Chapter 3 NOT LADYLIKE

"This is supposed to be mutually beneficial and therefore built on mutual respect. I have been on a lot of dates that didn't work out. Most of those men were rude to me, sometimes publicly which is why I'm still single." You don't need to be overly affectionate, but you cannot treat me like some employee."

Andrew's eyebrow drops as a corner of his mouth lifts, almost like He's amused.

"I will remind you that I am the client, and even If I was the one who hired you. I won't treat you like some underling."

He stays quiet for a while, making her slightly nervous. "Very well." He holds out his hand stiffly for a handshake.

'He's like a robot! All business and no soul.

'Can we really pull this off? Lisa stares down at his offered hand before meeting his eyes. Instead of shaking his hands, She asked him a question. "Have you ever even had a girlfriend? Like a real one?"

There's a glint of emotion in his eyes before he looks down. "It has been some time, but Yes." He pulls his gaze back to her, the glint replaced with steel, and He drops his hand. "What does that matter?"

'It matters because I don't know If anyone will buy that he has affection for anyone. Let alone me, my mother and sister might see right through him.' That would be even more embarrassing than showing up alone.'

"You don't think I'm competent enough to be your 'pretend' boyfriend?" 'oh–oh, how the hell did he know what I was thinking.'

He stares down with a competitive glint in his eye. "Want me to prove it?" Just then an idea of what he wants to do pops into Lisa's head causing her face to heat up.

'If we are going to do this, It has to be done right. 'making him jump through hoops might make things awkward. 'Surely If He can make multi-million dollar mergers, He can fake being a real boyfriend for a few hours.'

"It doesn't matter, I guess. But You better be up to the task."

"I am, I assure you." She held out her hands and He shook it firmly. "We have a deal then." He immediately releases her hand and turns away from her, staring out the window.

'Does he think there's nothing more to discuss? As annoyed as He is, She can't help admiring how attractive He is. 'Those purple eyes, strong jawline, his flawless skin, He's even more handsome in person.

'He might be stiff, but He will definitely turn heads at the wedding or will until he opens his mouth. He's so icy, maybe I should work on thawing him out a bit more.'If my family's going to believe we are a couple, we will have to know some personal details about each other.' should I try to break the ice?' She clears her throat and speaks. "Now that we have an agreement, We should probably get to know each other." He sighs, half-turning from the window. "I suppose you are right. What do you want to know?"

"Why don't we take turns asking each other questions?"

"Fine." He shifts in his seat, smoothing his trousers and adjusting his cufflinks.

"What is your profession?" Lisa cringes at that. 'It's all business, all the time with him!'

"I have a caveat-no questions about careers. We can literally look that up online. If we are going to be a pretend couple, We should show some real facts, the kind an internet search won't reveal."

Andrew drums his fingers on his thigh. "Lisa, My whole life is all about my career."

"Ok...If that's the case, then I have my question. If you could walk away from it all, What would you do instead?"

"I thought professional questions weren't allowed." Lisa rolls her eyes.

"This is hypothetical." Andrew narrows his eyes at her. 'She's not sure If He is thinking about his answer, or just staring her down. Even now, He's breathtakingly handsome. "Well?"

"This is a waste of my time."

"Fine, I will answer first. I would be a chef. I love food, but I'm a terrible cook. If I had to do it all over again and choose a different path, I would go to culinary school." Your turn. He turns toward the window again to look up at the sky. "When I was a child, I often daydreamed about being a pilot."

"A pilot! I love it. Why did you want to be a pilot?"

"I don't know. It looked fun, I guess." She waits for him to continue but He stops. 'It's like pulling teeth.'

"What looked fun about it?"

"To be among the clouds, free from the problems on the ground, like a bird. I don't know. It was a stupid, child's dream. That's all. As I grew up, I knew It was a fantasy and nothing more."

"Why? There are plenty of pilots in the world. I bet lots dreamed about it as kids."

The car hits a pothole, and his arm shoots out in front of her, keeping her steady. He grips her knee as He leans forward, barking at the driver to watch out. Lisa looks down at his hand and feels her cheeks getting warm. 'Andrew is so strong and sexy. And-Get it together, Lisa! Remember this is all business and nothing more!

"Apologies. Usually He is more careful."

"Huh? Oh, No problem. It happens." Realizing his hand is still on her leg, He snatches it back into his lap and looks out the window.

"Good. We are here."

"Where?" The car slows down in front of a massive building and then pulls into the parking garage. "Where are we?"

Andrew continued ignoring her as they got out of the car. He gestures for her to follow him. She slammed the door shut behind her and spoke up. "I'm not taking another step until you tell me where I am." He pauses, heaving a sigh. "It's my penthouse. You certainly ask a lot of questions." He strides forward, and She follows. "Most people do when they are taken to a mysterious unknown location."

"Now I understand why you have to hire a boyfriend." Lisa raised her chin defiantly.

"What did I say about being rude?" He shrugged. "Well, I just don't feel the need to answer every little, mundane question." He weaves a key card, and a set of elevator doors opens beside him. "But I will work on my manners since it's part of our agreement." He half bows, waving Lisa ahead of him. "After you, Lisa."

"Thanks. Is this a private elevator?"

"Yes, It only goes from the garage to my penthouse."

"What are we doing here?" Andrew groans at yet another question of hers. "Do your questions ever stop?"

"No, not really." He sighs, as the elevator door opens. She follows him into the glamorous penthouse and glances around, Her jaw hanging open in awe.

"You look like a fish with your mouth like that. Not very ladylike, is it?" He smirks.

'Hmph, I will let that one slide for now. She snaps her jaw shut, but Her eyes are wide, taking in every inch of luxury.