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

“Thanks.” Hayden accepted the wine, folded one leg under himself, and leaned back on the pillow. “This is nice. Very relaxing.”


“I can throw some chicken breasts on the grill in a bit.”


Lightning lit up the sky, followed by a crack of thunder so loud Hayden could feel the vibrations. He started and looked up when rain pelted the roof with even more force and the wind howled.


Hayden sipped his wine. “This is the same wine we had the other night.” He hoped Neal hadn’t noticed him jump at the sound of the thunder, but of course he had.


Neal rearranged the pillows so they could lean back against them before he put one arm around Hayden, drawing him in closer. Hayden wasn’t in the least afraid of thunder or storms, but what was the harm in letting Neal offer comfort if he thought Hayden needed it? He was two thousand miles from home, and a comforting shoulder to nestle against was more than welcome.


Chapter 21