or just messing with her. The way his sharp gray eyes bore into her

sly. "What kind of 'proposition' could

eal, Miss Harper. Normally, I'd cut my losses and move on, but I'm in a position where appeara

, growing more curious by the

g my investors I'm no longer the perpetual bachelor they distrust. They're conservative

. "So... what does th

nder said without hesitation, as though the w

tain she'd mishear

o be engaged to me for a month. You attend a few events, play the role, and

t me get this straight," she said slowly. "You want me, a total stran

said, his tone

ge, you'll sav

es

o you have any idea how crazy that sounds?

eam who will coach you on everything, your appearance, your mannerisms, e

allery, the peeling paint on the walls, the unpaid bills stacked on her desk, and her father's dream

lexander

w..." she mu

r time, and your father's gallery will have the resources it needs to become a success. No more

e could see the hesitation in her eyes. "And w

"You'll have the resources to pursue your d

d she really trust this man? Probably not.

e catch?"

smoothly. "Just a contract to ensur

d out a sleek document, sliding it acro

ounding. This was crazy. But then again,

d it," she said cautiously. "B

r said, a rare smile tugging

her arm, she couldn't shake the feeling that she'd