Page 34 of Seduced by Her Billionaire Fake Fiancé

And so she did. Starting with how hard she’d lobbied her dad to hold on a bit longer, how she’d known that she could sort things out herself if given free reign. “But he’s tired, Soph. He’s done. After losing mom, all the fight’s gone out of him.”

“That’s understandable. But what about the Santoros?”

And so Andie continued, explaining that selling the whole company off was her worst nightmare, and how she wanted to keep it in the family, and then she’d heard one of the lawyers mentioning a conversation with Massimo Valentino. She’d done some digging, found out about their rivalry andvoila.

“So, he’s bought into the company to get back at the Santoros, which is all very fascinating. But your engagement? How does that fit in?”

Andie’s cheeks flushed. The waitress returned, carrying their drinks, placed them down then walked away, leaving Sophie to pour each glass.

Andie leaned even closer. “That’s where it gets weird.”

“I’m listening.”

“It’s fake,” she said. “All of it. We’re just pretending for dad, mainly because I knew it was the only way he’d agree to this. He wanted the whole company gone, sold to the Santoros. The financial offer from Max wouldn’t have been enough on its own. I had to convince him that there was more at play.”

Sophie’s jaw dropped. “That’s so Machiavellian. I’m proud of you.”

Andie grimaced.

“So there’s nothing between you and this Max guy? Because I have to say, he’s very, very nice to look at.”

“I know.”

“But nothing?”

“Well, not exactly nothing,” Andie blurted out, squeezing her eyes shut.

“I knew it! So what’s going on?”

“That’s the thing. It’s very…unpredictable. Sometimes we…kiss. And other things. And then the other night we…”

“Ohmygod. You didn’t?”

“Yes.”

“Finally!” Sophie pretended to wipe a tear from her eye. “My little Andie’s all grown up.”

“Shut up,” Andie responded, swiping her friend’s shoulder.

“And how was it?”

Andie’s skin tingled all over as she remembered that night. “I have no words.”

Sophie studied Andie’s face. “In a good way or a bad way?”

Andie laughed. “Definitely a good way.”

“Oh, I’m glad, because your first time can be…well, you said it. Unpredictable.”

“It was unexpected,” she said. “But wow.”

“Wow is good,” Sophie grinned. “Wow is amazing. It’s not always wow, believe me. In fact, more often than not, it’s definitely not wow.”

“Really?”

“Bless your cotton socks,” Sophie laughed. “Really.How was it the next time?”

Andie’s smile dropped. “There hasn’t been a next time.”

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