Billionaire Romance Boxed Set 2(10)

“Yeah, see you later.” Why were my ears burning? I dropped the phone on the sofa and went to run myself a hot bath. I needed to sink into oblivion for a moment; the decision I’d just made was too big to even think about rationally until I’d had some rest.

As I dropped my clothes into the hamper in the hallway and walked naked to the bathroom, I started to think about how awkward it would be to live with Mr. Thorne. With Daniel. We were basically strangers. Despite our charade, it wasn’t like I was about to walk around naked in front of him. I’d been living by myself for so long that I was used to being in a certain amount of privacy when I was home. Being around someone all the time would definitely take some adjusting-to.

Of course, I’d still be alone during the day, when he was at work. That was another thing I hadn’t really considered. What would it be like, living a life where I wasn’t obligated to go anywhere or do anything? Aside from the fancy dinners and restaurants I assumed I’d be expected to attend on Daniel’s arm, I’d have all the free time in the world. What on earth was I going to do?

I kept forgetting that money was no object. As I sank into the steaming water, I remembered that I could go back and take those figure drawing classes I’d always wanted to do, but never found the time for. Hell, I could take private lessons. I could drop all this commercial crap and only create the kind of art that would make somebody’s soul sing…

I had to stop and laugh at myself. I was getting way, way ahead of things. I still had to adjust to the idea of being someone’s wife, even if it was only temporary.

From what little I knew of Daniel, I was sure he had the whole thing planned out. He knew already what our first kiss would be like, where he’d spontaneously propose, and when we’d impulsively run over to Vegas or the judge’s offices to get married, or whatever. He was already planning the first time he’d put his hand on my lower back, signaling to the whole world that I belonged to him. And I couldn’t quite decide if I hated that idea, or loved it - maybe a little more than I should.#p#分页标题#e#

Even in the hot water, I shivered.

I wasn’t about to question the business plans of such a successful man, but I had to wonder how believable our relationship would appear to be. I wasn’t exactly the sort of glamorous supermodel type that the richest of the rich tended to marry. He’d made it pretty clear that he wasn’t expecting me to act a certain way, but how would I be expected to dress? I’d never seen Daniel in anything but a suit; then again, I’d never seen him outside of work.

The full absurdity of my situation hit me then, and for a moment I felt lightheaded with panic. Then I remembered that I hadn’t actually signed anything yet, and I calmed down slightly. Just slightly. There still a part of my brain that knew I wasn’t going to go back on my word. I wouldn’t be able to handle the disappointment on his face.

*

Sure enough, the town car was there at seven a.m. sharp. I’d been waiting out on the curb, not wanting to be rude and make the driver wait. He seemed surprised when he saw me.

“Good morning,” he said. “I would have called up for you, there’s no need to wait.”

“Oh, sorry.” Of course. A couple days into this fake relationship, and I was already bungling things. “I’m not really familiar with…this whole thing.”

“No, no, it’s all right,” he insisted. “I just thought you should know, for tomorrow.”

“Tomorrow?” I looked up at his face reflected in the rearview. “I only asked for a ride today.” But come to think of it, I hadn’t considered how I’d get to work for the rest of the week.

“Mr. Thorne said you would require my services at least until Friday,” he replied. “Is that not right?”

“Oh, no, that’s…that’s fine.”

I stared out the window as he pulled away. Daniel was already making an effort to anticipate my needs. It was rather sweet of him, although I could see the potential for it to get pretty creepy and controlling. Then again, the contract pretty much spelled out that he wasn’t allowed to dictate most parts of my life…I chuckled a little, wishing I’d signed a contract at the beginning of my relationship with all my boyfriends. Probably would have eliminated the worst ones right off the bat.

I stopped by my desk briefly when I got into work, to drop off my coat and purse before I headed to Daniel’s office. Florence, my cubicle mate, was already there.

“Where are you off to so early?” she asked, seeing me puttering around with no obvious intention of settling in.