Page 52 of Boss's Baby: A Fake Fiance Romance

I nodded before looking out the window, watching the darkened landscape pass. All I could think about was whether I’d gotten myself painfully in over my head.

Chapter 23

CASSIDY

Tension took hold of my gut the moment the black luxury car pulled up in front of the house. I twisted the ring on my finger—a nervous habit I’d already managed to develop since Josh first put it on.

Dad stepped next to me and looked out. “Why the hell can’t they send a taxi like normal people?” He snorted. “Always looking for chances to show off their cash, I guess.”

“Dad,” said Katie. “That’s a taxi to them. And besides, you have to admit it’s a pretty good way to get around.”

Out of the corner of my eye I spotted Mom, her gaze locked onto my ring for a moment before turning her attention to me. “This is so sad. I was hoping we’d all be together for the holidays.”

It was sad—no doubt about that. But it had to be done. Josh had made a pretty darn good case about the matter.

I turned away from the window and back toward my family. “We’ll still be together. Josh wants you all to come over as much as you can. And Walter said you’re all invited to the big holiday party.”

“‘Big holiday party,’” said Dad, his tone derisive. “Sure that’ll be a blast.”

Dad’s thoughts on hanging out with the upper crust of Pine Shades had been made abundantly clear. And I didn’t blame him one bit. He had his circle, and Josh’s family had theirs. Mixing them together was going to cause some chafing.

“It’ll be fun, Dad,” I said. “Meet some new people, maybe find some new clients for the shop.”

“Got enough clients.”

My phone buzzed in my pocket, and I took it out—a text from Josh asking if the car had arrived. I shot back an affirmative reply, realizing that it was time to go.

“OK, I should get moving,” I said. “Don’t want to keep the new in-laws waiting.”

Mom approached and threw her arms around me. “This is all so strange, but I don’t think I’ve had a chance to tell you how happy I am for you, sweetie. Josh is a great guy, and I know you’re going to be happy with him.”

“Thanks, Mom. And, um, sorry about the ring.”

She let me go and shook her head. “No, I understand. It’s not the fanciest ring in the world, and when you’re running around with people like Josh, I guess there’s a level of glamour they’re going to expect.”

She was being understanding, but I was sure that deep down it wasn’t easy for her. I gave the rest of my hugs and said the rest of my goodbyes, and soon Dad was out front with me, my bags in his hand. The driver approached, ready to take them.

“I can carry my daughter’s bags,” he said in a gruff tone.

The driver stepped aside without a word and opened the trunk. Dad heaved the bags into the back and closed the lid. Once that was done, he stepped back and gave me a once-over.

“My big girl’s getting married.” He shook his head in disbelief. “So strange to think about.”

“But you’re happy, right?”

He smiled. “You’re happy, I’m happy. That’s the deal I made when you came out, remember?”

He opened his arms and pulled me into a tight hug, one full of love. When we were done, he made sure to open the door to the back of the car and let me in. Dad hadn’t changed one bit since I was a kid, and I loved him for it.

We were soon off, making our way through my neighborhood and into Josh’s. As they’d always been since I was little, the houses were imposing and majestic and jaw-dropping. And Josh’s was the most impressive of all—a damn castle on the hill. The driver parked and let me out, taking my bag and leading me up to the front doors. A quick knock later and they were open, Josh there waiting for me, all smiles.

“There’s my girl.” He leaned in and kissed me on the lips, the same damn thrill running through my body every time.

Over his shoulder I spotted Sam, watching the affair as if expecting to see something amiss. I quickly turned my attention from him, not wanting to seem suspicious.

Josh led me into the vast entry hallway, gesturing toward Sam as he did. “You remember Sam, of course,” he said.

“Of course.”

Sam approached and gave me a quick hug that was cold and businesslike. “Pleasure to see my future sister-in-law.”

“Same to you. But, um, brother.”

He offered a prim smile in response. “Why doesn’t Josh show you to where you’ll be staying? The help’s making lunch right now—should be ready in a little while.”

“Was about to suggest the same thing,” said Josh. “Come on.”

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