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 took a few deep breaths and sighed. “Wow, that felt good.”


Hayden eased free of Neal’s body and shifted so he could turn his head and look at Neal. “Yeah. We’ve got to make a point of doing this more than every few months.” Neal curled his fingers around Hayden’s arm and tugged lightly. He shimmied farther up Neal’s body until he was tucked under his shoulder with his head beneath Neal’s chin. “From now on I’ll stay away from the back end of tow trucks.”


“Once you’re finished with exams, come to Dubai with me. The city is amazing, and you’ll love it. There won’t be much time for traveling the first few years after you sign on with whatever company you decide upon. It’ll be my graduation gift to you.”


Hayden smiled and nodded. He wound one arm around Neal’s chest and hugged him. “I’d love that.”


They were silent for a few more minutes before Neal murmured, “Shower before we get to sleep?”


Chapter 58