BAD BOY ROMANCE: FAKE FIANCEE ROMANCE: Breaking Bad (Jealous Friend Alpha Male Temporary Counterfeit Romance Secret Love Thriller) (My Fake Fiancé Obsession Romance Bad Boy Love Collection Romance)
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“Is there something that I can help you with, miss?” a friendly looking security guard asked, clearly reacting to the utter confusion on her face. She smiled and walked over to the desk.
“Yes, please. I’m looking for…” she looked down at Neal’s business card, “Broussard Estates,” she said. The security guard chuckled.
“This entire building is Broussard. Is there someone in particular that you are looking for?” he asked. No, that didn’t make her feel even more out of her element.
“Neal,” she said, handing the card over. The security guard looked at the name, then back up at her.
“I’ll have to call and make sure before I let you upstairs,” he said. Lisa tried to look secure and nodded.
“That’s fine,” she said. She watched as he dialed a few numbers and informed whoever answered that he had someone there to see Neil Broussard.
“What’s your name?” he asked, covering the bottom of the cradle with his hand.
“Lisa Reinhart. I’m supposed to see him at 10,” she said.
“Yes, her name is… Oh, okay… Okay, she’ll be right up,” he said before hanging up. He handed her a plane white access card with a warm smile.
“Mr. Broussard’s assistant said to give you that, it’ll give you access to the top floor anytime that you need it. Go on through the turn styles there, the car will get you through and take the last elevator on the left up to the thirty second floor. That’s the only one that goes to the floor, so make sure that you take the right one. Just scan the car beside the call button and it’ll bring the car down,” He said. Lisa was totally and completely overwhelmed, but she tried to keep track of what he was telling her. She repeated it back to him, and he nodded his agreement, seemingly amused at her bewilderment before sending her on her way.
The floor that the elevator let her off was like some gleaming jewel of a place. A pretty blonde stood from one of the chairs in what looked to be a waiting area and walked over, holding out her hand for a shake.
“Lisa?” she asked. Lisa nodded without thinking.
“Yes?” she said, her eyes still roaming around.
“I’m Jessica, Neal’s assistant. He’s just finishing up a business call that went a little long, but he didn’t want you to have to wait out here for him. I’ll take you back, if you’ll follow me,” she said, motioning. Lisa nodded and did as she asked.
As the two women walked, Jessica explained to Lisa that the badge that she’d been given would get her to the floor as well as through the secured doors that she’d just come through with her. Basically, as long as she remembered what hallways to navigate, she could get to Neal whenever she needed to. That was a bit surprising to Lisa, but then again, if she was supposed to be his fiancé…
“Also, just so you know, I am aware of the… arrangement that the two of you have in regards to your engagement. You can be completely candid with me, but no one else knows. If you have any questions that maybe you wouldn’t want to ask just anyone, call me,” she said, turning and handing her a business card with a number written in over her name. “That’s office and cell,” she said. Lisa smiled.
“Thanks,” she said. She liked Jessica instantly, even more now that she knew that she could talk to her about anything.
“Any questions before we get this started?” Jessica asked.
“Um, is there anything I should know about him?” she asked. Jessica seemed to think about that.
“Well, he’s spent the last few years of his life going from office party and back again. This is going to be a huge adjustment for him, and while most people think that he’s superman, he’s not, so go easy on him for a little while. Oh, he runs mornings usually. If he’s going to run at night, there’s something bothering him and he needs to think. Let him run, then ask him about it, otherwise he’ll tell you but it won’t make any sense, trust me. If you’re going to tell friends about this, tell them that you’re engaged, but not the truth. A lot of people are just looking for their ten minutes of fame, and sometimes you don’t know until they decide that you’re disposable,” she said. She thought for a few more seconds, then nodded.
“I think that should at least get you through the general stuff,” she said. Lisa smiled.
“I appreciate it,” she said. Jessica put a hand on her shoulder and smiled.
