Page 25 of Billionaire in Disguise

“Not at all.” Hedidmind being interrupted before a kiss, but there was nothing to be done. He grasped her hand, not because it was time to play a part, and not even because he wanted to distract her, but because he simply wanted to. Hand-in-hand they walked to the living room, where everyone was gathered around an ornate table set with a veritable feast and topped with tall candles on pillars.

Mrs. Lewis handed them each a blue candle. “Usually Adrianna lights the candles, but I thought you could do it together.”

Adrianna licked her lower lip. “I don’t mind if he does it alone.”

“Not at all.” Placing a hand on the small of her back, he led her to the table. “I like sharing.”

She visibly tightened, as if just realizing she’d been ensnared. Yet as he positioned her in front of him, she leaned back, melting into his arms, where she belonged. Together, they lit the candles. As the flames flared, their bright orange fire representing so much, something else flared between the two of them.

Something he never wanted to end.

Chapter 7

The next few days brought enough emotions to fill her parents’ swimming pool.

Happiness, enjoyment and satisfaction in the moments with Nick.

Concern, worry and anxiety as her family came closer to the truth.

And just about every emotion in between.

When her mother suggested they play a game several days later, Adrianna heartily agreed. Unlike swimming, there would be enough clothes to keep her from staring and enough people to stop the kisses she couldn’t resist. No longer could she pretend it had anything to do with “practice.” Everyone already believed they were a couple.

She was starting to believe it herself.

With every day, they grew closer, and it became harder to pretend the “pretend” was pretend. Nick was so kind, so friendly, so smart, everything she had on her boyfriend wish list. She loved her time with him, even as it came to an inevitable end.

He would be leaving soon.

Of course, there was still the matter of secrets. She kept gently prodding, yet somehow he always managed to change the subject, often with a kiss. She’d even gone so far as to Google his name, to ensure he wasn’t actually a criminal, yet she found nothing.

It was almost as if Nick Walters didn’t exist.

She couldn’t press more at her parents’ home, not when she had almost gotten away with the ruse. When they left, she would reveal her suspicions and ask for the truth.

Now she entered the living room with Nick by her side. His hand was around her waist, and they brushed against each other with every step. He pulled her a little closer.

“I have the perfect game.” Her mother held up a blue box, emblazoned with the words “Couples Trivia.” It showed a happy couple, with cards and questions that a coupleshouldbe able to answer. “Let’s test how well you know each other.”

Uh-oh.Adrianna slowed her steps. “I don’t think that’s a good idea.”

“It’ll be fun.” Her mother pulled them to the sectional, where the rest of the family already sat. “Unless there’s a reason you don’t want to play.”

“Of course not!” Adrianna cleared her throat, lowered her voice. “I mean, it sounds great.”

“Perfect.” Her mother grinned in victory. She got the game ready, as everyone partitioned into couples. “Nick can go first, since he’s the guest.” Nick rubbed his hands together, as if preparing for an Olympic race. Everyone leaned forward, as her mother opened the box and removed a crisp heart-shaped card. “First question: What is Adrianna’s favorite meal?”

This was bad. Very, very bad.With all the meals they’d enjoyed together, had she actually told him she was a vegetarian? Her family served meat substitutes often, and he may not have realized he wasn’t eating real meat.

Nick stroked his chin. “That’s a hard one. She likes so many different things.”

“That’s right,” she jumped in. “I really don’t have a favorite.”

“That’s not true.” Her mother patted her knee. “You’ve loved the same dish since you were three. You have it every year on your birthday.”

“You just gave it away.” Her father grasped her mother’s hand, but his eyes were smiling. “Her birthday passed last month. Surely he remembers.”

Nick squinted his eyes. “You like… chili.”

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