Italian Escape with the CEO

He started to pace. ‘Because this is how we’d conduct a work meeting. And whilst this is a business arrangement, the fake relationship isn’t a business one. If we spend hours in a boardroom we may come up with a good theoretical plan and a list of facts a

bout each other but that won’t help us be authentic. Because there’s lots of information that we won’t have included. For example, you didn’t mention how much effort you put into your appearance. It must take time to change the colour of your nails on such a regular basis.’

Ava frowned. ‘It didn’t even occur to me to mention my nails.’

‘Exactly. That’s the sort of thing that takes time and being together for real.’

‘But are my nails really that important?’

‘I don’t know. But I do know if you send an undercover agent in somewhere you send someone who knows the territory, understands the language and the community. I don’t know about you but I haven’t been in a relationship for a long time. It’s unfamiliar terrain.’ And one he’d completely destroyed in his marriage.

‘So you think we need some hands-on practice rather than studying the theory.’ Her eyes widened and heat crept up her cheekbones. ‘That came out all wrong. I didn’t mean literal hands-on practice...’ She raised her hands to touch her cheeks. ‘Now I am making this worse.’

He couldn’t help the smile that tugged his lips, even as desire sparked in his gut. ‘I know what you meant. We can come up with the best story in the world, learn all these facts, but a play is only as good as the actors.’

‘And we aren’t actors.’

‘Exactly, so we have to maximise our chances of managing to fake this. I think we need to get more...comfortable round each other, and that means spending time together outside a boardroom.’

‘So what do you suggest?’

‘Let’s go on a date. Right now. A trip on the London Eye. We provided security at an event there recently and we were given a season pass for Rourke Securities employees. I’m pretty sure I can get us an upgrade. We can discuss a timeline, whilst looking out over London in a private pod.’

‘Isn’t it a bit risky? I don’t think we are exactly ready to launch.’

‘I get that.’ Liam shrugged. ‘But it’s not as though we need to speak to anyone or give an interview. It will give us “relationship experience” and add evidence to our dating history.’

‘Agreed.’

‘Give me five minutes to make a couple of calls.’

Fifteen minutes later they were on their way, in the back of a chauffeur-driven car. Ava glanced sideways at him, ridiculously aware of his proximity. She’d watched him as he’d made this happen, the mix of crisp efficiency and charm that had secured them the private pod, and his sheer dynamism had sparked a frisson. Now her hormones were having difficulties mastering the concept of a fake date. But she had them on a tight leash, was sat squashed against the window, as far from him as it was possible to be. Hell, if anyone opened the door she’d tumble out. And Liam was no better. Yet the idea of moving across seemed way too fraught and relief swathed through her as the car glided to a stop.

They climbed out to walk the remainder of the way, the cool London evening breeze a welcome hit as they made their way towards the huge lit-up wheel. She tried to walk a little closer to him to get in character as their breath wisped white on the brisk February air.

Once there, a friendly member of staff approached and conferred with Liam, who then turned to Ava. ‘Usually the pod comes with a host. Are you happy to sign a waiver to say you’re OK without one?’

‘Of course.’ Minutes later they were standing in the pod, glass of champagne in hand.

‘Are they really OK letting us on without a host?’

‘Sure. I’ve said that we’ll treat it as a test of their security and health and safety measures. Lots of people would rather not have a host so we’re testing it for them. Last thing we need is to be observed close up.’

‘Definitely not.’ Ava looked out over the London night sky as the wheel began to move, so slowly it felt almost like magic, as if they were lifted by gossamer threads. ‘It’s beautiful by night. I came here in the day with a couple of colleagues once but this is completely different. All the landmarks look like a fairy tale.’ Come to that, this all felt like a fairy tale. And it had nothing to do with the lights or the champagne and everything to do with Liam’s presence. He was right. This was completely different from the boardroom, but she still wasn’t at all sure it was in a good way. Or perhaps it was too good. Because here if she moved ever so slightly she’d be right next to him, would be able to feel the solid press of his muscular thigh against her leg, would be able to inhale the tang of expensive soap, study the way his hair curled over his ear and...

Time to talk, time to find poised, aristocratic, socially adept Ava, and she wrenched her gaze to the London landscape. ‘It’s amazing, really—I mean, who designed it? A glorified Ferris wheel that has become one of the main tourist attractions in London.’

‘It was built by a husband and wife team. And it’s about one hundred and thirty-five metres tall with a diameter of one hundred and twenty metres. The pods weigh ten tonnes and—’ Five minutes later he broke off and ran a hand over the back of his neck. ‘Jeez. Sorry. I didn’t even know I knew all of that.’

‘That’s OK.’ She was pretty sure Liam was as on edge as she was. ‘You made all those facts interesting.’ Seeing his eyebrows rise in clear disbelief, she smiled. ‘Honestly. You did. You’d make a great tour guide.’

He gave a mock groan. ‘And a terrible date.’

‘Nope.’ She shook her head. ‘Actually...it’s kind of sweet.’

‘Sweet?’ His tone mixed incredulity and distaste and she laughed.

‘Yup. And it proves your point. Being here made those facts personal...and that is the best way to get to know each other. But it’s also a bit...strange. Because it’s a date that’s not a date.’