Marry Me for Money by Mia Kayla

for the elite to take turns splurging on each other. “You get this friendship,” I motioned between us with one hand, “for free.” My eyes moved to the time shown on a nearby clock tower. “But you can buy me lunch. I’ll let you do that. Really, I have to go though. I don’t have time to eat out, so I’ll have to eat at my desk.”
    I hurried and tugged him forward. We ended up in line at a taco place. Kent motioned for me to order first.
    “I’ll have two tacos, a nacho supreme, and a side of rice. Oh, and please give me a glass of horchata,” I looked at Kent and back at the cashier, “and a churro for later. All to go, please.” I wrinkled my nose at his amused smile.
    “You know, it’s cheaper to buy you clothes than to support your food habit,” he said while turning to pay.
    “Shut up,” I whined.
    So what if I have a healthy-eating habit? I wasn’t the typical girl who counted calories and watched what she ate. If I wanted a cupcake, hell yeah, I’d have that cupcake without even thinking twice. Where other people my age could throw back beers, I could eat and loved doing it.
    “If I didn’t see you eat before, then I wouldn’t believe you could finish it all. With all you eat, it’s amazing you are not obese. Tell me, Beth, where does it go?”
    “I just have a fast metabolism.” I replied.
    After the cashier called out our number, we grabbed our food and strolled our way back to One Financial.
    “Next week is restaurant week. I’ve scheduled us lunch on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. I had to book these things early as reservations fill up quickly,” he said, squinting at his calendar on his phone.
    “And when were you going to ask me?” I took the bag full of food from his hands. “Thanks for assuming that I had no plans.”
    “Well, you don’t. You can’t possibly. You don’t know many people here yet, and I only wanted to go with you because you can eat. You eat like a horse actually.” He laughed at his own joke that he thought was funny. “Plus, I know you can’t turn down three good meals.”
    He looked to me, and I shrugged.
    “Yeah, I guess you’re right. Food is my weakness.” I gave him a quick smile, a half hug, and walked inside the bank.

    Out the door of One Financial, I began strolling home after work when I felt a tap on my shoulder. I pulled one earbud from my ear and wheeled around to see all-American Brian Burcham standing behind me.
    “Hey, where you headed?” he asked.
    There was something about a man in a suit. He looked professional and adorable all at the same time. I blushed at my inward thought.
    “Nowhere special. Just going home.”
    “I’m walking you home. You might get lost.” He reached for my laptop bag and carried it over his shoulder.
    “I live four blocks away from here. I think I’ll manage.”
    He had the most boyish grin on his face, and I didn’t want to tell him no. There was no wonder this man was in sales. I’m sure it was hard for his own customers to tell him no especially with a convincing face like his.
    “Well, I’ve heard it’s quite dangerous here in Chicago. As a man of honor, I have to make sure you’re safe,” he said, placing his free hand on his heart.
    “Okay.” I nodded and crossed the street while he followed.
    “So, where were you today for lunch? Caroline was terribly disappointed that you didn’t show up.”
    “I went shopping with a friend. Totally my fault that I didn’t even tell Caroline.”
    I mentally kicked myself. I’d been having lunch with Caroline almost every day, and I’d forgotten to tell her about my surprise shopping date. Brian had joined us a couple of times when he wasn’t on a customer lunch.
    “I’m just playin’. Caroline went on a customer call. I, on the other hand, was waiting for you all alone at our lunchroom table.” He frowned slightly and looked to the ground, feigning sadness.
    I had an urge to take my finger and lift his pouty lip. He was truly