Page 42 of Falling for Raine
“Why else would you offer to pay me to open a web browser for you? I think I should be insulted, but I’d probably end up here anyway. You’re too charming and British and…I like your dick.”
“I wasn’t joking about the research bit, but I admit it was also an opportunity to see you again.”
“For a booty call.”
“Don’t be crass.”
“Oh, please,” I scoffed. “I say it like I see it.”
“This isn’t”—he frowned and glanced away briefly—“something I do. Ever. I was honest about that from the start. I don’t date, and I rarely see the same man twice. I also never bring lovers home for sleepovers. Not even in hotel rooms.”
“I remember.”
His smile was almost apologetic but not quite.
“I didn’t intend to end up here, but you’re in my system and I can’t shake you.”
I melted a little at the gooey admission. “That was a little romantic.”
Graham snorted. “I’m a numbers man, Raine. I don’t have a romantic bone in my body. But I can assure you that I don’t lie, I don’t fuck employees or clients, and while I can be persuasive, I don’t use sex as a weapon. There’s no need. Money travels further and faster. Which makes you an anomaly.”
“Oh.”
“Oh, indeed.” He scratched his chest as he worried his bottom lip. “I know the research project sounds simple enough for anyone to do, but if you’re as good as you claim to be, you might help us gain a fresh perspective. Though I truly think he’s wasting our time.”
It was still as clear as mud, but I was intrigued. “Is this a secret research project?”
“No, I rather like the idea of Blower wondering why I’ve hired an outside investigator. An American, no less. He’ll be mad with curiosity, which will hopefully convince him to quit faffing about and close this bloody deal once and for all. However…” Graham shifted to meet my gaze. “You and I would remain quiet. I know that might not be ideal for you, but it muddies the waters a bit if my employees know I’m fucking the man I’ve commissioned to do a job that in a way affects their jobs.”
I nodded as I mulled over his request. No, I wasn’t in the market for a secret lover. I’d been there, done that. The circumstances were different this time, though. If we stuck to the rules, there was no danger in mistaking our intentions. This wasn’t going to turn into something more. Sure, I liked Graham, but I didn’t really know him. I was here for sex.
And there was a poignant honesty in sating bald-faced attraction without strings that was almost healing in light of the mess I’d left in LA. It was another reset.
So yeah, it was an interesting proposal, and it appealed to me on a few fronts that had nothing to do with a booty call. I loved history, I loved research, and I needed money.
“I’ll do it, but I want to see the property in person.”
“That’s not necessary,” he assured me solemnly.
“Maybe not, but I want to do some exploring, and it’s a good excuse to see your country. I don’t need a tour guide, just a map and train fare…when the time comes.”
He cocked his head. “All right. That can be arranged. We’ll add it to the contract.”
Contract. I was leery of signing another legal document with Horsham’s name on it after I’d just given myself permission to ride him like a cowboy at a rodeo show. But he was a businessman and this was a transaction of information and cashola.
I smiled, holding out my hand. “Sounds like we have a deal.”
Graham captured my wrist and gallantly kissed my fingers. “Good. As for us…this is for fun only. When one of us is done, it’s over, no hard feelings.”
“Yes. Totally. Just so we’re clear, I’ll prioritize your project, but I need to beef up my résumé before I go home next year or I’ll be working the front desk at the gym again. I’m going to look for a part-time job.”
He looked as if he were going to argue. “Where do you want to work?”
“Ideally, at a university, a museum or a gallery. I’m not picky. I sent a few résumés out, so we’ll see what happens,” I replied.
“Hmm.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?”