Page 2 of The Fiancé Hoax

“Sorry. I just think your dad’s kind of a jerk. No offense.”

“None taken.” I resisted the urge to scratch my head. “I’m just salty I couldn’t afford a better wig.”

Soon, we reached the low stone wall that enclosed the backyard. I pulled Lauren to the side, where we hid behind a large tree.

“We’ll climb that stone wall when no one’s looking,” I said. “Then we’ll join the party and blend in with the guests.”

“Got it,” Lauren said confidently. She twisted her long red hair into a bun.

I snuck a peek at the gathering in the backyard.

The party was packed. The finest from Los Angeles’ business world mingled, drank champagne, and ate hors d'oeuvres delivered by tuxedoed waiters. Soft lighting illuminated a full bar and clusters of tables with white linens. A string quartet played upbeat music.

Ruth, my dad’s executive assistant, had outdone herself.

As I gazed at the elegant party, I felt like a hungry dog looking in a butcher shop window.

But this wasn’t my world anymore. It never had been, really.

A rush of nervousness flooded me. This event was extra fancy. If Dad found out I was crashing his party, he’d be furious.

“You okay?” Lauren asked.

I nodded, slipping the handbag strap over my wrist. “Let’s do this.”

I lifted myself up onto the stone wall. It was about chest high—nothing crazy. Still, I was glad I’d worn flats. Lauren gave me a thumbs-up sign.

I paused at the top, straddling the wall with my dress hiked up.

What the hell am I doing?

Going after my dreams, dammit.

Carefully, I lifted my other leg over the wall. I planned to hop down and land on the other side, conveniently hidden by some large rosemary bushes.

But my dress caught on one of the stones. As I tried to free it, my leg tangled in the fabric. I panicked, flailing wildly until I landed on the ground with a loud thud…

Catching the attention of some guy standing by the pool.

Shit, shit, shit.

I lay there for a moment with my eyes closed, praying he wouldn’t be interested in coming over to investigate.

No such luck.

“Are you okay?”

I opened my eyes and almost gasped.

A gorgeous, incredibly sexy guy—no, man—towered above me.

Are you for real? I thought to myself.

I almost said it out loud, but apparently I still had some sense left.

His muscular frame was almost unbelievable, with massive shoulders and arms that were practically bursting from the tailored suit he wore. He was older, but it only made him sexier.

Distinguished.

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