Page 30 of Billionaire in Disguise

Laughter chimed from a group in the distance, snagging their attention. As a group of teens walked on the far side of the lake, Nick exhaled. “Why don’t you show me the cottage? We can talk there.”

Was the secret so great, others couldn’t hear? She showed none of her concern as she allowed him to lead her to the building. The laughter faded as they entered a cozy space scented with apple and cinnamon. The cottage shrunk with the massive man’s presence, yet it remained charming. Paintings of Florida sunsets covered cream-colored walls, bordered by azure trim. Two large, checked sofas made for a quaint seating area, while a small cherry wood table took up a side, flanked by natural wood chairs.

Nick traced his hand along the mantle of a rare Florida fireplace, gazing at the small glass sculptures of sea creatures adorning it. “This is fantastic.”

“Thank you.” She picked up a picture frame with glued on seashells. It had been her anniversary gift to her parents when she was eight. “I used to sneak in here whenever I needed privacy. Although I just had one brother, family was always visiting.” She held out her hand. “Don’t get me wrong. I loved seeing them.”

“Just sometimes a kid needs a little quiet.”

He understood. “Now I wish I could go back and spend more time with them. Does that seem funny?”

He smiled warmly. “Not at all. It just means you have the right priorities.”

So did he. He spoke of his family often, and helped hers incessantly, showing his kindness. He wandered slowly around the room, stopping at the small love seat. “Why don’t you sit down?”

That was ominous.She trudged forward, sinking down on a sofa that smelled like her mother’s perfume. He sat next to her, causing her stomach to flutter like the waves of the seascape above the mantle. “Is everything all right?”

He ducked his head, and a lock of dark hair fell over his eyes. She resisted the urge to smooth it back. “What’s wrong?”

His smile was clearly strained, liquid eyes holding nameless secrets. She followed his gaze to the picture of her brother.Of course.“You don’t need to be nervous.” Relief softened every muscle. “I know what this is about.”

His eyes widened. “You do?”

“Of course.” She gave in to her urge and pushed aside his hair before touching his shoulder. “It’s because of Joshua, isn’t it?”

Under her hand, muscles tightened. And at this completely inappropriate, utterly inopportune time, something else flared:

Desire.

It wasn’t fair. He was just so handsome. And muscular. And still really, really handsome. And if she didn’t get herself under control she was going to do something that would make every part of her blush… again. She cleared her throat. “Didn’t you think I would figure it out?”

He opened his mouth. “I… I wasn’t sure.”

“Well, of course, I did.” She let go of his shoulder. “It’s pretty obvious.”

He clasped her hands. “You’re not mad?”

“Not even a little. Now that we’ve established you’re uncomfortable meeting a big brother while pretending to date his little sister, I have something to tell you.”

He looked stricken. “No, Adrianna, I–

“I’ve developed feelings for you.”

She’d shocked him into silence. Well, shock and unmistakable male satisfaction. “Feelings?”

Why did it suddenly feel like she was back in second grade, asking Bobby Mendelson if he wanted to share her fruit snacks? “Yes, feelings.” Heat turned her blood to a low boil. “Good ones.”

His lips curved upwards. The heat notched up several thousand degrees. “I was wondering–” She started an intense study of her cuticles. “If you have any…” She moved to the other hand. “What I mean to say is do you…”

“Have feelings?” He edged closer. “Have you noticed how much practice we’ve shared?”

Forget turning on the fireplace. Shewasthe fireplace. “I wasn’t sure if that was for the family.”

He reached out and grasped her cheek. She leaned into it. “Adrianna, we practiced three hundred and forty-two times.”

“I’m not sure that number is accurate.” She bit her lip. “But I’m willing to attempt it.”

His eyes darkened. “It really is important to practice.”

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