CEO Demanded “I Need a Husband by Midnight,” “Move In Tonight,” Single Dad Replied
The Charade Begins
Jake stood outside the imposing glass building in downtown Chicago, Lily’s small hand in his. He’d called every babysitter he knew, but on such short notice no one was available.
“daddy is this where the princess lives?” Lily asked, her eyes wide as she took in the towering skyscraper. “not exactly sweetheart,” Jake replied, kneeling down.
“remember what I told you? daddy has to help a lady with her work problem.” “it’s like acting in a play and we get money for Rocket.”
Lily’s eyes lit up at the mention of their aging car. “that’s right,” Jake smoothed her dark curls, so like his own. “but it’s our secret game okay?”
The security guard eyed them suspiciously as they approached the reception desk. Jake felt painfully out of place in his one decent suit.
He wore it to job interviews that never seemed to pan out. He lost his construction company during the pandemic and his wife shortly after.
He’d been struggling to rebuild his life as a single dad while picking up whatever freelance work he could find. “jake Sullivan for Emma Winters,” he told the receptionist.
The woman’s eyebrows shot up as she made a call. Minutes later, the elevator doors opened and Jake’s breath caught in his throat.
Emma Winters was nothing like he’d imagined. She was tall with honey blonde hair in a severe bun and piercing blue eyes that assessed him like a balance sheet.
She radiated power and control until her gaze dropped to Lily. “you brought a child?” the ice in her voice could have frozen Lake Michigan.
“babysitter fell through,” Jake said simply. “package deal I’m afraid.” Emma’s lips pressed into a thin line as she glanced at her watch.
“we don’t have time for this both of you upstairs now.” As the elevator climbed, Lily whispered loudly, “Daddy she doesn’t look like a princess she looks mad.”
Jake saw Emma’s shoulders stiffen but was surprised when she knelt down to Lily’s level. “i’m not mad,” Emma said, her voice softer than before.
“i’m just worried about a very important dinner tonight.” “do you like spaghetti?” “there will be spaghetti.”
Lily’s face lit up. “with meatballs?” The smallest smile touched Emma’s lips. “with meatballs?”
Jake felt something unexpected twist in his chest as he watched this brief exchange. For just a moment a different woman had emerged, one with warmth behind that corporate armor.
The elevator doors opened directly into a stunning penthouse apartment with floor to ceiling windows overlooking the skyline. Jake whistled low under his breath.
“nice digs for a fake husband to move into,” he said. Emma’s professional mask slipped back into place. “this isn’t a joke Mr sullivan.”
In four hours and 23 minutes, the future of her company depended on him. He had to convincingly play the role of her devoted husband of 3 years.
“3 years huh? where’d we meet?” jake asked, shrugging off his jacket. “charity Gala,” Emma replied. “you were representing your construction company before you sold it.”
Jake raised an eyebrow. “you’ve done your homework.” “i had my assistant run a background check the moment we hung up,” emma replied unapologetically.
She knew about his company’s bankruptcy, his divorce, and his spotty employment history. “ow,” Jake said, anger flaring. “and here I thought this was going to be awkward.”
Emma had the grace to look slightly abashed. “i need to know who I’m dealing with.” “and what did your background check tell you about why I’m here?” jake challenged.
Emma’s gaze flicked to Lily, who was pressing her nose against the window glass. “that you’re a father who would do anything for his daughter.”
The simple truth of her words disarmed him. Before he could respond, Emma handed him a folder. “everything you need to know about me and tonight’s dinner is in here.”
“memorize it.” “the bathroom is down the hall if you want to shower.” “i’ve put some clothes that should fit you in the guest room.”
“you bought me clothes?” jake asked. “i had them delivered.” “your measurements were in your military service record.”
Jake shook his head in disbelief. “you’re something else you know that?” For just a second uncertainty flickered across Emma’s face. “so I’ve been told,” she said quietly.
