Page 20 of Billionaire Fake Fiancé Daddy

Where the hell didthatthought come from?

“Because I’m definitely not pregnant,” Violet reassures her. “I mean, we’re definitely...your son is verygenerousif you know what I mean. But we obviously use protection.”

My mom looks flustered and like she would really like Violet to stop talking. “Of course. I didn’t mean to imply...”

Time to take control of this conversation.

I slide an arm around Violet’s waist and drop a kiss down on the top of her head. Her hair smellsgood.I linger a second more than I mean to, distracted.

When I remember to refocus on my mom, she’s looking at me with an unreadable expression.

“Violet’s special,” I say firmly. “And I am very, very happy she said yes.”

“Of course, she is,” Mom says, turning back to Violet with a soft smile. “She’d need to be, to get you to settle down.”

Violet and I both fake a laugh at the bad joke. As her eyes meet mine, I’m pretty sure we’re having the same realization.

Convincing the world we’re a real couple is going to be a lot harder than we thought.

6

VIOLET

The next day at work I’m staring blankly at my computer screen, still processing Lorelei’s reaction to finding out I’m (fake) engaged to her son.

She bought it. Barely.

It’s only a matter of time before she starts getting suspicious. If people figure out Gage and I are faking this engagement before the six months are up, I’m pretty sure I won’t get that money he promised me.

And I need that money, or all of this is for naught.

But what else can we do to convince people? I try not to think of the heat of Gage’s hand on my waist, as he told his mom how special I was.

Hell, there was a moment there whereIalmost believed him.

I yank my thoughts back to the present as one of the other assistants approaches my desk, a casual smile on her face. She’s a tall, curvy redhead who somehow manages to make boring office clothes look like high fashion. “Hey. I’m Peggy. The gossip vine says you’re the one to thank for our new extended lunch break.”

I blink. I didn’t realize he’d already changed the policy.

As if I needed any more proof that Gage can work fast when he decides to do something.

“Some of us were going to celebrate by going to that salad place two blocks over,” Peggy says. “Want to join?”

I feel a surprised spurt of warmth. This is the first nice thing anyone has done for me since I started working here. “Sure. Let me just make sure it’s okay with Gage if I take my lunch break now.”

I check Gage’s calendar to make sure he’s not in a meeting, then go and tentatively knock on Gage’s heavy wood door.

“Come in, Violet,” he grumbles.

I open the door. “How did you know it was me?”

“You’re the only one who knocks like you’re scared to wake a hibernating bear.”

I choke back a laugh. “Gage Crawford. Was that a joke?”

For a second our eyes lock, and there’s something mischievous and wicked in his eyes.

Then he looks away and turns back to his work. His voice is gruff when he says, “Stop wasting my time and say whatever you need to say.”

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