Page 38 of Taken By the Fake Fiancé

I settle on the chair and turn toward Declan when he slides his fingers against my forearm to get my attention. I try to ignore how incredibly warm his fingers are.

"Are you all right?"

"I’m fine,"I croak.

The main course is cleared. The chef has laid out the most perfect-looking apple crisp.

"I can literally taste it over here,"I say, and the others laugh.

Declan dishes up a healthy serving for me, we dig in.

We eat in silence for a couple more minutes until Declan's mother says, "You're really gorgeous, Felicity. I’m really curious to know what attracted you to Declan."

My eyes widen at her question, I glance at Declan, who appears to share the same panic. We hadn't talked about this. We hadn't given our love story any backstory.

I clear my throat and give a smile that I hope does not come off as a grimace.

"Declan and I used to be distant colleagues until, uh, he saved me from being harassed by my ex-boyfriend."

"Harassed?" Baron asks, his eyes narrowing.

"Yes," I answer confidently because I know that I am not about to tell a lie. "He’s been stalking me and knew I was working late that night. I was lucky enough to have Declan in the office as well. Declan and I decided after he had ordered Allard out of the building, to catch drinks, and things progressed from there."

I smile when Declan drops his hand on mine, and I look at him. It's a little shocking how this comes naturally to me, acting like a woman who is newly in love with Declan. Maybe it's because he makes it so easy.

When I glance back at Helen, I find her giving us a soft smile. I smile back at her and resume eating. I’m so full that I feel like I will barely be able to make my way to Declan's car.

Declan and his parents talk about other mundane things as they continue to eat. I nod and smile along, more than ready to call it a night.

"We should share a bottle of wine,"Baron says while the table is being cleared.

Declan chuckles.

"We'd best be on our way. Eli has to be up early and ready for Amelia tomorrow."

"You're right," Helen says, looking a little sad.

Even though I have enjoyed dinner with the Grays, I am very eager to be on my way.

"We should do this again," Baron says as we all get up and file to the living room.

“Certainly, Mr. Gray. I enjoyed every second of that delicious dinner. Please extend my gratitude to the chef."

"Will do," Baron says as Declan and I move toward the coat rack to fish out our coats.

However, the butler who had welcomed us in intercepts us and gives a slight bow in Baron's direction.

"It has been pouring down for the past two hours. A bigger storm has been predicted to occur later tonight, Mr. Gray." He pauses and then continues, “The news on TV reports the main bridge toward the city is closed due to the weather,” with obvious worry on his face.

Even though the butler sounds as professional as ever, I can detect a hint of warning in his voice. With my heart slamming hard against my chest, I hurry to the nearest window and look out of it, gasping at the sight of rain that seems to be falling in torrents.

"Oh my God, he is right,"Helen, who appears to have come to the window, murmurs. "It would be suicidal to leave in this weather,"she declares.

My hands shake at the implication of her words, I turn wide eyes to Declan, who, for the first time, looks panicked.

"She's right,"Baron sighs. "You will have to stay the night. We cannot tell how long this will last."

"We can wait it out," I mutter weakly. "It's just a storm. It could stop soon."

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