Page 43 of Boss's Baby: A Fake Fiance Romance

“Oh yeah? What’s that?”

I took her hand into mine. “You, my blushing bride-to-be, need a ring.”

Chapter 19

CASSIDY

I can’t believe I’m doing this. I can’t believe I’m doing this.

Those were the words that repeated over and over in my head as Josh and I headed down the main drag of downtown. It was a bright and cheery day—the sidewalks were packed with townsfolk out for a midday stroll, the air was crisp and not too chilly, and the holiday vibe was strong in the air. It actually reminded me of one of my Hallmark flicks, the part where the guy and the girl would be out together for a cute day of getting to know each other and maybe starting to fall in love.

Of course, this wasn’t that—it was some weird mirror image of it. Instead of true romance in the air hung a web of lies about to be spun. A handsome man was at my side, sure, but instead of love I felt apprehension and a lingering sense of dread at the idea that I was making a huge mistake.

Josh was dressed in jeans, a gray cable-knit sweater and a coal-black pea coat cinched around his waist, a few stray strands of hear poking down from his hunter green beanie. The man looked good in winter wear, I had to give him that.

Of course, he also looked good wearing nothing at all. But the less I thought about that, the better. I was proud of myself for coming up with my rules and laying them down. Sticking with them wouldn’t be a problem, I was certain.

Focus on the firm, I’d keep telling myself. That’ll make it all worth it. Sure, Mom and Dad and Katie will be upset at the fake engagement breaking off, but it’ll be nothing compared to how happy they’ll be to see me succeed all on my own. Yeah—this should work out perfectly.

I managed to steel myself, puffing my chest out with confidence that I wasn’t making the mistake of a lifetime.

Josh broke the silence. “So, I was thinking after our ring shopping we could go for a bite at Tea Kettle Diner. Then after that, maybe a stroll through the park before we call the families and let them know about our plans for tonight?”

“Wow, you’ve really got the day planned.”

“I do. The more people that see us out the better. Pine Shades isn’t too big of a town that people aren’t going to notice that you and I are together. If it were to get back to my dad that we’ve been seen out, that would help sell this thing.”

“That’s actually pretty good thinking.”

He flashed me a smile. “Pretty good thinking is what I do best.”

Cocky, very-high-opinion-of-himself Josh Taylor was back—I knew he couldn’t have gone far. I hated to admit that I found that side of him as attractive as I had back in the day, but it only made me more pleased that I’d decided to keep him at arm’s length.

Before too long we stopped before the glass front of Gambel’s Jewelry, the local spot for rings and necklaces and anything else a girl could want. Like I’d done so many times before when I was a kid, I stared inside, taking in the sight of all the beautiful stuff behind the glass counters.

“You all right over there?”

I turned my attention to Josh. “Yeah, fine. It’s funny—I always imagined coming here when I was little, some dashing guy with me, the two of us picking out whatever I wanted. Never thought I’d end up here like this.”

“Hey, at least you got the ‘dashing guy’ part covered.”

I allowed myself a chuckle. “Have I ever told you I love your confidence?” My tone was wry, but I kinda meant it.

He grinned and opened the door, warm, toasty air rushing out to greet us. I stepped past Josh, taking in a whiff of his admittedly sexy cologne and entering the store.

The place glittered like an ice palace. Diamonds and rubies and opals and everything else were on display, and I couldn’t help but open my mouth in wonder. I liked to think of myself as not a materialistic sort of woman, but damn! Sometimes you have to admire.

James Gambel, the wiry, seventy-something proprietor of the store, approached us. A smile as warm as the air around us was on his face, and he looked ready to serve.

“Welcome!” Then he cocked his head to the side. “Is that little Cassidy Marten? And Josh Taylor?”

“It sure is.” Josh answered for the both of us, and it irked me a bit. Was this what fiancés were supposed to do?

Mr. Gambel glanced down at Josh and I’s arms, interlocked in full couple-pretending mode.

“Wait a minute, does this mean…”

OK—first the acting of this whole thing. I hadn’t even thought about it on the way there, though I most definitely should’ve. How did this work? Was I supposed to plant a kiss on him? Squeal like a teenager who’d seen one of the Jonas Brothers? Thank him sincerely for his congrats?

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