Page 67 of The Protégé

“Aren’t you worried the rumor might tarnish your reputation or piss off your girlfriend?”

Amusement flashed on his face. “I don’t have one.”

I snorted. “I don’t believe you. A man like you probably has a lot. Or do you mean you don’t have anyone serious?”

His expression turned serious. “I don’t have anyone serious or non-serious.”

“Why?”

“Busy working. What about you? Will Octavius Rollins get mad? I searched for him, but I couldn’t find anyone.”

“You looked him up?” I burst out laughing, and he looked at me like I was insane. “I wasjoking, Orion.” If only he knew I’d used his initials to make up some silly name.

I couldn’t believe it. Part of me felt bad that he’d wasted time doing that. But my heart leaped with joy. He was interested in me. But what was holding him back? I had to find out.

“I’ll get you back for that.” He narrowed his eyes at me. “So Octavius Rollins has my initials. Were you indirectly giving me a sign?”

I twisted my lips, not admitting or denying anything.

He smiled and knew the answer. “Since we’re both single, who cares what the media says?”

Something had been bothering me. “How do you know Chantel?”

“I don’t know her. She showed up today and sat at our table.”

“She likes you.”

“I know.” He sipped tea, but his gaze never wavered from me. “I’m sure she acts like that with every business executive.”

He was right.

“Chantel will probably ask Sabrina to write some crazy story for Hollywood Chitchat.”

Orion shrugged. “It’s what they do. If it gets out of hand, or you’re uncomfortable about it, I’ll stop it.” He placed his hand over mine. “It’s best to pretend you’re my girlfriend, so Sam—or any other men—will think twice about getting near you. Now tell me about dandelion tea. It’s growing on me.”

“Don’t you have other things to do tonight? Surely a rich guy like you has more exciting things to do than sit and drink tea with me. We can catch up tomorrow at work.”

“Stop stalling.” He intertwined his fingers with mine. “Being here with you and talking about strange things is very exciting to me. It’s different from what I’m used to.”

I didn’t know what to say. Warmth simmered in the pit of my stomach. My relationship with him had taken another wild turn. Technically, he was my boss for the duration of my contract, and now he was also my fake boyfriend. The entire situation confused and thrilled me all at once. Anything new carried a fresh and exciting energy. But after a while, that energy fizzled. That was why a lot of relationships failed.

Stop analyzing. It’s supposed to fizzle out. You’re only his fake girlfriend.

I should just enjoy thisthingwith him while I could.

“Being with you takes me out of my headspace. You may not believe this, but I’m more relaxed when I’m with you.”

The statement surprised me. Here was a man who had all the money in the world to escape to any retreat. He could buy an entire country, and yet he just confessed that being with me was his form of relaxation. What was the appropriate reaction toan admission like that? None of the previous men in my life had ever said anything that touching to me.

“I don’t know what to say to you. You keep surprising me.”

“Likewise, Sunshine.” He stared at me, and I could see his eyes studying my face.

No matter how much I tried to prevent myself from blushing, it happened. He noticed, smiled, and didn’t comment on it.

“You’re like the sunlight that shot through the clouds I’ve been living in. It’s refreshing.”

My heart swelled. “You’re so poetic—I’m surprised you’re not dating.”

---