The Billionaire's Christmas Date: A Clean and Wholesome Fake Date Romance (Christmas Billionaires) Read online

  “It’s okay if I bring a date, isn’t it?” Alia spoke calmly.

  “You’re seeing someone?” Lucy said, after a moment of silence.

  “Didn’t I tell you?” Alia’s chest tightened at this bald-faced lie.

  “No, you never said a word, and you haven’t posted any pictures of him on your social media,” Lucy said. Tapping sounded through the phone as if she were typing on a keyboard.

  “It’s been so busy here, I must’ve forgotten.” Alia inhaled deeply. She should’ve known Lucy would research the guy—the guy who didn’t exist. She had to think fast. “It’s okay if I bring him, isn’t it?”

  “What’s his name?” Lucy spoke slowly.

  Name? Why would Lucy care what his name was?

  Her gaze landed on the wrapper of the Chuck-Full-of-Nuts energy bar she’d declared as her dinner the night before. “Chuck.”

  “Chuck? What’s his last name?”

  “Why do you want to know that?” Alia choked a laugh. “Are you going to run a background check on him?”

  “No, silly, I just want to know a little bit about him.” Lucy laughed. “After all, he is coming to my engagement party. He must be pretty special if you’d invite him.” She hesitated. “You do know his last name.”

  “Of course, I know his last name.” Alia swiveled in her chair and stared out the window at a trash truck slipping its fork into a dumpster. “It’s Dumpster.”

  “Dumpster?” Lucy sounded faint.

  “His family’s in the disposal industry.” Oh, Lord, help! How was she going to dig her way out of this? “But he’s trying to make a name for himself, so he doesn’t like talking about what his family does.”

  “But what happens if you marry him?” Lucy’s tone turned worried. “That will be a hard life for your children with Dumpster as a last name.”

  “We’ll hyphenate their names.” What difference did it make? There was no Chuck Dumpster! And if there were, he’d be gone after the engagement party.

  Alia felt Lucy’s confusion through the phone.

  “There’s no one on social media named Chuck Dumpster.”

  “Maybe he’s too busy to be on those sites, too. Don’t worry, Luce. Everything will be fine.” Maybe by tonight, she’d catch some rare illness and wind up in the hospital so she wouldn’t have to go. “I have another call, but I’ll call you after I talk to Ted.”

  “You said his name was Chuck.”

  “You’re right.” Alia rubbed her forehead. “I have an appointment with Ted. My boyfriend’s name is Chuck.”

  “I’ll tell Mom you’re bringing him to the house tonight.”

  “You don’t have to do that.” Alia went rigid. How was she going to find a date for tonight?

  “Of course, I do. You know everyone’s worried about you because you never date.” There was an edge of overbrightness in Lucy’s tone.

  “I date.” Alia tried not to sound defensive.

  “Not that I’ve heard.” Lucy laughed. “I’m five years younger than you, and I’ll be married and probably pregnant before you.”

  “It’s not like there’s a timetable on marriage and starting a family,” Alia said.

  Lucy had always been competitive. Did that include who got married first?

  “Trust me, I’m not going put it off as long as you are,” Lucy said firmly.

  Alia didn’t realize she’d put off marriage. She was only twenty-seven.

  “Lucy, I’m checking my calendar now,” Alia said. She had to get out of going to this party. “I have a lot going on. I’m not sure I can make it tonight.”

  “You always say that, but you always figure out a way to make it. Now I have to go tell Mom and Dad they’re throwing my engagement party tonight. Love you, sis. ’Bye.”

  CHAPTER 2

  Alia dropped her head back. How was she going to get out of this? When would she learn telling the truth solved everything? Now she was digging herself so deep, she’d never see the sky again.

  “Oh, Lord, please help.” She lifted her gaze to the heavens.

  She knew better than to take things into her own hands. She knew she should trust God―for work, for her personal life―

  Her phone rang, and her mother’s name appeared on the screen. Alia rejected the call. A moment later, her mother’s all-caps text appeared. YOU CANNOT MARRY A MAN NAMED CHUCK DUMPSTER!

