Page 12 of Billionaire in Disguise

“Do you mean beyond computers?”

“Yes.”

“More computers.”

Adrianna shifted on the luxurious seat of Nick’s late model hybrid. She assumed she would drive to her parents’ house, or they would take separate cars, but he was insistent he drive. She also hadn’t expected the plush seats that made her never want to rise or the electronics that talked like the car from that TV show she watched as a kid.

The days leading to the trip had passed swiftly, as they prepared, both mentally and logistically. The day after their pizza date, he’d asked if she wanted to have dinner again. She agreed, so they could go over the role, of course.

The day after that, he asked if she wanted to meet for coffee.

After that, it was bowling.

The next day, the movies.

By their fifth “research session,” a trip to a nearby park for a picnic, the excuse had been well used. But each visit was enjoyable, and she learned at least something about her fake boyfriend every time. Still, the feeling he was hiding something never quite disappeared, with his vague answers and surreptitious glances.

“What did you tell them I liked?” His question brought her back to the present. “I’m sure we can find a way to explain it, just like with the name. How did they take it when you told them I now go by my middle name?”

“Mom was surprised, but it couldn’t be helped.” She shrugged. “With all our pretending, I didn’t want you to have to assume a fake name also.”

For the briefest of moments, his eyes shuttered. Yet another peculiarity, like how someone that skilled with computers worked as a temp, or how he changed the subject every time she asked about work. “You must have some hobbies.”

“I have been known to act.” He winked. “I’m currently playing a pretend boyfriend.”

“You don’t say.” She grinned. “What other parts have you played?”

“Well.” He thumped the steering wheel. “I was a pretend trapeze artist, but that didn’t end well. The pretend lion tamer position was a veritable disaster.”

She chuckled. “Have you played a pretend hairdresser?”

“Ah yes. Lovely for me, not so much for the client.” They both smiled, as he expertly guided the car around a large tractor-trailer. “In addition to my pretend jobs, I like to be physically active. Even when my schedule is hectic, I exercise every day.”

“That’s obvious.” She closed her eyes, opened them. “Did I say that out loud?”

His widened smile betrayed the answer. “You did.”

She couldn’t help herself. She’d touched those muscles several times when she accidentally bumped into him. All right, severaldozentimes, and the accidents may not have been accidents, but it was his fault for being so attractive. “Clearly, hearing things is something else you do,” she teased. “Anything else?”

He sat back. “I like to cook.”

Her heart fluttered. Some women preferred bad boys, while others liked heartthrobs. A guy who could cook?Yum.“What do you like to cook?”

“Really anything. My grandparents owned a restaurant, and at one point I even considered becoming a chef. If you’d like, I can cook for you sometime.”

Was it getting hot in here?She cleared her throat. “I’d love that. Once we return, we can make it a date.”

He frowned and said nothing. Ah yes, he was leaving soon after they returned. Something acidic churned in her stomach. “I’m afraid I’m not much of a cook. I am, however, excellent at setting things on fire.”

He gave her a sideways look. “I don’t believe it.”

“Believe it. I set toast on fire twice. I made brownies sizzle. And do you have any idea how much smoke cereal can produce?”

He laughed. “How is that even possible?”

“I was trying to make that dessert with cereal and marshmallows, and I seriously overestimated the cooking time. The good news is no one expects me to bring anything to these get-togethers. I will, however, have a line of laptops and other assorted electronics ready for me to fix.”

His eyes lit up. “I can help you with that. And I’m happy to cook for you anytime.”

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