finally stand up from the chair and look her over. “Is this what you consider foreplay, because I think it’s working.”
“You’re an idiot. What do you want?”
“I brought a peace offering.” I smile, sliding the cheesecake across the desk. “Calm down. I’m only messing with you because I know my brother doesn’t know how to have any fun. And I thought you could use this.”
Her attention focuses on the container as I tap the top of it. “Is some small rodent going to jump out at me if I open it?”
“No, but I can arrange that if it makes you happy. What would you like? A baby bunny? I don’t think that’s going to fit in this container, though.”
“What would make me happy is for you to tell me what you want so I can get back to work. Really, Madden, I’m extremely busy and this day is not starting out well for me. I have too much crap to do and I’m close to choking someone. Do you want that someone to be you?”
Her ice-blue eyes pierce into me as she slams the phone down.
Shit, my brother was right. I probably should’ve waited a bit to show up. I’m positive she hates me even more right now. The simple act of me breathing seems to be pissing her off more by the second.
But it’s now or never.
“I need to ask you a favor and it’s important to me.” I flex my jaw, giving her a serious look. I may joke and mess around with her a lot, but she needs to see that I do have feelings too. “Just promise me you’ll consider it before saying no. Please. I need you to promise.”
Her blue eyes roam over my face, softening a bit once she realizes just how hard this must be for me to do. “Yeah, okay. I promise. Is everything okay?”
I swallow and open the container of cheesecake, hoping that it’ll at least help me out and let her see that I’m considerate when I want to be.
I just haven’t wanted to be in a while.
A small smile crosses her face once her eyes move from me to her favorite dessert. “You asked your brother what I like?”
I nod. “I did.”
“Go on,” she says softly, before clearing her throat and trying to pretend that I haven’t impressed her. “Ask me, so I can get back to work.”
“Okay. I need you to go on the trip with me and pretend to be my girlfriend in front of my old friends. Specifically, Alana… my ex.”
She must be stunned, because she can’t seem to speak for a good ten seconds. “Wait… what?”
“Be my girlfriend for six days. Please. I need you to do this for me, Nat.”
She lets out a nervous laugh and begins organizing things on the desk. “You’re insane, Madden. I can’t do that.”
“Why not?”
“Because I’m dating your brother. That’s why. Can’t you choose some random girl you’ve slept with or something? I’m sure they’d do just about anything to spend time with you.”
I shake my head and walk behind the desk to get her to look at me. “I can’t ask anyone else. Every girl I’ve slept with has become obsessed with me and hates me for not wanting a relationship. I need someone who won’t fall for me and I know I can count on that when it comes to you.”
She looks up at me from the desk and laughs. “So, I’m the only girl in the whole damn world who won’t fall for the Madden Parker? Is that what you’re saying?”
I nod my head. “Yes. You’re the only one so far. Everyone else is blinded by the fame.”
“Holy. Shit. It is you.”
Natalie and I turn away from each other at the sound of phone girl’s voice.
A cute short-haired brunette pushes her breasts up and quickly fixes her hair to get my attention. “Can we just get married so we can do this thing?”
“See what I mean?” I point out.
“Really, Kayla?” Natalie rolls her eyes and turns her attention back to me. “Okay, I get your point. But I’m sorry. I can’t just leave. I have a lot of work to do around here, and besides that… I’m dating your brother. I can’t just show up where all your old mutual friends are and act as your girlfriend. It would cause a mess later.”
Her co-worker’s eyes widen as she shakes her head in confusion. “Say what?”
I move in closer to Natalie, wishing I could do something to