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“I need to get my mother off my back and keep my ex as far away from me as possible,” she finally admitted, and all I could do was nod.

And desperately try to ignore the tiny tug of disappointment in my chest.

“I guess that makes sense,” I mused. “But is it something we could actually pull off?”

“Oh, come on, Mia!” She cackled. “We’ve been working closely together for six years. Whatdon’twe know about each other? Nothing has to change if we play our cards right.”

I shook my head, not entirely convinced any of it wasreal, let alone a good idea.

“They’re so strict, Reid,” I whispered. “I’ve heard of them going to people’s houses to inspect their living situation. How are we going to make sure that we’re both in the same place when they decide to interview us?”

“First of all,” she said, taking a sip of her wine, “it is illegal for people to justwalkinto someone’s home and, secondly, if you’re really worried about it, you can just move in.”

“Move. In?” I asked jerkily. She nodded, as calm as ever, while I fought to pick my jaw up off the ground.

“Yeah, it makes the most sense.” She shrugged. “Besides, it’s one of the only aspects, apart from a marriage certificate, that they need to see, right? I have more than enough space.”

“But, no Reid, that’s way too much of an imposition-” I began but she dead-eyed me, turning my words to soundless breaths before I even spoke them.

“Mia,” she said, suddenly serious. “You know how expensive these types of processes can get. If it's so difficult to believe that I need your help to run this company, then remember that I’m making a financially sound decision based on the information I have.”

I blinked a few times, a small lump popping up into my throat. I tried to swallow around it.

“Of course,” I said quickly, clearing my throat. The little twinge of disappointment burned but I couldn’t pinpoint why. “Yeah, I know that it’s the best move for the company, financially.”

“Then are you going to answer me or leave me hanging?”

“Could I think about it?” I asked, feeling just a little small. There were too many things to consider, too much on the line if something went on.

The last thing I wanted was for any of it to impact Reid.

“Sure.” She shrugged again, a reluctant grin on her carved face. “Just remember that we don’t have much time, Mia. I won’t pressure you into staying, but my offer stands. Whether you want to stay here or go back to start over, I’ll respect your decision.”

The twinge of disappointment warmed, the weight of it lightening with every word Reid spoke.

I nodded, grateful that I was at least important enough to make a difference. Enough of a difference that she’d be willing to marry me to keep me from being deported.

REID

I sat in the silence of my private car, the set of keys dangling from my middle finger and dialed Alex’s number, the day’s events churning in my mind.

“Listen, I already know what you’re about to say,” I said, my heartbeat fluttering inside my rib cage.

“Oh, God.” Alex sighed on the other end of the line. “You and Hayden are going to send us all into an early grave.”

I walked up the silent pathway that led from my driveway to the front door.

“And yet you and her constantly compete for the title of Drama Queen of the Day,” I countered, waving my access card and then placing my thumb and ring finger on the scanner.

The doors beeped and clicked before swinging open.

A smalldinglet me know that Tanner and his security team acknowledged my entry. I ignored the familiarity of it, too focused on getting Alex to approve of my plan.

“She competes, I’m a professional,” she joked. “So, what’s up? You don’t usually call this late, is everything okay?”

“It is now, I guess,” I told her, tossing my coat over the nearest chaise lounge. “Or it’s about to be, but I need your help first.”

“Okay,” she said slowly, hesitantly.