Page 33 of Hard and Unprotected

The woman looked into my eyes like she was searching for something, and maybe Evelyn found it. Because her smile got bigger and became more real as she pulled me in for a quick hug then.

“Welcome, dear.”

I blushed and hugged her back. Over her shoulder, Evan grinned before winking. His support made my heart flip over, my nerves going calm. With this man I could do anything, scale giant mountains, even fly over treetops with him by my side.

So I turned to the older woman, a warm smile on my face.

“Thank you for the welcome, Mrs. Lincoln.”

“Please call me Evelyn, sweetheart. Mrs. Lincoln is too formal.”

“And call me Henry.” Evan’s father came up behind us, his voice gruff. The older man took my hand in a rough handshake, one that pumped my wrist and elbow. Ouch. He was just like Bowzer with a giant bone.

Evelyn stared meaningfully at her husband.

“Henry, stop that. This isn’t one of your construction guys, this is a lovely lady. Come sit with me, Maggie,” she gestured to the seat beside her. “We’ve been looking forward to meeting you. Tell us a little about yourself.”

But then her son interceded.

“Ma, I think dinner’s ready. Cook will be upset if we don’t eat while it’s piping hot.”

His mother nodded, standing gracefully.

“True, true,” she hummed. And then turning to me, she said in a conspiratorial whisper, “We’ve had Cook with us since Evan was five, and he’s always so good to the help. My son was such a rambunctious little boy, but he’s got a heart of gold, treating everyone here like they’re family.”

I nodded, heart going pitter-patter. That meant a lot because it spoke well of the man I adored. He was good to everyone, even those who were on his payroll. But suddenly, my stomach seized because these were all dreams. I was getting carried away. My name was on that payroll as well because I was nothing more than another employee.

Oh god.

I forgot.

This was all a farce, and we were doing it for business reasons.

After the clock struck twelve, I’d be left with my pumpkin again. There’d be no prince, no castle, no doting in-laws.

Inside, my heart shriveled, but my lips smiled on their own.

Duty calls. A job is still a job.

“Perfect,” was my inane word. “Can’t wait for dinner.”

Mrs. Lincoln spoke again.

“Evan gave Cook a treat when he told her you were coming over. Usually, she just makes meals for the two of us, or four if Evan comes over with his sister. So Cook went overboard, making a little of everything.”

I smiled my plastic smile again, forcing mirth into my eyes.

“I’m sure I’ll love it,” came my slightly wooden words. But that would never do. I had to earn the twenty thousand dollars. So clearing my throat, I smiled a real smile this time.

“Sounds wonderful,” came my words. “I love eating, so I’m sure it’ll be amazing.”

Evelyn laughed, a merry, tinkling sound.

“Oh good,” came her smile. “Come this way, dear.”

And ushering me into the formal dining room caused me to gasp all over again. Of course, the table itself seemed bigger than my whole apartment. It was big enough for twenty people but four place settings were set out at one end, clustered elegantly around the head. Flowers bloomed graciously, the china and silver sparkling under the chandelier.

And as soon as we were seated, servants came in and started presenting dinner. Platter after platter of delicious items appeared, so beautiful that they looked like play food, and not the real thing.