Page 40 of Faking It with my Small Town Billionaire

I smirk. “You know the answer to that question, Pops.”

There’s not a doubt in my mind that he’s done his homework. He’s that thorough; he probably knows Lily’s family tree better than she does.

He smirks back. “Lily Harper, daughter of June and Graham Harper. Graham started his bakery in Willow Creek in 1974. Her father is dead; her mother is in nursing care with a diagnosis of dementia. She has two sisters—”

I wave my hand at him. “Is there a point to this?”

“The annual gala is next weekend,” he says, not answering my question. “I expect your new bride to be on your arm. Then I will decide if the marriage is real.”

As usual, I leave the estate feeling angry. What does the old man want? Blood? I’ve met his demands, ridiculous and unrealistic as they are, and he’s still not satisfied.

By the time I get back to the apartment, I’m in a foul mood. I’ve spent the entire journey home stewing in my resentment, and slamming the door, I storm into the living room.

“Are you all right?” Lily says, jumping off the sofa.

“Do I look all right?” I snap back.

“What happened?”

“My grandfather is determined to ruin my life. No big deal. There’s a gala next week, and we have to attend as a couple. He wants to make certain we are, indeed, married.”

Lily’s eyes fly wide, and I can see panic flash across her face.

“Don’t worry, Lily. Your precious little bakery will be safe.” It’s a horrible thing to say, but the words are out of my mouth before I can stop them.

Her shock tells me I’ve crossed a line, and I mean, way over.

“Lily—”

“Forget it,” she spits, storming past me.

A minute after that, I hear the front door slam.

Great. Perfect. Well done, Orson, you complete idiot!

I could go after her, but I think we both need some time to cool off. I was mean and nasty, which isn’t me at all. I’m just feeling the pressure, which is no excuse. Lily has done everything I’ve asked of her so far. And I’ve asked a lot. She’s the last person I want to hurt.

Two hours later, Lily still isn’t home. I’ve called her phone about ten times, but no answer. The worry is eating at me, and grabbing the car keys, I leave the apartment. I need to find her.

16

Lily

I don’t feel great. I’m back in my tiny apartment above the bakery, and I’ve barely slept. Last night, my brain would just not turn off.

All I could think about was what I was going to say to Orson when I saw him again. How I was going to put him straight. How angry I was at what he had said. How unfair his words had been.

After the evening we spent at Jake’s house, and especially after that kiss, I thought we’d made a deeper connection. I haven’t broached the subject. I’m too scared that I’m feeling something that Orson isn’t. I don’t want to look like a fool and make things awkward in the house.

I’m making my way downstairs when I hear thumping at the bakery door. It’s 5:45 a.m., which means it’s neither a customer nor Jasmine. But I know exactly who it is.

Rounding the counter, I see Orson standing outside. He’s about to bang on the door again when he sees me. But when I get to the door, I don’t open it.

“What do you want?” I growl.

“We need to talk, Lily. Open the door.”

“No,” I say stubbornly.

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