A Friendly Engagement (4 page)

He shook his head, stepping closer. “If you’d give me a minute to fill in the details, you’ll understand. What I’m proposing really isn’t that bad.”

Devi hitched her hands to her hips and raised one brow. “Really?”

“Really. Hear me out.”

She tapped her foot. “Make it fast. I wanted to go out and have a good time tonight, and you, my friend, just put a giant wet diaper on my entire weekend. I can’t believe you’re suggesting… Never mind. Say your piece.”

“One, we announce our engagement and it hits the press. Two, Bartow sees it and, knowing the reputation of the firm, immediately sends out an invite, or I might just nudge him with a phone call.” He winked. “Three, we go to the meet and greet and I present him with my plan. Four, he’s so overwhelmed with the genius of it all he can’t help but give our firm the contract. Five, I’ll tell him what we—I—did. By then he’ll be so enthralled with our firm he’ll forgive and forget.” He puffed out his chest like a prize-fighting peacock—if there were such a thing.

“You make it sound like you’ll become fast friends while sipping brandy by the fire.”

“Well, I’m not going to go that far, but any intelligent businessman will respect how I used my more than by-the-book smarts to prove we’re the right firm to get the job done. I think he’ll be impressed with the lengths we took.” Omar rubbed his chin, a ghost of a grin painted across his mouth, as if picturing his bonding time with Bartow.

She shook her head. “No way. Don’t use
we.
This is all you.”

“Fine. Me.”

“And what makes you think he’ll even invite you…us? Maybe he’s already got the perfect amount to make a party.” Devi ran her tongue along the roof of her mouth in hopes of lubricating her suddenly dry throat. The margaritas Cass mentioned earlier sounded better by the minute.

“Because my firm is the most recognized in the city. My reputation. My impeccable client list. Need I go on?” His cocky tone didn’t sway her. She’d grown used to his confidence. Truth be known, she liked that he spoke with such certainty.

“You don’t think he might be a tad upset that you duped him and end up dropping the contract?” Even though she liked his confidence, how could she get Omar to see this wasn’t a good idea? Had all the years of trying to please his father affected his reasoning so that even he couldn’t see how unethical this had become? Instead of the contract, maybe he needed counseling.

“Once he signs the contract it’s binding. Plus, by the time the contract is up, even if he is ticked about the lie, the numbers multiplying in his bankroll will convince him that I’m a genius.” Omar absentmindedly tucked one of her stray hairs dancing in the light breeze behind her ear. She grabbed his hand, hoping to squeeze some sense into him, starting with his fingertips.

“You sound diabolical. Aren’t you worried about your rep?”

Omar shook his head. “No. After we meet, and talk, and I give him the plan, he’ll realize the firm he works with, the planner he chooses, doesn’t have to have a family to know how to make money.”

“I know you’ll make him a wealthier man, but I don’t like this idea, Omar. It’s not right.”

He dropped her hand, along with his shoulders, and sighed. He squeezed his eyes shut and pinched the frown lines between his eyebrows. “Maybe you’re right. I’m going too far. What the hell am I thinking?”

“And it’s not like you need the money, either.”

“I know. It’s just I’ve wanted this for so long, I guess I’m letting it affect my judgment.”

Her heart sank to her toes at the defeat filling his face and tone. He wanted this so badly. “How about you call his office and make an appointment? Have a one on one.”

“I’ve tried. His schedule is so far out he’d have a new firm by the time we could meet. I even sent a registered letter asking for a chance to meet and never received an answer.”

The raw emotion in his voice had her reaching out to rub his upper arm. “I’m sorry, Omar.”

“Believe it or not, when I had a few spare hours I camped out in his office, hoping another appointment would cancel so I could get in. But nothing.” He scrubbed his hands down his face. “Truthfully, I’m not even sure he was there. His secretary locked down like Fort Knox.”

That Omar went to those lengths broke her heart further. He’d surrendered his pride to meet this Bartow man. But she couldn’t lie. She couldn’t sacrifice her morals.

Could she?

“Once he listens to my ideas, he’ll realize I’m the right planner, that Esterly Financial is the right firm.” His eyes glazed over, and he tightened his fists.

