Page 32 of Boss's Baby: A Fake Fiance Romance

“I’m your father, and I’m ordering you to both calm the hell down. This party won’t put me in an early grave, but your bickering might do the job.”

I sipped my whiskey, letting the tension calm. “I’m going for a walk. Let me know what you two have planned for tonight.”

With that I left, killing nearly half the drink as I made my way across the study. I moved slowly though the house, considering everything that was going on. But the more I thought about it, the more certain I was in my plan to get someone to go along with the whole fake fiancée thing. But who?

I stepped out onto the patio, the sun glowing behind the clouds as it sank for the day. I didn’t know who it was going to be, but I sure as hell wasn’t going to find them at the house.

It was looking like a night to go out.

Chapter 14

CASSIDY

I couldn’t believe that Katie had talked me into it, but there I was, back at The Breakaway, a drink in front of me. Sure, the distaste that I’d developed for booze hadn’t gone away, but I had to admit it was nice to be out. After an evening of cider and donuts with the family, I felt restless and knew I wasn’t in the mood for a night at home. So, when Katie suggested the idea, she didn’t have to do much convincing.

The place was packed with the same sort of crowd who’d been there during Thanksgiving—a few familiar faces, but no one I really knew well enough to talk to.

“OK,” said Katie. “Do you see him?”

“See who?” I was being totally dishonest—I knew exactly who she was referring to. And in spite of myself, I was looking for him too. Why? I had no idea.

Katie gave me a playful shove. “You know exactly who the hell I’m talking about.”

“Fine, fine—Josh. But why do you think I’d even want to see him?”

“Why wouldn’t you? Maybe you guys could have another holiday thing.”

“‘Holiday thing.’ You’re saying that like we’d be going out and grabbing burgers or something.”

“Hey, might as well get some dinner out of him if you’re going to give him dessert after.” She grinned.

“I told you—it’s not going to happen again.”

“Well, for someone who’s not interested in it happening again, you sure are looking around for him.”

Sometimes I had a way of forgetting Katie was one of the best people-readers I knew. Didn’t help that she was my sister, which made the job a hell of a lot easier.

I opened my mouth to lie but thought better of it—no point, really. “I’m only looking for him because if I see him, I want to get out of here as fast as possible.”

“Yeah, I’m sure that’s it.”

“You think I’m lying?”

“Maybe not on purpose, but definitely to yourself.”

“No way.”

“Way. I mean, come on, Cass, maybe you’re right about how complicated and weird it might make things at work—”

“How complicated and weird it’s already made things at work.”

“Fine, fine. But even so, the man’s a catch. Hell, even if he weren’t one of the richest men in New York, he’s hot enough that it wouldn’t even matter if he walked dogs for a living. You’d be weird to not at least be a little into the idea of hooking up with him again.”

She was right, of course. “Maybe. But I like to think that my brain’s overriding the, um, other part of my body on this one.”

Katie let out a loud laugh. “That’s one way to put it. But maybe at least let yourself be human and admit that you’re motivated by stuff that’s not being the queen of New York marketing, you know.”

I laughed. “You’re probably right. But I still want to be the queen of New York marketing, though.”

“Well, you might have your chance. I know you’re against the idea of getting bought out, but it can’t hurt to be working with one of the most powerful names in the country. Maybe if you and Josh…”

I raised an eyebrow. “I’m going to pretend you’re not suggesting what I think you’re suggesting.”

She raised her palms, signaling that she realized she’d gone a step too far. “OK, OK—you know me, always brainstorming.”

“Something like that.” I took a small sip of the booze, the barest amount I could tolerate. I must not’ve been able to hide the effect it had on my stomach, as Katie cocked her head to the side in concern.

“You’re calling the doctor tomorrow. That’s not up for debate.”

“Fine, fine.”

“If Mom finds out that you’re sick and have been ignoring it, and she’ll take you to the doctor’s by your ear.”

She was right about that. Better to hear a professional opinion before it got any worse.

I sat back, trying to let the conversation wash over me. But after only a few moments of silence, Katie’s eyes went wide. My stomach sank—there was only one thing, one person, who could elicit that kind of response.

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