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Chapter One

Tanisha

I should change my name to Cliché Tanisha Cliché Chahal

I won’t say it has a flattering ring to it, but at the moment it feels all too accurate Don’t believe me?

Not only did I run away froe, but I’m technically an heiress Of course, I took the so and cofounded a company noorthof shoes, I also wear long, flowing, ro, which would have eable to anyone but a scoundrel in need of funds if this were a Gothic romance

Mymy prospects, but she comes from a very traditional Indian family, so that shouldn’t be a surprise to anyone

If I hite, British and fictional, I’d be the perfect romance heroine

Oh, and we can’t forget the whole virgin-at-twenty-eight thing Or the fact that uys—not seven dwarfs, but ten attractive foster brothers—ere always around toapple

But let’s not talk about that right now

I have an appointment meant to end this trope once and for all and take control of my destiny

A glance at my computer tells me he’s due to arrive at my new office in less than three minutes, so I pull a compact mirror out of my desk drawer and check toin my teeth

I peruse the neatly organized rows of lip bal strawberries and cream for the occasion, and apply it methodically to my lips The action helps to relax me

My collection is a bit on the unusual side, I know I’raved label maker and I watch too much reality television

My habits are arguably eccentric, but I’ve never done anything really crazy before Not until anized, shiny-lipped world and sentacross the country to join Joey’s new life with a fresh start of my own

I haven’t told hi about this Joey Redmond isn’t just my ride or die and best friend since middle school, he’s my roommate and business partner We’ve always told each other everything But not this Initially, it was because I orried about his health and stress levels and didn’t want to add anything ether—nahbor

Liar That’s not why you didn’t tell him