Page 56 of The Love Hoax

“Come on, just a few questions.”

Zane gives it some thought. “Okay, Ev—I mean, Ronna, where did Adam lose his first tooth?”

I scrunch up my face. “How would you even know that if you two became friends as adults?”

Zane shrugs. “Because it’s a big story. But I’m sensing some deflection here.”

Adam frowns. “I never toldher that one.”

Zane shakes his head. “Come on, guys. That was my first question. You two are screwed.”

“Looks like we have more work to do,” I say.

“Good thing we have seventeen hours together in the car to fill in the gaps.”

“Right,” I reply, feeling far from optimistic.

By the time I finish my meal and claim the hefty winner’s pot, having crushed the two men at pool, I’m fairly sure Steph will put the pieces together on our scam. Zane had tossed out several questions about Adam, none of which I could answer.

On our way to the car, I begin to wonder if lying to a federal officer about my fake relationship could land me in hot water. Or worse.

One thing is certain. Very soon, I’m going to find out.

Chapter Thirty-Nine

Evie

“R

eady?” Adam asks, placing my suitcase into the trunk of his silver Honda SUV before opening the passenger door for me.

“As I’ll ever be.” My response lacks the cheer I intended. I latch the seat belt, taking in the worn fabric seats and plastic dashboard.

“That’s the spirit!” Adam says, his tone dripping with good-natured sarcasm.

As Adam takes the wheel, I ask, “No judgment here, but why are you driving this thing?”

Adam pats the dashboard. “It reminds me of how it all began. Keeps me humble, you know?” His expression turns thoughtful. “But I do have a backup Range Rover in the garage if you prefer.”

Not a phrase one hears every day.A backup Range Rover. “Nope, the Honda’s fine.”

Adam smiles and pulls the car onto the road, his magnificent mountain home receding in my sideview mirror.

“You do realize this entire venture is insane,” I say.

“Not sure I’d go withinsane.”

“Well, let’s review. You are bringing me, a woman you only met a few days ago, to your sister’s wedding, after tricking both her and your parents into believing we are getting married.”

I lift my ring finger, wiggling it.

“Touché. Don’t forget your new employment.”

I open a bag of trail mix and shake some out into my mouth. Adam extends his hand, and I sprinkle some into his palm. “How could I? I went from years at my law firm to your in-house counsel within a matter of minutes. And my only job requirement was my skill as an impostor.”

Adam glances my way. “Having regrets?”

“No, not really. Or better said, not yet. Zane is convinced your sister is going to figure this all out. He may be right.”