Page 79 of Boss's Baby: A Fake Fiance Romance

So, when I finally felt my phone buzz in my pocket with a text from Cass, the relief was intense. It wasn’t anything much, only a text to let me know she was on her way. But hearing from her was a good feeling—it let me know that I’d be seeing her soon. In about ten minutes, to be exact.

“Hell of a tree, huh?” I glanced in the direction of the voice to see Dad enter the room, his gaze up at the huge star at the top of the tree. He was dressed in a pair of slacks, black loafers, and a red cashmere sweater—very Christmassy in a tasteful sort of way.

“It really is. Mom would’ve loved it.”

He smiled. “Exactly what I was thinking when I got it. Not sure how big a fan of the holidays Cass is, but someday you’ll have a home to decorate like this. Maybe with some kids of your own running down the stairs on Christmas morning for presents.”

“That’d be nice.” To my surprise, it didn’t feel like a lie when I said it.

He placed his hand on my shoulder and gave it a squeeze. “It’s good to have you boys here. We’ve had too many holidays in the city. Feels good to be home.”

“You’re right—it does.” One of the only few truths I’d been able to tell over the last few days.

Dad gave me one more warm look before heading off, leaving me alone in front of that big-ass tree. A home with Cass. It was exciting and scary as hell all at once. Maybe someday, if we both wanted it.

But I needed to get my head in the game. The plan was for the Marten family to come over for the afternoon and relax before the guests arrived. So, there was going to need to be some serious relaxing going down.

I polished off the cup of coffee I’d been working on right in time to hear the growl of a rough-sounding engine pull up to the house. A look outside revealed a late-model sedan, and I knew it could be none other than Mark’s car. The family poured out, and I took one last look at myself in the tall mirror near the door, making sure that I looked family-ready.

I was all smiles when I opened the door.

Cass’s mom didn’t waste any time pulling me into a tight hug. “There’s the man!”

“Good to see you!” I said. “All of you.”

I scanned the group, making eye contact with Cass. She looked beautiful in a casual dark green Christmas cocktail dress—the party was a big deal, but the wear was not quite tux-and-gown—but to my surprise she glanced down at the ground as soon as I saw her. Without thinking, my eyes flicked over to Katie, who had a look on her face I could only describe as “odd.”

Something was up.

But this wasn’t the time to get into anything like that.

“Good to see you, kid,” said Mark, giving me a firm handshake and solid eye contact.

“Likewise. Please, come in.”

The family entered and looked around. “Wow,” said Cass’s mom. “This is a really, really, really nice house.”

“Thank you. Happy to have you all here. If you’d like we can—”

I was interrupted by the quick footfalls of Sam entering the room. “Good to see you all. Mr. Marten, is there something I can talk to you about in private?”

Mark was confused. “Something in private? What is it?”

Sam smiled faintly. “It’s a somewhat delicate issue. Please, if you don’t mind…”

But Mark stayed in place. “Don’t need to go anywhere to discuss any kind of private matter. You want to talk, we can talk right here.”

Sam sighed softly. “It’s the matter of your car.”

“My car? What about it?”

“We’re having many guests here tonight who all are very concerned with image and appearance.”

“And?”

I had a feeling where this was going, and I didn’t like it.

“Well, I’ll be blunt. I’d really not prefer that car be the first thing guests see when they arrive. Would it be possible for you to move it when you get a chance? Maybe to the other side of the house? I’d really appreciate it. Thanks in advance.”

But Mark didn’t appear ready to acquiesce so easily. And the temperature of the room changed instantly. “Are you serious? That’s a car I built with my own two damn hands. And you’re calling it a hunk of junk?”

“I didn’t call it anything of the sort. Only that it doesn’t really fit in with the rest of the vibe we have going. I’m sure it’s a great car, but if you could move it all the same.”

I stepped in. “Sam, it’s not that big of a deal.”

Mark glared in my direction. “I can stick up for myself, kid.” Then he turned his attention back to Sam. “You want to move it, get out there and push.”

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