CHAPTER NINE
JOE HANDED SOME money over to the pizza delivery boy and balanced the boxes on both hands as he strode back to the boardroom, his brain whirring as he analysed his idea from all angles.
He pushed the door open and glanced round. Imogen sat at her laptop, intent on the screen, her hair hiding her expression from him, body tilted away from the door.
‘Pizza’s up.’ Joe walked to the other end of the boardroom, put the boxes on the table and lifted the lids.
Twisting away from the screen, she narrowed her eyes and stared at the pizza.
Joe frowned. ‘Has Richard called? Is something wrong?’
There must be some reason for her obvious withdrawal.
‘Nope and nope.’
‘Come on, Imo.’ Two sisters had taught him exactly when nope meant Yes—I’m really pissed off.
‘I’m fine.’
‘Great. Then would it be OK if we keep talking?’
Pulling out a slice of pizza, he took a bite.
‘Mmm …’
She gave a roll of her eyes and an exasperated sigh that blew her fringe upwards … but she rose from her seat and headed over with the instinctive grace that he loved to watch.
She picked up the box. ‘There’s nothing to talk about. You asked for my advice. I gave it. You won’t listen to it. Topic closed.’
‘I’ve got a proposition for you.’
‘For me?’ Eyebrows raised, she halted in mid turn away from the table.
‘Yup. You come to Leila’s wedding with me and I’l
l come to Steve’s wedding with you.’ He allowed his lips to quirk upwards in his most persuasive smile.
‘That’s a joke, right?’
‘Nope.’ He tilted his palms upward. ‘It’s the perfect solution.’
‘I wasn’t aware I had a problem.’
‘Think about it, Imogen. You said you wanted to go to Steve’s wedding and show everyone you’re over him. What better way than to take a man with you? You can present me however you like. As a man you’re enjoying a wild, uninhibited affair with or as a boyfriend—either way, it should give everyone the message that you’re over him.’
‘I may have a bona fide date of my own by then. Either a sex god or the perfect man.’
‘Maybe you will.’ The idea was not one he wanted to contemplate or encourage. ‘But most likely you won’t.’
Her eyes narrowed. ‘Why’s that?’
‘Because it’s going to take you at least a year to find a man who ticks all the boxes on your list. That or a miracle.’
‘Really?’ Her voice would have created ice in a desert.
‘Anyway, the point is you can help me and I can help you. You come to Leila’s wedding and you’ll be showing people you’re already over Steve. In style.’
For a second he thought he had her, and then she shook her head and redirected that laser look at him.