Page 18 of Escorting the CEO
“Probably because my father wanted me to be settled. And my brother has a child—Luke, he’s four—and I’m his guardian now,” I said quietly.
Rory’s eyes widened. “You’re taking care of your nephew?”
“He has a full-time nanny, but yes.” I wasn’t sure why I felt so defensive.
“So you think they wanted you to get married so the kid would have another parent?” she asked.
I nodded. “They probably wanted to make sure that the child had stability and warmth to grow up with.”
Rory arched an eyebrow. “And they didn’t think you could provide that on your own?”
“Enough of these questions. I don’t have time to waste.” I scowled at her. “Are you in, or are you out?”
She swallowed hard. “I’m going to need that five hundred thousand right away. I know you don’t want to hear about my problems, but trust me when I say I have them.”
“Anything illicit?” I asked.
She frowned, like maybe I’d insulted her. “No—we’re behind on our mortgage. Elena did a criminal background check on me, you know.” Her face reddened.
I waved it away. “I didn’t mean to imply anything.” If only I would shut my big mouth and she would sign. “I promise that as soon as you sign, I’ll wire the funds into your account. And if you need help paying off the mortgage, I can facilitate that.”
“You would do that?”
I nodded.
“Can you make that part of the contract?” She shoved the papers toward me.
“Sure.” Gritting my teeth, I added yetanotherprovision to the agreement, outlining the steps I’d take to ensure that the mortgage was satisfied. When I handed her the papers back, she smiled.
“Thank you.” She signed.
No wonder she was smiling. The girl had persuaded me to add two contractual terms to my offer that benefited her, while giving up nothing.Points for Ms. Harris.
For better or much more likely worse, I also signed the contract. Then I pulled a jewelry box from my desk drawer. “You’re going to need to wear this.” I opened the box, revealing a stunning six-carat oval ring, and she squinted at it like maybe it was blinding her.
“That’s crazy!”
I sighed as I handed the box to her, and she slid the ring onto her finger. We both stared at the enormous diamond.
She glanced up at me. “This is really beautiful.”
“It should be. It cost me a million dollars.”
She coughed, sounding like she might choke.
“Okay, Ms. Harris—Rory. Let’s get you to bed.”
She glanced at me, cheeks flushing, suddenly nervous. “Am I staying with you?”
“Not right now. I thought it would be best if you started off in your own suite, and then after we’re married, we can begin sharing a room.”
She nodded, regaining her composure. “That sounds good.”
“Fine. I’ll have Philips bring you to your room.” I brought her out to the hall where the ever-faithful Philips waited. This time, I found him straightening some of the original artwork on the walls.
“Philips? Please show Ms. Harris to her room.”
“Of course, Sir.”
