Chapter 5

Swinging the mocha colored bag over my shoulder I grabbed my phone as Amy rushed in her eyes widening before darting down to her wristwatch before returning to me. The mid-aged woman seemed confused at my early departure but knew better than to mentioning it to me.

"Regina called asking about the book signing next week." the short woman finally said in a timid voice that never really changed

Glancing at my phone I noticed three business related texts and one overly perky text from Stacy reminding me of the family get together slash public announcement informing the media of her recent engagement and of course I must attend since unfortunately I am that evil witch's sister. The invitation came up last night during dinner shortly after Wes's phone rang successfully excusing him from the dinner just as my mother started to question him. With my mother giving me that raised brow look that was a silent warning for me to accept the invitation. Reluctantly I agreed to come. With Wes.

"Send her the schedule as well as directions, tell her everything is set and ready all she has to do is make sure to get there on time." I said looking up just as Amy nodded

My assistant glanced down at her wristwatch yet again as I strolled past her nearing the door when finally she asked.

"Are you umm going home?" she asked her fingers fiddling together like a young teenager's would

"Yes, I have plans that require me to leave early which means you can also leave after you send Henry the copy of the signed contract from earlier."

"Right away Ms. Sparks." she replied formally and jetted past me

Stepping out of the office I wished Amy a good night on my way towards the elevator the surprised expressions of my co-workers not going unnoticed. Despite knowing what they were thinking I chose to lift my head higher as the elevator doors slammed shut. I could understand their confusion seeing as how I never left work under any circumstances mid-afternoon and certainly not when I still had a couple of novels to edit. As difficult as it was to leave the office early knowing I still had work to do I needed to discuss this 'situation' with Wes.

Walking out towards the parking lot I spotted my car, unlocking the black Mercedes a typical car that was glamorous as well as efficient. Pulling out of the company building I started towards the main street leading to my apartment building that was only a few minutes away.

Pulling into the apartment parking I parked and started towards the elevator pressing the tenth floor. Crossing my arms over my chest I tapped my fingers against my forearms repeating the rules I had formed earlier. There had to be rules for this unusual arrangement that way both Wes and I could be comfortable with each other and of course there had to be barriers that he could not cross. The ding of the elevator snapped me from my thoughts; readjusting my bag I brushed a loose strand from my ponytail back over my shoulder as I turned the corner, the sound of my heels hitting the soft carpet below.

Stopping in front of Wes's apartment I pulled my blazer down over my waist before rasping my knuckles against the door. Glancing down at the professional navy blue skirt matched with a black lined blue blazer and plain pointy blue heels. Pleased with my appearance I glanced up just as the door opened.

"As expected your on time kitty cat." he said flashing a pearly grin

"Wes." I greeted pushing past him

Ignoring his wicked grin I made my way into the apartment surprised at what I saw a head of me. A black leather sofa with a matching leather armchair beside it, a round table with not a single article of clothing laying on it. Two over sized square windows identical to mine gave a breath taking view of the city and the vibrant green parks tucked away in the middle of the busy streets. The shiny wooden floor had a single plush white rug by the doorway that seemed as if he had just purchased it with not a single stain on it. Hanging on the wall leading towards the hallway heading to the bedrooms were a few silver photo frames hanging on the soft gray painted wall. For a moment I thought of getting a better look at the photos but quickly banished the foolish thought away.

It was the first time I ever entered his apartment and I was very impressed by the neatness and the non-existing odor. The apartment was extremely manly from the dark colors to the alluring scent of his cologne that lingered in the spacious area. Clearing my throat I lowered myself onto the sofa just as Wes took the seat beside me.

Crossing one leg over the other I turned to face him "As you know I asked for us to meet so we can discuss what will be occurring between us."

Snorting he leaned back into the dark leather looking as if he didn't have a care in the world.

"Getting straight to the point aren't we." he teased swinging his large arm behind the sofa

Ignoring his teasing comment and the toned forearm behind me I spoke in a neutral tone "During this relationship there needs to be rules so we both are comfortable. The first rule, you must dress accordingly when you are to make any appearances with me. Second rule, any events I'm required to attend you must accompany me. Third rule, you will not humiliate me in front of my family."

