Page 29 of Fiancé for Hire

“Sorry, tonight is about my woman,” Drevon said so casually that Antika almost believed him when she knew the real truth. “If you’ll excuse us.”

He eased them away from the young lady with such grace that Antika barely felt herself move.

“Sorry about that,” he said, linking his hand with hers as they continued their trek to the gift table. “I often wear hats or glasses to try and move around this world without being recognized, but it doesn’t always work. Thanks for the help back there.”

Antika, feeling more relaxed than she’d felt all night, smiled up at him. “You’re welcome. Glad I could assist. I don’t know how you put up with women getting all up in your face and disrespecting your boundaries.”

“Yeah, moments like that are a little off-putting. Some women are bold and sometimes rude. Like they think they are entitled to a photo or conversation. The attention has gotten worse since that situation with Kendall despite her portraying me in a negative light.”

“Yeah, Kendall made you sound like a real slimeball,” Antika said, unable to keep the grin from her face.

Drevon laughed. “And you still agreed to marry me,” he cracked.

Smiling, she waved him off. “Yeah, I’m always in support of the underdog.” They both laughed. “But seriously, I know there are always two sides to every story.”

“That’s certainly the case in the situation with her. I’ll tell you more about it one day,” he said with a smile.

In that moment, Antika could almost imagine their arrangement turning into something permanent—a friendship or more. Anything was possible.

Then again, with a man of Drevon’s caliber, what were the chances of him ever seeing her as anything more than a job…or a fake fiancée?

ChapterFifteen

“There’s Tamera, the birthday girl,” Antika said, nodding toward where her best friend was talking to a group of people. “She’s the one who told me about your aunt’s company. Don’t be surprised if she takes full credit for us being here together tonight.” Antika laughed.

“So she’s the person I need to thank for bringing you into my life. Yeah, I absolutely want to meet her.”

He reached for Antika’s hand and linked his fingers with hers. Every time he touched her, it was like a little zing shot through her body. She didn’t want to read too much into the handholding, but her battered heart was doing a little jig inside her chest. She was going to have to be careful with him. She didn’t know if he was just playing the role of being her date. Or if he was feeling what she felt—intense attraction.

They’d only been in each other’s presence a few times, but the sexual tension vibing between them was impossible to ignore. But what if it was one-sided? What if once again her selection criteria had slipped out of whack? She’d been wrong about a man too many times, and she didn’t trust her judgment.

Wait…

Why had she let her thoughts go this route? There was no future for them. If she didn’t keep that in mind, she’d be the one with the broken heart.Again.

A huge smile spread across Tamera’s face as they approached.

“Well, I have to say you’re more handsome in person than you are on television and in magazines. I’m Tamera.” She stuck out her hand to Drevon, and instead of just shaking it, he kissed the back of her fingers.

“Drevon Ross,” he said, and released her. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, and happy birthday.”

Antika rolled her eyes at the way her friend was blushing and giggling like a schoolgirl.

“Thank you,” Tamera gushed, her arm looping through his. “I’m glad you could make it to the party. Hopefully, you don’t mind joining me at my table.”

“As long as you don’t mind if my date joins us,” he said, easing out of Tamera’s grasp and reaching for Antika’s hand again.

Damn, he’s good, Antika thought as his heated gaze washed over her as if they were devoted lovers.

Since arriving at the party, she’d had second thoughts about her dress, fearing that it was too revealing, too short, and too tight for her figure. But if the appreciative gaze he’d given her earlier, and the way he was looking at her now was any indication, Drevon liked what he saw. That made her like him even more, and it was going to be hard not to fall for his fine, charming ass.

“Of course,” Tamera said grinning and looking as if she was going to leap out of her skin as her gaze volleyed from Antika to Drevon and back again. “But can I steal your woman for a second?”

“Sure. Would you like something to drink?” Drevon asked Antika.

She had already sampled the spiked punch when she arrived, but maybe a little of something else wouldn’t hurt.

“Yes. White wine would be great. Thanks.”

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