Chapter 7

• She spun around on one heel. His face was etched with impatience. This man could not stand emotional outbursts. As hot as he appeared, he'd be a pain in the ass, just like he had been growing up. He probably planned his days down to the minute. He most likely had no idea what the term "impulsive" meant. Could they survive a year in the same house? Will they rip each other apart before the end of the year? What if the Yankees won the World Series this season? She'd have to put up with his conceitedness and patronizing smiles. Oh God...
• He crossed his arms across his chest. "Please don't tell me. You like the Mets."
• His tone made her shudder. "I'm not going to talk baseball with you. When you're with me, you're not going to wear any Yankees gear. When I'm not around, I don't care what you wear. Understand?"
• The silence fell over the room. She dared to cast a glance in his direction. He fixed his gaze on her as if her hair had sprouted Medusa snakes. "Are you kidding me?"
• She shook her head vigorously. "No."
• "I'm not even allowed to wear my Yankees cap?"
• "That's right."
• "You're insane," he declared.
• "It's sticks and stones. Tell me right away so we don't waste any more time."
• Then he burst into silly feminine tears, something she hadn't seen since the neighborhood bully fell off his bike.
• Nick Ryan burst out laughing. There was no amusement or a smirk around the lips. This was a belly laugh with no holds barred, deep and masculine. The sound filled the room and energized it. Alexa fought back a smile, especially since he was making fun of her. He sure did look good when he got off his high horse.
• He eventually calmed down, appeared to consider the options, and decided on a solution. "I'm not going to wear any Yankees gear, but the same goes for you. There will be no Mets nonsense. I don't want a coffee mug or key chain lying around my house. Got it?"
• Her annoyance was palpable. The deal had somehow been turned around on her. "I don't agree. Because we haven't won a World Series since 1986, I get to wear mine. You've had your fill of glory; you don't need any more."
• He twitched the corner of his mouth. "Thanks for your effort, but I'm not one of the Twinkies you're used to dating. There will be no Yankees or Mets. You can take it or leave it."
• "I don't date Twinkies!"
• He shook his head. "I don't care."
• She hopped from one foot to the next, barely keeping her hands from curling into fists. He was so disinterested. How could he look so appetizing while reminding her of the poison apple Snow White was given?
• "Well? Do you want to sleep on it or do what women do when they can't decide?"
• She bit her lip hard and forced the words out. "Fine. You've got a deal."
• "Anything else?"
• "I guess that covers it."
• "Not quite." He paused, as if about to broach a sensitive subject. Alexa vowed to stay calm no matter what he said. This game could be played by two people. Even if he verbally tortured her, she'd be an ice queen. She sighed and slid back into her chair, picking up her coffee cup to sip the brew.
• He inhaled deeply and steeped his fingers. "I want to talk to you about sex."
• "Sex?" The word fell from her lips and shot into the air like a bullet. She blinked, but her expression remained unchanged. As he paced the luxurious burgundy carpet, he jumped from his seat and they switched places. "See, we need to be extremely discreet with, uh, our extracurricular activities."
• "Discreet?"
• "Yes. I work with some very high-end clients, and I need to keep my reputation intact. Even if our marriage was called into question, the terms of the agreement would be violated. I believe it would be best if you agreed to remain celibate for the entire year. "Don't you think it's doable?"
• "Or a lot of non-doing."
• She wondered if she caught a gleam of sweat on his forehead or if it was just a trick of the light when he gave an obvious fake laugh. He paused his pacing and looked at her warily. The true meaning of his words ignited in her mind, and the lightning rod of knowledge sizzled. Nick wanted her to be the ideal wife, which included keeping a chaste marriage bed hidden beneath their ruse.
• However, he had not mentioned his own celibacy. Maggie had revealed all the details about Gabriella, so she was aware Nick was in a relationship. Alexa still didn't understand why he wouldn't marry his girlfriend, but it wasn't her place to pass judgment. She was only concerned with the chauvinistic, male pig in front of her and her desire to call the whole thing off.
• Almost.
• She shook with rage but maintained a calm expression. Nick Ryan desired to make deals. Fine. Because Nicky was about to sign the deal of a lifetime when she walked out this door.
• She laughed. "I understand."
• His entire face lit up. "You do?"
• "Of course," she says. "If the marriage is supposed to be real, how would it look to find out about an affair with your wife so soon after the wedding?"
• "Exactly."
• "You should also not have to deal with humiliating questions about your manhood. If your wife is sleeping around, the problem is obvious. She wasn't getting it right at home."
• His weight shifted. His nod was hesitant. "I guess."
• "So, what about Gabriella?"
• He recoiled in surprise. "How do you know about her?"
• "Maggie."
• "Don't be concerned about Gabriella. I'll look after her."
• "Are you sleeping with her?"
• He flinched, then pretended not to notice. "Does it matter?"
• In defense, she raised her hands. "I'd like to address the sex issue. At the very least, I've occupied positions one and two. I don't love you, and we're not even attracted to each other. You're saying that if I want to have a wild one-night stand, I can't. So, what are your ground rules?"