“A six month engagement. He wants introductions to all the right people. I can give him that. At the end of six months, it’s over. While it’s an unconventional arrangement, it’s legal.”
“It’s idiotic. You can’t do that.”
“Why not?”
“Is winning that important? Do you want the company that much?”
“Yes,” Lexi said, because that was easier than saying she also got to win Jed. Just once she wanted her father to look her in the eye and tell her he was proud of her. That she mattered. That they were a family.
A foolish, girlish dream, she knew. But one she couldn’t let go of.
“I can’t believe this,” Dana said. “Do you know what you’re doing?”
“I hope so. Besides, it’s done.”
“I don’t like this at all. I’m going to check him out. If he has so much as an unpaid parking ticket, you are so out of there.”
Lexi laughed. “You don’t scare me.”
“I’m more interested in scaring him.”
“Cruz doesn’t scare easily.”
“I plan to be armed.” Dana pushed away from the truck. “You’re my friend, so I’ll help you, but I think you’re making a big mistake. This isn’t going to be easy.”
Lexi thought about how she reacted every time he was near her. “I know.”
Lexi used her GPS system to lead them to Cruz’s upscale neighborhood. She hadn’t known what to expect-a regular house in a nice area? A fancy, modern high-rise condo?
Instead she found herself in a quiet but elegant part of Dallas, where the lots were measured in acres and the houses ran in the millions. She found the address she was looking for and pulled into the long, circular drive.
While the house wasn’t as big as Glory’s Gate, it was still impressive. Three stories, white with brick. Big windows glinted like diamonds and the carved front door looked both impressive and imported.
She punched in the code for the gate, then drove slowly up to the front of the house. Once there, she parked and waited for Dana to pull up behind her.
“He’s got money,” Dana said as she climbed out of her truck. “He’s probably not after yours.”
“I don’t have any. Just the name, which I’ve recently found out, is worth a dime.”
“You have access, which is almost the same thing. And you’ll inherit when Jed dies.”
“Maybe.”
They each grabbed a suitcase and started toward the house.
“You have a key?” Dana asked.
Lexi pulled it out of her pocket. She opened the front door and stepped into a spacious entryway.
The inside was as big as the outside had promised. Ceilings soared, rooms flowed and light danced off the sparkling hardwood floors.
Dana gave a low whistle. “This is a whole lot of real estate for a man who lives alone.” She paused. “He does live alone, doesn’t he?”
“There’s a housekeeper, but I don’t know if she lives in or not.” Lexi knew he wasn’t married-but was there anyone else here? Family? A crazy old aunt who saw ghosts and dined with long-dead relatives?
Reality crashed in on her, making her want to run, or at least whimper. Why hadn’t she asked more questions? What had she been thinking to agree to move in with him?
“I’ll be fine,” she said, more to herself than to Dana. “This is going to be easy.”
“It’s gonna be a lot of things, but easy isn’t one of them,” Dana muttered.
They made their way to the second floor, where nearly a dozen rooms opened off the hallway. Lexi headed for the only set of double doors and stepped into the master suite.
It was large, masculine and slightly terrifying. A custom-made oversize bed dominated the space, but she did her best not to look at it as she headed for the bathroom and closet beyond.
She found the walk-in had been prepared for her. More than half the hanging racks were empty, as were most of the built-in drawers. The latter had been pulled partially open so she could see they were for her. Flowers stood on a vase in the bathroom and a white fluffy robe lay draped across a small chair in front of a vanity.
“Someone’s expecting you,” Dana said.
Lexi swallowed. “I know.” She did her best not to think too much and certainly not to feel. What was the point? She was here, this was her life, she had to accept it and deal. She was good at dealing. Practically an expert. “Let’s go get the rest of my stuff.”
She walked toward the exit. Dana grabbed her arm.
“You can’t do this,” her friend told her. “It’s insane. Beyond insane. I’m not going to let you move in with a guy you barely know. What if he murders you in your sleep, or worse?”
“I’m curious,” a low male voice said from the doorway. “What would be worse?”
Lexi looked up and told herself to keep breathing when she saw Cruz standing there. He looked as sexy as he had that morning, which was not good news. Couldn’t the man grow a wart or a hump or something?
“Trust me,” Dana said, eyeing him. “I’ve seen worse.”
“You’re the deputy?”
She nodded.
“Then I will bow to your expertise on the subject.” He stepped into the bathroom. “I assure you, I will do everything in my considerable power to keep Lexi safe. While she is under my roof, she is under my protection.”
Dana didn’t look impressed. “I only have your word on that.”
Cruz smiled. “Soon you’ll have much more. You’re the kind of friend who will investigate me thoroughly.” He raised his hands, as if showing he had nothing to hide.
Lexi moved between them. “You’re great,” she told Dana, “but this isn’t necessary. I’ll be fine.”
Dana looked at her. “Do you trust him?”
With her heart, her body or her soul? Not even for a second. But that wasn’t what Dana meant. “He’s not going to hurt me, kidnap me or even kill me. Not his style.”
“What is his style?”
Lexi eyed Cruz over her friend’s shoulder. “He likes to win.”
Cruz smiled again. “She’s right.”
Dana looked as if she wanted to argue, then shook her head. “Fine. Call me.
“I’ve already brought it in,” Cruz said.
Dana hesitated.
Lexi touched her arm. “I’m fine.”
“If you say so.”
“I’ll walk you out.”
The two women went down the stairs without speaking. When they were outside, Dana turned to her. “He’s pretty, I’ll give you that. I see the appeal, but jeez, Lexi.”
“I know. It’s beyond crazy, but I’m here and I’m staying. I gave my word. I don’t go back on my word.”
“You should rethink your policy on that.” Dana sighed. “Did you really sleep with him before?”
“Oh, yeah.”
“How was it?”
“Beyond incredible.”
“Figures. Stay safe. Call me.”
“I will, but thanks for worrying.”
“It’s what I do.” Dana gave the house one last glare, then got into her truck and drove away.
Lexi went back inside and found Cruz waiting at the bottom of the stairs.
“I have a business dinner tonight,” he said. “Would you like to accompany me or would you prefer to stay here and get settled?”
“I’d like to stay here,” she said, feeling awkward. They would be going out together, as a couple. Something she hadn’t considered. She’d been so busy worrying about sleeping with him that she hadn’t thought about living
