Jacob Blackwood was a man who enjoyed the finer things in life. He rarely had time to socialize because he was addicted to his job. So when he did want to go out he'd probably go all out. So I knew that dinner tonight would be in a fancy restaurant. It was not idea since people in our circle ate at the same fancy places as we did. People would talk. I couldn't cancel though because I was curious about Jacob's reasoning to get married out of the blue. I went home to change clothes. A fancy restaurant meant that I should wear a fancy dress. I chose a long lavender colored dress, kept my hair down but curled the ends and kept my makeup natural.

I went all out and deep down I knew why.

Around six I got ready to leave the apartment. I put on a long grey woolen coat which would keep me warm and took a silver clutch with me. When I entered the building Jacob owned I got a few stares. I was kind of out of place with my fancy dress. Jacob didn't give people time to whisper things about us as he meant up with me the minute I texted him that I was awaiting him in the lobby. He meant up with me right away, placing his hand on my lower back as he guided me out of the building. His personal driver awaited us already. We settled in the backseat of the car while Jacob made sure to press the button to the privacy screen so we were cut off from the rest of the world. His eyes took me in, a small smile tugging on his lips.

"You look stunning, Miss Merigold."

"Thank you."

"You do always dress to impress."

The mood between us was good even though I felt anxious about the conversation we were about to have. Jacob must have felt how nervous I was when he met up with me in the lobby and decided to be his charming self. I honestly appreciated it.

"Is that what you like about me?" I asked teasingly.

His eyes glittered playfully, "That amongst other things."

I glanced out the window, trying to ignore the heated look in his eyes, "You do like to tease me, don't you, Mister Blackwood?"

The soft chuckle which left his lips made me press my thighs together.

"I do admit that your reactions to my teasing are quite entertaining."

I tore my gaze away from the window and narrowed my eyes on him, "Glad I can entertain you."

He brushed his knuckles gently over my cheek which made my breathing hitch in my throat. I didn't anticipate him touching me so gently right now. He kept his distance in his lobby before so I assumed he'd keep things between us neutral. I was wrong though. This man always played dirty.

"I'm not like this with everyone, you know." He whispered.

I didn't know how to take that. The women he dated before were all charmed by this man despite knowing that he never had a serious relationship before. It was either a blessing that he changed his behavior around me or a curse.

"Most people get charming Jacob Blackwood," I muttered.

"And you get to see a different side to me."

A little smile played on my lips, "I've seen so many sides to you already."

He returned my smile, "And hopefully you'll see many more sides to me."

I swallowed nervously, shifting in my seat as I tried to create some distance between us. I wasn't supposed to get lured in by his charm and his gentle tone. He was changing the game because he was eager to get what he wanted and how tempted I was to give him exactly that. I needed a clear head around this man and that meant not giving into his teasing. I kept quiet after that, it was to protect myself and Jacob knew The little chuckle which left his lips made a shiver run down my spine. I felt relieved when the car stopped at the restaurant which Jacob made a reservation at. It meant that we'd be out in public and Jacob couldn't charm my pants off. The driver held the door open for me. I thanked him when I slipped out of the car. Jacob walked around the car and met up with me. He kept his distance this time too, just walking closely beside me as we entered the restaurant. The hostess recognized him and greeted the man with a gentle smile. She put our coats away and then guided us to our table. As I was scanning the menu which the hostess left us I noticed how the room suddenly fell very silent. Lowering my menu I dared to glance around which was a mistake. I noticed how people were staring us, whispering quietly amongst themselves.

They definitely recognized us.

"Ignore them," Jacob whispered.

"That'd be difficult since they're all staring."

He reached across the table and placed his hand on top of mine, "Just focus on us."

That was easier said than done. I could only imagine what they thought of us together like this. They probably weren't wrong about assuming things because in the near future I might very well get involved with this man. Currently, though things between us were still casual.

"Do you know what you want to order?" He asked.

"Chicken, I think."

I could hear the laughter in his voice yet I refused to look at him, "You think? You need more time to make up your mind?"

I needed more time behind the menu but I couldn't hide from him forever. Straightening in my chair, I lowered my menu again and smiled at him.

"No need, I definitely want the chicken."

He nodded, closing his menu as well. A waiter came to our table right after to take our order and also suggested a wine which would go well with our food. Jacob ordered a bottle which would cost him a small fortune. He didn't seem to care though.

"You feel better after you had something to eat." He assured me.

"Maybe."

I knew I wasn't great company right now but the nerves which were now raging through my body wouldn't settle. I clenched my fists to hide my trembling fingers. It was best to start up the conversation now. If I waited any longer I'd probably never bring the subject up.

