Page 36 of Bold
I said, “You’re seriously mixing with trillionaires. I’d be more shocked if people don’t come flocking to you like you have some inside track to unlimited treasures.”
Isabel’s lips brightened into her almost smile. She always tried not to show her emotions. “Reasonable. Britney’s usually the one who advises us all, and Hope looks so ridiculously happy with that ring on her finger.”
Now, that sounded more like her. I took their hands. “Everything is going to go fine. How are Xerses and Roman?” I probably should have been more interested in getting to know Kir’s brothers, but I was focused only on Kir.
Kelly said, “I’m looking forward to next week’s beach trip.”
Isabel nodded.
I let out a sigh. Everything was good. I pressed my hands to my heart. “Me too, and I’m glad Britney’s coming, but I should get back to Kir.”
They both nodded and headed to speak to the two men who might become my bosses. The second I returned, Kir asked, “What was going on with your friends?”
I took my seat and placed my napkin on the table. I wasn’t sure how the lamb was cooked, but it smelled great. “They’re stressed about the blog and their futures.”
He waited for me to pick up my silverware and then said, “I understand. If anyone suffers any setbacks because of the rumors concerning us, please let me know immediately.”
My heart beat fast. “Why?”
He shrugged and cut his food. “I’ll help. I know people in almost every industry.”
That was it. He was wonderful. He took care of everyone in my life without being asked. But I wanted to test him a bit. “Even Kelly? She’s a teacher.”
He laughed. “I’ll buy a school if I have to.”
I believed him. I placed my hand on his thigh. “Kir, most people don’t care what happens beyond the bedroom.”
He pressed his hand to mine, and a warmth rushed through me as he said, “I’m not everyone. But you should eat. I’ve worked you pretty hard.”
I winked at him. “I’ll eat so we have energy for later.”
“I like the way you think.” He smiled, and his happiness made my skin feel alive and warm.
“I’m pretty easygoing at weddings.”
Then we both ate a bit. I wasn’t that hungry, but the lamb and rice and sides were all melting in my mouth. I wanted only to spend the day with Kir, so I put my fork down and wiped my lips, noticing that he’d eaten more than I had.
His older brother Arman tapped him on the back. “There you two are. We need you.”
Kir put his napkin down, and we stood. I asked, “For what?”
Arman waved for us to join the bride and groom. “Family photo.”
I froze in place and said, “Go.”
As the family gathered at the lake, Kir’s mother moved beside me and latched onto my arm. “You too. You’re Kir’s girlfriend, and I have a good feeling about you.”
I wasn’t that presumptuous. We’d made no real promises or changes to our status. “I don’t think…”
“Come.” Kir offered his hand.
No one needed to know we’d come here to lie to everyone or that now I wished I was his girlfriend for real. I clutched my elbow and said, “Okay.”
We went to the edge, and I saw his family all standing around and laughing with each other. I gazed at his profile and whispered, “Everyone believes us.”
He held my waist, and we took our spots as he quietly said in my ear, “Why not? This week has been one of the best in my life.”
I stared at his profile. He had everything he would ever need. “Don’t you get to… I don’t know—fly to Bora Bora at a moment’s notice?”
