Page 44 of Fake Dating Mr. Prince

“Haha, Henri.” There was truth to Henri’s statement. Relationships were not for me nor were the emotions that went with it. Simone’s actions had ensured my heart was encased in ice. Yet he wasn’t completely right. My mystery girl said she didn’t typically do one-night stands.

“Seriously, man. What if she’s the perfect person to help repair your image?”

“That’s ridiculous.” All of this was ridiculous.

“Maybe, maybe not. Listen, I hate to run, but I have a date to get ready for tonight.”

“All right, man. Thanks for listening. I’ll catch you later.”

“Any time, you know that. Talk later.”

“Bye.” We hung up.

I couldn’t stop thinking about Henri’s suggestion.

It was absurd.

I mean, who would be desperate enough to agree to such a thing?

Me. I would.

Because I couldn’t get Ashlyn out of my fucking mind.

CHAPTER TWELVE

Ashlyn

“You can do this,” Iwhispered to myself. My hands shook as I placed the box I’d grabbed from my locker onto the bottom shelf of my cleaning cart.

I’d finished every office on my floor and then ran downstairs to get the box that might change my life. Inside, I had placed my business plan and a handful of the lingerie pieces I’d already created. Fingers crossed I could keep it together long enough to convince Dean that he should help me.

My feet dragged as I pushed the cart back to the elevator and tapped the button leading to the sixth floor. I tried to steady my breathing, but it felt as though I’d run a marathon. My heart hammered in my chest, and my body trembled.

This meeting with Dean was more important than he knew. I had to find a way to fund my business without my stepmother. And if he was able to help me, then perhaps I wouldn’t have to worry about any negative press she threw my way.

I made my way off the elevator and kept a stream of positive thoughts running through my mind.You are invincible. You are strong. Your dreams are destined to come true.If I said them enough, then at some point, I’d have to start believing them, right?