"Do you have a bonding contract for me to sign too?" he chuckled slumping lower

I narrowed my eyes at the position he was currently in, he resembled a teenager being told to take the trash out. Although I was debating on whether I should draw up a contract before coming over I sure wasn't going to admit that to him. I would have preferred written proof of his promise to be cooperative but I thought it would scare him away. It turns out he finds the idea amusing.

"Can you take this seriously?" I hissed

Dropping his arm back to his side he repositioned himself, sitting up like a grown man he nodded all humor disappearing as he suddenly sobered to my surprise. Nodding he motioned for me to continue.

"The fourth rule, no speaking about any subject I haven't coached you to respond to."

He nodded, raising his hand in the air like a child "One question, what color is my leash?" he said the smile evident in his words

Gritting my teeth and clenching my fists on my lap I fought the urge to jump forward and punch him in his smug face.

"This is serious Wes if you mess up I'll be humiliated again." I growled shooting out of my seat

The grin dropped as his dark brows pulled together, his eyes softening as they searched my expression. The unspoken question clear in his grey eyes but to my shock he didn't ask about my slip up and for that I was grateful.

"Alright sorry I'll be serious now." he said his eyes still trained on me

Sighing softly under my breath I took my seat reminding myself that what happened with Greg wouldn't happen with Wes. Wes would be agreeing to these terms which means he could never humiliate me the way my cheating ex did. That very reason was why I spoke the next rule out loud in a dry, harsh tone.

"Fifth rule, no flirting and no inappropriate behavior with other women while you are to be with me."

"I wouldn't do that." Wes said with a shake of his head

Rolling my eyes I resisted the urge to tell him to cut the crap. I've heard that line before and it turned out to be a lie.

"Sixth rule, no inappropriate touching unless it is needed." I said narrowing my eyes

"Any other rules?" he asked raising one brow

"Not at the moment." I said with a content smile

"Good, now I can tell you my rules."

His what? The smile faded due to the fact that I had not expected Wes to have thought up any rules. Knowing him he would say something ridiculous like we have to share a bed. Recomposing my shocked expression I nodded allowing him to continue.

"Rule number, one you can't boss me around." he said with a smirk

"That goes against all my rules." I said my hands flying up in the air

Simply shrugging he leaned back his eyes glinting mischievously knowing I had no choice but to agree since I've already introduced him to my family. Snapping my mouth shut I waved my hand, a sign to go on.

"Rule number two, I can speak to who ever I want when ever I want about what ever I want."

Grinding my teeth together I could have sworn I'd be toothless if his next rule was anything like the first two. Judging by that cocky, knowing smirk he wore he was deliberately making these rules up to contradict my rules.

"Rule number three, you can't have any relationships until this weird deal is over."

Biting my bottom lip I resisted the urge not to laugh in his face at the last rule. Did he honestly think I would have asked him to pretend to be my boyfriend if I was capable of having a genuine relationship? The bitter truth was laughable; pathetically sad but still laughable.

"I can agree to the last one but not the other two." I said with a shake of my head

"Not negotiable babe." he said pushing off the sofa

Shooting daggers at his retreating back I watched him walk past the same doorless doorway I had in my apartment that led into the wide kitchen. Crossing my arms over my chest I pondered over the different possibilities. On one hand I could succumb to his stupid rules seeing how I need his cooperation more than before. Or I could do what I've wanted since I entered his apartment and punch him in the face, tell him to shove his shitty rules up his ass. Grinning at the alternative I wanted to stomp into the kitchen and punch his straight nose to the side. As much as it pains me to admit it I need the jerk.

Sighing softly I was just about to call him when he returned holding two beer bottles.

Taking the open beer I mumbled a thank you looking down at the bottle I found myself once again pushing my pride aside.

"Fine I agree." I muttered

Fighting a smile he lifted the caramel colored bottle up to his mouth and for a second I thought of taking the words back. Instead I took a sip of the perfectly chilled beer enjoying the cold liquid drizzling down my throat.

