The Weekend Proposition (3 page)

“That’s a bargain. You’re getting three designer dresses, shoes, lingerie, and casual clothes for five days. I wanted to do jewelry too but Spencer told me not to overwhelm you.”

“Of course, because spending thousands of dollars in less than an hour shouldn’t overwhelm me.”

“It’s not an issue for Spencer. You must be pretty important to him.”

“I can’t try anything else on.” Coda had tried on at least thirty dresses and countless jeans, shirts, and shoes. If she couldn’t handle the shopping portion of the deal, how would she manage pulling off being the billionaire’s girlfriend?

“I’m having everything folded and neatly packed into your luggage.”

“Luggage?” Coda had shown up to the boutique with a duffle bag she’d gotten from a department store giveaway.

“I took care of that too.”

“Is there anything you haven’t taken care of?”

Kendal was Wonder Woman in couture.
Who needs a cape?

“I get paid well to dress women like you. Spencer asked and I was happy to oblige.”

“Are the two of you… I mean, were the two of you…” Coda didn’t know why she cared but her curiosity had gotten the better of her. “Did you date?” A real girlfriend would ask that question.

“No.” Kendal smiled but didn’t offer any more information on the subject. “Wear this adorable outfit today.” Kendal handed Coda a simple sleeveless, dark green dress. “The brown knee high boots go with that one. I’ll make sure all of these get into your suitcase.” She took the underwear and headed to the front of the store.

Coda changed into the dress and zipped up the boots. She took in her reflection in the full length mirror. Not bad. Expensive clothes and sexy panties really did make a difference. She pulled her hair up off her neck.

“Leave it down.” A deep voice from the direction of doorway startled her.

She spun around to find Spencer, dressed in a meticulous navy suit, leaning against the doorframe. Her stomach quivered when she took in his perfectly styled dark brown hair and those mesmerizing blue eyes.

“I didn’t mean to surprise you.” He walked into the dressing room. “Kendal said you were just about finished. I wanted to make sure you had everything you needed.”

“I have too much,” she said. “I don’t feel right about all of this stuff. I don’t think I need that many clothes.”

“You’ll be at the hotel for four days. We have three dinners to attend, four breakfasts, and a cocktail party when we arrive tonight. You look lovely.”

“Thank you.” She released her hair. “You want me to wear it down.”

“If you wouldn’t mind indulging my request.” He gazed at her locks. “It’s very beautiful. I like the way it curls at the ends.”

“You’re the boss, so whatever you want.”

“Part of the deal is that you convince people we’re a couple.” He placed his hand on the small of her back and guided her out of the dressing room. “You probably don’t want to refer to me as your boss. They may get the wrong impression.”

“Oh, right. Sorry.”

“Don’t apologize. The sooner we start pretending the easier it will be.”

“Kendal really thinks I’m your girlfriend?” Coda nodded in the direction of the approaching boutique owner.

“Why else would I send you here to buy a wardrobe?”

“She probably thinks I’m really good in bed.” She placed her hand on his shoulder and pulled him closer to him.

“What?” he whispered, clearly shocked by her statement.

“Kiss me.” Her heart pounded hard against her chest when she brushed her lips against his. “Right now.”

Spencer wrapped his arms around her waist and pressed his lips to hers just as Kendal made her presence known.

“Sorry to interrupt,” she said. “All of the bags are loaded into the car.”

Spencer grinned at Coda before acknowledging Kendal. “Thank you for all you’ve done to help Dakota.”

“It was my pleasure. Just wait until you see what we’ve come up with.” Kendal winked at Coda. “You two have fun this weekend. I hope you’ll come back soon.”

“Thanks for your help. You did a great job with picking everything out.” Coda took Spencer’s hand. “Are you ready to go?”

Spencer said goodbye to Kendal before leading Coda out to the car waiting for them.

“Convincing enough?” she asked as she put on her sunglasses.

“Very.”

A large man, no more than thirty, dressed in a black suit came around and opened the door to a black car.

“Coda, this is Andrew, my driver.”

“Hello, Ms. Vercelli.” He smiled. “Nice to meet you.”

“You too.” Coda slipped into the backseat of the sleek vehicle that smelled of new leather and watched as Spencer spoke to Andrew. After a minute, Spencer joined her.

