I shifted my stance a few times then dropped my gaze to Alec's nose instead of his eyes because I was a little unnerved that he wasn't blinking as he looked at me. I lowered my gaze to his mouth just as a smirk curved it and his dimples dented his cheeks.

I cleared my throat and said, "I'm just goin' to sit down."

I turned and moved to the kitchen table and made a huge deal of looking at my surroundings as I sat down just so I wouldn't have to look at Alec or his sexy dimples.

I didn't like him - he was hot all right, but he seemed to have the personality of a goat, and I didn't like goats.

Whether I liked him physically or not, it didn't calm my nerves when he looked at me. His gaze was intense and even though I wasn't looking at him, I could feel it piercing me. I waited a solid minute before I spoke.

"So what 'details' do we have to go over in order for you escort me to me cousin's weddin'?" I asked as I looked directly in front of me.

Across from me was a sliding glass backdoor. I could see out into a large back garden that was neat and tidy with a beautiful bed of flowers down the back that was topped off with a stunning deck that looked only half varnished.

"In order for me to escort you to your cousin's wedding, I need to draw up a contract-"

"Hold up, buddy. A contract? Is this conversation about to get Fifty Shades of Grey?"

Alec frowned at me. "That kinky porn book women love?"

I nodded my head and watched as his face changed from expressionless to beatific as he laughed and moved over to the kettle when it whistled letting us know the water was boiled.

"No, it's not about to get fifty shades of anything, Keela. Contracts with my clients are routine."

"Alec, I'm not your client. What I am askin' of you is a favour, not a business deal."

Alec looked over his shoulder and gazed at me with a look of confusion across his face. "Why don't you tell me what you want from this 'favour' so I get a better understanding of things then."

That seemed fair.

I nodded my head as he turned back around and began to make me a cup of tea.

"Well, much wouldn't be required of you. I just want you to pretend to be me boyfriend... That's it."

Alec turned back in my direction with a black mug in his hand. He carried it over to me, and placed it on top of the coaster that was already placed on the table in front of me. He took a seat across from me, clasped his hands together and placed them on the table in front of him. My eyes lingered on the light blue bulge of veins running down his arms; the veins were noticeable, but could be easily overlooked thanks to the stunning dragon tattoo that covered Alec's left arm, half of his chest, and part of his neck.

I only then realised that Alec was still topless and I was openly gawking at his chest and arms. I quickly looked up to Alec's face and instantly glared at the smugness that was visibly plastered across his face.

"Can you put some clothes on?" I asked.

Alec raised his eyebrows. "Does my being topless make you uncomfortable?"

No, it makes me drool.

"Yes, it does."

Alec smirked. "Though shit. It's hot out, so I'm skins for the day."

I frowned. "I don't even know what that means."

Alec clicked his tongue at me. "Irish people."

"American people!" I fired right back making him chuckle.

"So, you just want me to be your boyfriend?"

Nice subject change.

I licked my lips, and nodded my head. "Yes, you just have to make it believable that we are a real couple."

Alec smiled suggestively. "How would you like me to make it believable?"

Why did he say that word like it was something dirty?

I felt myself flush, and I hated it. "Stop tryin' to embarrass me."

Alec pushed his hair back from his face and said, "I'm asking a legit question."

"Just act like a lovin' boyfriend; hold my hand, kiss my cheek-"

"Open a door for you then smack your ass when you walk by?"

I rolled my eyes. "I'm bein' serious."

"So am I."

I groaned, and placed my head in my hands. "I just want me family to think we're a real, happy couple. That's it."

Alec chortled. "Trust me kitten, this will be the easiest job I’ve ever done."

I uncovered my face, and raised my eyebrows at him. "It will?"

Alec nodded, still smiling wide. "Yep."

Perfect!

I smiled also. "So does that mean you will escort me to the weddin'?"

I had my fingers and toes crossed, hoping he would say yes.

Alec laughed at me. "If you abide by my conditions then yes, I will."

I frowned and uncrossed my fingers and toes. "What are your conditions?"

Alec held up his index finger. "Number one, absolutey no falling in love."

Oh, he had a sense of humour!

I couldn't help the snort that erupted out of me then or the laughter that followed it. Alec's eyes narrowed as I snorted again mid-laugh which of course only made me laugh harder.

"I'm being serious Keela," Alec growled, no trace of humour on his face or in his tone.

Oh, crap, he was serious!

I laughed harder then, and quickly fanned myself. "I know, that's why... I'm laughin'... so hard."

Alec stared at me blankly and unblinking, so I forced myself to relax until my laughter subsided. "Okay, so I'm not to fall in love with you. Got it, what's number two?"

Alec rolled his eyes and said, "Number two, you treat me as a person and not as the hired help."

I frowned. "I will always treat you as a person... I can't treat you like hired help even if I wanted because I'm not payin' you."

Alec clicked his tongue at me. "You could pay me in sexual favours."

I raised my eyebrows then gave him a get-real look and said, "You will get paid with nice manners."

Alec smirked. "The rest of my conditions might make you a little uneasy then."

I sat up straight as a shiver ran down my spine. "What are they?"

Alec lifted his arm and rubbed the back of his neck. "You sure you want an honest answer to that question, kitten?"

I nodded my head and ignored the bulge of his bicep even though it whispered for me to take a peak.

Alec shrugged and said, "I want to fuck you."

I was about to laugh, but Alec's tone and facial expression shut me up before I even made a sound. I did nothing but stare at him for a few moments before I opened my mouth and said, "Why aren't you laughin'?"

"Because I'm not joking."

I widened my eyes in sheer horror. "You better be fuckin' jokin'!"

Alec sat back a little and raised his eyebrows and hands. "I don't joke about conditions for a contract."

I smacked my hands down on the kitchen table. "This is not a contract, this is a favour. You don't get paid for it with anythin' other than a verbal fuckin' thank you."

Alec folded his arms across his chest. "So I'm to be your boyfriend without receiving the privileges or benefits of having a girlfriend?"

Seriously?

"Yes! This is all only pretend!"

Alec shook his head. "Nah, that's a no-go for me. We're going to hash that out right now, if you want me to be your boyfriend then I want some privileges at least. I'm a man - I have needs."

Oh my God!