  “Don’t worry, Mom,” Alia muttered and deleted the text. “I can’t marry someone who doesn’t exist.”

  “Bad news?” Brenda set a portfolio of photos an agency had sent over on Alia’s desk.

  “You could say that.” Alia looked at her assistant. “It appears I’m bringing a date to my sister’s engagement party.”

  “Who’s your date? I didn’t know you were seeing anyone.” Brenda looked mystified. When Alia narrowed her eyes at her, her eyes widened. “Because you’re not seeing anyone. What are you going to do?”

  “Don’t you have a cousin or something who was looking for a girlfriend?” Alia arched a hopeful brow.

  “He found someone. He got married last summer. Remember? I took that week off to bake pastry puffs in my uncle’s bakery for the wedding reception.”

  “That’s right.” Alia waved dismissively. “Never mind. I’ll think of someone. I think my neighbor has a brother who just broke up with his girlfriend, but I can’t remember if that’s the brother who was thrown in jail.”

  “You’re kidding, right?” Brenda’s mouth fell open.

  “Kind of, but not really. Don’t worry about it. I’ll figure this out.” Or hang out at a virology testing lab until she got sick. She dropped her gaze to the portfolio. “Are these the candidates for the dog food commercial?”

  “Yes, I sorted through them. These are the ones I thought would best represent the product.” Brenda seemed relieved to change the subject. “Let me know what you think, and I’ll call the agency and schedule the preliminaries.”

  “Sure, just give me a few minutes.” Alia flipped through the headshots of men smiling into the camera.

  “You got it.” Brenda’s headset rang, and she stepped out of Alia’s office.

  Alia selected ten photos that looked like men who could sell dog food and spread them across her desk. She flipped over five and read their bios. Most had extensive acting resumes that included Broadway, soap operas and commercials. She knew her client would like the candidates she selected.

  If only it were this easy to audition a boyfriend for her sister’s engagement party.

  Her breath caught, and she stared across her office at the awards hanging on the opposite wall. As a rising star in the industry, she knew exactly the candidate she should audition to take to the party.

  Turning to her computer, she opened up her email and typed a few notes.

  Someone nice looking but not too handsome. That would arouse suspicion.

  Someone who looked affluent but wasn’t above playing a game of touch football—which was always a favorite game when her family got together.

  Someone who could tell a joke, make others laugh, but didn’t steal the spotlight.

  Someone who liked kids. Now that her older brothers were married and had started their families, there were always a lot of kids at her parents’ house.

  She leaned back in her chair. This was perfect. Did she know how to pick a date or what?

  She pressed the speed dial on her phone and called the casting agency where she asked to be connected to her representative, Eileen.

  “Alia, darling, Merry Christmas and all that,” Eileen said with her characteristic drawl. “How are you doing? I suppose you’ve had a chance to review the portfolio I rushed over to you.”

  “Merry Christmas, Eileen. I’m well. I hope you are.”

  “Naturally. How could I be anything else? What did you think of the candidates?”

  “They’re great.” Alia shifted in her chair. “But I have a rush job and will need a different set of candidates. I’m sending you the requiremen
ts now.” She pressed the send button on her monitor.

  “I have it here. Let’s see what you need,” Eileen said. There was a moment of silence.

  “I’ll need to start interviewing candidates this afternoon,” Alia said.

  “What is this? A husband search?” Eileen sounded vaguely amused.

  “Why would you say that?” Alia frowned.

  “Only because these are the qualifications my friends are always asking me to include in case I run across anyone who’s of marriageable material.” Eileen laughed, then grew serious. “Which I know you’d never do because if you had to choose between a man and your career, you’d choose your career.”

  An uneasy feeling rose inside Alia. When she thought Mike liked her, she would’ve given up her career for him. After she made a name for herself in production, she shoved marriage and family aside. Was her company more important to her than marrying and raising a family? The thought of having a career and not a family felt lonely.

