Page 39 of Fiancé for Hire

They were only halfway into their long weekend, and Antika was enjoying every minute.

The carriage ride around Central Park, snuggled up with Drevon the day before, had been akin to living a fairytale. She’d only seen moments like that in movies and books, but to experience something so sweet and relaxing had her feeling like Cinderella. Then shopping in stores that she never would’ve ventured into, had taken her experience with herfiancéto new heights.

All she kept thinking yesterday was—so this is how the other half lives. This was also what it felt like to be in a loving relationship with a man who treasured you. Right now, it didn’t matter that their charades had an end date. She was tucking away each experience into her memory bank to be pull out during those times when Drevon would no longer be in her life.

The thought made her a little sad, but at least she’d have the memories.

It was the night of the meeting with Drevon’s potential investor, and they’d just stepped into the Michelin-starred Italian restaurant. Antika inhaled the amazing aroma of fresh baked bread, fresh garlic, oregano, and other spices that made her mouth water. Though she was a little nervous about meeting this couple, she couldn’t wait to sample the foods of the celebrity chef who owned the establishment.

“Right this way, Mr. Ross,” the hostess, dressed in a sleek black dress and four-inch heels said, and led them through the restaurant.

Antika was glad that people barely spared them a glance, but that didn’t settle her nerves. She tightened her hold on Drevon’s hand. He was as cool as usual, and she didn’t know how he did it. He was getting ready to meet with someone who could say yay or nay to supporting one of his lifelong dreams, and he didn’t seem worried in the least bit.

“Is this okay?” the hostess asked, referring to the table located in a secluded area of the restaurant and perfect for talking business.

“This is perfect,” Drevon said, and pulled the chair out for Antika.

“Wonderful. Your server, Monica, will be with you shortly.”

“Thank you,” they said in unison.

Drevon unbuttoned his suit jacket before claiming the seat next to her. They both were facing the entrance and would be able to see the other two people in their party when they arrive.

“How do you…” Antika started, but stopped when the server arrived at the table and took their drink orders.

Drevon rested his arm on the back of her chair and spoke after the server left the table. “What were you going to say?”

God, when he was this close to her, she could barely think straight. His fresh scent, his gorgeous face, his powerful presence, they all did wicked things to her peace of mind.

“I was going to ask how you feel and if you were nervous. But considering you’re not shivering next to me, I think that answers my question.”

He flashed her a confident grin.

“I’m good. I’ve been working on this project for a while, and I’ve talked to so many people about it already. I have my speech down pat, and I already know this guy is interested in learning more about the project.”

Drevon had told her a little about the action flick. The screenplay was done, and he had identified a film director for the project. He even shared with her who his dream cast would be. The movie idea sounded amazing, and Antika had no doubt that whatever Drevon set out to do would be successful.

She was so proud of him. Listening to him explain where he was in the whole process, and how close he was to seeing his dream come to fruition, made Antika made her want this for him. She also loved that he was comfortable enough and trusted her enough to share details about the project.

“They’re here,” he whispered, and they both stood when an older Black couple headed in their direction.

As they approached, the man’s wife gave Antika a warm smile, which she returned, and she immediately felt comfortable.

“Mr. & Mrs. Hardison, great seeing you again,” Drevon said and shook the man’s hand and kissed the woman on the cheek.

“We’re well past formalities. I told you to call us by our first names. I’m Graham, and this is my wife Janita.”

Drevon nodded and smiled at the couple. “Graham and Janita it is—and this is Antika.”

“Your fiancée. It’s a pleasure to meet you, young lady,” Graham said.

His wife squeezed Antika’s hand and gave her another warm smile. “Congratulations on your engagement.”

She and Drevon thanked the couple before they all took their seats.

Graham signaled for the server. “We’ll have to order a bottle of champagne to celebrate.”

Guilt sliced through Antika. Hearing the man refer to her as Drevon’s fiancée was like taking a punch to the gut. She hated lying to people, but now that they’d started this charade, they had to keep it going. At least for now.