Elizabeth Noble

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

Neal held Hayden closer and whispered in his ear, “Still worried about our age difference?”


“Not as much. I guess being able to meet and talk to your friends helps.” He sighed contentedly and rested his cheek on Neal’s shoulder. “Thank you for making me such an important part of this party.”


Neal spun them around. “I hope it’s the first of many. Still want to take the boys up to our suite?”


“Well,” Hayden said softly and snuggled closer to Neal, “they did seem very happy in the pet center.”


“We’ll get them tomorrow. That way I can have you all to myself tonight.” Neal took Hayden’s hand, and they returned to their table as people began coming up and saying their goodbyes.


Chapter 41