Page 13 of Undercover Billionaire

He needed to pull back, and now. If he continued to hover, she might just admit something to him, and herself. After a brief hesitation, he relaxed, but the challenge never left. He was clearly not yet finished, not with the subject.

Not with her.

She steered the conversation back to business. "Are you ready to create the new and improved Drake Alexander?"

"New and improved?" He grimaced, and she exhaled. For now, serious conversation was over. "Tell me the truth." He held up his hands. "Do you really think I need improving?"

In spite of everything, she laughed. "Yes!"

He pressed a hand to his heart, the epitome of wounded pride. "How will I ever get over your cruelty?"

She laughed again. "Through unemployment, unless you’re a better actor than this little performance demonstrates."

"Now even my position is in danger?" he asked in horrified tones. "Then it's time to get back to business. Now let me tell you about Drake Alexander. He is a very serious man. He is also very successful and leads hundreds of people–"

"Now hold on just a moment." He was trying to take control, and with a ridiculous story Cynthia would never believe. "I'll create my boyfriend’s biography."

He narrowed his eyes. "I thought we agreed I would display my own charming personality."

"We agreed you could be yourself,” she confirmed, “but I get to decide your interests and activities."

He crossed his arms, tightening his muscles. It stole her attention more than she’d ever admit, even as he continued, "I have no desire to be head polka instructor at the Y."

"I'm not going to make you head polka instructor.” She paused. “Just an assistant."

A deep baritone laugh rumbled from his chest, and her lips twitched into a smile. He stepped closer, and the laughter died. "I spend my entire life predicting what people will do, and I'm usually very good at it. But with you..." His voice trailed off, and he withdrew his hand. "Let’s just say you surprise me."

She drew in a shaky breath. "How about a deal? I’ll let you dictate your hobbies right down to whether you’re a polka instructor if–" She gave him her best business look. “You're cooperative when Cynthia is around."

He grimaced. "I’d prefer to be assistant polka instructor."

"Come on,” she prodded. “I’m not asking you to adhere to my every whim. You just need to be a little more agreeable. You should find that easy in your line of work."

He was silent for a moment. "All right," he agreed. "I will do my best to not be overbearing and instead–" His lips curled in distaste. "Compromise."

She laughed. Clearly, the man was accustomed to getting what he wanted. It seemed a strange expectation for an actor-for-hire. "Ok then, tell me about Drake Alexander."

She listened as he outlined his interests and activities. They actually sounded fascinating, however they fit his profession like a dinosaur in a tea shop. Why had a man like him – powerful, dominant, authoritative – become an actor-for hire? The mystery deepened with every word.

When he finally finished, she got up and stretched. “I think that’s enough for now. Why don’t we take a break?”

He shook his head. Why had she thought he would agree? "We should consider other aspects of the relationship. If you want to convince her, we can’t just know each other’s hobbies. We need to act like we’re together.”

“What do you mean–” She froze as images flashed, memories of their recent kiss. "That’s fine." Why had her voice ascended in pitch? “No problem, of course.” Even higher. “It’s great.” Fantastic. Now she sounded like a chipmunk.

"Don’t you think we should practice those assumed things?"

Practice?

Practice!?

His words electrified her, searing her blood and firing her senses. Was he trying to elicit a reaction or being serious? He couldn’t expect her to kiss on demand. And why did the idea sound so appealing? "You've got to be kidding."

He stepped closer. "We should practice being close to each other."

"Being close to each other," she echoed. That didn’t sound too bad.

"Hugging."

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