I take a deep breath, considering my options. The thought of facing Rachel’s smug look makes my stomach churn. And then there’s the small, traitorous part of me enjoying the waymy parents seem to like him. Usually, all I am to them is a disappointment, which they don’t hesitate to let me know.
“No,” I say finally. “Let’s…let’s get through the next few minutes. I’ll figure out the rest later after you’ve left.”
Understanding gleams in his eyes. “We already went over how we met and started dating, but how long ago was it?”
“Two months,” I say quickly. “Not so long that it’s weird I haven’t mentioned you before.”
“Good thinking, and we’ve been keeping it quiet at work to avoid gossip.”
I nod. “Sounds good, but one more thing—no more surprise compliments about my work. It’s weird.”
He laughs softly. “Fair enough, since I’m supposed to be a grouchy, grumpy boss. Although I meant what I said about that account last week. You did do a great job.”
Heat creeps up my neck. “Thanks, Mr. Barrington.”
“Stop being so formal like we’re at work. Call me John or your family won’t buy that I’m your boyfriend t.”
My face burns. It must be so red. “Okay.” Except it’s totally not okay. He’s my boss, not my boyfriend. “We should head back before they send a search party.”
He gently catches my arm before I can open the door. “Being here can’t be easy for you. If it gets to be too much, give me a signal, and I’ll pretend to have an allergic reaction or something so you have to take me upstairs for my medicine.”
I laugh despite myself, feeling some of the tension ease from my shoulders. “I appreciate that.”
Downstairs, the smell of roasting turkey has gotten stronger. We rejoin the family in the living room, where Rachel is talking about a recent trip to New York City and getting upgraded to a suite.
“That’s our Rachel,” Dad says proudly. “Always getting the VIP treatment.”
As I settle back onto the couch next to Mr. Bar… I mean, John, I focus on him so I don’t roll my eyes. He drapes his arm around my shoulders, giving me a gentle squeeze, which I appreciate. It helps having someone on my side here to support me.
“So, Abby,” Jake pipes up, his gaze flickering between John and me. “How’s work going? Still stuck in that cubicle?”
Before I can answer, Mr. Bar…John jumps in. “Actually, Abby has her own office. She’s been doing fantastic work. Clients love her.”
I blink in surprise. It’s true. I did get my own office recently, but I didn’t think John had even noticed.
Rachel’s smile tightens almost imperceptibly. “Oh, how nice. I’m sure it’s…cozy.”
I nod. “I’ve got a window and lots of room for my awards.”
She frowns, but he laughs at one of Dad’s terrible jokes, and I ignore my sister.
I imagine what it would be like if dating him weren’t a lie. It’s a dangerous thought and one I should push from my mind if I’m smart.
Mom stands up and claps her hands together. “It’s time to finish up dinner. Abby, why don’t you show John to your room? You two can take your suitcases up there, and then you can help me in the kitchen.”
I freeze. My room? As in, where my boss and I are supposed to sleep? Together?
Not that he’s staying the night, but…
“Oh, um, actually,” I stammer. “He’s about to leave.”
“Nonsense.” Dad’s voice booms. “You can’t send him out into that storm. He’ll stay here tonight, won’t you, John?”
He looks at me, a question in his eyes. I nod almost imperceptibly, defeated. What choice do we have?
He nods. “Thank you for your hospitality, sir. I’ll get my bag from my car.”
A few minutes later, I lead him upstairs once again, and my mind races. How did a simple ride home turn into this elaborate charade? And how will we keep it up?
