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

“No. We talked about it, but there never seemed to be the time.” Neal paused for a minute, then sighed deeply. “Marty and Royce are afraid of fireworks, so I forego that part. There is a temple not too far from here. If you’d like we can go there for some of their events.”


“We can do as little or as much as you’re comfortable with. In many ways Hindu is much less rigid than other religions. At least I think so.” Neal yawned and shifted. “I think I’d better get going. Tomorrow will be a very long day.”


Hayden sat up and turned to face him. “What time is your flight?”


Hayden pulled a face. “Ouch. Do you want me to drive you?”


“Nah, you have class in the morning, and the boys will be fine until you get here.” He leaned forward and kissed Hayden gently. “I’ll call you when I get back to the house.”


Hayden walked with Neal to the door. “Drive safe.”


Chapter 48