Simon, undercover on New York’s streets to expose his corrupt uncle, is finally free to reclaim his fortune and old life. But just before returning, he lingers-drawn to Victoria, the kind waitress who treated him with humanity. When he’s about to reveal his true identity, one word shatters him: fiancé. What will Simon choose-duty, wealth, or a love already claimed?
I storm into the house, my heels clacking against the hardwood floor with every furious step. My pulse is pounding in my ears, my breath sawing in and out of my mouth too fast, but I don’t stop. I can’t stop. If I do, I’ll let him talk. If I let him talk, I might…
“Bullshit! This whole thing is bullshit!” Carl drags his heels, hindering Luis’s progress, if only by a little. “Do you even know what the CEO of Jones Group is like? He’s the youngest billionaire in the country. You’re not him. You’re just some homeless dude pretending to be him.” Jade attempts to duck beneath Luis’s…
Audience members watch on, entertained by the rising bid amounts and fierce competition. From behind the microphone stand, Fiona gives a demure clap. “Wow, two million dollars. What an impressive contribution! Do I hear two point five?” Victoria twists closer to me, dropping her voice to whisper. “Simon, we don’t have to do this with…
Sweet, poetic justice. It’s so satisfying to witness it unfold that I decide not to complain about how long it took to get here. Simon infuses a playful note to his tone, but the unyielding steel beneath his words are unmistakable. “You lost. Didn’t you say you were going to strip down and streak across…
Want to bet? Victoria doesn’t bother speaking to them, stretching onto her tippy toes and craning her neck. Looking for me. I’m almost there, babe. I’ve got you. “Would you like me to bring you my doggie bag at the end of the night?” Jade asks as Carl withdraws his employee keycard and scans it…
A few of the guests within earshot exchange uncertain glances. Others merely watch the show as if we’re part of tonight’s entertainment. Their faces alternate between horror, curiosity, and intrigue. Simon exhales a slow breath, lifting his glass to his lips for a sip of his drink with deliberate ease. His expression is relaxed-too relaxed.…
“Yes, let’s get it done as soon as possible.” I infuse a light, jovialness. If I can’t make her forget about the events that’ve just unfolded, I’ll have to distract her with humor. “Before another billionaire shows up.” A solid joke on multiple levels, although nobody here knows enough to give me props. At least…
I look at him to find him already looking back at me. In addition to fitting in with my family so wholly, his steady presence is always so reassuring. As if our hearts speak their own language, our kindred souls destined to meet. The enormity of the upcoming wedding hits me, only it doesn’t scare…
“Whatever you need us to do,” Simon says without missing a beat. He reaches for the syrup and pours a generous amount over his steaming stack of pancakes. Minding the sticky drizzle on the spout, I cover my pancakes with a generous glug and then glance at my mom. “Are you sure you don’t need…
Carl snickers, his churlishness grating my last nerve. “Still acting tough, huh? Don’t cry, Victoria. You’re marrying a pathetic loser without a job or a home, so at least you’ve got that going for you.” Jade joins in, plastering herself to Carl’s side. “I bet the dump has openings. Why don’t you get married there?…