Chapter Five

After her daredevil challenge with Vin, Reece headed to see her oldest brother to settle another matter. She entered this CEO’s office without any hesitation and dropped a stack of scholarship applications on the conference table in Landon’s private boardroom. “I swear, kids these days have too much going on.”

Her older brother didn’t even glance up from his tablet. “I don’t disagree.”

“So why do we ask them to list their extracurricular activities? It perpetuates the necessity to be overly involved.”

That got his attention, and he lowered the tablet to meet her gaze. “Are you ready to revamp the scholarship program? Take over from Candace?”

An awkward frisson of fear skated up her spine, and her palms moistened. “I’m not sure. I just said I’d read through these while she was out of town with Dad.”

Even after graduating with her masters in project management and working for two years at an education foundation in Washington, D.C., she still hesitated accepting the role she’d always planned to take. CEO of Rowe International had been reserved for Landon, COO for Christopher, but their foundation, the charitable branch of their corporation, that one had Reece’s name reserved since they’d adopted her, and one day she would step up. Now would be the perfect time, now that she and Amelie planned to stay in the area.

Landon inhaled sharply. “If you don’t want to be part of the solution, then please don’t criticize the problem.”

Sometimes her brother could be a pompous ass. “I merely said—”

He cut her off with that famous Landon Rowe eyebrow arch.

She pressed her lips together for as long as she could. Then she charged forward and placed both her palms flat on his desk. “Landon.”

His expression softened, and he actually let out a bark resembling a laugh. “Did you just Landon me?”

“I did!” She straightened. “Can’t you just assign someone to fix it? At least until Dad and Candace come back from their latest vacation.” Rowe International employed the top graduates from around the country. Surely, one of them could lead the foundation. Someone already on the board. Someone who wouldn’t mess it up. The critics would really come out of the woodwork for her.

Landon shrugged. “Of course I could.”

“So, why don’t you?”

His shoulders shook as he laughed silently. “You won’t like my answer.”

She crossed her arms and waited.

“Because I want you to head the program.” He frowned. “No. I want you to do more than head the program. I want you to revitalize the whole damn thing.”

“Why me?” There had to be thousands of people eager to jump on board.

“Because you’re the best one to make positive changes.”

She sighed. “What if I’m not? The best one?”

“Accept the offer and find out. What do you have to lose?”

It was just like her brother to be so offhanded about asking her to take over the foundation her mother built from nothing and against the wishes of her father.

“Landon, if I fail, it’s more than me losing. All those people depending on the foundation will lose, too. It’s not that simple.” The weight of the responsibility might crush her. At one time, she’d wanted to be that girl, the one who could solve all the inequities of the world. But not after she’d been swindled by her first serious boyfriend in college. He’d wreaked havoc on her heart and her self-esteem.

Her brother gave a long-suffering sigh and shook his head. “I know you left because something happened, but I wish you’d talk to me about it. Or someone. Talk to someone.”

If only Landon could live a day in her skin. But he couldn’t. He grew up with a different set of standards—he’d grown up with people expecting him to do great things. She’d been adopted as the baby someone hadn’t wanted, and no matter how much she tried to be perfect, she’d never quite felt good enough. If the Foundation would be her legacy, then she didn’t want to fail, and she just wasn’t ready.

“I’m fine. I mean, I left for college. I’m back. Just give me some time.”

“You left for college then stayed away for two more years after that for grad school. Christopher and I had a bet Mom would return before you. I won.”

“How much?” Just like her brother to make money off her life. He’d been the one to mention the refurbishing of the condos she and Amelie purchased. No wonder he’d wanted her to return. He had a bet on it.

“Five grand.” He chuckled, as if enjoying the memory, and then waved a hand to clear the thought. “Look, I’m not going to push. But those teens deserve someone more invested in their future. Candace wants to have a baby.”

“With Dad?” None of the other three wives who’d succeeded Reece’s mother had wanted children. But Wife Number Five did?

