A Billionaire Boyfriend For Christmas - Holly Rayner Page 0,34
though. Have we met?”
“Ken’s kinda famous.” Adison half smiled, and it had to be the most adorable expression she’d ever made. “He has a philanthropic organization in Buffalo.”
“Lovely,” the woman cooed. She turned her attention back to Adison. “You must be so proud of your boyfriend.”
Ken’s breath caught in his throat, and he realized that he hadn’t specifically asked Adison to pretend to be his girlfriend this weekend. Once she corrected Thea’s friend, the truth about the relationship was sure to make its way back to Thea.
How had he been so careless?
“I am,” Adison said. “He’s quite the guy.”
Ken felt his jaw drop.
“Aw,” the blonde cooed.
“Trish,” the woman’s husband called. He was standing with the other man whose name Ken couldn’t remember, looking at something on a tablet. “Come check this out, honey.”
“Excuse me, please.” Trish crossed the room.
Ken let out a slow breath. “Um…”
Adison only laughed. “Should I have not done that? I figured, why not agree with her? We already know how to play house. It looks like everyone is mistaking us for a couple.”
“Yeah. It’s…it’s okay.” If everyone was mistaking them for a couple, wasn’t that a sign that they would be good together?
What a stupid thought, Ken realized. He had to be tired from the week and the flight. Clearly, he wasn’t thinking straight.
“Okay, everyone!” Thea’s voice rose above the chatter. “Dinner is ready. It’s self-serve so help yourselves.”
They’d eaten on the jet, but Ken didn’t want to be rude, so he figured he’d make a light plate while he engaged in conversation.
Adison stood up, moving toward the kitchen with everyone else, but Thea stopped Ken with a touch to his elbow.
“One moment, Ken,” she said quietly.
He saw Adison throw a glance over her shoulder. Before he could tell her to go ahead, that he would catch up, she kept on walking.
But of course she didn’t need him. She could make her way to the kitchen just fine.
Thea waited until the two of them were alone in the living room. “I’m truly happy you were able to make it.”
He inclined his head. “Thank you again for inviting us.”
“Adison seems like a lovely girl.”
“Yes. She’s definitely my better half.” He glanced in the general direction of the kitchen, remembering how she’d saved his butt back there by pretending to be his girlfriend.
“It’s funny,” Thea chuckled. “I would have pegged you as a total bachelor for life.”
“If it weren’t for her, I’m sure I’d be single.” He sipped his cider, which had cooled down to nearly room temperature. “I hope you don’t mind if I ask…”
“Yes?” She arched an eyebrow. “What is it?”
“This feels like a couples’ getaway. You’re the only person here without a significant other.” He made a show of looking around the room. “Unless they’re hiding out somewhere.”
“Call that coincidence. As for my relationship status, I simply haven’t found the right person yet. He’s out there.”
“I’m sure.” Was this why she’d held him back? To chitchat about dating?
“Anyway,” Thea said, “I’m sure I told you I don’t do much business during the holidays.”
“You did.”
Ah. Here we go.
She continued. “I just want you to know that I haven’t forgotten about our talks. I’ve been sitting on your request, and I’d like to schedule a meeting for the first week in January.”
Ken’s heart leapt. “That sounds perfect.”
“Wonderful,” Thea purred. “I’ll have my assistant call yours. Now come on. I’m ravenous.”
He followed her out of the living room, feeling the best that he had since touching down in Wyoming. This was why he was jumping through all these hoops. The Christmas party, the fake relationship, coming to Jackson Hole. He needed that medical supply donation.
And it looked like the goods were within reach. He’d sufficiently impressed Thea. From here on out, it would be smooth sailing.
Chapter 18
Adison
Adison opened the sliding glass door and peeked out at the woods surrounding the house. Snowflakes swirled to the ground. She reached a hand out and caught one in the palm of her hand.
Clasping the towel around herself, she darted onto the deck. She’d already uncovered the hot tub before going inside and changing into a pair of spandex shorts and a sports bra, and steam curled off its surface.
Holding onto the edges of the tub, she slowly slid in first one foot then the other. The delicious heat welcomed her, and she sank into the comforting water.
It was Sunday, their last day in Jackson Hole, and Adison had spent the afternoon skiing with Trish and Arlene. While on the last run,