Page 51 of Boss's Baby: A Fake Fiance Romance

He nodded. “Yeah, we’re still a go. But it means he’s got his eye on us, and he’s going to make damn sure that there’s no bullshit going on.”

“Which there is.”

Another nod. “And he told me that if he gets wind that there’s something funny going on, not only am I out as CEO but I’m out of the company. And my name gets a big red pen mark through it on the will.”

My eyes opened wide. “Shit. He’s not messing around.”

“He’s never been the type to do that. He says it and he means it.”

“But he doesn’t know for sure.”

“Right. And we need to make certain it stays that way.”

“Well, of course. Did you have something in mind?”

“It’s what I’ve been thinking about. We need to give Dad and Sam every possible chance to see that this is for real. I want as much evidence as possible on our side—no doubts in either of their minds that we’re a loving couple who can’t keep their hands off each other.”

“Yeah, isn’t that the plan?”

“Right. But we need to take it a step further.”

“A step further? Why do I get the impression I’m not going to like this?”

“Because you might not. Almost definitely will not, actually.”

“All right, don’t keep me in suspense. Tell me what you’ve got in mind.”

“I want you to move in with me.”

“Wait, what? You mean, like, in your apartment?”

“Huh? Oh, no—not like that. I mean I want you to come stay with me at the house while we’re both in town for the holidays.”

That was big. It made some kind of sense, but man, was it intimidating as hell. Stay with Josh at his place? And the way he called it “the house,” like it was some modest suburban home and not one of the most incredible estates in town.

“Are you serious?” I had no idea why I asked it—of course he was. Guess I needed some time to wrap my head around the whole thing.

“Serious as hell.”

“But how does that help? Doesn’t that give your dad and brother more opportunities to see that we’re faking it?”

“Yeah, it does. But it also gives them more opportunities to see that we’re for real. Or, at least, let them think we’re for real.”

“I don’t know. I’m not sure I can handle that. Your dad and brother around all the time, watching us, scrutinizing us.”

“But it’s also the fastest way to get both of them off our backs. Dad sees us acting like a normal couple around the house, being all lovey-dovey, and he starts believing this is for real.”

“Though that requires us to act lovey-dovey.”

“Sure, but that was already part of the plan. Only difference is we’re going to be doing it more.”

I let out a sigh, feeling totally overwhelmed. “What if we’re not doing the right thing? What if your dad was giving you some hint that he knew we’re lying and this is your chance to get out?”

“He’s not one to beat around the bush like that. If he thought we were faking, he’d say so. Right now, he’s only considering the idea. I mean, I can’t say I blame him—this did all happen really fucking soon.”

There was another matter too—I’d be away from my own family for the holidays.

“What about my family?”

“What about them?”

“They’re not going to be happy about this—they’ve been looking forward to me visiting for weeks. And I’m supposed to tell them I’m going to stay with you?”

“I know it’s not ideal. But they’ll get it—we’re a couple in love, right? Only natural we’re going to want to be around each other as much as possible.”

It made a certain kind of sense. Didn’t mean I liked it, though. I’d already made Mom upset enough by not taking Grandma’s ring. Now I was going to have to see that same disappointment all over again. This plan was getting more emotionally taxing by the minute. But there wasn’t any going back now.

“Does this mean we’re going to be sleeping in the same bed?”

“That’s what couples do, right? I know it goes against your rule, but imagine if one of the maids came in and saw me sleeping on the couch and you in the bed. That’d raise some serious questions.”

He was right. Sure, not like we’d be literally sleeping together, but it was still a level of intimacy I wasn’t sure about. What else was there to do, though?

“So, do you want me to come tonight?”

“Tomorrow. I’ll drop you off, and you can let your family know what’s up. Then in the afternoon I’ll send a car for you and your things.”

It sounded like a reasonable plan. “OK, let’s do it. But I have to admit, I’m a little scared.”

He flashed me a reassuring smile. “Don’t be. My dad only looks like a hardass—total softie deep down. Once he’s convinced you’re actually my future blushing bride, he’ll be your new best friend.”

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