"I'm just going to jump right in." I told him, "Tell me the real reason why you suddenly decided to propose to me." I narrowed my eyes on him, trying to intimate him a little, "Just to let you know I have my sources so don't feed me some bullshit story."

He reached for his glass of wine and took a leisurely sip. The way his lips tugged up told me he found this whole thing entertaining.

"I see." He sounded so calm and collected even though I called him out like that, "Then there is no need to hide the truth from you." He lowered his glass and shifted in his chair, getting more comfortable, "I slept with my assistant at the office the other day. She wanted more out of it but I never intended for it to be more than sex. She threatened to sue me. I don't care about how much this will cost me I'm not giving into her threats but I do have an image which will take a lot of damage due to the rumor which will spread like wildfire."

Nick was right about Jacob getting involved in a scandal. This was going to ruin him if he didn't handle it with care. He would pay for what he had done since he couldn't keep it in his pants but he didn't seem to care. He cared more about his reputation.

"So marrying me would help drown out the speculation and the rumours," I concluded.

"Everyone does love the Merigold heiress."

"The men in my life are jerks." I sighed.

I hadn't spoken to Lucas yet but his hesitation upset me a great deal. Joy was convinced the man didn't mean it but I had my doubts.

"What you want is more than a fun night between the sheets and I want to offer you more. Can't we help each other out here, Nina?"

"It wouldn't be real," I whispered.

Sure, we'd probably get along but he wasn't in love with me. He needed someone who'd make people talk about our marriage rather than his little affair with his assistant. Sure people would talk about the wedding and the wedding dress and everything else involved with it but the rumors about his slip-up would never die down. If we got married the marriage would test both our patience.

"I'm aware of that so I'm willing to offer you a lot."

I nearly knocked down my glass of wine, "Excuse me?"

He didn't seem bothered by my sudden squeaky tone. I wasn't sure what else he could offer me.

"Shares in my company." He said casually as if we were discussing the wine which he seemed to adore, "You must be aware of how much it's worth right now."

"I'm aware." I admitted, "You sure you want to offer me say in your company."

He smirked, "It won't be enough to change things but enough to be well taken care of" He reached into his jacket, grabbing papers which he handed to me, "It's all there. A contract made up by my lawyers. You should read it through with your overprotective brother, you'll see that I'm not messing around about this."

"Your reputation is on the line so I assume you're not messing around." I stared at the papers he handed me, suddenly not being able to hide my trembling fingers any longer.

"So now that's out of the way how about we focus on dinner?"

He was straight to the point as always, the things I wanted to know he told me without hesitation. He handled this situation like it was another project he was working on. Maybe he saw it as yet another project. Romance wasn't something he believed in I assumed. He was asking a lot of me and maybe he was right about him offering me a lot in return. I wasn't business savvy though so I did need to talk to someone who was more knowledgeable. Folding up the papers I tucked them away in my clutch and reached for my glass of wine.

"I'm a bit hungry now." I casually admitted to him.

He gestured to the waiter which made me snort. Of course, the waiter somehow knew when to bring the food over. It was best not to question Jacob and his control freak tendencies. I focused on dinner which was actually pretty good. The wine was great too and when our little meet-up ended Jacob offered to take me home. I took up the offer because I was a little tipsy. I had one glass too many. I probably should have switched to water. The ride to my apartment building was silent. Neither one of us spoke up. There wasn't much to be said. Yet I didn't feel awkward sitting in silence with him. There was a lot I had to think about. I also needed to return my brother's call and ask him for yet another favor.

"We're here," Jacob announced.

I had been so lost in my thoughts that I didn't even notice when the car pulled over.

"Thanks," I muttered.

I grabbed my clutch and was ready to leave the car but Jacob had other plans. He grabbed my wrist, held me in place and leaned in. He surprised me by kissing me gently. The kiss was soft and quick like it was barely there. It reminded me of the first kiss we shared. The gleam in his eyes told me that he knew what he was doing. He let go of me and smiled gently at me.

"Good night, Miss Merigold. I hope to hear from you soon."

I gulped nervously, "Good night."

Stepping out of the car I rushed into the building, not daring to look over my shoulder once. He wouldn't follow me, that man always played by his own rules. He knew he got to me when he kissed me like that. That gentle kiss was all I could think about as I entered my apartment. I kicked off my shoes, shrugged my coat off and tossed it on the couch.

Since the first kiss, we shared Jacob Blackwood decided to mess with my head for his own entertainment. Was the fortune he offered me even worth the trouble?