CHAPTER 4
1123 Words
Dante's POV
The air felt lighter as I walked into the office, I was almost tempted to believe that something
wonderful would happen today.
I should have known something was odd when for the first time in a very long time, Ashley
wasn't in her seat when I arrived.
She always came before me, because I made it a point to reinforce that when I hired her.
Maybe she had figured out what I wanted to ask her and decided to stay away. Not that it
was possible that she somehow guessed it.
I kept glancing up waiting for Ashley to somehow announce her presence.
I had asked her to meet me in my office when she arrived.
What was taking her so long?
I had to get this question out of the way so I could focus on something else.
I didn’t believe in fate. Life wasn’t some carefully laid out plan orchestrated by the universe.
No, it was a series of calculated choices and inevitable consequences.
But when Ashley walked through the office doors that morning, I reconsidered my stance.
It wasn’t like yesterday. Yesterday, she was the same Ashley I had known her to always be.
She had blended into the background. And stuck to a very predictable style and set of
colors.
But today? Today, she wasn’t hiding and I definitely did not predict this turn of events.
The tailored blouse she wore was fitted at her waist, showing off curves she had never
bothered to acknowledge before. The matching pencil skirt hugged the hips she always tried
to hide.
A gold ring around her left ring caught the morning light, sending flashes of warmth across
the room.
She looked... striking.
Wait, why is she wearing a ring on that hand, on that finger?
“You’re staring,” she said, the slightest arch of her brow daring me to deny it.
I recovered quickly. “I’m observing.”
“Observing?”
“Yes. Studying an employee’s unexpected shift in appearance. Strictly professional.”
Her smile widened. “And?”
I didn’t respond immediately. I could lie. I could throw out a dismissive comment.
But instead, I find myself saying, “It suits you.”
And it was the truth.
Her grin grew softer. “Well, I took some advice.”
I didn’t like how that sounded. “From whom?”
“Oh, just a friend.” She says.
That wasn’t a good enough answer. My gaze flicked back to the ring. I needed to get the
question out of the way. It shouldn’t matter.
But it did.
Before I can stop myself I ask, “Will that advice have anything to do with your ring?”
She glances down at her hand, realization dawns on her slowly. “Oh, I'm not engaged. I just
happened to wear it there this morning.”
“Is there any romantic interest I should know about?”
“I don't see how it will be something I need to explain to my boss,” she comments.
I don't respond. Yes, she didn't need to explain it to me, but she was going to anyway.
She sighs, “No, I am not in any relationship.”
I nod my head slowly and I can only blame Zion for what I say next. After all, he was the one
who commented on how I'd need a woman who had been around me for long enough to fill
in the role of the fake girlfriend.
I had thought for a while about his comment. She was the only one that fit. Plus, she was
one of the only women I have been able to stand for a while.
“Would you consider a job offer?” I ask.
Her eyes narrow as confusion is etched on her face, “What?
“Sorry, I suppose I should rephrase that.” I leaned back in my chair as if that could somehow
distance me from the absurdity of my words. “Would you consider playing the role of my fake
girlfriend?”
Of all the ways Ashley could have responded she chose what I thought would have been the
most unlikely.
She laughed.
“You can't be serious?” she asks, disbelief etched on her voice.
“When was the last time I joked about something this important?” I question.
I had a reputation to uphold. I have never chased a contract that I didn't end up getting. So I
sure as hell wasn't losing this one.
“Never.” She responds her voice slightly above a whisper. “But you can't seriously be asking
me to consider that. I am your assistant.”
“I will make it more believable since we have been...” I started trying to explain why it was a
great idea.
She interrupts me, “I will never agree to it.”
“I could be very convincing.”
“Mr. Cole, some things are not just meant to happen.”
“We'd be in a fake relationship for a few months and I assure you, you'd be properly
compensated.”
“That is not what I am worried about.” She exclaims.
“So what is it? What exactly is bothering you?” I question further.
“I could never fit into the glamour around the life you live. I don't think I'd ever be comfortable
with at type of attention around me or my family.”
I ponder over her statement slightly. It was a valid reason. A lot of bad press surrounds
people in relationships even long after the relationship ends.
“I'd take steps to ensure that you don't come in contact with the press,” I respond. Her eyes
crease together in deep thought and she starts to shake her head.
“I will protect you the best I can.” I try further.
“I can't risk it. I won't do it.” She adamantly responds.
“Why?” I ask wondering why it was such a terrible idea.
She hesitates to answer my question and I wonder what exactly her reason is for turning
down my offer.
“Maybe someone else from the office?” She offers.
I send her a pointed look. “Half of them avoid me and the ones that don't have no idea how
to act in front of me.”
“They could learn?” She questions but she doesn't sound like she believes that herself.
“You are the best person for the job, Ashley.” As I said it I realized how true it was.
“I doubt that.”
I didn't. So, it was simply a matter of making her believe it as quickly as possible.
- Writer
