Total pages in book: 74
Estimated words: 68743 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 344(@200wpm)___ 275(@250wpm)___ 229(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 68743 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 344(@200wpm)___ 275(@250wpm)___ 229(@300wpm)
Until he had an idea of what Zach knew, he couldn’t make any plans or promises.
* * *
Nikki showered and dressed, then grabbed a cup of coffee in the kitchen, choosing the largest mug she could find to prepare for Zach’s news. She was hurt that Asher hadn’t reassured her about their relationship status once they returned home and now, she had to deal with everything she’d left behind.
She walked into the study, where Zach and Asher were waiting and decided to take control. “Okay, talk to me. What plan do you have so I can approve it or not?” Because at the end of the day, this was still her life, and she was going to make her own decisions.
“Take a seat and let’s discuss.” Zach gestured toward the couch next to where Asher sat.
Needing space to be able to think, she chose a large club chair and settled in.
Asher narrowed his gaze but said nothing.
“I have good news. I take it you haven’t been keeping up with social media.” He didn’t phrase it as a question.
She shook her head. “Staying away. Far away.”
“Then you should know there’s a bigger scandal than you, and you’ve been knocked off the major headlines of most sites.”
Nikki stared at him. “You’re serious?”
“Deadly. A beloved, big-name actor cheated on his pregnant wife, and he now has two baby-mamas and babies on the way with both of them. In other words, the paparazzi have moved on. Derek said your building was quiet last night, and the doorman confirmed the same this morning. You can go home,” Zach said.
Nikki knew she ought to feel relieved, but the anxiety rushing through her said otherwise. “But we don’t know who set me up, so I can’t just go on with my life.” She nibbled on her lower lip, ignoring the fact that Asher’s eyes remained glued to her face.
“Smart girl. The danger isn’t gone but we need to draw this person out. So we are bringing you home… with a boyfriend.”
Her stomach flipped at the word. “Boyfriend?”
A grin spread across Zach’s face. “You and Asher are going home together to play boyfriend and girlfriend. Derek is packing up some things and dropping them off at Asher’s place today.”
Nikki shook her head, certain she was hearing wrong.
“What the hell? Derek knows? About the plan?” Asher’s voice rose, and she couldn’t tell if it was anger or panic.
Zach laughed. Nothing seemed to bother the man. “Relax. He thinks you two are coming home to engage in a fake relationship. Which, let’s face it, won’t be difficult for you two lovebirds to pull off.”
Ignoring the fun he was having at Asher’s expense, Nikki glanced at him. “So the purpose is…?”
“To give you a safe place to stay, to let whoever set you up know you’re protected, and if they’re keeping an eye on you, they’ll know you are home and your apartment is empty. And I had Derek have a camera set up that’ll tell us if someone tries to return for their equipment. Which reminds me. Call that friend of yours and let her know you’re coming home and moving in with your new boyfriend.”
“Giving her time to hang herself if she decides to come to the apartment for the camera,” Asher said.
Zach nodded.
Nikki pursed her lips in thought. “Do I get a say in these plans?”
“Of course,” Asher answered before Zach could.
As frustrated as she was with him for not answering her earlier question, she also had considered what Serenity said. About where things started and where they ended up. Living with Asher gave Nikki an opportunity to show him things between them could work in their real lives. It might be the only chance they had.
Eyes on her, Asher and Zach waited for her to speak. Zach was relaxed as always while Asher’s shoulders were tense, his jaw rigid. In fact, he looked like he was about to launch out of his seat when she gave them a hard time. She had no doubt he thought she was annoyed with his reaction earlier.
Time to put him out of his misery. “I think it’s a great idea,” she said.
“You do?” Asher asked, shock evidenced in his wide eyes and stunned expression.
“I do. What time are we leaving?” She shot him a smile and rose from her seat.
“We’ll leave for the airport around one,” Zach said.
She nodded. “Then I’ll go pack.” She walked out of the room without explaining to Asher her reasons for agreeing.
Let him stew over whether she was upset with him or not and what to expect when they were alone in New York.
* * *
Asher watched the wiggle of Nikki’s ass as she left the room. Knowing it was the last thing he should be focusing on, he shook his head and groaned.
Meanwhile, Zach let out a laugh. “Took you by surprise, didn’t she?” he asked.