“Do you need to make any stops before we head to New Haven? The hotel is a converted old mansion on a sprawling estate. They have a small gift shop and will accommodate us with whatever you need, but if there is something specific you want, it would be easier for us to get it before we leave the city.”

“I’m fine.” She waved her hands. “This is going to take some getting used to. The last time I was in a car like this was for my senior prom. Do you always travel this way?”

“Usually,” he said as he hit the button that raised the glass divider. “I live in the city, so it’s just easier to have a driver. My schedule fills with meetings and I’m in the car a lot. I can utilize the travel time if I’m not driving.”

“So, you’re the CEO? That makes you the one in charge?”

“Something like that.” He laughed. “I still have to go through my grandfather and his partner for most decisions.”

“You don’t like that?”

“Not really, but they’ve trusted me enough to get the job done. I can’t complain.”

“How old are you?”

“Twenty-nine.”

“That’s impressive to be so young and in charge of one of the biggest advertising agencies in New York City.”

“You know about Cannon and Carrington?”

“Just because I’m your cleaning woman doesn’t mean I can’t know who I clean for.”

“I didn’t say that. I guess we need to take this car ride to learn about one another. How long have you been waitressing at the diner?”

“Five years. I started my freshman year of college.”

“Where did you go to school?”

“NYU. How about you?”

“Princeton. What did you study?” His phone interrupted their conversation. He glanced at the screen. “I’m sorry, I have to take this.”

“That’s okay.” She pulled out her phone. “I’ll text my mom and let her know I’m on my way out of town.”

* * * *

Spencer had been on and off the phone for most of the car ride. He hadn’t meant to take so many calls but if he lost this new account he’d never hear the end of it from Jack and Pierce. There had to be a way to satisfy this client, but damned if he could figure out what that way would be.

He placed his laptop in his bag and slipped his phone inside his pocket. Coda’s head rested against the window and her eyes were closed. He wondered when she had drifted off. Her slow, soft breathing had a calming effect on him. He’d been uptight and stressed over this deal. He’d hoped to have the approval signed off on before today but the client kept coming back with problems.

“Sir,” Andrew spoke through the speaker. “We’ll be at the hotel in about three minutes. It’s just up around this bend.”

“Thank you.” Spencer tightened his tie and smoothed out his pants.

He looked Coda over one last time. Perfection, he thought. He only hoped the tough, little waitress from Brooklyn could handle herself among the sharks he called family. Ava would be furious and Pierce wouldn’t be pleased. Somehow he had to get the Carringtons to realize an arranged marriage wasn’t in his future. He hoped the beauty peacefully sleeping next to him would be just the thing to open their eyes.

“Hey.” He ran his fingers down her toned, tanned arm. “We’re here.”

When her eyes fluttered open, she smiled at him.

Is she happy to see me?

She sat up and stretched. “Sorry I fell asleep.”

“I’m sure you were bored listening to all of that business talk.”

“Sounds like they want you to change the graphics on the logo.” She flipped her fingers through her hair attempting to fluff it. When she tossed it behind her shoulder, a hint of vanilla radiated from it.

“Among other things. This client is going to be the death of me.”

“You’re a pretty good negotiator.” When she smirked at him, he noticed the tiny mole just above the corner of her top lip. It was so light and subtle but it made him wonder what else he’d missed about her. “I’m sure you’ll get what you want.”

“I hope so.” He pointed to the mansion. “Are you ready to do this?”

“Wow!” She peered out the window. “Holy shit. Look at this place.”

“It’s pretty impressive.” He found her colorful language entertaining.

“Who are all of those people outside?” she asked as Andrew drove up the long, winding driveway. “They look like they’re waiting for something.”

“Hell.” Spencer pulled his phone from his pocket. “Paparazzi.”

“No shit.” Coda continued to stare out the window. “Who are they here for?”

“Us, but don’t worry. It’ll be fine.” He dialed his brother. “I’ll find out what’s going on.”

“Hey,” Tyler answered. “Are you here yet?”

“I just pulled up. What’s with all the cameras?”

“The media found out we’re all arriving so they stormed the castle. Security is on its way. The governor isn’t pleased.”

“Is there a back entrance?”

“They’re surrounding the place.”

“Wonderful.”

“Why do you care?” Tyler asked. “Just get out of the car and walk into the foyer. You’ve had your picture taken before.”

