Page 46 of The Love Hoax

“Of course.” Adam’s eyes are locked on mine. If I’m not mistaken, there’s pleading in them.

I sigh. “Yes, of course you do.”

“Go ahead, you lovebirds. I’ll be here waiting.” Anna sits on a barstool by the kitchen counter and takes a long sip from her glass.

Adam grasps my hand and leads me to the hallway. And then to his bedroom. It’s the one room I have not yet seen. And it has Adam written all over it. Whimsical art on the walls, lots of high-gloss wood, and earth-toned linens on a perfectly made king-size bed. Does Adam know how to make hospital corners or have housekeeping elves come by undetected?

I could swear his scent is emanating from the ensuite. Maybe it’s his shower gel.

Stay focused!

I need to get back to New York. With my hands tucked into the pockets of my robe, I watch Adam shut the door behind us.

Chapter Thirty-Three

Adam

Ican’t believe my luck. The last few minutes couldn’t have played out any better, even if I had orchestrated them myself. My mother’s surprise visit feels like a blessing in disguise. With her persuasive skills combined with mine, we might just convince Evie to stay.

Glancing at Evie’s expression, I note her determination and perhaps, a hint of skepticism. I need to tread lightly.

“Adam, why is your mom here?” Evie asks, her voice tinged with uncertainty.

I run a hand through my hair, trying to appear composed. “Who knows with my mother, but my assumption is it’s exactly what she said. They want to make sure you’re real. Or that Ronna is real. I suspect Steph put her up to it. You did great, by the way.”

“Thanks,” Evie replies, then shakes her head. “That’s probably because I didn’t say much.” Her tone softens. “As much as I’d liketo keep my word, I have to go home and save my job. Tell your mother whatever you need, and I’ll back you up, okay?”

She turns toward the door, her hand hovering over the knob.

“What if I sweeten the deal?” I blurt out.

Evie’s hand freezes. She looks back at me, folding her arms in front of her with a sigh. Frustration is written all over her face.

I know I have one shot at this, and I’m not going to miss it.

Chapter Thirty-Four

Evie

Awhirlwind of conflicting emotions runs through my mind as I face Adam. But the prevalent one is fear. I’m jobless. Unless I do something about it. Now.

It doesn’t help that Adam appears not to be taking my situation seriously enough.

Exasperated, I ask, “Why does it feel like this is all a game to you?”

I hadn’t intended to let out my frustration on Adam, but he obviously has no clue how the other half lives. “Not everyone is a self-made gazillionaire. This is my livelihood you’re joking about.”

Adam exhales audibly, then sits down on the edge of his perfectly made bed. “I’m dead serious, Evie. Please hear me out."

If I’m being honest, I’ve been hoping for something—anything—to keep me right where I am. In Yosemite with Adam. The few days we’ve spent together, getting to know each other, were some ofthe best I can remember. But Bill’s call, unceremoniously laying me off, is a reality I can’t afford to ignore.

I need to pack up and get to the airport before I miss the last flight out. The hold-up, thanks to Anna's unexpected visit, is not helping.

But Adam is asking me to hear him out. I owe him at least that much. I gesture for him to continue.

He must see the near-panic on my face and frowns, then pats the space next to him.

I sit.