CEO Needed A Fake Date For A Gala. The Only One Available Was The Struggling Dad Who Fixed Her Sink
An Unexpected Proposal
Madeline Hart never thought her Monday morning would involve a broken sink, a handsome handyman, and a rapidly approaching crisis.
But here she was, standing in her penthouse’s kitchen, staring at the gushing water as she frantically dialed the emergency plumber.
“This is a disaster,” she muttered under her breath.
The universe must have been laughing at her. On top of running one of the most powerful investment firms in the city, she also had a gala in forty-eight hours and no date.
Her assistant had booked and cancelled three different options. Now she was at risk of showing up alone, which wasn’t an option. The gala wasn’t just a social event; it was a networking battlefield where appearances mattered.
A sharp knock at the door pulled her from her thoughts. She swung it open, revealing a man who looked too ruggedly handsome to be a plumber.
“Caleb Foster,” he introduced himself, adjusting the strap of his tool bag over his shoulder. His deep blue eyes flicked to hers, then to the disaster behind her.
“I heard you have a situation.”
Madeline stepped aside, allowing him in.
“That’s one way to put it.”
Caleb crouched by the sink, sleeves rolled up, revealing strong forearms dusted with just enough stubble to make him look effortlessly masculine.
“Lucky I was in the area,” he said, twisting a valve. “Could have been worse.”
Madeline crossed her arms, watching him work.
“I doubt it.”
“Trust me,” he said, flashing a grin. “I’ve seen worse.”
She found herself distracted, not just by how capable he looked fixing the pipes, but by the way he carried himself. He was confident and steady, but not arrogant. He had an air of someone who had been through life’s storms and come out stronger.
“So, you do this full-time?” she asked, trying to make conversation.
“Mostly,” Caleb replied, tightening a bolt. “I take whatever jobs I can. I’ve got a little girl to take care of.”
Madeline’s gaze softened.
“You’re a father?”
“Yeah,” he said with a nod. “Lena. She’s six, and smart as a whip.”
Something about the way he said her name—proud and warm—made Madeline’s chest tighten. Caleb wiped his hands on a rag and stood.
“All set. Shouldn’t give you trouble anymore.”
She exhaled, relieved.
“Thank you.”
He nodded, packing up his tools.
“Happy to help.”
Madeline hesitated, then an idea struck her. It was a completely outlandish, ridiculous idea, but she was desperate.
“Caleb,” she blurted.
He turned back, raising an eyebrow.
“Yeah?”
“I need a favor.”
His expression turned cautious.
“What kind of favor?”
She inhaled sharply.
“I need a date for a gala.”
Caleb blinked.
“You need a what?”
“A date,” she repeated. “It’s a high-profile event, and I can’t go alone.”
He let out a low chuckle.
“I think you’ve got the wrong guy. I don’t do tuxedos and champagne flutes.”
“I’ll pay you,” she said quickly. “Handsomely.”
Caleb’s amusement faded.
“I’m not a charity case.”
Madeline straightened.
“That’s not what I meant.”
He studied her for a long moment, then sighed.
“I don’t know, Madeline. Fancy events aren’t exactly my thing.”
She met his gaze.
“I just need someone real. Someone who won’t try to impress investors or whisper deals in my ear all night.”
Caleb exhaled, rubbing his jaw.
“And all I have to do is show up, smile, and pretend I belong?”
“Yes,” she said. “Exactly.”
His lips pressed into a line.
“Fine. I’ll do it.”
A surge of relief flooded her.
“Thank you.”
“On one condition,” he added.
She frowned.
“What’s that?”
“If I’m spending a night in your world, you spend a day in mine.”
Madeline hesitated.
“You mean—”
“You meet Lena. See how the other half lives.”
She studied him, then nodded slowly.
“Deal.”
Caleb smirked.
“Hope you don’t regret it.”
As he left, Madeline couldn’t shake the feeling that she had just made a deal that would change everything.