“Don’t worry, you’ll be fine,” she said. Lisa swallowed nothing, smiled and nodded as Jessica turned and opened the door behind her.
Neal sat behind a massive desk that looked to be covered in paperwork. He had on a wireless headset with a microphone, and was pacing back and forth behind his desk as he listened to something with a frown. Jessica motioned for Lisa to stay quiet and pointed at a rather lush looking armchair.
“That’s not going to work, Jacob. You said that you wanted us in there and working on your shop as soon as possible, we can’t realistically meet your proposed deadline if you’re saying that suddenly we can’t get into the space for another week… No, I am not doing shitty work just to make your screwed up timeline work again… Yes, I am aware that all of the other vendors are pissed at you about this, I’m pissed too!... Push the deadline out a week, Jacob. Push it out, or find another company to work with,” he said, pushing a button on the base of the phone before taking off the headset and tossing it down on the desk. He ran his hands through his hair, obviously stressed and sighed.
“Everything okay?” Jessica asked him. He turned almost as if he’d forgotten that he’d seen the two of them come in just a moment ago.
“As good as it’s going to be. Call Jacob around 3 today and find out where things stand. I can’t wait for him to procrastinate more about this, if we’re going to be involved,” Neal said. Jessica nodded.
“I’ll make a reminder now,” she said, turning and walking out of the room, closing the door softly behind her. Neal turned to Lisa and smiled.
“Sorry about that,” he said, picking up a folder from the mass of papers on his desk and coming to sit in the seat beside her.
“That’s alright, it sounded important,” Lisa said.
“Somewhat. So, here is the paperwork. You can take it home and read it if you want to, or I can give you cliff notes and you can take my word for it,” he said. Lisa laughed.
“Give me the cliff notes, and then I’ll take it downstairs to that little pastry shop and read it. I’ll sign it today,” Lisa said. Neal nodded.
“Fair enough. The first bit says that you are entering into this willingly, not being forced, and coerced, blah blah. The second bit says that you have agreed that anything that you learn about me, my family or my company cannot be repeated, sold or used the blackmail anyone. The third bit says that I agree to pay you a previously agreed upon amount, currently fifty thousand, in one lump sum within forty eight hours of when the arrangement is terminated. If you want a different amount, scratch out what’s there and put something else but don’t sign it yet. I’ll get a new set made with the corrected figure. And finally, the last bit says that this is tentatively set to be a three month arrangement, and that if that changes you will be notified at least two weeks before the pre- existing end date,” he said. Lisa nodded, that sounded like exactly what he’d said the other night and she had no problems with it.
“Alright. I’ll be back in however long it takes for me to read through this. Can I leave it with Jessica if you’re busy?” Lisa asked, standing. Neal smiled and stood with her.
“You’re getting the hang of things quickly, aren’t you?” he said. Lisa grinned.
“I’m a fast learner. See you in a bit,” she said. Neal opened the door for her, and she walked through it, tossing a wave to Jessica on her way out.
“Well?” Jessica asked Neal.
“She’s going to read through the paperwork downstairs and come back when she’s ready to sign it,” he said.
“Smart girl,” Jessica said with a smirk. Neal smiled to himself.
“Yeah. She is, isn’t she?” he said almost as
if he’d forgotten Jessica was there as he turned and went back into his office.
The next few days were a whirlwind for Lisa. She returned that day with the signed contract, just like she’d promised that she would. Neal had been in a meeting with a potential client, so she’d left it with Jessica and went home. That night, he’d called and asked if she’d noticed that she would need to move into his place. She had, and told him as much. The next day, she packed her clothes and the things that she couldn’t live without and made her way back to his office. He met her at the door of his office with a scone, a hot cup of coffee and a key to his condo.
Fifteen minutes later, Lisa let herself into the place. It was a massive two story condo with a hot tub on the balcony, a kitchen to die for and more expensive toys than she’d ever seen in one place before. Neal told her to make herself at home, so she’d gone into the second bedroom and placed her things in the closet before walking around and getting familiar with the place.
