She shook her head. “No. No, I can’t do this. This is ridiculous. No one gets married like this.”
They did it all over the world. “We would be helping each other out, but you should understand that I would prefer it if we tried to make it work. This doesn’t have to be temporary. I think we’re quite compatible. We value the same things in life. We both want a family, and we would both take that family very seriously. I’m attracted to you and it’s not simply because you’re beautiful. You’re intelligent and loyal. You’re kind. When I sit down and think about what I want in a life partner, in someone to grow old with, I think about you. I think in a lot of ways I’ve compared every woman I’ve dated to you for years, and they’ve all come up short. I’m actually happy Charles pushed me because why not go after what I want? Why pretend I’m going to be satisfied with anyone but you?” It was the decision he’d made yesterday when he’d come to the realization that he could truly lose the place his father had left for him. “Let me take you to dinner tonight and we can talk about it.”
She seemed to think for a moment, and he was almost sure she would say yes before she straightened up again and he realized he was in the presence of the mayor once more.
“No. This is not something I can do,” she said. “I’m sorry. I can’t help you and I have dinner plans.”
She had a date? He was surprised at the way his gut took a deep dive at the thought of her dating. He’d been certain she didn’t have someone special in her life. Her brother had promised him she didn’t, but perhaps she hadn’t told Dre she’d started seeing someone. His mind started going through all the possibilities, and he forced himself to stop. “Oh. All right, then. I apologize for taking up your time. Forget I said anything.”
“You don’t have to do this,” she replied. “You can save your company without sacrificing yourself.”
“I don’t know about that. And I didn’t think it was much of a sacrifice. Not for me anyway.” He knew when it was time to fold a hand. He’d gone all in and she’d played the one card he couldn’t beat. She’d said no. “Thank you for your time, Madam Mayor. I’ll see you at the wedding celebrations. Tell your mother hello from me.”
“Rene,” she said with a sigh.
Luckily the door opened and Gertie walked in, her brows rising the minute she saw him.
He tipped his head her way. “Gertrude, it’s nice to see you. You both have a wonderful afternoon.”
He smiled and hoped it wasn’t as strained as he felt. He’d been sure he could talk her into it.
But he’d failed, and it looked like he was going to fail his whole family, because he wouldn’t try this again. There wasn’t another woman in the world he could trust.
He strode out of city hall, trying to think of a way out of the trap he found himself in.
chapter two
Sylvie sat at Guidry’s, the world bouncing along around her. The sunset was spectacular and it hadn’t gotten wretchedly hot yet, so they were sitting on the deck that overlooked the bay. It was exactly the kind of night she craved. A gorgeous view, her two best friends, and a margarita in front of her. This was exactly how she usually relaxed after a long day.
She could find absolutely no relaxation tonight because all she could see was the way Rene’s eyes had tightened and his shoulders had slumped slightly when she’d told him no.
I didn’t think it was much of a sacrifice. Not for me anyway.
What was that supposed to mean?
Not that it would matter because getting married to a man she wasn’t even dating in order to help him save his business was a dumb idea. No one did this. Well, mostly no one did this. People married for love. Love was supposed to come before a wedding and kids.
It couldn’t work the other way, could it?
“You’re incredibly distracted this evening. Here I am talking about the horrors of being in the hospitality business and you are not even listening.” Seraphina Jefferys stared at her from across the table, her blond hair up in a high ponytail. “You usually love these stories.”
Sylvie tried to shake off her worries. “I’m sorry. What were you saying?”