Page 87 of Modern Romance May 2026 Books 5-8
I stiffen at the abrupt change in Aiden’s voice. No trace of warmth or brotherly affection now. Just frozen steel.
“I appreciate the concern, Cassian, but I don’t require any assistance. Go meet your new client and we’ll talk next week.”
He hangs up and turns around so quickly I don’t have time to pretend like I wasn’t eavesdropping. Aiden stares at me, displeasure clearly written across his long, handsome face.
“I’m sorry.” I hold his gaze even though I want to sink into the floor. “I should have let you know I was here.”
He’s frowning at me now, his gaze sweeping down to my nude heels and back up to my new pearl earrings.
I glance down at my dress. “What?”
“You look…” His frown deepens. “Fine.”
Ouch.
“Thank you, Mr. Hawke.”
I use my most professional executive secretary voice. Aiden’s eyes narrow.
“You’re mocking me.”
“I wouldn’t dare, sir. Although,” I add sweetly, “given that you just subtly insulted my appearance, I think I’m entitled to at least one mocking statement.”
He moves, his stride sure as his long legs eat up the distance between us in mere seconds. I can’t help the sudden fluttering of my pulse, the heat spearing through me straight to my core. What is missing as he stops just a couple feet away is fear.
The realization startles me. I’m alone with a man literally a quarter of a mile above the city. The first time I’ve been alone with a man in his home in years. But I know with complete certainty Aiden would never lay a hand on me in anger.
Relief weakens my knees. If I can trust Aiden, maybe there is hope for me yet. Maybe this fake engagement will give me a chance to practice, to get comfortable around a man and start dating again once our arrangement ends.
Aiden slides his hands into his pockets as he regards me. The frown is gone, replaced by a curiosity that makes me want to squirm.
“How many times,” he finally asks, “have I not seen you?”
I blink. “What?”
He steps closer. My throat narrows to the point I almost gasp for air. He slides one hand out of his pocket and reaches up. I tense. The frown returns as his hand drops back to his side.
“Keep in mind we have to convince the world we’ve been secretly dating for six months.”
“Since the office New Year’s party.” I nod. “I’ve memorized everything.”
“Memorization won’t matter if we can’t sell the ruse.”
“Well, it’s a little hard to fake intimacy with your boss.”
A small lie. Yes, it’s odd holding Aiden’s hand and hearing him call me “darling.” But I also like it, like it far too much to let my guard down and just throw myself into the role.
My phone dings. I pull it out of the pocket of my dress, shame creeping in as I read my mother’s message.
Good luck this morning. Your father and I hope it goes well!
“What is it?”
I sigh as I type back a reply. “My mom. Just wishing us good luck.”
He waits until I slide my phone back into my pocket.
“How did they respond?”