Eventually, she left the condo for the grocery store down the block and picked up a few things to make dinner. Yeah, it was a fake engagement, but that didn't mean that they couldn’t eat. The entire place smelled like baked chicken when she heard the front door open.
“Holy crap, it smells like heaven in here,” Neal said, coming into sight. Lisa giggled.
“I love this kitchen,” she said.
“I can smell that you love it,” he said, coming closer. “What are you making?” he asked.
“Chicken, macaroni and cheese, and broccoli,” she said.
“That sounds amazing. Do I have time for a shower?” he asked. Lisa nodded.
“Take your time,” she replied.
They sat together and ate together, like they weren’t two strangers that had just met each other a few days ago. It was nice, and comfortable. Neal pulled out a bottle of wine, and the two of them sat by the windows that overlooked the borough and learned about each other. She asked and answered questions, as did he. Then, once both of them began yawning and nodding off, they went their separate ways for the night. Neal said that she could stay in his bed with him, if she wanted to, and that he wouldn’t try and do anything, but she declined. The guest room was just fine with her.
The next morning, he was already gone when her alarm went off at seven. On the kitchen counter was a note:
Lisa,
10:00 am – Interview with Henry Collins @ Lanier Contracting
1:00 pm – Interview with Janice Grayco @ Miller Home Construction
3:30 pm – Interview with Eve Kincade @ Brussard Estates (yes, here, but I won’t have any say in whether you’re hired)
Dress nice, that perfume you had on the day we met is perfect. Good luck.
Neal
Lisa smiled. There was something kind of sweet about that. She hadn’t said a word about the job thing after that first date, and it hadn’t been in the contract, but he’d promised and kept his word. That meant a lot in terms of his character. Neal had jotted down phone numbers and addresses for the first two interviews on the bottom of the note for her as well.
“Guess I ought to get my rear in gear,” she said to the no one that was there with her to hear it. First on deck was breakfast, she didn’t want to show up with her stomach talking louder than she was.
Chapter 5
The interview with Lanier had gone… it had been peculiar. Lisa was completely covered up in a professional pant suit that buttoned all the way up to her neck, so there was nothing popping out, but Henry spent the entire interview staring at her chest. Neal called around noon to ask how it went, and she’d told him about it honestly. Neal had promptly called Henry an asshole, which made Lisa laugh about it. He told her that he’d planned on trying to grab some lunch with her before her next interview, but that he was being dragged into a quickly unfolding emergency and couldn’t. Lisa found herself a little disappointed, but shrugged it off and told him that it was alright. Why was she disappointed?
She grabbed lunch alone, but texted him asking what he wanted for dinner that night. He’d responded that he’d be home by six, and that it was his turn to cook that night. That had made her smile. What the hell was wrong with her?
The second interview had gone better, as in there hadn’t been any boob staring, which was nice. However, the office was a bit of a disorganized mess, and no one that she observed while she was waiting for Janice to come get her from the waiting area seemed to know anything about what was going on. That wasn’t really a good sign, was it? Lisa looked past that and went into the interview with the intention of impressing the hell out of the woman that she spoke to. Then she left and started making her way towards Broussard.
She stopped and the front desk again, this time because she wasn’t there to see Neal, and going up to the top floor to ask where she was supposed to go seemed like cheating. She asked the security guard, and followed his directions to the eighth floor waiting area.
Eve was a strikingly beautiful woman. Her light blond hair looked to have been thick and long, but you couldn’t tell for sure because it was pulled back into a severe bun. She wore small, square framed glasses and her sharp blue eyes were almost piercing as she looked Lisa over.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Lisa. Your resume is a bit devoid of experience, but I can see that is because you recently finished your degree. May I ask why you started college two years later than most?” she asked as they walked down the hall together towards only God knows where.
