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

By the time they arrived at the university, the overcast sky was even grayer, and lightning lit up the clouds every few minutes.


“You’re not permitted in the lab where the current projects are going on,” Hayden explained. He pointed to a group of buildings. “There are common areas with a food court, huge magazine-lending kiosk, and a lounge. Free Wi-Fi too if you want to get online. I can meet you over there in an hour?”


“I’ll be anxiously awaiting your return,” Neal said. He smiled and waved when Hayden got out of the car. Hayden turned and jogged backward for a few paces so he could wave back.


Hayden sprinted to the automotive engineering building and to the project lab. He focused on his task, whistling as he got everything in order and completed. Before his hour was up, he was on his way to meet Neal.


Chapter 17