Landon shrugged like it didn’t matter one way or the other. “She’s forty. She wants a kid. Can’t say I blame her. Having a Rowe would certainly secure her future.”

Ass. Her brother could sound so cold at times. But when he put it like that, Reece wanted to jump on board immediately—she just couldn’t wrap her mind around managing the Foundation staff. On a small scale, she could delegate and supervise, but lead an entire nonprofit team with a budget in the millions? Her palms dampened at the thought.

“Let me think about all it would entail to take over and revamp the programs.”

“Fine. But here’s another stack of scholarship applications. Take them?” His tone softened, but the ice in his gaze did not, and just like when she was little and lost the wagon race, she felt like she was letting Landon down.

She hugged the folder to her chest and sighed. Would she ever feel good enough?

…

It was one of the most torturous weekends in his life. Vin couldn’t concentrate, and it was all Reece Rowe’s fault.

Of course she didn’t want to date him. But use him for sex…that was how she saw him. She’d rattled off those places too easily, like she’d had fantasies on her mind for some time. Not so goody-goody after all. That really shook him, because instead of reviewing spreadsheets and bottom lines, he was thinking about bedsheets and her bottom.

This didn’t happen to him—he didn’t get distracted over a woman. Ever. And he’d had more than his fair share try to tempt him. He wouldn’t lose focus just because some spoiled socialite suggested they trade favors. He’d give her what she wanted, and he’d give his board what they wanted, but that would be all.

One summer, and everything he ever worked for would finally come into fruition.

By Sunday night, lounging on his back deck alone, he was ready to put this plan into motion. After whipping out his phone, he shot her a text and waited.

Minutes later, Reece exited onto the back deck, wearing a T-shirt and jeans like she’d shown up in his office on Friday. And same as Friday, the casual clothes rattled him. No way should a thin, gray T-shirt look that good on any woman, but damn if the snug fit over her full breasts didn’t unnerve him. His heart sped up as she strolled over to where their two decks connected with a waist-high rail and leaned on the wood. “Hello, neighbor.”

Relief at seeing her hit him hard, and he pushed up from his chair and joined her. “You got my text.” He hadn’t been entirely sure she’d come outside, even though he’d seen her car in the parking garage.

“I did.” She gave him a little smile that shouldn’t have his pulse pounding, but it did.

“I see you’re doing the out-of-character thing again.” He gestured to her outfit.

“I wanted to clarify that. I wasn’t talking about you being out of character at Lacey’s.”

She’d insinuated he was more in character wearing chambray shirts than designer suits, but he’d heard that insult enough over the years it hadn’t surprised him. Just pissed him off. Right now, with the way the V-neck of her T-shirt dipped open enough as she leaned on her elbows, he couldn’t care about anything except how his mouth watered. They had a deal, and very soon, he’d get to taste all of her. “Doesn’t matter. I like the look on you.”

“Good. Because this”—she straightened and gestured down her very delicious body—“is my preferred outfit.”

She didn’t lean over again, which was too bad, but it gave him a moment to concentrate on something other than her cleavage.

“I think we should have a game plan.” It wasn’t the sex that would be tricky; it was where she wanted to have sex. All outdoors. His whole reason for wanting her to attend some events with him was to make sure the business world understood he was more than models and mayhem, like one reporter dubbed his antics.

This time, her smile made it all the way to her midnight eyes when she whispered, “For our summer of secrets.”

They locked gazes while he processed her words before letting out a low chuckle. “Is that what you’re calling it?” Summer of secrets. Had a conspiratorial ring he found intriguing. And the way she said it brought images of slow, sultry nights where he could take his time unraveling her controlled image. He’d skipped dinner, but the gnawing ache slamming into his stomach had nothing to do with hunger and everything to do with wanting to kiss Reece. He couldn’t remember the last time he’d been this turned on.

She shrugged. “Well, yeah. We both have our reasons for keeping our arrangement secret, right?”

“Care to tell me yours?” He had a feeling her request for sex hadn’t been planned, and spontaneous wasn’t a word he’d ever use to describe Reece Rowe.

