“Then to answer your question, sweetheart, I’m sure. When I’ve set my mind to something, I rarely change it.”
“I just don’t want this to get awkward for either of us.”
“The best way to keep that from happening is to communicate openly. And I’ll do everything I can to put you at ease.”
“I appreciate that.”
“Of course. Tell me what convinced you to meet me today?”
“Mostly? Necessity.”
“What do you mean?”
She sighs and fidgets. “You might have guessed from the email that my dating life is a mess and I want—no, I need—to make a change.”
I do my best to suppress a smile. “I did get that impression.”
As great as it is for someone to push themselves to shake things up when it’s warranted, does she understand that, at some point, for me to “help” her, we’ll be getting naked and having sex?
“To be clear, I don’t expect anything from you other than your instruction,” she rushes to clarify. “No emotions. No forevers.”
“Then we’re on the same page. But if we’re going to do this, we need firm rules.”
“Like what?” She frowns. “You’re going to teach me not to get clingy.”
“I understand, but we need to maintain strict secrecy around the office. When it comes to spending time together, no sharing on any social media, no telling coworkers, and no spilling to family or friends.”
“Um, about that…” She shifts uncomfortably in her seat.
Shit, she already told someone?
I sigh. “Who knows?”
“My friend Kami. She works for your brother as a social media specialist. Since she was supposed to get my email…”
“You mentioned that, but you didn’t say why. I take it your message wasn’t strictly a joke?”
“No.” She can’t quite meet my gaze. “But she’s the one who talked me into finding a man to teach me how to…you know. Do it without feelings.”
So it wasn’t entirely Kiera’s idea? What made her agree?
“Is Kami the only one who knows?”
She nods. “She can keep a secret, I swear. And I promise to kill her if she blabs to a single soul. But since she’s my roommate and I know where she sleeps, she won’t.”
Having someone in the office be aware of our arrangement isn’t ideal. The last thing I need is for this to get out and destroy everything I’ve built for myself and KH Industries. But if Kami is discreet, I can work with that.
“Thanks for being honest. Just make sure she keeps her mouth shut.”
“I will. Look, I understand we’re both taking a big risk, but I won’t do anything to jeopardize your professional reputation or mine. Not now, during, or after we part ways.”
She sounds sincere, but actions speak louder than words. I’ve learned the hard way that women will sometimes say one thing, then do the exact opposite, especially when extortion and money are involved. But my gut says that’s not her game.
“Same. Rule number two, you can’t treat me differently at the office. No long, lingering glances. No inappropriate conversation. No flirting. No flashing. No quickies.”No matter how much I might want one… “In short, nothing less than professional behavior unless we’re away from work. Even if we don’t have specific policies against all of that, it doesn’t look good.”
She nods. “Yes. Absolutely. I’m with you. I’ve never been one for those sorts of things, anyway.”
I still don’t understand why. “Can you be clear, concise, and honest about your needs?”