Owen’s fiancée, Bria, leant forward and said something, a mischievous grin on her lips, and Elisa turned in her chair, her gaze finding his over her shoulder. She smiled. Raised her hand in the same tiny, almost shy wave she’d first given him on arriving at the restaurant. He smiled back. Time to be seen being in love. For some reason, he didn’t think it was going to be hard.
* * *
He’s coming over.He’s coming over. What do I do? What do I do? Do I stand up? Do I kiss him? Oh God, I thought pretending to be his fiancée would be easier. Dio, what do I do? What do I—
Elisa tipped back her head, smiling up at Angus, as he stopped at the side of her seat.
“Hi,” he said, his gaze holding hers.
“Hi,” she croaked back. He’d removed his suit jacket, but it had not lessened the way he looked. Goddammit, he was gorgeous.
Sexy man. That’s it, yes?
Yep, that was it.
Owen grunted out a laugh. “I can’t help but notice a distinct lack of meals in your hands, Daniels.”
Angus didn’t stop looking at her. “I decided I wanted to be with my fiancée more than I wanted to be in the kitchen.”
Elisa’s heart thumped a little faster. A little harder. She had to remember this was all an act. A show for the TV producer watching them like a hawk.
“Awww,” Zeta cooed. “That’s adorable.”
“I still don’t understand what’s going—oww, Zet?” Bria glared at Zeta across the table. “Why did you kick me?”
Angus chuckled.
“FYI,” Zeta said, ignoring Bria, “we’re being watched.” Smile wide and cheesy, she flicked a glance toward the east.
Elisa’s chest tightened. Nora. Of course.
“I was wondering,” Angus murmured, holding out his hand as his eyes searched hers, “if you’d like to take a look at the private outside dining area?”
She jolted to her feet. “Yes, please.”
He laughed. So did Owen. Heat filled her cheeks, and she ducked her head. Gentle fingers brushed hers and she looked up, straight into Angus’s eyes. Without thought or hesitation, she threaded her fingers through his and stepped away from the table.
“We’ll be back,” she said loudly.
For Nora? For everyone at the table? She didn’t know or care. She was holding Angus’s hand. It felt…right.
Like an anchor.
A good one.
Ah Dio, she was never going to recover from this.
5
“Wow.” Elisa leant on the polished steel deck railing, gazing at the sweeping views before her. The water sparkled and glistened like a carpet of blue jewels, and the arcs of the Opera House gleamed pristine white in the morning sun. For a brief second, she couldn’t believe she was actually here, looking at the famous building. A playful harbor breeze tousled her hair, a few strands tickling her lips and she let out a soft laugh, turning to face Angus. “That’s an amazing view.”
“I’m glad you like it.” He beamed, and she couldn’t help but smile. “Only amazing things for my fiancée.”
“Is that so?” She bit her bottom lip, trying to restrain her grin. It was wrong to like hearing him say that so much.
“Absolutely.” He nodded, the edges of his eyes crinkling. “What else would you like? Name it.”
“Nameit?” She snagged a strand of her hair once again blown across her face by the breeze and twisted it around her fingers. Was she flirting? Was that what she was doing?