Page 91 of Playboy Billionaire's Fake Marriage

“No, I’m not tired. But weren’t you planning to meet the boys after dinner?”

“I can catch up with them later. Our nights don’t start until much later anyway.”

I glance at the timepiece on the dashboard, “Ryan, it’s nine, and you haven’t slept all day. I refuse to be stuck with a grumpy and exhausted co-passenger tomorrow.”

He chuckles, brushing off my concern. “I’ll be fine. And you won’t be stuck with me because I’ll be asleep during the flight back.”

“So it’s going to be a silent and boring flight then.” I pout.

“Do I detect a compliment hidden somewhere there?”

“Maybe,” I smile. And then I can’t resist adding, “I’ve had the best day, Ryan. Thank you.”

“You’re welcome.”

“So, what is it you want to show me?”

Ryan’s face lights up with excitement. “We’re launching a new yacht model, but I’ve designed an ultra-exclusive subset of it, each made to order with custom finishes.”

“That sounds fascinating,” I reply, my curiosity piqued. “Are we going to see one of these custom yachts tonight?”

“Yes, and this one’s a masterpiece. But I want to know what you think.”

I’m excited and humbled that he’d want to show me his latest work. “I don’t know if I’m qualified to judge a yacht.”

“Which is why you’d be perfect.” He pulls into the Cove Marina, parking the car on one of the ‘Captain’s View’ spots, a huge, raised viewing platform with railings. As soon as he helps me out of the car, I see a white silhouette in the distance. “Is that it?” I squint, rushing to the railings.

“Hey, don’t throw yourself over in a bid to see, we’re going down to the docks, so we’ll get much closer.”

“Okay!” Excited, I take his hand and we start the walk. After a few minutes, we hit the walkway, right in the middle of the Hudson River and so close to the waters to touch.

And then I really see it.

“Oh my God.” I stop, my eyes widening in disbelief.

It’s huge and sleek, spanning well over fifty feet in length and double-decked. The yacht gleams in the moonlight, its sleek, white exterior standing out. Two symmetrical and gently curving hulls extend gracefully from the central structure, giving it the shape of a long butterfly.

Ryan stands behind me, his arm slipping around my waist as I take it in. “So, if someone were to order this; what do you think they would use it for?”

“What would they use it for? Why the possibilities are endless! I mean, I haven’t seen the inside yet, but I bet it’s huge. Perfect for parties, honeymoon cruises, bridal showers,” I ramble on excitedly. “Oh, and music videos, photoshoots. Hell, I’m sure some of my clients would rent it just for the fun of it! It’s beautiful, Ryan; you’ve designed a bestseller here.”

Ryan laughs softly, a sound that warms me. “Ever the businesswoman. Let’s move closer, shall we?” He takes my hand as we start to walk again.

The yacht looms larger as we approach. After a minute he asks me again. “I was thinking more about personal use. If you were the client, what would you use it for?”

“Oh.” I let the question sink in. “Well, I guess birthday parties, especially in the summer. Maybe my friends and I could take it out on a weekend cruise...” My voice trails off as my eyes catch the name of the yacht.

“The Stella” it reads, the letters elegantly adorning the hull.

I freeze in shock. “Ryan? What the hell is that?” I point to the name in disbelief.

“It’s yours,” he says simply, as if presenting someone with a yacht is an everyday occurrence.

My mouth flaps open and closed in shock. “W-what?”

“I built it for you.”

“I... But— but why?” The question tumbles out, my mind racing to catch up with the reality unfolding before me.

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