Page 6 of Christmas with the Denton Billionaires

“Just getting myself ready for the next week,” Josh said.

“Ah, that’s right.” She tightened her grip on the strap of her purse. “My doting fake-fiancé.”

“You’re going to have to sound more excited than that if you want to convince the Lewises that we’re devoted to each other.”

She sighed, steeling herself against the flutter in her belly. She hung a left before the intersection and led him through the pedestrian entrance of the parking garage.

“You know, you could have included some training on how to be your fake fiancée before this,” she teased, thankful he couldn’t glean how hard her heart hammered in her chest.

“I think we’ll be able to figure it out on the fly,” Josh mused, sending her a mischievous smile. “You’ve been my assistant for two years. You know me better maybe than my brother does.”

A sarcastic laugh erupted from her, but he wasn’t entirely wrong. Shedidknow him better than a lot of other people in his life. Hell, the only thing they hadn’t broached before this was the romantic realm.

And hopefully that would still be the case after these next few days.

Amelia unlocked her car once it was in sight, and the lights of her black hatchback blinked rapidly. Once they reached the back of the car, Josh held out his hand.

“I unlocked it,” she said. “The trunk should be open.”

“I know. But give me the keys. I’m driving.”

She blinked. “Why?”

“Because fiancés always drive. That’s the rule.”

Amelia held the keys out of reach and looked him up and down. “I always see you riding in the back of cars. Are you sure you remember how to drive?”

Josh pressed his hand to his chest and tried to look shocked. “I’ll have you know that I’m an excellent driver.” He kept his hand palm up and wiggled his fingers. “Gimme.”

She huffed, but passed the keys over anyway, trying to fight the grin.

Having a hot-as-hell fake-fiancé wasn’t so bad after all.

For now, at least.

5

JOSH

The first half of the car ride with Amelia at his side went about as Josh expected, full of jokes and work conversation. When they stopped for hot chocolate halfway through, his normally talkative assistant was quiet as she sipped her drink.

“What’s wrong?” he asked her, casting glances her way.

“Nothing’s wrong.” But he could tell from her answer that wasn’t true.

Reaching out, he squeezed her hand. “Is there something we should talk about before we get there?”

“So many things, but—” She shrugged. “I know you said we could figure things out on the fly, but I’d feel better if we had some sort of talking points.”

Josh loosened his grip on the steering wheel, glad she didn’t have cold feet. “That makes sense. So, where did we meet?”

“Uh. Work?”

“And how long have we known each other?”

“Two years.”

“Okay, how about something harder. What’s my favorite beer?”

---