Page 36 of Taken By the Fake Fiancé

"All good things, I hope."

"You can bet it is."

"I want to hear all about it. But boy, I'm afraid we will have to move to the dining room for that. The chef has informed us that dinner is ready, I'm starving."

"Of course," I say, sliding my hand to Declan's as we make our way toward the dining room.

This feels like a dream, but the feel of Declan's hand, rough and calloused, is a sharp reminder that this is very real. This dinner that I am about to have with the Grays is very real.

The dining area is every bit as luxurious as the rest of the house. As I settle beside Declan, I give a little thanks for that evening when I'd randomly decided to learn how to use cutlery in high school. I had been bored and had nothing better to do.

Back at home, we'd never needed to use formal cutlery. We rarely ever had dinner as a family because everyone always came home at different times.Dad loved to sit in front of the television with his plate, while Mom would retire quietly to the room for a quiet dinner.

"So, I have been well informed that your units have all been sold."

I smile at Baron, who is quite impressed.

"Yes, Mr. Gray."

I turn to Declan, who has taken my hands in his with a proud smile on his face.

"You have always been one of the best employees I hired," Baron says as he begins to help himself to a portion of bruschetta on a smaller serving dish with tomato and basil.

"Thank you."

I feel like I could develop wings at this moment and fly. This compliment, coming from Baron, whom I've always looked up to, means a lot to me.

"You don't have to thank me. You're great at what you do. Now, I am curious to know more about you. Tell me about yourself, Ms. Goleman."

"Oh, there's really nothing much to tell,"I say because there really isn't.

I have always packed up the memories of living under my parent's roof. I love my siblings to pieces, but I have not made the best memories with my parents.

"I am the first child of four children. I got a job in your company as soon as I graduated college."

"I know that…" Baron says with a smile that I think is meant to put me at ease but makes me even more nervous because I have witnessed Baron bring seasoned businessmen to their knees with just his razor-edged words and brilliant mind.

"I want you to tell me something I don't know."

I look down at the small serving dish that has been passed down to me, small and fancy, something rich people like the Grays would have.

"Well, I had braces when I was younger."

"I had braces when I was younger, too." Declan, who is beside me, whispers, and I turn to smile at him.

"How about your parents?"

"Oh, they're still around and doing well."

"Are they here? In Chelmsford?"

"No, they're back home in Boston."

Baron nods.

"I'm sure they're proud of you and all that you have accomplished."

"They are.”

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