She bit her lip before she said, “Not a chance.”

“Listen,” he said quietly, shoving his hands in his front pockets. “I want to thank you for agreeing to this.” He didn’t know if he meant the fake dating or the sex or both, but she could interpret his gratitude however she wanted. All he knew was if he had to spend a summer fake dating a socialite and he got some side action in the process, well, he’d make his appreciation very clear.

She waved a dismissive hand through the air. “Truthfully, it’s refreshing being up front about it. I’ve dated enough men for all the wrong reasons. If this one will help you out business-wise, so be it.”

“Why? Why would you do this for me?” It couldn’t be just the sex. He had a reputation, but surely she hadn’t chosen him because he was reportedly a rock star in bed. She could get any guy in South Beach, heck, the whole planet, to make her fantasies come to life. His body tensed at that thought.

She bit her lower lip, drawing his attention to her very kissable mouth. “I guess it’s because you’re convenient.” As if realizing how that sounded, she quickly added, “Because you live right next door.”

Her answer sounded less than genuine, but he wasn’t about to dig deeper. Not when his cock twitched with anticipation. “Same here,” he agreed. “Care to join me for a drink?” He motioned to his patio furniture. “We can hammer out the details.”

When she gave a brief nod, he expected her to walk down her stairs and up his side. Instead she hitched her leg over the rail and landed next to him with impossible grace. Acrobatic. Noted.

His brain calculated all the ways he could position her while her legs wrapped around him. He’d cup her ass, haul her against the wall, and— He rubbed his hands through his hair. “I have some white wine inside. Let me grab it.”

Even in jeans and a T-shirt, she sank onto the sofa with the grace of a queen wearing a ball gown, and once again their difference in breeding caught him in the gut. It happened less frequently since he’d become a multimillionaire, but little things constantly reminded him of his socioeconomic roots.

…

When Vin returned with the wine, Reece clapped her hands. “I love Scandal!”

This was a great sign. He had her favorite stemware, and the wine was white, just like she preferred, and she couldn’t wait to solidify the details of their summer of secrets.

He frowned. “Scandal?”

She pretended exaggerated shock as she took the wineglass from him. “You don’t even know what I’m talking about?”

“Guilty.” He plopped down next to her, his thigh almost touching her thigh.

Could she feel the warmth from his leg through her jeans, or was that heat her imagination? Taking a tiny sip and finding the light, fruity aroma appealing, she asked, “Who gave you these glasses?”

He leaned back in the cushions, cupping the bowl of his glass with both hands. “My sister.”

The way his palms framed the delicate stemware made his hands look gigantic. Manly. Hands that could easily… Wow, she needed to save those thoughts for later. With a tiny smile over the rim, she said, “Well, I bet she’s a Scandal fan.”

He sipped and said, “She teaches kindergarten. I don’t think she’s ever been in a scandal.”

She believed him about his sister. The baby brunette probably wore matching cardigan sweater sets and pearl earrings. “It’s a television show. These are the star’s signature wineglasses.” When she held hers up, the moon glowed through the glass. Who would have thought she’d find herself sitting on Vin’s back deck, drinking his wine, and discussing a summer affair? “I’ve been wanting a set.”

His gaze snapped to hers. “You’re welcome to come over and use mine any time.”

Her mouth went dry. She couldn’t think clearly when he caught her under that intense stare. The one that encouraged her to be naughty. As tempting as that sounded, this was fun, not forever. If she could keep reminding herself of that fact, then she could stay focused. With a shaky laugh, she said, “I don’t think that’s included in our agreement.”

His voice lowered a notch. “Are you really such a stickler for details?”

She didn’t want to be. But she found too much ambiguity when details were ignored. Even a simple misplaced comma could change the meaning of a phrase. So it wasn’t that she was a stickler for details rather than she admired the benefits of being detail-oriented. The real question was, “Why aren’t you?”

He shrugged. “Because.”

That was it? A one-word answer. “Because?”

Another shrug, but this one was followed by a husky, “Where’s the fun in being predictable?”

