not in the house, but Marin is out grabbing dinner, so she can pick some up. Do you have a favorite brand?"