His passion sliced through her soul. She knew it, too. Omar was a good man, an exceptional financial planner. But this…

“I don’t know…”

“In the words of Aladdin, it’d be a thrilling chase—”

She slugged him in the shoulder. “Knock it off. Don’t try to use my own tactics against me.”

His smile waned. She looked into his eyes and got lost in the sea of blue. He wanted this so badly. Devi had heard him talk of Bartow for years. She’d always gone above and beyond for Omar because she trusted him, respected him. Why should she stop now? He’d come clean with Bartow once he laid out his plan. And by then, Omar was probably right, they’d have bonded and there’d be no hard feelings.

He just needed her to gain entry. Was that really so bad?

If she’d learned only one thing over the years with Omar, even people who had enough money liked making more. William Bartow couldn’t be much different.

“You know our firm is the only one for Bartow. We’ll be a magical fit.” Omar stepped closer, humming a few more bars from “A Whole New World” as his breath fanned her cheek.

She frowned, breaking her gaze from his to concentrate on his Italian leathers—size twelve. “Pretending to be engaged to get a contract. I still don’t like it. If I do this now, what will you expect the next time you want to land a big account?”

Her million-dollar question settled between them in a cloud of dust. Everything stopped—the light breeze licking her skin, the excited conversations of the people milling around them, and her heartbeat.

Chapter Three

Omar lifted her chin with his finger. His gorgeous eyes pleaded. “What’s an engagement between friends?”

“A risky business.” Although she liked that Omar had loosened up enough to think outside the box, she couldn’t get past the lie.

He frowned. “It doesn’t have to be.”

“How can it not be? What about our friends? Our family? Coworkers?” She rubbed the back of her neck with such force she’d probably leave red marks.

“Your grandma lives across country so she’ll never know unless you tell her. Plus, you said yourself she doesn’t believe in computers and seldom reads the paper, even if by some miracle our news traveled that far.”

She pursed her lips, nodding. “True.”

“As for my family, our friends, and coworkers, do you honestly think any of them will be surprised? They already suspect something is going on between us. This will only give them cause to celebrate. Two workaholics uniting.” His smile hit her full force, and she couldn’t help but smile back.

He did have a point. Everyone already questioned their relationship. It wouldn’t be a hard sell. “And then when we break up, does that mean I have to look for a new job?”

“Not on your life. We’ll just tell everyone we decided we were better off friends.” He took her hand again, pleading with a healthy squeeze.

She bit her lip. “I’m not sold on this.”

He caressed her wrist with his thumb. Tiny shivers raced up her arm at the intimacy. He’d never touched her like that before. “All I need is the opportunity to prove we’re the firm for the job, and I’m the planner who will increase his worth—no matter if I have a family or not.”

“My grandmother raised me not to lie. And this isn’t like you, Omar. You’re better than this.” His smile weakened her resolve. She wanted to help him. If only there was another way.

“I am, but I also know once he sees what I can do for him he’ll forgive and forget. Hell, I bet you’re right and we will laugh over it while sipping brandy.”

“Oh, brother.” Devi rolled her eyes, pulling her hand from his grip. She slid and twisted her bracelets along her wrist to erase the sensation of his touch.

“How about I sweeten the pot by offering you a raise? One that’s long overdue.”

“Not a chance. First you ask me to lie, and now you’re trying to bribe me? What’s gotten into you? You want this contract so badly you’re willing to put your morals on the line?” He’d almost had her swayed until he’d brought up money. Not that she couldn’t use the extra moola, but not like this. Did he honestly think he could buy her favor? Buy her lies? Maybe he didn’t know her as well as she thought. Damn, maybe she didn’t know him.

“Only temporarily. And the raise is long overdue. I’ve been thinking about it for a while. You work as hard as me—sometimes harder. You’re beyond dedicated and more than my assistant. Plus, the long hours, the extra—”

“You gave me a raise less than six months ago. A decent one at that.”

“But you deserve more. Esterly is having the best year ever. I can afford it. And we both know I’d be lost without you.”

She squirmed in her skin when he stole her earlier tactic and delivered her his best puppy-dog eyes.
Damn him.

“Don’t try to lure me with sugar words.”

“How’s this for sugar?” He spewed out a number, and Devi’s knees knocked.