He leaned in enough for her to know this was real heat generating between them and not her imagination. Somehow, his thigh had moved enough to touch hers, and the pressure, though slight, made her ache for more contact. How easy it would be to reach out and place her hand on his thigh. To run her palm up his leg. But they weren’t there yet. They weren’t supposed to be flirting. They were discussing… She had no idea how their conversation turned to this. He’d asked for a game plan. Didn’t that mean details? Clearing her throat, she hoped he didn’t hear her fluster when she asked, “So, h-how did you build your empire on instability?”

He licked his lips and then smiled when he caught her staring. “Predictable and stable are two entirely different monsters.”

The fact that he even considered those words monsters hit her in the gut. She valued both. And suddenly, the whole scheme for their summer of secrets seemed wildly risky. What had she been thinking? She wasn’t that girl. The one to go around town having sex under the stars. Not because she didn’t want to be. But because she had an image to maintain.

What if their whirlwind of a summer changed her into that girl she always wanted to be? The fun one. The one who didn’t need a plan. What if, after a summer with Vin, she didn’t know how to go back to being herself?

What if she didn’t want to?

As if sensing her hesitation, he set down his wineglass and turned to face her, placing a hand on her knee. “Are you having second thoughts?”

The heat from his hand seared her leg, and her brain shut down. The hard pulse of her heart carried an aching need to every part of her body.

No second thoughts. Not about the sex. Not if she was being honest with herself about what she wanted, about why she’d asked him to be the one to give her these fantasies. But she was scared of what it might do to her. Of how it might change her.

She placed her hand on top of his and leaned forward. “No second thoughts. You?”

His gaze dipped to her chest before returning to her face. He stroked his hand up her thigh, and his mouth curved in a hungry grin. “Just live life, right?”

Her body flamed to life, tingling with a desperate need to press herself against him. “Just live life,” she whispered, her hand sliding off his to touch his bare forearm. The muscle tensed, and she wrapped her fingers around his arm. It would be so easy to lean into him. To tug him toward her. To give in to this craving for a man she could never have. Not completely, anyway.

He drew back then and dug around his back pocket. “Okay. Back to your details. Six events.” He tapped his phone and then glanced up hopefully. “Got anything fun planned?”

Startled, her breath hitched right before she gave a nervous laugh. This was a game. She had to get in the game. Not let him distract her. “Amelie’s birthday is the twenty-third. She’s having a party at the botanical gardens.”

His long finger caressed the screen. “I got an invite to that.”

“Perfect. I think we should run into each other there, maybe chat about the fundraiser, and you can sit with me at dinner. People will see us together, and the next event will seem organically construed.”

“Organically construed?” He sounded amused when he repeated her phrase.

“Yeah, like real and not fake.”

He let out a long breath. “Well, dating is the only thing we’ll be pretending. You won’t have to fake anything else.”

“I’m counting on it.” Given the way he’d set her body on fire from a simple touch on her thigh through her jeans, she knew they had chemistry.

He cleared his throat. “My chairman of the board has a barbecue every Memorial Day.”

“Great,” she said. “That’s two events in May.” She pulled out her phone and opened the calendar. “What time is the barbecue?”

“Let’s plan to leave around eleven.”

She tapped in the details and then glanced up to find him watching her. She blinked. “What?”

He leaned forward, bringing their faces closer. “You’re gorgeous.”

She stared at him. He’d completely shocked her with the compliment. Not that she hadn’t been complimented before, but his seemed random. Genuine. She was already a sure thing for him. Which reminded her… “Have you scouted locations for my side of the deal?”

He gave a wolfish smile. “I have.”

“Well?”

He shook one finger. “Oh, no. You don’t get to control all the details.”

“Control? I’d just like to know.”

He pursed his lips. “Why? So you can be prepared? Trust me, it will be more fun my way. You know, more”—he traced his finger down her arm—“organic.”

Damn, he was hot. And good at this. Her stomach tightened in anticipation. “Maybe you’re right.”