Page 6 of Billionaire's Fake Plus One

Ding Ding Ding. I grin at her. “The one and only. You have a great memory. Although I’m sure Rachel will want to exchange words with you, she doesn’t like being called a blondie.”

She smiles at me. “I’m really great at recalling faces, names not so much. Your girls are so beautiful, they look so much like you.”

The girls and I exchange looks, and they, of course, start giggling. I chuckle as I correct Aria. “They’re not mine, I'm just their nanny.”

Aria grimaces. “I just keep shoving my foot in my mouth, don’t I?”

“It’s okay.” I glance at Millie and Maddie. “If you squint really hard, I’m sure we do look alike.”

“It’s the hair and the eyes. They’re similar to yours,” she says apologetically. I look at the girls eyes and hair while they stare back at me solemnly.

“You know what? You’re not wrong.”

“Can we order now?” Millie asks, moving closer to the counter as she eyes the baked goods beneath the glass.

“Um..” Shit. I only have fifteen dollars and some change with me. I glance at the baked goods and the girls. Maybe if I don’t order anything, it might be enough? “Sure, what do you want?”

“Chocolate chip cookies and a chocolate milkshake!” They both speak at the same time. I blow out a breath of relief and pay.

“What about you? By the way, I'm Aria.”

“I’m good, thanks.” I tuck the change into my purse. “And I remember your name. I’m really good with both names and faces,” I remark with a wink, then lead the girls to a booth in the corner.

“Showoff!” She calls after us, and I grin. I people watch out the window as the girls eat their treats, trying not to remember the last time I was here and just how much Mom loved it. Movement at the corner of my eye has me turning around.

“The house special, sweet almond braided pastry as well as iced tea.” Aria says as she places the items on the table in front of me.

“But I didn’t order anything.”

“It’s on the house.” She winks. “If you remind me of your name, that is.”

“I’m Willow.”

“I hope you become a regular here, Willow. My best friend has a five-year-old daughter, who I think your girls would get along well with.” She gives me one last smile, then walks away to attend to her other patrons.

I take a bite of the pastry she dropped for me, and I moan as the buttery, flaky goodness melts in my mouth. “This is so good. You girls have to try it.” I push my plate towards them, and after they take a bite, we end up sharing the rest.

When we’re done eating, we explore on foot to walk off our treats before heading back home.

* * *

We’re reading quietlyin the living room the next day when a noise has Millie standing up to check the window. “Daddy!” she shouts, and Maddie shoots up from the couch beside me.

They both race to the front door, and I reluctantly trail behind them. The door swings open just as they get there and jump into Lucien’s arms. He lets out a surprised humph, his overnight bag dropping from his hands as he wraps his arms around his daughters.

“Guess that answers the question of ‘if you missed me’, huh?” He chuckles quietly and uses his foot to close the door as he walks into the foyer. He sees me hovering in the corner and gives me a cool nod, his smile dimming.

“I missed you the mostest, Daddy.” Maddie promises.

“No,Imissed you the mostest!” Millie immediately argues. They go back and forth over who missed him the most as he carries them further into the house. I laugh a little as I trail behind.

“Well, I missed you two the most mostest!” Lucien says as he dumps them on the couch.

“That’s not even a word, Daddy.” Maddie points out with a giggle.

“So, what? You two can say it, but I can’t? I see how it is now.” Lucien says somberly.

“Guess we’re not going to go out on the boat tomorrow like I planned...”

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