“It’s not me I’m worried about,” he mumbled.

“Huh?”

“Nothing.” He glanced out the window. “I’ll be inside shortly.” He ended the call and shoved the phone into his pocket. “We’re going to have to go through this.”

“Okay.” He saw the apprehension on her face.

“It’s not a big deal. Just keep your head down and don’t answer any questions. There’s a car right behind us, so they’ll leave us alone when they realize we’re not the bride or groom. They’ll move on.”

Coda stared at the mob with the cameras. She straightened her skirt and fidgeted with her hands.

Andrew opened the door. “You ready, boss?”

“Walk in with us and try to shield Ms. Vercelli. There’s no reason she needs to be plastered all over the rag sheets.” Spencer put on his sunglasses. “Let’s get inside as quickly as possible.”

“Sure thing.” Andrew peeked inside the car. “You’ll be fine.”

Coda nodded.

Spencer stepped out of the car, slung his suit jacket over his arm, and then extended his hand for Coda. “Ready?” He smiled, trying to calm her. He hadn’t meant for her to get a taste of his hectic life so quickly.

“What waitress doesn’t dream of this?” Laughing nervously, she slid along the seat, took his hand, and stepped out into the spotlight. Spencer stood to her right while Andrew stuck close to her other side.

“Mr. Cannon.” Flashes of lights exploded around them. “Spencer, over here,” they called. “Who’s your date?”

Spencer tried to let go of Coda’s hand but she gripped tighter. “It’s okay.” He leaned down and whispered into her ear. “I’m just going to put my arm around you.” She eased up on his fingers. “We have to get up the steps and then they’ll leave us alone.”

“When did you start dating? Where did you meet? Is there a date set? How does Ms. Carrington feel about this?” The media continued to shout as Spencer guided her up the steps and to the lobby. “What does Ava say, Spencer?”

Andrew opened the foyer doors. “I’ll move the car and bring in the bags.”

“Don’t answer any questions,” Spencer said.

Andrew shot him an offended glance. “As if I even had the answers.”

“Thanks,” Spencer said as he led Coda into the lobby. “Are you okay?”

“Perfect. That was kind of exciting.”

“Exciting?” He shook his head over her innocence.

“Mr. Cannon,” a tall, well-dressed man said as he approached them. “I’m Nick Barrone, the manager of Winston Estate. Welcome.”

“Nice to meet you, Nick.” Spencer nodded toward the entrance. “It seems you have a minor security problem.”

“I apologize. Someone leaked the location about an hour ago and now they’re all flocking here. Such vultures. We’re having it taken care of.”

“My driver is retrieving our bags. This is Ms. Vercelli, she’ll be accompanying me this weekend.”

“Wonderful, if there is anything I can do for either of you please don’t hesitate to ask. Your room is ready. You can pick up your packet and keys in the sitting room. Your family and the other guests are meeting there before they go to their rooms. It’s this way.” Nick motioned for them to follow. “Have a great time.”

“Nick said our room was ready. Are we sharing one?” Coda asked as they walked down the main corridor. “I never asked about that.”

“Yes, about that—”

“Spencer, you made it,” Tyler said as he approached them. “Hey.” His brother stared at Coda. “You brought a date?”

“Coda, this is my brother Tyler.” Spencer watched as his little brother gawked over the goddess of a woman standing across from him. Stunning didn’t begin to describe her.

“Hi, Tyler.” Coda smiled. “It’s nice to meet you.”

“Where did my brother find you?” Tyler elbowed Spencer.

“Oh, well, we…” Coda trailed off and looked at Spencer for assistance.

“Wasn’t it your idea I bring a date?”

“Yeah, I just didn’t think you would.” He returned his attention back to Coda. “He’s a recluse. If you’re looking to have a good time this weekend, stick with me.”

“I’ll keep that in mind.” Coda giggled.

A surge of jealously coursed through his system. He didn’t like the idea of his pretend girlfriend flirting with his brother.

“Would you like something to drink, Coda?” Tyler asked. “They have a bar set up for our arrival.”

“We’ll make our way over,” Spencer said. “Is Tara here?”

“She’s in the hotel, but I think she’s finishing up lunch with the governor’s family.” Tyler looked around. “The bridal party is here.” He jerked his head in the direction of the enclosed patio. “All of them.”