Unaware of her annoyance, he smiles and nods toward my best friend.
With my heart pitter-pattering its way into my throat, I ask, “Everything okay? Why are you here on a Saturday?”
“Rose told me th-that Ivy gave you a lift t-to work, so I thought I’d t-take you home.”
“I still need to get my car from the apartment.” I circle the counter and walk close to him. “I asked Ivy to come pick me up. That’s okay, right?” I run my tongue over my dry lips, and Zane’s eyes stay on me for a beat longer.
Clearing his throat, he says, “Th-that’s your home too. You can invite wh-whoever you like.”
My insides curl as he continues to gaze into my eyes. Every time I’ve thought of Zane today, the image of him in nothing but sweats has filled my brain, and suddenly everything feels hot. And then the next instant, I’m reminded of how sweet he is with his sisters and nephews, and I swoon.
“Are you r-ready to leave?” he asks, breaking my mental chatter.
I glance back at the clock next to the chalkboard menu on the wall. “I have another hour for work.” Nervously, I bite my lip, not liking that I’ve to keep him waiting.
But Zane’s smile doesn’t waver. “I’ve got s-some work at the office. I can wait th-there.” He motions toward the buildings. “I’ll be back in an hour t-to pick you up.”
He’s already walking toward the door when I call after him, “I can meet you there.” I shrug, not liking that he has to come and get me, but also not sure if he wants me in his office.
Zane smiles as always and nods. “Th-that’ll be good. I can also sh-show you where the sh-sharks work.”
When he smiles, I realize this might be the first time he’s joked with me, and I can’t hold back my laughter. “I can’t wait. Though, I never thought I’d marry one.”
For the first time today I feel like my true self, and by the way Zane’s lips curl, it seems that was his plan.
I did get insanely lucky with my fake husband.
* * *
I follow Zane’s instructions and take another right until I’m standing in front of a building with a huge sign illuminating with LED lights on top of a building.
ELIXIR INC.
I’m about to walk up to a gate when it slides open itself. I take a hesitant step inside, and a security guard greets me. “Welcome, ma’am. Mr. Teager informed me about your arrival. Please go in through the door and take the elevator to the fourth floor.”
I enter the sleek lobby and find another young security guy sitting at the receptionist desk. He gets up upon seeing me and gives me a professional smile.
My insides shake, and I take a deep breath as the elevator doors open.
When I finally step out, my heart squeezes at the sight of Zane standing there, waiting for me with a grin on his face.
“Let’s see the fish tank,” I blurt, because what else can you do when you feel completely out of place before a gorgeous businessman?
But my simple joke, which was more meant to calm my anxious nerves, somehow delights him. He leads me into a corridor with offices fanning on either side until stopping in front of a wooden door with a golden nameplate.
Zane Teager
CTO Elixir Inc.
“You did come as an elixir in my life.”
As soon as the words are out of my mouth, Zane goes rock solid beside me. His wide eyes move between me and the nameplate. My simple statement has disturbed the calm that usually surrounds him, and with heavy steps, he walks inside. He grabs a water bottle from his desk and takes a sip. “I don’t th-think I can be anyone’s-s elixir, Vienna.”
I’m about to correct him when he shakes his head before smiling. “I w-wanted you to see wh-where you have to sh-show up to stake your claim.”
It takes me a second to realize that he remembered my stupid list from so many days back. “Zane Teager, you’re like a dream husband.”
He chuckles. “I’m happy t-to hear th-that.”