  “I like what I do, but I’m open to change, should the right guy come along,” Alia said, but hoped he didn’t come now. She was having too much fun running the production company. Of course, if her company were making a profit, she’d have more fun.

  “I remember thinking that once.” Eileen’s tone turned serious. “Just make sure he’s the right one.”

  “Don’t worry. I’ll know,” Alia said, though she understood Eileen’s warning. The poor woman had been married and divorced four times, and now supported two of her ex-husbands. “I’m kind of in a hurry to select the final candidates for this project. How soon can you send over the portfolio?”

  “You’ll have it this afternoon. As a matter of fact, a couple of the applicants have openings today. I can send them to your office within the hour. I’ll email you their names now.”

  “That’s perfect, and make sure he’s free tonight,” Alia said.

  “That might be tough,” Eileen said thoughtfully. “And will cost more. What’s going on tonight?”

  “My sister’s engagement party, but the cost doesn’t matter.” What was she saying? Of course, the cost mattered, but with business picking up, she might be able to cover the expense.

  “All right then, I’ll have my assistant arrange the portfolio and have it couriered to you now. Let me know how it works out.”

  “Don’t worry, Eileen. You’ll be the first to know.”

  Alia disconnected the call and dropped back into her chair. The more she thought about this charade the more discomfort she felt, but what choice did she have? She would not attend her sister’s and her ex-kind-of-boyfriend’s engagement party without a date. Even she had some standards.

  Dru Kassandros’ phone rang when he picked up his coffee order. He tipped the barista, then turned away and checked his phone screen. George King. He hoped his broker had some good news on the production agency that needed a silent partner. It was one he’d had his eye on for a while. He’d reviewed the financials, which had been strong until recently, but in the middle of this weak economy, a lot of startups needed a financial shot in the arm. Lucky for him, he had the funds to do it, which always paid off for him.

  “Hey, George.” Dru moved to a corner table away from the conversations that hummed inside the coffee shop. “Did you talk to the owner of that production company?”

  “Yeah, but she’s putting me off, and she’s doubling her price. It sounds like she might have found the funds she needs to pull her through this economic downturn, but I have another company—”

  “I don’t want another company. Who’s funding her?” Dru sipped his coffee. He wanted her company because she’d developed a technique for making commercials virtual. He wanted to own that technique. He’d pay any price for the imaging.

  “She didn’t say, but someone has to know,” George said. “I’ll ask around.”

  “Don’t worry about it. I’ll find out who it is,” Dru said. “See if you can set up a meeting this afternoon. I have an offer I’m sure she can’t refuse.”

  “I don’t know, Dru,” George said slowly. “I’ve tried several tactics already. I think she has something else going on.”

  “Then I think it’s time I paid her a little visit myself.” Dru drained his coffee cup and tossed it into the trash.

  “What will you do?” George sounded concerned.

  “Don’t worry, George. You’ll still get your fee, but Nash Conceptions will be the perfect asset to my portfolio. I’m not going to let this one get away,” Dru said. “I’ll talk to … what’s her name?”

  “Alia.”

  “Right. Alia. I’ll talk to her and let you know how it goes.” He glanced at his phone and pulled up the address for Nash Conceptions. It was nearby.

  Stepping into the brisk air, he passed a man ringing a bell and wishing everyone Merry Christmas. Dru dug through his pocket, pulled out a few bills and shoved them into the man’s red kettle. Looking down the street, he took a deep breath. He was in the mood for a walk.

  Alia spent the morning interviewing the candidates for the dog food commercial when Brenda poked her head into her office.

  “I have a guy who’s auditioning for that other … thing.” Brenda’s gaze shifted as if she thought Alia was insane to interview guys for her sister’s engagement party.

  “That was quick,” Alia said in surprise. “I haven’t even reviewed Eileen’s portfolio yet. I’m almost finished here. I’ll let you know when I’m ready.”

