Page 49 of Never Fake Date the Financier

Ella: …thanks

I’m not sure what I expected from Olivia. I’d like to say she’s usually more helpful, but I’d be lying. Looks like I’m going to have to navigate this on my own.

…or not.

Hello, Adrian.

“Max said you were out here. Hiding from Lillian?”

“Why would I want to hide from the lovely woman who supplied me with drinks all night?”

Adrian’s face pales. “You accepted them?”

I snort. “Of course not. Not that I think she’d poison them. Wait. She wouldn’t poison them, right?”

“Yeah,” Adrian mutters. “Yeah, I’m sure of it.” Although his tone and blank expression say otherwise.

A half-dozen or so people stumble down the lawn towards us. I thought we’d have at least a few minutes alone together, but I guess not.

Adrian offers his hand to me. “Come. Let’s get out of here.”

I take it, and immediately it envelops mine as he pulls me to my feet.”Seems like you’ve read my mind.”

“And it won’t be the last time.” He bends down, grabbing my heels off the ground before sliding his hands beneath me and scooping me off my feet.

My stomach flutters as he carries me back to the venue.

“What am I thinking about right now?”

Adrian glances at me, a knowing smile on his lips.

“You’ll never guess.”

“Never?”

“Uh-huh.”

“You’re thinking about those bacon-wrapped scallops I swiped for you earlier.”

I swallow. Tilt my head. “Lucky guess.”

“There’s nothing lucky about it. I know you, Ella. Whether you like it or not. And now you’re wondering if I have more.”

He sets me down as I sigh, handing over my heels. “…And?”

Adrian leans in, his cheek brushing mine as he whispers. “No, but meet me on the balcony in five minutes.”

Be still my heart.

* * *

“Oh my god,”I moan, relishing the cool breeze on my skin again. We’d only been back inside for a few minutes, but the venue is a little swampy from all the dancing. “This feels heavenly.”

“So does this,” Adrian rasps, wrapping his arms around me. He kisses me on the nape of my neck, my entire body erupting in tingles as my head dips and I glance at him over my shoulder.

“Do you have the goods?”

“Of course.” Adrian sighs as he reaches into his pocket.