"What exactly do I have to do?" he asked taking a seat beside me

"What a normal boyfriend would do." I answered with a shrug unsure myself of what he should do

It's not like my few relationships are great examples and inspirational for any relationship real or fake.

"You know holding hands, occasional kisses and stupid nicknames. Couple stuff." I added

"Nicknames like the ones you told me not to call you by."

"Yes but only around other people."

"Hmm, so I can kiss you anytime I want?"

Swallowing the bitter words on the tip of my tongue I nodded knowing I'd spit out venomous words threatening to cut his perfectly plump pink lips. Wes shifted to the side his body facing me, his eyes shimmered as a lopsided grin graced his lips, the ass was loving this.

"So I could touch you and you wouldn't-"

"Only when it is necessary or else I will rip your fingers off." I growled warning the scumbag

His deep rhythmic laughter filled the spacious apartment and sent an electric shiver down my spine at the soothing manly sound. I hated how a simple action like laughter could do this to me. Maybe I have been alone too long.

"Relax tiger I was only teasing you."

Lifting my chin up I rolled my eyes a playful glint betrayed his last comment, no doubt he was half kidding.

"So when do we start this?"

Recalling Stacy's invitation I recoiled at the sudden public event that my evil sister planned on purpose thinking I wouldn't have a boyfriend. Smiling inwardly I couldn't help but picture Greg's expression when I arrive with Wes.

Take that you cheating, sniveling asshole!

Hopefully though Wes will hold up tonight threw all the questions I'm sure everyone will have for him. My mother's nagging, my family's curious stares and the press. Oh the press would have a field day if he cracked under the pressure tonight. It would be the cherry on the ice cream sundae of my shitty personal life.

"Tonight."

"Tonight?"

Nodding I took another sip of my beer pleased by the shocked expression that replaced the smug grin that he had on since I stepped in to his place.

"Yes my sister -who you met yesterday invited us to her public announcement tonight."

"Public?" he repeated his eyes widening

Not so confident now, huh? Turning in his direction I nodded with a small smile playing on my lips at his discomfort. I nearly laughed when he shifted uncomfortably on the sofa. Where's mister cool and confident now?

"Is that a problem?" I asked mockingly

Clearing his throat he shook his head, readjusting his position yet again "No, it's not a problem at all."

"Good." I smirked patting his shoulder

Standing up I placed the beer down. Grabbing my bag off the floor I watched as Wes stood up still looking like I told him to walk outside butt naked. For that thought alone I will be walking out of here happier than when I came in. Who knew the playboy would freak out over a simple public party?

"Where are you going?" he asked

"Back to my place to get dressed as you should too. We'll discuss your payment when I return."

"I don't want your money." he said the confidence returning in his tone

No money?

"Than what do you want?" I asked fearing his answer

"Whatever I want whenever I want." he replied his grey eyes shimmering

Smoothing out my skirt I started for the door catching a glimpse of Wes who followed close behind me like a lost child desperate to return to safety. His large hand gripped my elbow holding me in place, the heat from his palm seeping threw the blazer. Causing my skin to tingle under his touch like a desperate teenager.

"You're just going to leave?"

Pulling my arm free I glared up at him for no reason other than the fact that I hated the tingling feeling I got from his touch.

"Yes, I'll be back in an hour so we can discuss our story before we go."

With that I continued forward reaching for the door knob hoping we had time to discuss our story before heading to the party. One wrong move and everything could blow up in my face and at a public event never less. Knowing my family they will have plenty of questions and I plan to be prepared for them. I had to be there was too much riding on tonight.

"Dress causal." I called over my shoulder as I walked across the hall to my apartment

************

This update was late because my uncle -may he rest in peace- died and I had to fly back to New York for the funeral coughing like a life long smoker. His kids were a mess, my dad was so upset and my poor grandma :'( it was overall a sad few days filled with tears. I just sat down to write this so don't be shy to point out anything you feel is poorly written or confusing

I'll be flying back tomorrow night but I figured I'd bring you guys some joy :)

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