Page 34 of The Billionaire's Marriage Dare

Straightening, Jared commented, “That was quite an amusing showdown.”

And with that, her question was answered.

“Good morning, Mr. Westland,” Jane said glumly.

“Jared, please.”

She opened her mouth to protest.

“Or I could always make a company-wide announcement about certain skills you have...”

She said right away, “What do you think of our booth, Jared?”

“I’d rather you tell me what you think of Elizannie—-” Jared broke off, his lips twitching at Jane’s side-eye. “What?”

“Seriously?”

“Seriously what?”

“Seriously that name doesn’t make you choke?” she blurted out. “It’s like chocolate cake laced with, I don’t know, olive oil? They’re great separately, but not together.”

“I see.” Jared did his best to suppress his amusement. “I’m afraid I’ve never, err, thought of it that way—-” He saw disappointment flicker in Jane’s eyes and added hastily, “But you do have a point.”

Jane brightened. “I knoooooow.”

Jared turned his back to Jane then, ostensibly to study the videos playing on the digital display but really, it was just his way of making sure he didn’t start laughing. When he had himself sufficiently under control, he faced her again, saying, “Have coffee with me.”

Since Christian’s friend was using his CEO voice, Jane said, “Of course, sir. I saw a rather nice vendo close by. I’ve heard the others say it makes a mean cup of cappuccino.” She smiled politely. “Shall we, sir?”

Touché, Ms. Cooper. Jared smiled, not at all bothered that Jane had found a way to avoid spending time with him privately. It only spoke of her loyalty, which wasn’t bad at all, and made her a challenge, which he thrived on.

“Lead the way, Jane,” he told her, deliberately injecting a note of huskiness to her name. He was summarily remunerated with Jane’s flustered look.

On their way to the vendo, the CEO asked her once more about her little tête-à-tête with Christian’s ex, and Jane made a face, admitting ruefully, “She made me feel properly awful over how little I know about Christian’s background.”

“Are you saying you’ve not talked about his family once?”

“Of course we have.” Did she sound a little defensive there?

“I told him my family’s inviting us to stay with them for Halloween, and he told me his mother wants us to join her for Thanksgiving.” Yes, she totally sounded defensive.

“So...obviously...we talk.” And they did. They really did! Only...maybe not as much as they should, Jane thought guiltily. But then – was that really surprising? It was Christian’s fault, for teaching her of the other more interesting things they could do with their mouths.

“Obviously.” The CEO’s tone had suddenly become cool. “Évidemment.”

Oh, so that was what the word meant!

A moment later, she realized what was so obvious to Christian’s friend, and her face burned. “It’s just—-”

The CEO’s dark eyes bored through hers.

“Anyway...here we are!” She hurried to the vendo, relieved for a change of subject. “Do you want—-”

“Let me.” Jared took his wallet out. “Cappuccino?”

“Yes, Mr. – Jared.” She let her purse fall back into her cardigan’s pocket. After a few minutes, the CEO handed Jane her coffee, and she murmured her thanks.

Watching Jane take a sip of her cappuccino, Jared asked casually, “How is it?”

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