Exception to the Rules Read Online Free

fathom why you’d be interested.”
    “I’ll explain why. But first, tell me what you expect.”
    She took a sip of wine, felt it mellow out all the way down, easing some of her nervousness. “I have a boss who’s completely out of his mind, and I need someone to pretend to be my lover for a week. We’re promoting a new line of fashion with back-to-back junkets and a huge press party. The rules are that whoever I hire is going to have to be available for all of the events. For meals. For anything, all the while acting like we’re the couple of the century. But acting is as far as it goes.”
    “Yes, that’s pretty much what Cooper said.”
    “Okay, so why are you still interested? I have to be honest and tell you that I almost didn’t show up. Cooper twisted my arm and made me promise to see you. But I don’t get it.”
    “Well, Gaea, I believe there’s something we could do for each other. I see your dilemma, and while I’m not an actor, I’m certain I can play the part. I’m a fast learner, and I have no social ties that would interfere.”
    “But?”
    He smiled with that mouth of his. She almost began to giggle uncontrollably.
    “Here’s what I want from you in return,” he said, studying her eyes. “I want access.”
    “Access?”
    He nodded. “To you.”
    “What? I don’t understand.”
    “To your thoughts.”
    She opened her mouth, but the only thing that came out was a high-pitched squeak.
    “All of them.”
    “What the hell are you talking about?”
    He chuckled. The sound was rich and deep and almost enough to make her stop questioning his sanity. Almost.
    “Okay, let me explain.”
    “Please do.”
    “I have always been known to be a curious person. Can’t help it. It’s a long, long story, full of interesting information about my not so normal upbringing and my parents’ eccentric philosophy, which I’m certain we’ll discuss in detail over the next week, but the short answer is, I live to find answers to questions. I’ve always had an interest in intellect and anything dealing with how the mind works. Fortunately, I’ve had the opportunity to study with some of the greatest minds on the planet. I’ve challenged my senses, my abilities, and always attacked  the major problems of my life head-on. I might be shaking on the inside, but I do it until I’m satisfied. Which doesn’t mean I’m always successful. But I never wonder what would have happened if only I’d taken the chance to find out.”
    “And what does that have to do with pretending to be my boyfriend?”
    He laughed. “Everything. In exchange for doing you a favor, you have to do one for me in return. I want answers from you.”
    “To what questions?”
    “All of them.”
    “Pardon me?”
    “All of them about women.”
    “I don’t know all the answers about women.”
    “But you know the answers for you.”
    She gave him a long, measured look.
    He grinned back at her. “No, I’m not certifiable. Strange, yes. But not quite at the padded-room stage.”
    “You want answers about women?”
    He nodded.
    “What does that mean?”
    “It means, I can ask you anything. No holding back. No thinking twice about propriety. I ask, you answer. Honestly. To the best of your ability. All of the questions I’ve wanted to ask but haven’t dared.”
    “You’ve never dated?”
    “Oh, I’ve dated. Quite a few women. I’ve been involved in relationships. All of which have failed. Mostly, I fear, to my lack of understanding. Seriously, I don’t get it. Forget the evolution of men being confusing, it’s women. Who are you people? The books are useless. Believe me, I’ve read them. And I still don’t get you.” He paused with a shake of his head. “Every time I think I have you women figured out, I find out that I really don’t. Take Helena for example. Great woman, an incredible lover. I was crazy about her, and she swore she loved me. We lived together for a blissful year. So what happened? Right after I