“What if someone asks?”
“No one will ask. And if they do, make something up. It doesn’t matter.” He stared straight ahead.
Madison fiddled with her fingers. He wasn’t very friendly, was he? She could see now why he had to pay someone to go out with him. If this was how he treated women, he’d be alone the rest of his life. Even with his handsome face. It’s what’s inside that truly attracts.
She wondered if he was always this uptight. There had to be something she could say to make him loosen up, or this would be a very long evening. “Since I might be working at Jameson Technologies, why don’t you tell me a little bit about your company?”
“We design and build technology like semi-conductors and virtual memory, and we invest in other innovative companies.” The corner of his mouth lifted a little. Not a full smile, but she decided it was progress.
“And Darlene, how long was she working as your administrative assistant before she handed in her resignation?”
His eyebrows raised and he jerked his head in her direction. “What?”
Her face grew warm and she shifted uncomfortably in her seat. Darlene had not quit yet. Great. Now what was she supposed to do? “Um, a friend of mine overheard Darlene talking. She said she was going to quit her job today. Sorry to break it to you. I guess she hasn’t done it yet.”
Deep laughter bubbled up from his chest, and he smiled – an actual real smile. He continued to chuckle while swerving into the other lane to pass another car.
She couldn’t fathom why he was laughing. Losing an employee was not humorous. She had a sneaking suspicion he was laughing at her. “What’s so funny?” she snapped.
“Darlene threatens to quit three times a week. Never actually follows through.”
Anger festered in her like an ulcer. Jared had no intention of hiring her. “I guess there’s no position for me at your company.” The words came out clipped.
Jared stopped laughing and grew serious. “I said maybe. I didn’t say yes.”
Madison clenched her fists, her fingernails digging into her skin. “And because you wanted me to pretend to be your girlfriend, you lied.”
“You’re overreacting.”
Maybe she was. But he had lied, and she wasn’t going to let him get away with it. “You knew I wanted a job.”
“I’m giving you a job. What’s the matter with you?”
The condescending way he said it made her blood boil. He had manipulated her into doing this. She suddenly felt cheap. Used. And cruising down the interstate miles away from home, there was nothing she could do about it.
She folded her arms across her chest and glared at him. If he wanted her to play a part for his family, she sure would.
But maybe not the refined girlfriend he was hoping for.
Thank you for reading the preview of Accidentally Married!
The Truth Comes Out Page 6