Page 29

Amelia leans back in her seat, crossing her arms as if shielding herself from a scrutiny that doesn’t yet exist.
“I guess it helps that no one really knows much about me outside of work,” she says quietly.
I glance over at her again. There’s definitely something about her. The more I think about her, how guarded she is, and she’s somehow found herself in this absurd arrangement with me.
“Exactly,” I reply firmly. “You’re Amelia Ross, my girlfriend of six months. And once I told you about Elizabeth and my father’s plan, you decided we couldn’t live in secret any longer. You pushed my hand to tell me how I felt about you.”
She grins. “And you knew you couldn’t live your life without me in it. And got down on one knee and promised to love me forever.” Her expression softens for a moment before that familiar guardedness returns.
“Damn. I need to get a ring.”
“Oh, a ring,” she whispers, almost to herself.
The car pulls into the parking garage.
My driver opens the car door. I get out and extend my hand to Amelia. She takes it, her fingers trembling.
As she steps out, I’m aware of the security cameras watching our every move.
Amelia’s eyes flit around, but I give her hand a reassuring squeeze. “Follow my lead,” I murmur.
Leading her through the lobby with our fingers intertwined. I feel like this is how we are supposed to be.
When the elevator doors slide open, I pull her close and wrap an arm around her waist as I press a kiss against her temple. She stiffens for a moment, then relaxes into my embrace. “I’ll kiss you randomly. Get used to it.”
“I will get used to it,” she says as we step into the elevator.
The doors close and I turn to Amelia and rest my finger under her chin, tilting it up to gaze into her eyes. “Ready?” I whisper.
She nods, a hint of a smile playing on her lips.
The elevator dings as we reach our level. I take a deep breath, then step out, keeping Amelia tucked firmly against my side.
At the receptionist’s desk, I pause and turn to Amelia.
This has to look real, and without warning, I cup her face in my hands and press my lips to hers. She lets out a soft gasp, but then melts into the kiss.
The receptionist’s eyes are on us, but I don’t care. All that matters is Amelia at this moment, and making sure everyone believes the game we are about to play.
When we finally part, a pink glow covers Amelia’s cheeks and her eyes sparkle. “Wow,” she breathes.
I grin, then turn to the receptionist, who is staring at us, mouth open, surprised.
“Good morning,” I say, flashing her a charming smile. “My week got so much better because Amelia finally agreed to take our relationship to the next level.”
The receptionist blinks. “Relationship?”
“I have to admit, it was a shock when he proposed.” Amelia gives her a shy smile, then glances up at me. “But I’m so happy.”
“Come on, Princess,” I say, making her gasp at the term of endearment.
“Okay, my king,” she whispers.
I chuckle as we head toward my office. When she reaches her desk, I lean down and whisper in her ear, “You’re doing great, Ames.”
She rolls her eyes. “Hopefully, we can keep up the charade when your father gets here.”
“Don’t think of it as a charade. You have to believe we’re real,” I tell her.