Tanner didn’t respond, he just smiled. “Great meeting you too.”
We headed down the long pier. “So you enjoyed yourself?”
“Absolutely. You were right. That was life altering.” His cheek curved in a smile but his voice sounded strained. We walked in silence for a bit, and then he said softly, “So are you keeping our engagement a secret?”
I winced, not sure how to answer. “Not really. Not on purpose.”
“Have you told anybody other than your friend Gordon?”
I hesitated. “I’m a private guy.”
“So that’s a no?” He chuffed.
I sighed as we neared the parking lot. “It’s a weird situation. But I’ll make a point of telling two people this week. Will that make you happy?”
He pulled his dark brows together. “You don’t have to do that if you don’t want to. But it might be a little hard to hide the fact you’re married, eventually. Our marriage will be public record and because of who I am, it will get out.”
“I’m not trying to hide it.”
He didn’t respond.
I sighed. “If I tell people I’m getting married they’ll start asking questions. I guess I’m not sure how to respond. They have no idea we’re doing this for monetary reasons. I feel bad lying to them and pretending we’re in a real relationship.”
“I have a little confession.”
I frowned. “Yeah?”
“I really like you.” He gave a jagged laugh. “I’m not just hanging around you so much because I’m trying to convince other people we’re a couple. I look forward to seeing you. Why do you think I’m in town so much?”
My pulse skipped with excitement. “I figured you had business.”
“Pfft. No. I’m here for you.” His gave me a warm glance. “I can’t stay away.” He reached out and grabbed my hand.
The feel of his hand around mine made my pulse speed up even more. “I’m certainly not complaining that you’ve been around a lot. I… uh… like hanging out with you too.”
He smiled, his eyes heated. “So then when you talk about me to your friends, they’ll be able to see that attraction. They won’t question you if you seem into me. My friends haven’t.”
“You’ve told your friends about me?”
“Of course.” He laughed. “I can’t just show up to a board meeting married one day. I prefer to let people know gradually, then there will be less frantic interest. If we act like this is real, people will just go with it, Seth.”
His tone was calming and it helped me relax. “Okay. I guess you’re right. I’m probably overthinking it.”
“Hey, I thought that was my job.”
I smiled. “I’ve slipped back into bad habits lately. You’re right. What’s the big deal, right? I’ll just let people know if it comes up naturally and stop worrying so much.”
“I’m glad.” He squeezed my fingers.
I wasn’t exactly sure what was going on between us, but if he was so willing to admit he had feelings for me, I probably didn’t need to freak out so much because I did too.
He stopped in front of a cherry-red Mercedes, and I let out a low whistle.
“New car?” I asked, running my fingers over the slick paint approvingly. I’d never been someone who cared too much about having flashy cars and things like that, but I had to admit, this car was sexy as fuck.
He shook his head. “Nah. It’s my dad’s car. He was admiring the job my detail guy did on my car the other day, so I said I’d get his done too.” He grinned. “The perk is I get to drive his car for the day. It’s a beauty, but very pricey.”
“I’m surprised he’d let you drive it.” I laughed.
