Love For Hire: The Helena's Grove Series Book 2 Read Online Free Page A

pretty freakin’ sweet when you’re in a pinch, and their prices are reasonable.”
    Annie’s mind was whirling; she didn’t even know these kinds of things existed in the real world. Would it even work? Would the people back home buy it? A hired boyfriend? He would have to be pretty convincing to get past Aunt Gabby. But still, it could work, couldn’t it? Roxy was right, no one would get hurt. She could hire a guy, go home for the holiday, get back and go on living her life. Annie’s biggest issue with the entire thing was the fact that it was so very deceitful, and she generally wasn’t a deceitful person. Or at least… she hadn’t thought she was.
    Roxy threw a crumpled piece of paper onto Annie’s bed. “That’s the number you need to call. The guy’s name is Todd Connors. If you tell him I referred you I’m sure he’ll give you a good deal. He’s a cool guy and easy to talk to so don’t be nervous.”
    Annie looked at the number. “I don’t think I want to do this,” she said finally.
    “Oh come on,” Roxy said in exasperation. “Look, you can do whatever you want, but this will fix your problem if you want it fixed. If you don’t want to, then call whoever you need to call and tell them the truth. Do whatever but make a damn decision and DO it instead of sitting in here huffing and puffing like your life is over. If you want things to change, take charge and change them!”
    Annie opened her mouth to speak but Roxy cut her off.
    “No more advice from me,” she said, pointing a finger at Annie. “I don’t want to hear another thing about it unless it’s to tell me that it’s all been worked out.”
    “Okay,” Annie said quietly. “Thanks.” She stared at the number and could feel Roxy’s dark eyes on her. Annie glanced up and Roxy gave her a look, but then went on typing.
     
    ****
                 
    Annie picked up her cell phone for at least the fiftieth time and glanced down at the number written on the paper. By now she had it memorized. This time, she actually dialed it and put the phone to her ear, trying hard to concentrate on something other than her rapidly beating heart. It rang once, then twice. After the third ring Annie was just about to hang up and call the whole thing off, but the deep voice that suddenly came on the line stopped her.
    “Hello,” the voice said.
    Annie swallowed hard. How do you begin a conversation like this?
    “Hello?” the voice said again more gruffly.
    “Uh, yes… hello,” Annie stammered. “I um, I got your number from Roxy.” She waited for the reply.
    “Oh yeah?” The voice seemed to relax a little. “What can I do for you?”
    “I um… my name is Annie LaFaye and I…” She took a deep breath. “I need to hire a boyfriend.”
     

Chapter 4
     
    Annie fiddled with her napkin to stop herself from looking toward the door again. She checked her watch. Five more minutes; she could wait five minutes. She knew getting to the coffee shop early would mean waiting but she didn’t think it would be so unnerving. She looked around self-consciously. For some odd reason it felt like everyone in the whole room knew why she was there. She could almost feel their eyes on her judging her for what she was doing. She shook her head and reminded herself to not be ridiculous. She couldn’t believe she was doing this. The entire thing was so far outside her comfort zone she couldn’t even see her comfort zone anymore. She looked again at the door and then at her watch, three minutes. Man, when these people say two o’clock they mean two o’clock, s he thought uncomfortably. The bell rang on the door, making her flinch. A young man walked in. He wore a plain jacket and looked to be about her age. Annie’s heart stopped as he started toward her, and then past her to greet a young lady sitting at another table. Annie blew out a breath and laughed quietly at herself.
    “Annie LaFaye?” The voice came from behind her. Startled, she whirled