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so much information in such a short time. “I have the documents although they’re in Spanish, and a photo of the book where the registrar recorded the divorce. And exactly when did you do this background check on me?”
    â€œI couldn’t sleep last night so I did an internet search. This morning I called a friend who’s in security. He took it from there.”
    Security meant criminal history. Momentary panic set in. “Did he find anything interesting?”
    â€œNope. Not one felony or misdemeanor or even a speeding ticket.”
    She relaxed for a moment knowing he hadn’t discovered her primary secret, but then no one knew about that. No one ever would, thanks to a nondisclosure order arranged by her attorney. “I’d expect you to thoroughly investigate someone you intend to hire, but not someone you intend to marry.”
    â€œI’m a businessman, Paris, and this is a business proposition. Maybe that sounds kind of crass, but before we go any further, I wouldn’t want you to have expectations of it being anything else.”
    For some odd reason that stung like a hornet, as if she was stupid enough to think it might be more. “Really? Again I ask, what’s in it for me? Aside from being wed to the object of many a woman’s lust, of course.”
    He didn’t seem affected at all by her sarcasm. “First of all, you have a fairly substantial debt you’re dealing with.”
    Had he somehow discovered the money she owed her former firm? Impossible. Or so she hoped. “Did you run a report on my finances?”
    â€œNo. I figured that out when you came begging for a job, and confirmed it when you mentioned your ex taking your money and cutting out of the country. I also recall some issue with staying in your apartment and possibly having to move to Idaho. Am I wrong?”
    If he only knew the true magnitude of her problems. “No, you’re not wrong.”
    â€œExactly how much debt are you carrying?”
    â€œThat’s really none of your—”
    â€œBusiness? If you want me to help you, you’ll have to be honest about the money aspects.”
    He had a lot of nerve making the request when she hadn’t agreed to anything. “I believe I asked you for a job, not for your help.”
    â€œYeah, but I’m asking for yours. We could help each other. How much debt?”
    She momentarily swallowed her pride. “Over seventy thousand dollars.” Most of which she owed to her former firm.
    â€œAre you a chronic shopper?” he asked.
    â€œNo, but my ex is. He left me with all the bills.” Including money he’d stolen that she was having to reimburse.
    â€œOkay. If you agree to this, I’ll make sure you’re debt-free. I’ll give you twenty thousand up front and you can live here rent-free. You can also design the lodge and I’ll pay you monthly for that. If you see that through, I’ll provide a reference and the seed money to start your own company.”
    Wow. She would finally be solvent, liberated from her former employer and on her way to a bright future. But at what cost? A nagging voice told her to go for it. Her mother’s voice told her to proceed with caution. “If I did agree to this, and I’m not saying I am, how long would I be expected to remain in this marriage?”
    â€œThe will states a year,” he said. “It’s going to take at least that long to get Texas Extreme up and running and the lodge ready for guests. If you’ll stay until then, I’ll throw in another bonus. I’ll buy you a new car so you can put that rusty sedan out to pasture.”
    She took offense to him insulting her car. “Bubba is not rusty.”
    He chuckled. “You gave that clunker a name?”
    â€œYes. He’s been very reliable, unlike most men I’ve known.”
    â€œBubba sounds like he’s barely running.”
    â€œHe does need