THE RELUCTANT FIANCEE HOAX

sure how thi

an had opened his mouth, casually suggested it, and befo

possibly sleek, modern penthouse, a suitcase

e had asked earlier that morning w

from his coffee. "It's

nearly choked on he

hat was supposed to make perfect sense. "If we're e

argued. "Plenty of engaged couples

re. But we're already under enough scrutiny as it is. Do you really wan

the moment she l

noyingly, h

y's absurdly luxurious apartment, while he leaned against t

at home," he

ed. "Don't l

not s

e. You're ra

"I'll have the guest room set up for you. Or..." He tilted his head

d. "Not in a

ough I should warn you, the guest ro

dragging her suitcase toward the hallwa

d sound that followed her a

-

g In...

om was obnox

ing the city, and an en-suite bathroom that w

dge of the bed,

am I

etending to be engage

was m

as no turni

unpacking, determined to at least ma

third sweater when she h

st the frame, arms

e clock. How had

e," she

ked. "Because I

her eyes. "You

. You thin

"I should

-

Unexpected

urprise, dinner wa

talian places, and they sat at his dining ta

st felt

mo

ck together now, right?"

Regretting your

we should set so

an eyebrow

he gestured vagu

ing his chin on his hand.

at. "First, no walki

grinned. "Why? Di

st don't need that level

. "Fine. No unnecessary s

it. "No bringin

d slightly. "You

"I don't kno

aw tighte

ss in his voice made her stom

said, swallo

for a moment befor

a rule,"

hed an eye

pression unreadable. "

n, our entire rela

we're going to do this, if we're going to convince people, we

a hes

n't lik

ty slipping into something that wa

so knew he

e said quietl

her for a mome

," he

sinking feeling that things were

tending was

real emotion

whole diffe