“I took some time off to decide what I wanted to do. When I finished high school, I had no idea what I wanted to major in, or rather I had too many ideas. So, instead of becoming that perpetual student that either wastes their parents money or racks up a boatload of loans, I took time to decide what I wanted to do while doing a bit of entry level work,” Lisa said. Eva nodded approvingly.
“Smart choice. One that I think more people should take, being in college for eight years does not make me confident in anyone’s abilities,” she said, smiling for the first time since Lisa had arrived. She had a nice smile that softened up her face. She should do that more often.
Talking with Eva was like a breath of fresh air. She walked Lisa through the office so that she could see the conditions that she would be spending her days in, should she be hired, and had her speak to two other people. Then, she was dismissed with a polite ‘thanks for coming’ and a side note that they’d be making the hiring decisions over the next two days, so she should hear something relatively soon. Lisa left feeling that it went really well. She’d have to remember to thank her fake fiancé for the interviews, she thought to herself with a chuckle.
Chapter 6
Lisa and Neal fell into a rhythm living together relatively quickly. Their habits seemed to fit together, so there wasn’t a lot of fussing or getting in each other’s way. That night was a big business event, and Neal had bought her a formal dress and paid for her to spend the afternoon at a salon getting ready. By the time she arrived back at the condo to get dressed, she felt like a princess of some sort.
The event was being held at one of the more post hotels in the borough. They’d rented out the largest ballroom and planned to serve a full dinner and have a full band with room for dancing. Neal and Lisa walked into the room together and Lisa looked around, her eyes wide.
“Wow. Are all the events like this?” she asked. Neal smirked.
“Only the ones thrown by people who like to show off their money. This is thrown by one of those people,” Neal said.
“Neal, excellent to see you. Will your parents be joining us as well?” An older, rather pudgy looking man said, walking up to us with a smile.
“No, I’m sorry, Mr. Wilcox. You’re stuck with my fiancé and me tonight,” Neal said with a rather professional smile.
“Your fiancé? My goodness, you are a beautiful young woman, welcome,” the man said, his entire demeanor changing as he actually took Lisa in. Lisa took a step closer to Neal for good measure and slapped a grin on her face.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you,” she said.
“You as well. Please, enjoy yourselves,” he said as someone called for him on the other side of the room.
“He was weird,” Lisa said softly as she and Neal began walking.
“Yeah, he cheats on his wife with younger women every chance that he gets,” Neal said. Lisa snorted a sudden laugh.
“That’s horrible!” she whispered.
“Nah, his wife has been sleeping with their gardener for the past year or so. Everyone’s happy, so no one says anything,” he said.
“I hope my life never becomes a series of lies like that,” she said softly. Neal nodded.
The first half of the night started out with a really nice dinner, a few drinks and some polite conversation with people who seemed to hold no genuine interest in their surroundings. By the time Lisa and Neal made it to the dance floor, they were both tired of smiling and nodding.
“This is exhausting,” Lisa said as Neal wrapped his arms around her waist.
“True, but you’re doing a great job,” Neal said, smiling down at her.
“You think? I was trying not to look annoyed, but I’m not sure I succeeded,” she said with a laugh.
“You did great, trust me. And on top of that you’ve got the attention of every man in this room, you look amazing,” he said. Lisa grinned.
“Even you?” she asked.
“Especially me,” he said softly. Neal’s eyes held her with a heat that was almost tangible as the two of them danced together.
“Oh,” Lisa breathed.
“It’s kind of late, do you want to get out of here?” he asked. Lisa swallowed the nothing that was in her mouth and nodded.
“Uh huh,” she said.
Their goodbyes were rushed but polite as they made their way towards the exit. The valet bringing the car around was tipped for not taking his time with it, and Neal drive home well above the speed limit. By the time they reached the condo, the two of them were almost tangled in each other. Lisa had never felt anything like what she felt for Neal, something hot and alive. They stumbled to Neal’s bedroom together, leaving a trail of clothes behind as they went.