Page 22 of Accidental Fake Billionaire

“I can’t believe you came over to take care of me,” he said. Then the corners of his eyes clenched. “The pills have totally worn off. Please tell me I didn’t say anything completely stupid.”

I shook my head, then rested it against his shoulder. “I was the one who was completely stupid.”

He gripped my face gently but firmly in his huge hand, staring into my eyes. “Don’t you dare say that about my girlfriend.”

I started to laugh, but he didn’t. He released my face, then began stroking my lower back. “Tara, I don’t think you understand how much you mean to me. I’m afraid to tell you just how much.” He paused for a second, as his jaw tightened. “I didn’t tell you…anything I shouldn’t have yet, did I?”

“I don’t think so. You told me that you were a crane operator, and you help make giant office towers.”

“I never meant to mislead you,” he said quickly. “Tara, the last thing I would ever want to do is hurt you.”

“I know. I was a complete fool for assuming you were…whatever. Can we please not talk about it? I kinda feel really dumb.” That was putting it mildly. Truth be told, I wanted to hide under the covers.

“I just need to know if you’re disappointed. Are you?” He was staring at me so intently I was afraid to breathe for a second.

“No. Not at all. To be honest, I guess I’m a bit relieved.”

“Really?” He seemed surprised.

“Yes. I mean, I always worry that I don’t know what to say and do in social situations. If I had to go to a lot of fancy cocktail parties, or deal with super rich people, I wouldn’t know how to behave. Plus, as it is, I don’t know how long I’m going to be able to hold your attention–”

I gasped, wishing I could choke those words back.

He shifted so that we were facing each other, then he kissed the backs of my hands. “Tara, I’m already in love with you. I know I’m not supposed to say that for a while, but we’ve already had too many crazy misunderstandings. You don’t have to–”

“I love you, too.”

His eyes closed as he exhaled slowly. “I was worried I’d scare you away.”

“I’m here for as long as you want me,” I smiled. Even though it was a bit awkward, it felt so wonderful to actually say the words out loud.

He leaned in to whisper in my ear, “I already know that I want you forever, but let’s leave the big, scary topics for another day, all right?”

“Sure.” I looked across the blankets at his leg where it was propped up on the pillows. “How bad is it? And what happened?”

He shrugged those massive shoulders as if it was no big deal. “Somehow a bundle of steel reinforcing bars got loose and started falling down through the open part of the roof. I shoved the guys out of the way, but I was nicked. Honestly, it was nothing.”

“You saved your coworkers?”

He shrugged again. “Yeah, they all owe me a beer. But don’t worry about it. There’s always a small accident once a year or so. We like to think it prevents larger accidents. It was just my turn, that’s all. ”

I decided it would be best to ask him in more detail in a few weeks.

“I’m so sorry I couldn't come and pick you up,” he said. “I called Jessie to come get me, then I was about to phone you but they called me in for the stitches. Then things are a little fuzzy.”

Reaching out, I slipped my hand up the back of his neck to stroke the shaved portion of the back of his head. Every time I caressed Jared I felt closer to him.

“I love the way you touch me, gorgeous,” he murmured.

He began unzipping my dress, and I wasn’t sure whether I should stop him or not. Jared seemed to sense my tension. “I’m so sorry, baby. Should I stop? I just want to touch you. Be close to you.”

“No, I’m worried you’re going to move your leg, or hurt your arm.”

“You said that I should eat,” he said, waggling his eyebrows suggestively. “I’m starving. And you know how delicious I think you are.”

16

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