Hayden Owens is just a typical graduate student working his way through school as a barista for the Owens Coffee Company -- no relation. But he keeps the "no relation" part to himself when he meets dashing, older Neal Kirchner, a successful architect from an old-money family. Hayden doesn't exactly lie, but he figures it can't hurt for Neal to believe he's a rich kid. After all, Hayden doesn't want Neal thinking he's a gold digger.<br><br>Neal Kirchner is Asian Indian and British decent. His parents became Christians, shoving their heritage to the side. Neal has returned to the customs and religion his grandmother cherished. On top of being a very successful architect he's heir to the Indian Rose Tea Company, a business that's been in his family for generations.<br><br>Neal's passion is high performance cars and he meets Hayden at a fundraiser for the automotive engineering department of Clemson University. They are immediately smitten with each other. The closer they become, the harder it gets for Hayden to come clean. Something always seems to get in the way. When a company bankruptcy and a jilted, vindictive woman threaten to expose his charade, Hayden thinks it's all gone down the drain. Luckily Neal is ready with some innocent trickery of his own, but will their relationship survive?

High Test

Hayden turned and retreated behind the counter, having to make a conscious effort not to sprint.


Neal’s suit, Hayden noticed, was perfectly cut and showed off his build nicely. He still remembered how the material of Neal’s clothes felt against his fingertips. The color of his suit and shirt accentuated his hair and eyes in a way that Hayden thought was nothing short of stunning. Neal looked just as good in his business attire as he had the night before. He was a man with style and taste and had the body to show it off.


Hayden looked away quickly, hoping he wasn’t caught staring. Then again, maybe being caught wouldn’t be the worst thing ever. Two other customers came into the store and bee-lined straight for the counter, forcing Hayden to shift his attention away from Neal.


Neal took his place in line with a few selected items in one hand. He winked when Hayden smiled and asked, “May I take your order, sir?”


Chapter 6