Page 50 of Boss's Baby: A Fake Fiance Romance

“Wondering what? That I don’t really love her?”

“Maybe you’re telling yourself you do. Or maybe there’s something more to this than meets the eye.”

“What’re you getting at?”

He shrugged. “Not saying anything one way or another. But I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t thinking it.”

“Thinking what? That there’s something going on here?”

Another shrug. “I know you, Joshua. I know the kind of man you’ve been. Sure, you’ve cleaned up your act enough to be a hell of an asset to the company, but I’ve been around long enough to know a person doesn’t change who they really are.”

“You think I’m still like that?”

“Let me finish, kid. A person can’t change who they are deep down. But with some hard work and dedication they can keep their worst traits at bay, make room for some new ones. This ultimatum was about you doing the second one of those things. I wanted to give you a little push, a chance to see how wonderful it is to be a family man. And I wouldn’t be doing it if I didn’t believe it would be the best for you.”

“And I get that. It’s why I’m so eager to do it.”

“That’s what I’m hoping. But there’s still a chance…” He trailed off, his words lingering in the night air. “Let me put it to you like this—I’m giving you the chance of a lifetime to show me you’re the man I know you can be. If everything’s on the level, then great, I’m excited as hell for you, kid. But if not—”

“You think I’m not on the level?”

Dad went on as if I hadn’t said a word. “But if not, you’ll have confirmed to me that you haven’t changed, not even a little. If I find out that something’s off with you and this woman, you’re out as CEO.”

I said nothing.

“But that’s not all. If you’re trying to pull some damn antic, then you’re going to need more of a kick in the ass then I think you already do. Meaning you’re not only out as CEO, but you’re out of the company. And you’re out of the will.”

I was stunned, my jaw dropped. “Are you serious?”

“Serious as hell. If the next heart attack ends up being the one that does me in, then at least I’ll know you’ll be out there on your own, no option but to get your damn act together and make a life for yourself. Whatever kind of life that might be, it’s up to you. But it won’t be with my money.”

“Then who’d be CEO?”

“Sam, of course. He’s the next in line, anyway.” He took a long sip, finishing his drink. “That’s the end of the discussion. Looking forward to seeing how this all shakes out, Joshua. Take some time to think about what I said. And…congratulations.”

Without another word, he was gone. I was stunned. And more than that, I still had no idea whether or not Dad knew something was up. Sure, he might’ve suspected it, but that was all I could say.

But it didn’t matter. We were too far in to turn back now.

No choice but to see this through to the end.

Chapter 22

CASSIDY

It was like the weight of the world had been lifted off my shoulders the moment the doors shut to Josh’s Range Rover. The dinner was over—I had a ring on my finger, and the first step of this insane plan was done. Josh and I decided it’d make more sense for the happy couple to ride back together, and part of me was relieved to have a moment away from the family I’d looked dead in the eyes and lied to.

But Josh didn’t say a word during the first ten minutes of the drive. He seemed tense, like something had really shaken him. I began to wonder if the weight of what we’d done was beginning to settle and take hold.

“You OK over there?”

Moments passed before he spoke, his eyes fixed on the road. “Yeah, I’m fine. Thinking.”

I considered letting the issue drop, but the more I thought about it, the more I decided I wasn’t cool with that. “Listen—something’s on your mind. I don’t need you to tell me everything you’re thinking about, but from here on out, we’re a team. And if this thing is going to work, we need to be on the exact same page at all times. Got it?”

I was a little surprised with how stern I sounded. But I meant every word.

Josh was silent for a few moments longer before finally answering. “I talked with my dad.”

My stomach sank. Had we been found out already? “And?”

“And I don’t know. He’s not stupid, that’s for sure. But I got the impression he only suspected something might be up, not that he’s definite about it.”

“That’s good, right? It means we’re still a go.”

---