“We would drive up on either the twenty-second or twenty-third. Come back on New Year’s Day, if you’d like. I usually stay until the second of January, but we can come back earlier than that even.”

Nic nodded. “Okay. I’ll think about it. I’ll be back here next week on Thursday. Is that soon enough?”

Abby frowned. “Where do you work, anyway?”

“Bennett Landscaping. My uncle’s company. We have a contract here at Las Colinas Towers. I come by once or twice a week.”

“I’ve seen you around, yes.”

“I know. I’ve seen you looking at me.”

“Again, I’ve not been looking at you.”

“Right. So we’ll hook up next week, then.”

Abby stood. “Yes. Okay. Thank you for considering my proposition. I know it’s…well, a bit outrageous. I’ll see you next week.”

She hurried over to Sharon without looking back at Nic Bennett. She wondered if Nic was short for something. Nicole maybe?

“So? What did she say? What did she say?”

“She said she would consider it.” Abby reached into the bag of chips and pulled one out. “I’m pretty sure she thinks I’m borderline nuts. Hell, I think I’m teetering on the edge myself.” Then she leaned closer. “She’s really cute. She has blue eyes.” She sighed. “Something must be terribly wrong with her. She’s single. Women who look like that aren’t single.”

“You’re single.”

“I have trust issues. Can you blame me?”

“What’s her name?”

“Nic Bennett. She works for a landscaping company.”

“That explains the dirty knees.” Sharon made a face. “Not really your type, though.”

“I don’t care. At this point, I simply don’t care. I just need a girlfriend.” She paused. “She was kinda flirty. Kinda conceited.”

“Conceited?”

“She thinks I’ve been staring at her. Watching her.”

“And haven’t you?”

“Not like that. Not like I’m ogling her or anything.”

“Well, she is cute.”

“Yeah. Conceited like that. She’s cute and she knows it. Women like that are nothing but trouble. I would never date someone like that.” Of course, Holly came to mind. Holly with her perfect hair and perfect teeth. Her expensive clothes and expertly done makeup.

“But you would fake date her?”

“I’m desperate.”

“Even if she agrees to it, I still don’t see how you’re going to pull this off.”

“Oh, please. How hard can it be?”

Chapter Five