Page 28 of A Very Titan Christmas
That had given Rachel plenty to do instead of thinking about Bryce and the lie she’d woven them into. He’d been gracious enough to avoid pressing for a grand plan as to how they would pull off a fake relationship convincing enough to keep her mother at bay.
Or maybe he didn’t care.
But he was game so far. They had to have a serious conversation, complete with relationship details and action items, about their fake dating plan, because her mother was terrifyingly good at ferreting out information from a bevy of sources. They’d have to plant phony relationship tidbits and sightings with key people. They had to be convincing. Exactly how hadn’t come to her yet, but it would.
“See? Everything’s working out,” Eloise offered and squeezed Rachel’s hand. “It’ll be fun, and I can get to know Bryce.”
Rachel grimaced and mouthedsorryagain when Mom wasn’t looking.
Bryce placated her with a tight nod. “Roman and Cash will work the detail today, and I’ll focus on you.”
Eloise clasped her hands together like a grand plan was coming to fruition. “Sit down. Relax. Let’s go over the schedule.”
He folded himself onto the couch as if every muscle in his body was trying to urge him to run away. “When everyone from Titan is here—”
“Everyone?” Rachel asked, wondering how many from Titan Group were required to keep their little resort safe and sound.
Bryce gave her one of those noncommittal nods. “And especially as we get closer to the summit, we’ll keep both of you looped—”
“What summit?” Rachel straightened her spine. Cold bits of uncertainty fell like snow down her shoulders. She tried to catch Bryce’s eye, but he didn’t meet her gaze. She pivoted and scowled at her mother. “What summit?”
“A little thing Dad is doing.”
A little thingdidn’t require them to hire a security firm. Rachel should have known a problem lingered in the background. Dad always had security, but she and Eloise didn’t unless a threat existed. Rachel had learned not to ask because no one would give her specifics anyway. However, a summit didn’t sound like it posed a threat. It sounded like an event. “When?”
“A week before Christmas.”
Not for one second had Rachel planned for her situation with Bryce to continue for the entire month. She hadn’t thought of asking how long he would be in Vermont. Rachel hadn’t done the bare minimum to keep her lie from falling apart. She wasn’t a good liar to begin with. Panic mode revved its messy engine. She and Bryce needed to speak immediately.
As though Eloise could read her mind, she tilted her head and studied them. “Remind me again: How long have you been dating?”
The fake relationship was about to reveal itself. It hadn’t even been twenty-four hours. “You know we dated in high school.”
“I remember. Vividly. Especially how it ended.” Eloise narrowed her gaze at Bryce as though it had been days since the breakup, not years. “Plan on breaking my daughter’s heart again?”
“Mom.”
“No, ma’am.”
Rachel’s heart fluttered. The warm heat of a blush crept into her cheeks.
“Mrs. Porter—”
“Call me Eloise, please.” Eloise waved a hand.
“Eloise,” he offered tightly.
“I realize you two aren’t teenagers anymore, but I’d like to guard my daughter’s heart.”
“It doesn’t need guarding, Mom.”
“Eloise,” he tried again.
“Hold on.” She gave another dismissive wave. “I remember the breakup, but I remember before that too. Then, you two were inseparable.” Her eyes ran over them like she was reading a book and didn’t particularly understand the story unfolding. “Now? It doesn’t seem like you are very close.”
“What do you want us to do?” Rachel rolled her eyes. “Make out in the corner.”
“I’m on the clock,” Bryce said, as if explaining why they weren’t in a lip-lock.
