Page 63 of Boss's Baby: A Fake Fiance Romance

And, of course, I blushed again. Josh had always been a flirt with me, but it had been getting to the point where I wondered whether or not he was only being nice, or messing with me. He’d made a few glances in my direction over the last day or two that suggested he was seeing me in a new light. Not sure at all what to make of that. Had to keep in mind it was all pretend, though.

I stepped over to him and placed my hands on his arms. It made sense to start with the PDA then, I figured. “And you don’t look half bad yourself. Can’t believe you even shaved.”

“I can clean up nice when the occasion warrants it,” he said with a smirk.

“And this occasion warrants it?”

“Sure does. We’re about to make our engagement about as public as it gets. When the night’s over, anyone who’s anyone in Pine Shades or New York is going to know that you and I are getting hitched.”

It was overwhelming, and I was sure I showed it. In fact, I know I did because Josh right away gave me a warm, supportive smile. It helped. Then he glanced over his shoulder to check to see if anyone was around before shutting the door behind him.

“Don’t worry about it. The hard part’s going to be the initial sell. Once that’s taken care of and everyone buys it, the thing will take on a life of its own.”

“That sounds scary in its own way.”

“Nah—it won’t be. Once the holidays are over, we can lay low for a week or so before ending it. All in all, I’m thinking it shouldn’t be longer than a couple weeks. Then I’ll be out of your hair, and you’ll be well on your way to starting your own firm. Sound good?”

And that was the first time I felt a tinge of something at the idea of never seeing Josh again. I knew it was for the best. I wasn’t planning on going back on what I’d decided. But I’d gotten to the point where I thought I might actually miss the guy. Sure, he was a cocky prick at times, but he had his moments.

“You cool?” I must’ve appeared even more overwhelmed.

I took in a slow, full breath and threw back my shoulders. “I’m fine. Getting myself psyched for the night ahead.”

“You sure that’s it?”

I nodded and forced a smile. “That’s it.”

Before the matter could be discussed any further, a set of heavy footfalls sounded from down the hall. A knock sounded, one sharp and hard like Josh’s.

“Are we both ready?” It was Walter. “Limo’s here to take us.”

“We ready?” asked Josh to me.

“Ready.”

He gave me one more arm squeeze of support, and together the two of us approached the door. Walter was on the other side, looking every bit the imposing patriarch in his tuxedo. But his expression warmed when he laid eyes on me. He didn’t look at me in a leering way, more like he’d been presented with a work of art that he appreciated the hell out of. It was charming, more than anything.

“You look lovely,” he said, a soft smile on his face.

“Thank you.”

“Couldn’t think of a woman I’d be prouder about being out with my son tonight.” He stepped aside and swept his arm toward the hall. “Shall we? Sam’s already waiting for us.”

Sam. He was going to be tricky. The guy would likely be watching me the whole night, waiting for me to make some kind of slip-up that would give him the proof he needed that I was nothing more than a gold digger after the family money. It was far from what was actually going on, of course, but there was still the risk that he’d accidently stumble onto the truth while looking for evidence. Then Josh and I would both be screwed.

Together the three of us headed down the hallway and then the stairs. Outside, the limo was waiting. Walter stopped and looked up, the sky still as threatening as it had been earlier. The clouds were so thick and dark that I could barely make out the full moon behind them.

“Supposed to be a hell of a storm tonight.” Walter’s voice was deep and ominous. “Hope we don’t end up getting snowed in at the Victor estate.”

I knew he was likely joking around, but the idea was enough to give me a chill even past that of what the weather was already doing.

Together we climbed into the back of the limo, Sam already there, drink in hand, his greeting a slow nod. Like he’d been doing all damn day, he regarded me skeptically. He was going to be a pain in the ass—I knew it. Once the door to the limo was shut, the driver pulled us ahead.

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