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’ve read some reviews online that said the food is very good, even if they use pretentious words to describe a cheeseburger. I have to confess to an ulterior motive for suggesting this restaurant. I’m always on the lookout for places that have a diverse menu to take clients. Being Hindu I don’t eat beef or pork, but I can’t exactly ask clients their dietary needs in regards to religion. So, I suggest meeting places with online menus and plenty of protein choices.” Neal smiled when the waitress arrived and inquired if they were ready to order. “I don’t know about you, but I love a good chicken burger. I’ll have the blackened Boursin burger with chicken instead of beef please, roasted apples, and baked potato with creamed spinach. Oh, and could we get an order of spinach fondue as an appetizer?”


The waitress nodded. “Absolutely.” She turned to Hayden, pen poised over her order pad.


“Um…” Hayden’s panic came charging back stronger than ever.


Chapter 14