Read with BonusRead with Bonus

Chapter Four - I can pretend for one night.

Maya

“Can I at least have the rest of tonight?”

I freeze at his words. He was to spend the rest of the night with me. Why? He doesn’t even know me, and he would change his mind if he saw me without all of what I look like tonight. He doesn’t even know my real name. I hated I lied to his face, but I couldn’t tell him my real name because I couldn’t have him finding out who I was. Conrad is too handsome, confident, and rich for little old me. I am sure after tonight, he will forget all about me.

“Why do you want to spend the rest of the night with me?”

I blurt the words out before I can stop them.

“Because I want to. So, can you please answer my question?”

I can pretend for one night, right? And somehow, if I say no, my gut tells me it won’t be easy to avoid him for the rest of the night. He is a determined man and his eyes if he stares at me long enough, would be enough to make me do as he wants.

“Okay,” I whisper.

Conrad smiles brightly at me, “Thank you. Do you want to stay out here or head back inside?”

“I would rather stay out here for now. I am not ready to go back in.”

I would rather not go back inside at all, but I can’t hide out here all night.

“Okay, we will stay here. Do you want another drink?” he smiles.

“No, thank you. I am not much of a drinker,”

“I am going to head in and get a drink. Do you want water or food? There are lovely bite-size deserts out?” he asks.

“Yes, to both, please.” I smile.

“I will be back soon, and please don’t run away while I am inside.” He pouts.

I can’t help but giggle at his pout, “I promise I won’t run away.”

Conrad grins and kisses my cheek, “Thank you.”

The heat rises on my face and neck when he does it. He disappears inside, and I retake my seat on one of the loungers. I check my cell while I have a second. I saw a text from Meredith. I roll my eyes before opening it.

I hope you are playing your part right. Does anyone suspect anything?

I am. No, no one suspects a thing.

I won’t tell her about Conrad, knowing I am not Taylor. I don’t think he will say anything, either. I put it away because I no longer want to deal with her. I wanted to take the mask off because it is starting to annoy me, but I couldn’t because I couldn’t let him see my face.

I lie back again and try to relax again. It is peaceful out here with barely another soul in sight, the pretty lights everywhere and the stars in the sky. I get lost in the night sky.

“You didn’t run away?”

The sound of Conrad’s voice breaks me from my thoughts.

“I promised I wouldn’t,” I say and glance up at him.

“Yes, you did.” He smiles.

He has a tray in his hand. He carefully sits down, and I see what is on the tray. A bottle of water, a bottle of champagne, a glass and a plate full of tiny, delicious desserts.

“Once I arrived inside, I realised I didn’t know what you liked, so I brought macaroons, tarts, cheesecake, chocolate-covered strawberries and red velvet mini bites, so take your pick or have one of each,” Conrad replies brightly.

“I think if I took one of each, I would be sick.” I snicker.

I would rather not vomit in front of the handsome man who happens to own the company I work for. I would never live it down.

“But they would be so worth it.” he laughs and shoves a macaroon into his mouth.

I shake my head and playfully roll my eyes at him. I take one of the chocolate-covered strawberries and take a small bite. I involuntary groan at the taste in my mouth, and Conrad focuses solely on me.

“Sorry, it is just so good.” I blush.

“Hmm, it is fine.”

I swear he looks like he is trying to hold back a smirk. I break eye contact with him and finish it off, ensuring I don’t groan again, which is easier said than done, considering how good they are.

Conrad pulls his lounger closer to mine and places the tray between us so both can access it.

“Are you originally from New York?” he asks.

“No, I was born and raised in Maine. I moved here when I was seventeen,”

I won’t share any more details because I don’t want him asking too many questions.

“Seventeen by yourself?”

I can hear the surprise in his voice.

“Yes, only me. I needed to get away and have a fresh start.” I shrug.

“It must have been scary because seventeen is pretty young,”

“Yes, but I managed. I have been here now for six years, and I love it.” I smile.

“It is a magical city for sure.”

He is a proud New Yorker, without a doubt. I know his family were all born and raised in the city. I did my research before I started working for one of the family’s companies. They are a respected family. They build everything from the ground up, and they also do a lot for charity, which I think is incredible.

“It is. I love it in the winter, especially at Christmas.” I smile.

I used to hate Christmas because it wasn’t something that happened in my house, but after being on my own, I grew to love it; even if I celebrate it by myself every year, I don’t mind.

“Yes, it is something else at Christmas. The lights, the trees, the ice rink and everything else which comes with it.”

It would seem he loves Christmas as much as I do. I smile and nod in agreement. It is a little early in the year to be discussing it since it is only April.

Silence comes between us, a comfortable one, and we snack on the desserts. I can’t believe how good they are, but I need to stop eating them.

“So, what are the chances of you giving me a dance before the night is over?” he asks softly.

“I appreciate the offer, but I don’t dance.”

“Oh, okay.”

He tries to disguise the disappointment but fails. I refuse to stand in the middle of a room where everyone can see and be close to a man I barely know. The idea makes me anxious.

“Sorry,” I whisper.

“You have nothing to be sorry for, beautiful. I will happily stay out here with you until the end of the event.” He replies confidently.

I wish he would stop calling me beautiful! I am not!

“You really don’t need to, Conrad.” I smile.

“I want to.” He exclaims.

I don’t mind the company, and it isn’t like I am in any rush to go back inside.

“Okay, it will be nice to have some company.” I smile.

He nods and winks. I wonder if he is always such a charmer. I am sure he probably is. I just need to get through another couple of hours, and then I can leave! Conrad will make it a little easier, I hope.

Previous Chapter
Next Chapter