Page 59 of Boss's Baby: A Fake Fiance Romance

He was right about that. But the look on his face suggested he could sense there was something more to my hesitation.

“OK, what’s up?”

“There’s nothing up.”

“I should know how you look when you’re lying—I’ve kind of used to it by now. So you might as well spill it.”

He had me there. I sighed and spoke. “I don’t know. I mean, I never grew up poor, but I grew up in a situation less affluent enough that we still had to worry about money stuff. Buying new clothes was always a big deal when I was a kid, and we always had to make sure it was in the budget. So, when I finally started making some decent money, it was one of the things I was proudest of. I could go out and buy whatever I wanted, whenever I wanted. Not only clothes, but everything else. Within reason, of course.”

He nodded. “OK, I get that. But I still don’t like you having to pay when you’re already going along with this insane plan of mine. I feel like I’ve already got you doing enough already.”

“Look at it this way—maybe the dress I buy will be the one I end up wearing when I’m swept off my feet by the man I’m actually going to marry.”

A strange expression flashed on his face for the briefest of moments. I had no idea what to make of it. “Listen—I insist. This thing goes on for a little while and the expenses start racking up, then we can talk about going Dutch. But while you’re here with me and you’re the fiancée I’m pampering, I’m paying the bills. And that’s the end of that.”

I wanted to keep arguing. Him being so persistent when I’d told him how I felt was irritating, like he wasn’t respecting my wishes. It reminded me of him at the jewelry store, insisting on the biggest, gaudiest ring when it wasn’t at all what I wanted.

But instead, I said, “Fine.”

He smiled, seemingly pleased to have won. “We’ll go in an hour. Can’t wait to see what you pick out.”

I offered a weak smile in response as I realized dealing with Josh might be as difficult as anything else about this crazy plan.

Chapter 26

JOSH

Relief took hold as soon as I pulled my car away from the house.

“Damn, never thought I’d be so happy to leave the house.”

Cassidy glanced over as we drove. “That bad?”

“I’m sure it’s going to get easier, but knowing how Dad is, and hearing what Sam said to you, right now it feels like we’re in the middle of a lot of suck.”

To my surprise, Cassidy responded by reaching over and giving my hand a squeeze. “We’ll be fine. Your brother’s got his eye on me, remember? He wants to make sure I’m not some conniving gold digger.”

Her hand stayed on mine for a long moment. I had to admit it felt good. Sure, it was nothing more than a little bit of support from a friend—or whatever she was—but it went a long way in easing my mind.

Then her eyes went wide for a moment, as if she realized she’d left her hand there for a few beats too long. She slipped the hand that she’d offered between her legs, as if holstering it to make sure it didn’t do anything like that again.

“You’re not, are you?” I grinned, trying to lighten the mood. “I mean, if you’re marrying me for my looks or charm or killer sense of humor, that’s one thing. But going after my bank account? Tsk, tsk.” I playfully wagged my finger at her before shifting the car into a higher gear.

“Believe me, I’m definitely not the sort of woman to do something like that. The idea of becoming a success by marrying some guy who already did all the hard work? No way. If I’m going to be rich, it’s going to be all on my own.”

“That’s a good way to be. But be careful how far you take the ‘all on your own’ part. You might end up—” I stopped myself, remembering our conversation about her dating history and not wanting to offend.

The look on her face let me know I’d not stopped soon enough. “Might end up a spinster?”

I rubbed the back of my neck. “Not what I meant.”

“It’s OK—I’ve come to terms with my relationship experience. Or lack thereof. It’s a part of who I am. No sense getting sensitive over it.”

“Good attitude.”

“But—”

“But?” I turned the corner out of our neighborhood, pulling onto the four-lane, tree-lined road that led into downtown. The sky was dark before, but now it was even more so. I made a mental note to check the weather on my phone while we were out and about.

“I mean, it’s not like you’re any better when it comes to relationships. You might be on the other end of the spectrum, but you’re not exactly Mr. Perfect.”

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