Page 4 of The Fake Fiancé

The snow outside the window stretches all the way to the peak of Mont Blanc, the sky a gray so pale that the view looks almost monotone. There is a thick line of dark pines closer to the train tracks, but the trees grow sparser the closer we get to the mountain.

I’ve been working for Valmonte Global for months now, doing per diem work that involves sitting in on virtual meetings and parsing contracts that aren’t written in English. All of it has basically been a long training program for this trip, but now that I’ve nearly arrived at my destination, I want to go home an intense amount, job be damned.

The company booked me a private suite here on the train, but being alone with my own thoughts is almost worse than being with the crowds. As the minutes to arrival count down, I go overmy itinerary for the millionth time, chewing on my thumbnail as I do so.

Valmonte Global Alpine Summit

Chamonix, France

Duration: Two weeks

My itinerary is nearly identical to Adam Valmonte’s, at least according to his assistant, Oliver. It’s also subject to change at any moment. The itinerary is packed with black-tie events and dinners with meetings and presentations scattered throughout. It looks like a lot more networking than actual work, especially the planned ski expedition. I’m not one to look a gift horse in the mouth, though, and I’m getting paid enough to not care what events I’m dragged along to.

Well…I wouldn’t care, usually…but I’m working side by side with Adam Valmonte, his constant, French-fluent shadow, andthatis something I do care about. Because I care about him, or the weird way I feel around him, if I’m being honest with myself.

I close the itinerary folder abruptly and sigh. This is work. That is all. Just work.

It’s been months since I’ve seen Adam Valmonte in person, virtually, yes, but not up close and physical enough to feel and breathe his presence. The thought of it has my heart in my throat. I still don’t understand why I became his top candidate, and part of me is afraid it was because he felt awkward during our initial churchyard meeting. In virtual meetings, he’s a solemn figure, or even just an avatar, in a small computer window, but it’s not like we’ve spoken one-on-one. Now, for the next two weeks, I’m meant to be at his side all the time.

This job alone will pay me enough to last nearly the rest of the year and could lead to even more work of the same caliber. I just have to make it through.

The train begins to slow as we approach the station, where a car is waiting to drive me the rest of the short distance to the ski resort.Professional.I tell myself over and over again.Professional!

The problem is that my body refuses to cooperate with my brain whenever Adam Valmonte is concerned.

Once off the train, I take my luggage and climb into the car waiting for me, squinting against the wind and the cold during my brief time outside.

The roads wind upward through the forest, fat snowflakes hitting the windshield of the car as the driver chats with me about the resort, allowing me to absorb any nuances of the local vernacular. It helps center me and calm my nerves, giving me some hope that if I can just keep busy, everything will be okay.

The higher we climb, the more isolated it becomes, until finally the massive ski lodge emerges as we take a sharp turn. Evening is coming on fast, making the windows of the lodge glow welcomingly. It looks like something off a Christmas card. At least I know I’ll be comfortable while I’m here.

Uniformed staff greet the car as soon as we pull up, grab my luggage out of the trunk, and disappear inside while two others remain to escort me. I smooth my coat as we go, hoping I don’t look entirely out of place among everyone else here.

It’s equally as impressive inside, with towering walls and furniture made of polished wood, an enormous fireplace making up the centerpiece of the ground floor lobby. A woman greetsme at the reception desk, smiling like she’s genuinely thrilled to see me. “Welcome to Le Sommet, Ms. Hart. Mr. Valmonte has been informed you’ve arrived and will be joining you shortly.”

My pulse kicks up at the mention of his name, but I don’t even have time to pop into the restroom to tidy myself up before I hear a low baritone voice coming from behind me.

“And by shortly, she means now.”

I turn so quickly I nearly trip over my own feet to see Adam standing near the lobby entrance, wearing dark jeans and a half-zip sweater, his arms crossed. He looks different from last time I saw him, less hollow and more present.

“Hello, Ms. Hart.”

Thank goodness speech is part of my job, and I manage to sound put-together enough when I respond. “Mr. Valmonte.”

“We don’t have to maintain the formalities, since we’re going to be together so much this week.”

“Okay…Adam.” The lodge is alive and bustling around us, but it feels like we’re alone somehow. Why is his presence doing this to me?

“I hope the travel arrangements were comfortable.”

“They were wonderful, thank you.” It isn’t a lie, either. Everything has been perfectly streamlined, even if I’d been freaking myself out the entire time. But the freaking out I’d been doing in my own head was nothing compared to what I’m feeling now that we’re face to face.

“Good. You’ll have the evening to settle in before tomorrow’s meetings begin. Oliver should have sent you the finalized schedule.”

One single conversation and I’m already noticing all these details about him again: his deep voice, the faint shock of silver at his temples, and the way his attention is so utterly focused on the person he’s speaking to. Right now, that’s me, and being the center of his attention feels like standing in a sunbeam.

“He did.”