Page 34 of Undercover Billionaire

Drake chuckled, clearly not intimidated. "That's okay. I'm actually a third-degree black belt. Perhaps we could exchange techniques sometime."

Kaitlyn stared at Drake. He couldn't possibly be an actual martial arts expert – or could he? It was a stark reminder of how little she actually knew about this man.

"I understand what you're implying." Drake smiled affably at Jesse. "But don't worry. I take care of my Kaitlyn."

She stiffened. "I don’t need to be taken care of." Correcting him wasn’t conducive to their act, yet she couldn’t stop herself. She was a strong woman.

Somehow Drake’s brazen assumption didn’t seem to bother Jesse, as he grasped her in a warm embrace. "Everyone could use a little help sometimes. Of course, you'll always be our little sister, and we arealwayshere for you." He lowered his voice to a whisper. "Everything okay?"

"I’m fine," Kaitlyn responded quietly. Her brother nodded, yet doubts clouded his eyes. With a genius IQ, he would be the most difficult to convince.

"My name is George." Kaitlyn’s father once again took control, with only a slightly less accusatory tone. "I am sorry for barging in like this. It was a shock to hear of your relationship, especially from Cynthia.” He turned to his daughter. “Why didn’t you say anything?”

The spotlight was on her, and it would have to be an award-winning performance. As any good actor would say, the best act incorporated as much of the truth as possible. "I’m sorry, everyone. As we've already established, I'm pretty independent."

Six heads nodded in instant agreement. "Never wanted help with anything," her father said gruffly. "That’s how Kaitlyn was since the day she could talk."

She had definitely picked the right angle. "Exactly. I didn't plot to keep this from you. At first, there was nothing to tell. Drake came to town, and I hired him to be my personal assistant. As you know, the store has been getting bigger, and I needed a little help. And for a while that’s all it was, a business relationship.”

"But then things changed," Craig interjected.

"Yes. Everything changed." Kaitlyn hesitated, at the tale that mirrored reality. First a business relationship, then more. She pressed on, "Our relationship progressed to something beyond business."

"Why didn’t you share this amazing relationship with us?" her mother broke in. “For all this to happen, and not a word?”

Guilt assailed Kaitlyn. Her mother’s voice was filled with hurt, in stark contrast to Cynthia’s mischievous yet controlled expression. She had yet to contribute to the conversation, but suspicion loomed dark in her frigid eyes. No doubt she would have much to say later.

It was too late to turn back. "Time just passed so quickly, and then I didn't know how to tell you. I was going to say something very, very soon.” She held out both hands. “And that's the entire story. I’m sorry, guys – I hope you can forgive me."

There it was. The concluding sentence, the final bow and curtains closed. Kaitlyn held her breath, awaiting the audience’s reaction.

"Unbelievable."

She closed her eyes. "Dad…"

"Our little girl is finally in a serious relationship. It’s about time."

Kaitlyn barely held in the gasp. Ithadworked.

"This is wonderful!" Her mom embraced her, then gave Drake a quick hug. Each of her brothers followed suit, although with handshakes and not hugs. Yet guilt tempered her joy. She had lied to the people she loved most. The deception would be temporary, and soon she would explain everything and beg their forgiveness. Hopefully, Cynthia would remain in the dark forever.

Her cousin had been uncharacteristically silent, but now she broke it. "I'm so happy for you. Tell me, has your relationship changed his employment as your personal assistant?"

Kaitlyn subdued a grin. Her unwanted guest had inadvertently stumbled on the one subject she relished. "Not in the slightest. Drake likes being my personal assistant. He says it’s his calling."

Drake visibly tightened. She happily ignored it. "Between me and you… and you… and you… and you… and you…" She regarded each of her relatives in turn. "He has a bit of a subservient personality." She winked.

Drake set his jaw, but then… mischief sparked.Uh-oh."I think my Kaitlyn is a little confused. She definitely needs someone to guide her. Can you imagine the crazy things she’d do if I wasn't here?"

Actually, she only started doing crazy thingsafterhe arrived. "Men get such silly ideas sometimes, don’t they?” She patted his rock-solid chest. He covered her hand with his own, entrapping her against pure steel.Oh my.

She swallowed, turned to her father. Time for a distraction. "It's just so wonderful to see you. How long are you staying?"

"Just a few days. I have to get back to work.”

She exhaled relief. Normally, she loved her family’s visits, yet for this trip, the shorter the better. A few days she could handle, and then everyone would leave, and life would go back to normal. Only dissatisfaction tautened limbs, amidst an undeniable truth:

Drake would leave, too.

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