Page 18 of The Fiancé Hoax

“I'm totally serious. And I'd prefer we keep your dad out of it.”

“But… why me? I'm sure you know a lot of single women you could ask instead.”

For some strange reason, my throat closed up when I said the last part.

Why on earth would the idea of Cooper dating a lot of women upset me? I didn't even know the guy.

“Because you're perfect for the job. You're charming, articulate, and attractive. And my daughters like you.”

My face grew warm at his compliments. I looked away.

“But I’m not successful,” I added.

“Not yet. But you're creative and passionate about your business. I have no doubt your boutique will be a success in time.”

My heart lifted a little at his words. “You sure know how to flatter a girl, Cooper Pierce.”

He flashed me a charming smile, and I looked away before I got lost in his gaze.

“You are single, right?” he asked. “I haven’t heard your dad complain about some guy you’re seeing lately, so I assumed you were.”

Oh, God. My dad spoke to him about my love life? My face felt even hotter.

“Yes, I’m single,” I muttered.

“Perfect.”

“So my dad doesn’t know you want me to do this?” I asked.

“No,” he said. “He’d kill me if I knew I was suggesting it to you.”

“So you would… what? Keep it a secret from him?”

“Ideally, yes.” He sighed. “But if he does find out, he knows what I’ve been through with Gen. He won’t like this arrangement, but he won’t sabotage it.”

He stood up and crossed the space between us, standing in front of me. My heart raced to be so close to him. His spicy cologne invaded my senses.

“Help me keep custody of my daughters, Felicity. If you agree, I'll invest in your business. Moonstone Boutique will be a success. I guarantee it. And you’ll keep all your profit. No loan repayment. No need to share your income with me.”

I blinked, staring at him. I was woozy all of a sudden.

“And you'll be helping my daughters out, too. Gen is not fit to be a mother. She wouldn't provide a stable environment for the girls.”

“How long?” I breathed.

“Three months.”

He was even closer now, looking down at me. So close I felt his breath on my skin. Wetness pooled between my legs. My lips parted, my breath caught in my lungs.

At that moment, I would have agreed to almost anything he said.

“Okay.”

“You’ll do it?” His face lit up.

“I’ll do it.”

Cooper took my hands and squeezed them. His gaze lingered on my lips. He leaned in a tiny bit.