Page 19 of Arranged Silverfox

Rebecca shrugged, “It’s a hobby. It’s not like it’s going anywhere or anything.”

“Well, you at least owe me a sugar cookie.”

“I can make that happen.”

We wandered into a small park and sat on an open metal bench.

Now was my chance to explain to Rebecca why I needed her help with the Dover Mall Project. “I need you to play the perfect fiancé and win Mr. Mead over for me. This could be the winning ticket for my biggest deal to date. I really want to capitalize on this marriage.”

She scoffs. “It’s amazing how you can complement me one moment and insult me the next.”

“What do you mean? I’m just guiding you.”

“I don’t need you to tell me how to be a socialite. I’ve been doing this my whole life. I had a cotillion, for God’s sake! I grew up watching my mother help my father secure business deals, and I saw the same with my grandparents.”

“I didn’t know. Sorry, I’m not aware of your complete family history after spending one day with you.” Rebecca ignored me and crunched a chip in response.

“Now you’re pouting like a child.”

“I’m not pouting. I’m mad at you.”

I let out a frustrated sigh. “This is business. You did great at the restaurant, but I want to be sure you can handle all aspects.”

“I know how business works,” she said.

“Yes, I know you have a degree, but that is not the same as having experience. I’ve been in the business world since before you were born.”

She started to say something but stopped herself.

“What?” I asked.

“Nothing,” she said quietly.

“I will say this little food truck date was a genius idea. We need more of these excursions. It’ll make us seem like a real couple.”

I tossed the foil wrapper of my burrito into the trash. Rebecca wrapped the rest of hers up and placed it in the bag with the chips.

“Do you want me to drive you home?” I asked. Our hands hovered suspiciously close on the bench. I reached to grab hers, but she shied away. Any progress that I’d made with her seemed obliterated. She checked the time on her phone and sighed, “I should get going,” she said abruptly.

“Are you sure you don’t want a ride home?” I asked.

Rebecca shook her head, “I’ll call a Lyft, no worries. Thanks again for the car, by the way. That was incredibly kind of you.”

“Don’t mention it,” I said stiffly.

Rebecca pressed a chaste kiss on my cheek and got up, popping my sunglasses back on.

“I’ll see you around,” she said primly. Just like that, the socialite was back. I guess it did serve me right after trying to teach her how to win at her own game.

I mentally berated myself as I watched her walk away, her delicious ass bobbing in the distance.

Chapter 4

Becca

Thefollowingweekwasblessedly Sebastian-free.

I agreed to go with him to Mr. Mead’s gala next Wednesday, but he remained distant after our spat at the park.