For years she’d wanted to search for her father—she’d even considered approaching Omar for a loan so she could hire a P.I., but…

The amount he offered would easily fund her search and wouldn’t interfere in the least with the money she put aside each month to help Grams and Gramps. Her heart raced, and she let her mind jump ahead to the dreams she’d had a million times. How she’d meet her father. They’d talk over lunch at a trendy, upscale restaurant. They’d hit it off instantly and laugh like they’d known each other forever. She’d discover the stories about him were wrong. He hadn’t actually left her mom, but they’d lost touch for some obscure reason. All would be right with the world. She’d have a father.

Then her heart hit her sternum in a painful thud. She covered her chest with her palm and struggled for a lungful of air as she fingered the locket attached to the chain around her neck. Or maybe she’d live the other version of her dream. The one where he slammed the door in her face.

She sucked in a shaky breath. Either way, she had to make an attempt. If she didn’t try to get the answers to the questions that had haunted her since childhood, she’d regret it.

But to lie to get what she wanted? For them both to lie in order to get what
they
wanted?

She swallowed and met Omar’s gaze. Sweat formed at the nape of her neck. She lifted her hair until a light breeze touched her skin and dried the dampness. Omar looked so sincere. He wanted this. She wanted to help. And more than anything she wanted to find her dad.

Devi stood tall, tightening her jaw. “You promise you’ll come clean as soon as possible? As in, we’ll use this engagement story to get an invite, but once he offers you the job you’ll tell him?”

He nodded.

“I don’t want this dragging on for years. I might actually find some guy along the way I really do want to marry.” Although she had no plans of romance, you never knew. Cass constantly told her that there was someone out there for everyone—even her, the woman who shot off no-commitment vibes to every male she met.

Omar pulled her into his arms and choked off her air with an awkward bear hug. She’d never been this close to him, and she could feel the discomfort in the way his body tensed. He wasn’t a touchy-feely-affectionate type of guy—especially not with her. She assumed he must be somewhat with the women he dated, otherwise things would be a bit difficult.

She smiled to herself. “If we’re going to make this engagement look real, you better learn how to hug me like you mean it.” She leaned back, pushing at his hard chest.
Yep, O’s workouts were obviously a great success.

“What do you mean?”

Could the man be any more naive? “I mean you’re hugging me like I’m a porcupine, with quills extended. You need to hold me in your arms like I’m the most important person in your life. You know, like you love me and want to get married—or at least like you want to get me alone in a dark room with a mattress.” She lifted her brow, shaking her head.

Before he could respond, she wrapped her arms around him and pulled him up close and personal. She sighed, then looked up at him, letting her gaze go all gooey, and then palmed his cheek, caressing lightly with her thumb. She licked her lips. The front of her body tingled wherever they made contact.
Okay, okay, I get it, he works out. The man’s chest rivals a rock.

She squeaked when he circled her waist and pulled her even closer.
Who knew there was room?
For some reason she raised up on tiptoe, and his breath tickled her cheek. Peppermint. Like the candies left on your pillow at fancy hotels. Their lips were millimeters apart. She tried to relax against him, but her body went hypersensitive and she pressed into his, savoring the sensation.

Concentrate. This is a teaching experience.

“Run your hands down my back. Look into my eyes with longing. Pretend we’re the only two people in the world.” Devi’s voice came out a whisper. If she didn’t know herself better, she’d swear her body had gone into seduction mode.

She slid her hands along his chest, moving slowly and then stopping completely on his incredibly solid pecs. His heart thudded against her palm, and she filled her suddenly kidney bean–sized lungs with air. His expensive cologne took her hostage, and the soft material of his shirt sent tingles along her fingertips. Even at a distance his spicy scent hypnotized her, but in the circle of his strong arms, his muscles flexing around her and his chest rising and falling with each breath, she sagged into his solid strength. She closed her eyes, tempted to lean her forehead against his chest as a wave of dizziness weakened her to the depths of her bones.

Omar sucked in a breath. “You smell wonderful.” His broad hand trailed down her backbone, followed by an array of shivers. He pulled her in so tight she could feel every sinew of muscle, every molecule of heat from his body circling her.