3. Sweet scam

Delilah

"This is like the Roseville Bridge. It is the path between the seaside and the town market. You could tell from the surrounding. How peaceful." I said gesturing around.

"I can see that. But aren't they enough people trading fish at the seaside?" He asked pouting at behind us where we had passed by. I had shown him most of the places in Roseville. From the grand event hall, to the seaside where traders execute their business of fish selling.

But my main motive is how to lure him completely. I had already informed my father to make the preparations for the accommodation. I needed to buy time for him to prepare everything.

"Yes. That is why Roseville town is good for business. You said it yourself. There's no lie about it."

"I can see your hard work."

"My hard work? Are you referring to the tour. You pay to get carried around Roseville but you're getting it free from me."

I could swear I saw a smirk on his face which was fast replaced back to normal. "I'm honoured to have a beautiful woman accompany me around."

I pointed my index finger at him by also squinting my eyes. "See, you're flirting with me again."

This time around, I didn't miss the visible smirk. "And you're enjoying it."

"No I'm not. Why would I?"

"Because I'm a rare specie. Women will pay any amount to be in your shoes."

I literally rolled my eyes and he saw me do that. I won't say he's that bad. He has a build body. I don't actually have an ideal type of man I want. But I wouldn't go for a man with just looks. I want the pure heart.

"Looks like someone is daydreaming." He snapped his fingers over my face getting me back to reality. I realized I was still looking at him.

I cleared my voice. "Stop thinking too highly of yourself. You don't know me. You don't know the type of a man I want."

He stopped walking and took me by surprised when he grabbed my face the action made me choke on my saliva and I immediately started coughing out. "I'm... sorry..." I choked out covering my mouth with my palms to steady the face mask.

"Your eyes are even more beautiful as I look at you up close ." my chest was back to its loud thumping. What's with the man and flirting?

He was a bit close to my body. I stepped back to give us enough distance because I was sure if he comes any more closer, I will lose my shit.

Focus on your mission Delilah.

"Stop flirting with me and let's get going. I will get you a suitable accommodation. I'm very sure your assistant won't be able to locate you so fast." I walked forward and adjusted the position of my cap.

"Do you have a boyfriend?" My legs came to a halt at his unexpected question. He catches up to me.

"Why? Do you want me to be your girlfriend during your stay here?" I retorted back. For a moment, I saw a hint of confusion on his face.

"Never mind. I was just kidding. You don't have to get worked up." At some point, I felt a bit of bitterness at his reaction. Who was the one who said I have beautiful eyes and was trying to flirt with me. Now he's giving me all sort of look because I mentioned to be his girlfriend. Anyways, I said that without thinking. There was no way the man wouldn't have a girlfriend. What a lucky woman.

"I didn't. I was just taken aback." He finally broke the silence. "Coming from someone who claim I was flirting with her. You're equally doing the same thing."

I rolled my eyes for the second time if not third. "Excuse me. I don't do that. I'm very sure you're a naughty man to your girlfriend."

Okay Delilah not again.

"Well... I won't argue on that. Being naughty is one of my charm."

See Delilah he didn't deny that he doesn't have a girlfriend. As for you, no crush talk more of a boyfriend. A voice in my head rang.

"And you're proud of it?" I asked.

His eyes darted left to right before he shrugged. "I am."

As we approached the guesthouse, I gestured towards it. "Here we are. This place has everything you need and more. It's quiet, comfortable, and you'll have a pleasant stay."

He grunted in acknowledgment, seeming uninterested in the details. "Finally. Let's make it quick. I've wasted enough time already."

I nodded, maintaining my facade of being genuinely helpful. "Of course. Let's go in, and I'll make sure you get settled."

We entered the guesthouse, and I headed straight to the reception. The fake owner, my father posing as Mr. Turner, greeted us warmly. "Welcome! How can I assist you today?"

I signaled my father to maintain his composure, not wanting any disruptions to our plan. Turning to Liam, I said, "This gentleman is looking for a place to stay for about a month. Do you have a room available?"

Mr. Turner nodded and smiled. "Certainly. We have a few options. Follow me, please."

As we moved to check the available rooms, I felt a mixture of nerves and excitement. The success of our plan relied on the next steps. I glanced at Liam wondering how smoothly I could guide him into the carefully laid trap. "Don't worry. You will thank me later for helping you with this." I said proudly.

"I definitely have to if it's up to my standards." He answered as he walked around the full furnished room.

I quietly mouthed to my father, "Where is Mr. Turner? He shouldn't come here and see us."

"Don't worry, my dear. You know I don't work without a proper plan. Mr. Turner won't be back until evening, by then we would be done with everything."

"You—"

"Is the air conditioning not working?" His voice interrupted us. Father cleared his throat before moving forward.

"It is," his voice distant as they entered the bedroom, while I walked up to the windows of the living room.

"You're really good at this, Delilah," I muttered to myself with a smile.

After a thorough inspection, they came out together "Alright, this will do. I'll take it for a month. How much will it be then?"

Father and I exchanged looks, knowing that this was the crucial moment. "Why don't we head down and discuss," Father suggested.

"I want to wire the money now. I don't like keeping debts," He insisted, fishing out his phone.

As we descended the stairs, Father, maintaining his calm demeanor, casually mentioned, "For a month, sir, it would be a reasonable $5,000."

My eyes widened at the unexpected amount. I managed to maintain a calm face, not wanting to give away any hint of surprise.

Liam glanced at my father, seemingly calculating. For a moment, the weight of the figure hung in the air, and I anxiously awaited his response.

Without much hesitation, he nodded. "Fine. $5,000 it is." He proceeded to tap away on his phone. "I will wire it through check. Is it okay?"

Father grinned probably happy he was able to execute the plan. "Sure no problem."

"Thank you, sir. We appreciate your promptness," Father acknowledged with a gracious smile as Liam wrote down the check and handed it over to him.

Father, maintaining his act, handed over the room key. "Excellent choice, sir. I hope you enjoy your stay."

Once outside, away from prying eyes, he turned to me. "Well, you're not a bad tourist. I appreciate your help." He said his lips curving up.

I found myself pining my hair behind my hair. "I'm supposed to charge you for the tour but consider it a token of kindness from a beautiful woman."

"I see. I would want to say something but I don't want someone to complain that I'm flirting with her. Anyways, I'm grateful for your help. My assistant will have to serve his punishment."

I chuckled in return. "My pleasure Liam. If you need anything, don't hesitate to ask, my house is just few blocks away from here." I pointed. I didn't even know why I was telling him that.

He nodded his head. "Alright, I will take my leave then. See you around." What he did at the end literally made my heart stopped beating. He winked at me. I wasn't supposed to make anything out of it but I foolishly blushed. But upon all, mission was accomplished.

"Yes Delilah! You did it!" I exclaimed out with a little victory dance.