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Now that’s my job and I’m failing at it.

My mom and dad met at a dog park of all places. She was out for a walk with her German Shepherd and he was walking his neighbor’s dog. Serendipity at its finest.

But I’m not sure that would be the key to finding a woman worth marrying anymore. My parents didn’t have wealth to impede them at the time.

Even after major business deals and all the other high-intensity events I’ve been through, I’m sweating more at what I’m about to do.

A fake relationship. I never thought I’d have to do that kind of thing.

But when the woman I thought I was going to marry told me she’s done and to stop calling, it kind of broke me. And I’m not ready for any pushing my mother does for me to settle down with a woman of her choosing.

So, this is the right course. And if Dani says no, I’ll message the gal Jack talked to the night before.

“Hey Miles,” Dani says, casually walking up to me.

“Dani, thanks for coming.” Her eyes widen, worry etched on her face. I realize all my attempts at being cryptic are more sketchy than the shoes I’ve seen a few people wearing around this afternoon. I wave to a bench. “Do you want to sit?”

She frowns. “I got your message. This is just about dry cleaning, right? Or do I need to pay for a new suit? Again, I apologize about Sodagate. Just tell me the number and I’ll pay it.” With her eyes closed, she sucks in a deep breath, looking as though she’s ready to go diving in the Charles River.

I open my mouth and pause a few seconds. “Actually, no. My suit will be fine. And I wouldn’t make you pay for it even if it was ruined.”

She opens her eyes, and I note they’re a pale blue beneath her glasses, standing out against her slightly tanned skin.

Confused, she says, “Okay, did I leave something at dinner the other night?”

I blow out a breath and say, “I didn’t think you’d come if I texted what I hope you’ll consider.”

She scoots as far against the bench armrest as possible, several inches from me. “And this is why we meet in a public park,” she mumbles to herself.

I can’t help but laugh. “I’m sorry, my life is weird and complicated, and I hoped you would help me out with a few things.”

“You want me to help you with a few things? Isn’t that what assistants are for?” She blinks at me, her pursed lips drawing my gaze. What would it be like to kiss them?

Where did that come from? I haven’t felt even a spark of attraction in months with any of the women I’ve dated and here I am jumping into thoughts of kissing?

Running a hand along the back of my neck, I should’ve run through this before coming here.

“I need someone to be my fake girlfriend for a few weeks.” There, I said it. The words are out and now to see the aftermath.

Her mouth is half-open, and she looks stunned. “Fake date. And you’re asking me? Am I on a reality tv show? Did Ashton Kutcher get back into the game?” She’s searching the park and I’m losing steam.

“Why are you surprised I’d ask you?”

She holds up one finger. “Because we met when our dates were making out and I doused you in Dr Pepper.” Finger two goes up. “Your other date is a lot more refined than I’ll ever be.” She shivers before holding up three fingers. “And I’m not into dating at the moment. This girl does not need any more heartbreaks.”

There’s a vulnerability in her eyes that disappears within seconds.

I pause, giving her some time to process what she just said. “Okay, listen. My mother is a great woman, but when it comes to marrying off her only son, she starts to act like this is the ultimate trophy she’s never won. Ever since my ex-girlfriend and I broke up, she spent months trying to get us to ‘accidentally meet up’ which didn’t work out well. Especially because she keeps trying to fly me to New York for non-existent business meetings.”

Dani grimaces. “That’s not awkward at all.”

“I’ve gone out with at least fifteen women she’s approved of and a few she hasn’t. But my bachelor status going into event season is going to make things difficult and I don’t need her pushing another woman at me.”

“What is event season? Is that like wedding season without the pretty dress?” Dani’s face is curious but the dry humor in it causes me to laugh.

“Event season is basically the Clarks parading around to all the charity auctions and the social gatherings of Boston. It’s long and dreadful, but I’d rather do it with someone who has no interest in me whatsoever.”

“Are you trying to rile your mom up? Like, you’re hoping to drive her crazy at this point?” There’s a ghost of a smile on her lips and my hopes rise.