The Light in my Darkness

Chapter 5

You were curled up on the couch in your apartment as you read through the paperwork Clint had given you. Everything was spelled out and straight forward. Not that you expected any less from the man. You tossed the folder down beside you and raked your hands through your hair. Now you were acting as if it was perfectly normal behavior to sign a contract to be someone's girlfriend. What was wrong with you?

But, still...You glanced around your half-packed apartment and sighed. You were running out of time and didn't have a lot of options. Live with Maria and work your ass off to maybe go to school next semester. Go back to business school. Or date the man you've had a crush on for years. When you broke it down like that, you weren't certain why you were even hesitating. The decision seemed simple enough.

According to the contract, you were to accompany Clint to any public events and on private dates in public venues. Time spent together was at his discretion and you were to make yourself available. In exchange, he would provide you with an apartment, tuition, a credit card and any other necessary items. To everyone else it was to appear as if the two of you were in a committed relationship. You could not discuss anything you might hear concerning his business with anyone else. The arrangement could be terminated at any time by either party with one month's notice or immediately upon the development of an emotional attachment.

So, fall in love and it's over. Of course, that was only if he found out about it. You chewed on the end of your thumb as you stared at the folder. And what about Wanda? Surely, she was going to freak out when you told her you were dating her dad. Or maybe not. Lord knew she teased you often enough about your crush.

You picked up your phone and sent a text to Clint before you could talk yourself out of it. Just one word. Okay.

Your phone rang almost immediately.

"I'm just verifying that's a yes," he said when you answered.

You smiled and rolled your eyes a bit. "It's a yes."

"Good. Movers will arrive at your apartment at eight. They'll pack and move you to the new place. Someone will meet you there with the keys."

"That was fast." You were a little stunned, truth be told, and didn't know what else to say.

"Already scheduled, sweetheart."

"How could you have possibly known I would say yes? I didn't know myself until I sent you that message."

He hummed. "Let's call it wishful thinking."

"What are we going to tell Wanda?"

"The truth or a version of it at any rate. That we finally decided to act on our mutual attraction. And don't try to deny it. You wouldn't have kissed me like that if there was no attraction." He sounded so smug. Part of you wished he was in front of you so you could knock him down a peg or two. How you had no idea, but you'd figure it out.

"Okay," you answered with a quiet voice.

"What's wrong, sweetheart?" His tone had dropped to match yours.

"I should feel cheap, you know. I'm basically selling myself for an art degree. But I don't, not even a little bit."

"And why is that a bad thing?"

"I don't know. Shouldn't I feel worse about this? It seems like if I was a better person I would."

He sighed and you could picture his frown. "If I thought there was something to be ashamed of, I never would have asked you. Don't overthink this. Just enjoy it."

Your lips curved into a smile. "Alright, Clint. I'll try."

"That's my girl. Now, get some sleep. You've got a busy day tomorrow."