Nina's POV
Wear something comfortable? I stared at Theo. What kind of proposition needs comfortable clothes?
He didn't answer. Just turned and walked back toward the party.
Wait! I grabbed his arm. You can't just say cryptic things and leave.
Theo stopped. When he looked at me, something in his expression had shifted. Less controlled. More... desperate?
Not here, he said quietly. Too many people watching.
I glanced through the glass door. Marcus was still staring at us, frowning. Mom was heading toward the balcony with what looked like another eligible bachelor in tow.
Fine, I said. But I need wine for this conversation. A lot of wine.
Theo's lips twitched. Almost a smile. Already ahead of you.
He grabbed two more glasses from a passing waiter and led me down the balcony stairs into my parents' garden. It was freezing, but at least we were alone.
The fairy lights Dad had strung up last summer cast everything in soft gold. Theo handed me a wine glass and leaned against the garden wall.
Talk, I demanded. What's this mysterious proposition?
You first. He took a sip of wine. The Santorini wedding. How bad is it really?
I laughed bitterly. You want the truth? It's a nightmare. Five days trapped at a resort with my entire extended family. Dylan and Becca playing happy couple. Everyone watching to see if I'll fall apart. I drank half my glass in one gulp. And the worst part? My family acts like I'm the problem. Like there's something wrong with me because I'm not over it yet.
There's nothing wrong with you.
Tell that to my mother. Or Sophia. Or literally anyone in there. I gestured toward the house. They think I should just pick some random guy and settle. Like being alone is the worst thing that could happen.
Maybe it's not being alone that scares you, Theo said quietly. Maybe it's facing Dylan and proving you've moved on.
He was right. I hated that he was right.
I can't show up alone, I admitted. I just can't. I'd rather bring literally anyone than face that humiliation.
The wine was making me brave. Or stupid. Probably both.
Anyone? Theo asked.
Anyone who'd make Dylan regret every choice he's ever made. The words tumbled out. Someone successful. Respected. Someone who'd make my family stop pitying me and start seeing me as
I stopped. Looked at Theo.
He was watching me with an intensity that made my skin feel hot despite the cold.
Someone like you, I finished.
Theo went very still.
My brain caught up with my mouth. Oh God. I didn't mean—that came out wrong. I wasn't suggesting—
What if you were? His voice was low. Careful.
What?
What if you were suggesting exactly that? Theo set down his wine glass. What if I went to Santorini with you? Played the perfect boyfriend. Made Dylan realize what he lost.
My heart stopped. You're joking.
I'm not.
Theo, I wasn't seriously asking. I was just venting. You don't have to
I know I don't have to. He stepped closer. But what if I want to?
Why would you want to?
Because you need help. Another step. We were close now. Close enough that I could see gold flecks in his dark eyes. And because I have my own reasons.
Warning bells rang in my head. What reasons?
Let me ask you something first. Theo's expression turned calculating. Lawyer-like. If I agreed to be your boyfriend for the Santorini wedding—if I made Dylan and your family believe we're together—what would you be willing to do for me?
My mouth went dry. What do you need?
A girlfriend. He said it simply. For three weeks. Someone who can impress corporate lawyers and prove I'm not the uncommitted bachelor they think I am.
Understanding crashed over me. Your firm's gala.
Exactly. Theo's eyes didn't leave mine. The senior partners think my 'bachelor lifestyle' makes me unreliable. They won't consider me for senior partner unless I prove I can commit. I need a girlfriend who's sophisticated, successful, someone who can walk into that gala and make Richard Morrison believe I'm ready to settle down.
And you think I can do that?
I know you can.
Theo, I design hotel lobbies. I don't know anything about
You built a six-figure business from scratch, he interrupted. You've pitched to CEOs and won million-dollar contracts. You're brilliant, Nina. Stop letting other people make you doubt that.
The compliment hit harder than it should have.
So what are you saying? I asked carefully. You'll pretend to be my boyfriend for Santorini if I pretend to be your girlfriend for your firm's gala?
One month, Theo said. We establish a relationship, attend each other's nightmare events, then quietly break up afterward. Mutual benefit. Clean ending.
It was insane. Crazy. The worst idea either of us had ever had.
We'd have to lie to everyone, I said. My family. Your firm. Marcus.
Especially Marcus. Theo's jaw tightened. He can't know the truth.
Why especially Marcus?
Because he made me promise years ago to never pursue his little sister. And if he finds out we're lying about this, he'll kill us both.
I should have said no. Should have run back inside and forgotten this conversation ever happened.
Instead, I asked, What would the rules be?
Theo's eyes flashed with something I couldn't read. We'd need several. But the most important one? This stays fake. No real feelings. No complications.
Just business.
Exactly. He extended his hand. So what do you say, Nina? Do we have a deal?
I stared at his hand. At the choice in front of me.
Say no, and face Santorini alone. Endure the pity. Watch Dylan win.
Say yes, and lie to everyone I love for a month.
My hand moved before my brain could stop it.
Our palms connected.
Electricity shot through me—hot and immediate and terrifying. Theo's grip was firm and warm, and he didn't let go.
Deal, I whispered.
His thumb brushed against my wrist. Once. Twice. Neither of us pulled away.
We start tomorrow, Theo said, his voice rough. Sunday dinner. Our first official appearance as a couple.
That's less than twenty-four hours away.
Unless you're backing out already?
No. I forced my voice steady. I'm in.
Then we need to set the rules. Theo finally released my hand, and I felt cold where his touch had been. This only works if we're both clear on the boundaries.
What kind of boundaries?
His eyes met mine, and something in his expression made my breath catch.
The kind that keep us both from doing something we'll regret.