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

“I’ll be here at eight.” Neal reached over the counter and squeezed Hayden’s hand. “I did the inviting so it’s my treat.” He winked, then turned to leave, nodding politely to the woman behind him who was huffing impatiently. When he was on the sidewalk, he stopped, looked through the large front window, and waved discreetly. Hayden brushed back his bangs and fiddled with his glasses, and Neal nodded once, obviously convinced his message had been received.


For the rest of the day Hayden’s emotions alternated between excitement and verging on a panic attack. The only thing he could think about was Neal and his smooth smile, sexy eyes, and quiet voice. Sex on legs didn’t begin to describe what Hayden thought of Neal.


Chapter 10