Page 47 of Boss's Baby: A Fake Fiance Romance

“Good to see you, babe,” said Josh before leaning in and planting a kiss right on my lips. “Felt like forever.”

“Same, um, babe.” I was nervous, sure, but the kiss had been unexpectedly arousing. Not a good omen for our “hands off” plan.

“Pleasure to meet the girl who’s captured my son’s heart. And so quickly.” His voice was as gruff as I’d expect from how he looked. “Looking forward to getting to know you all.”

“Same here,” said Sam. The words were kind, but there was serious skepticism in his voice. He flicked his blue eyes over me as if I were some kind of spy.

It made me a touch nervous—we’d only just met, and it was clear he thought there was something fishy about what was going on. I’d have to be very cool about it. Too bad my heart was racing like crazy. Dad might’ve been annoyed about the place, but I felt like the same awkward kid in thrift store clothes—and not the cool kind—that I’d been back in the day.

“Mark,” said Walter, placing his hand on Dad’s shoulder. “You look like a man who could use a beer.”

“You’re right about that.”

“We’ve got whatever you want on tap—I’d recommend this wonderful lager we just got in from Austria.”

“You got Bud?”

“We do.”

“I’ll take Bud.”

Walter smiled. If he was put off by Dad’s gruffness, he sure didn’t show it. He gave Dad one more smile before catching the nearest waiter’s attention and ordering a round of drinks.

“Bring them over to my table—I’m ready to get to know the Martens.”

The waiter was off with a nod, and Walter was quick to lead us into the dining room—a space exactly as lovely and grand as the rest of the club. Walter said his hellos to nearly everyone as we passed them. The man was clearly a big deal at a place already full of big deals. Soon we were seated at a large round table situated before a big window that overlooked the grounds. A pianist in the far corner filled the room with a soft sonata.

Once we were seated, Walter clasped his hands together. “So, I’ll get right to it—I’m sure you’re all as surprised about the news as I was.”

The drinks were brought and Dad didn’t waste any time taking a sip of his beer. “No kidding. Nothing about my girl’s love life for years, and now all of a sudden she’s serious with a man she’s known since high school. Crazy.”

“Crazy is right,” said Sam, his fingers wrapped around the stem of his martini glass.

Josh beamed. “Some of the best things in life seem a little crazy at first glance. Hell, that’s how I felt when I realized how nuts I was for Cass.”

Katie made an “aw” face. “That’s so sweet.”

Josh went on. “But I heard once before that you don’t find love—love finds you. And when I locked eyes with Cass across the bar back at Thanksgiving, I knew that’s exactly what had happened.”

He reached over and took my hand, giving it a soft squeeze. I had to admit I was somewhat in awe of how well he was selling this whole thing.

“Well,” said Mom. “I think it’s very sweet. I know that Cass hasn’t exactly had the easiest time finding a man in the city.”

“Mom!” My voice sounded like a teenager’s, indignant and embarrassed.

“It’s true! You’ve been busting your butt at that company of yours and, I mean, I’m so proud of you for how well you’re doing, but I’ve started to wonder whether or not you’re going to turn into one of those ladies with all the cats.”

“Cat ladies,” said Dad, helpfully clarifying before taking a long pull of his beer.

Katie chimed in. “Mom, it’s not that weird. Tons of women in New York work and don’t worry about dating, and they’re perfectly happy.”

“I’m sure they tell themselves that,” said Mom. “But I know that all of them, like Cass, deep down are hoping for a man to sweep them off their feet.”

Josh and I shared a look, not sure what to make of this. Was Mom right about me? No—no way. I loved my work and couldn’t wait to get started on my new firm. Nothing to worry about.

“What about you, Walter?” asked Dad. “What’s your take on this?”

Walter shrugged, still maintaining his good-natured tone. “My late wife had always stayed at home taking care of the boys. But if she wanted to work, I would’ve stood by her all the way.”

“Not like she didn’t keep busy,” said Sam.

“No woman needs to work,” said Dad. “It’s the man’s responsibility to take care of the house. End of story.”

Another look passed between Josh and I, both of us realizing the conversation was getting off track.

I spoke up. “Regardless, I found a man and still have my career. All worked out, right?”

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