  She ran through a few more lines with the actor for the dog food commercial, then walked him to the door with a promise to call him when the client had narrowed down the choices. Rushing to her private bathroom, she ran a brush through her hair and reapplied her lipstick. Confirming she looked presentable, she took a calming breath, then returned to her desk, composed herself and pressed the intercom to notify Brenda she was ready to interview the engagement party date. Turning to her computer, she checked her emails.

  Her office door opened. A smile on her face, she turned to the powerfully built man who stepped into her office. He turned to Brenda and thanked her for her help. Brenda’s expression was dazed when she floated down the hall.

  At least this guy seemed compassionate. That would make him a good candidate for this fake-out-her-family venture.

  He turned to her. Her breath caught. Had she interviewed him before? A face that handsome would be hard to forget. If she had interviewed him, her family might recognize him, which wouldn’t be a good thing.

  “Alia Nash. It’s nice to meet you.” His hand extended, he strode to her. Something flickered in his eyes.

  His slight accent scooped air from Alia’s lungs. It wasn’t the right one. Her heart beat faster, but it was definitely an impressive one. Mike was handsome, but this guy could model for a Michelangelo statue. His smile pressed thumbprint dimples into his cheeks.

  “I’m—” he began.

  “Yes, I know you are.” Alia took his hand, surprised by the firm but gentle touch, and tried to stifle her disappointment. He was all wrong for the part. What was Eileen thinking? She usually knew exactly what Alia needed. “You look familiar. Have I interviewed you before?”

  “No,” he said the word slowly. “Though, I’ve been trying to schedule an appointment with you for a few weeks now.”

  “Sorry about that. I’ve been busy. I’ve got some honcho who thinks he can do a hostile takeover, but I took the wind out of his sails.” She ignored the lift of his eyebrows. Not everyone understood the behind-the-scenes shenanigans that consumed the corporate world. This guy had a pretty face, which could mean he wouldn’t comprehend what it was like fighting off a raider that specialized in acquisitions. “Let me explain what we do.” She gestured he should sit down, then dropped into her chair. She folded her hands on top of her desk. “I work with clients who need a certain look to sell a particular product.”

  “Yes, I’m familiar with Nash Conceptions, which is why I—”

  “I don’t have a lot of time.” She nee
ded a date for the family get-together. For now, she’d overlook his pushiness, but she’d discuss that with him later. He could be hard up for cash, though his clothes looked designer. Probably knock-offs, which he wore to make a good first impression. “I appreciate that you’ve done your research on my company. That’s impressive.” She turned to her computer. Through the network, she found the contract Brenda had finalized and printed it. Picking up a pen, she set it on her desk so he could read it.

  “What’s this for?” He glanced at the dollar amount on the contract, then frowned at her. “I’m here to pay you.”

  “No, you’ll pay Eileen.” She curved the corner of her mouth. She felt sorry for the guy who didn’t understand how the contract worked. “This is the contract I’m presenting to you for the parties. First of all, you need to lose the Greek accent. It sounds fake.”

  “This is the way I talk.” His eyes widened though he spoke quietly.

  “How about an Australian accent?” Alia inhaled slowly. This guy may take more coaching than she had time to contribute. “Most of you guys can do that.”

  “The accent is what you get.”

  “Fine. We’ll work with that.” Alia waved dismissively. “Now about the parties we’ll attend―”

  “Parties?” He gave a slight shake of his head. “You don’t understand. I’m not here for any parties. I’m here because I’m interested in your company.”

  “Yes, most people are,” she said with a sigh. “And when the right position opens for you, you’ll be first on my list, but this particular opening is a little different. So let me start from the beginning.” She cleared her throat. “The first meeting is tonight. You don’t have plans, do you?”

  “I do.” He lifted his chin, and her heart plummeted. His eyes softened. “But maybe I can make some other arrangements. What did you have in mind?”

  “My sister’s engaged.” When he frowned, she knew she’d have to talk fast. “To this guy I’ve crushed on since middle school. I thought he was going to propose to me, but now he’s going to marry my sister.”