From Friend to Fake Fiancé (6 page)

Six

M
ac pulled out the chair for Jenna. Once she was seated, he moved her hair from her shoulder and placed a kiss on her bare, sun-kissed skin. Her familiar floral scent mocked him. He knew firsthand that she dabbed her favorite perfume beneath her ears and put a dot between her breasts. Not only had he seen her do it a time or two, but when he'd been making a path from her neck to her chest, he'd inhaled that scent and he'd wanted more.

“This is so exciting.” Amy beamed from the other side of the table. “I'm so happy for you guys and I'm really glad we could carve out this time to spend together. After all, we'll all be family soon enough.”

Family? No. His family was his brother, sister, Ryker and Jenna. That was all. Small, simple, effective in making his life complete.

“I finished one of the small bouquets today,” Jenna stated, as if she wanted this conversation to take another path, too. “It's even more beautiful than I thought it would be.”

Yeah, instead of taking hours to get ready like most women he knew, Jenna had opted to work on an arrangement, then had showered and transformed into evening-ready in minutes. She was stunning tonight with her bare shoulders exposed. Her dress hugged those curves he was dying to get back beneath his hands.

Amy reached across the table and patted Jenna's arm. “I didn't ask you to do the flowers because you're my sister. I asked because you're the best.”

Settling back in his seat, Mac could relax a bit more now that the sisters had fallen into their easy chatter. The waitress popped over to their table to take their drink orders. Mac and Nathan ordered the local beer on tap, while the ladies ordered a house wine and slid right back into all things wedding.

“Don't look so glum,” Nathan stated with a laugh. “It's not that bad. And if she's happy, then that's all that matters.”

Mac grunted. “I think eloping would be the easiest.”

Amy gasped, focusing her attention on Mac. “You don't mean that. Jenna has always dreamed of a big wedding. She even has our mother's wedding gown in storage because she wants that vintage feel.”

Apparently word traveled fast and Jenna had already discussed the “engagement” with her sister. Mac glanced at Jenna who was waving her hand in the air. “I'll be happy with any wedding, Amy. So long as it's to the man I love. I'll get my happily-ever-after,” she assured her sister.

Jenna didn't meet Mac's stare. When he reached beneath the table to slide his hand over her leg, she shifted away just enough so that no one could see, but her silent message delivered a blow.

He'd hurt her earlier. He'd hurt her with his own selfishness and lack of control. But when that bastard Martin had spouted off about Mac's family...well, he'd been looking for an excuse to punch the guy since he found out Martin had cheated on Jenna.

The waitress brought their drinks and took their orders. The open restaurant provided a view of the crystalline ocean, which glowed even more in the moonlight, palm trees swaying in the gentle breeze and couples strolling around hand in hand. The carefree lifestyle here would be so easy to get lost in; it was the perfect romantic setting, but he wasn't here for romance and his plan of seduction was backfiring in a major way.

Jenna deserved more than a fling. Mac took a hard pull from his beer and realized he was no better than Martin—as difficult as that was to admit. Martin had used her and Mac was attempting to do the same. Oh, Mac could justify his means by saying he'd always wanted her physically, which was true, but after this week he would go back to his life and Jenna would be left with...what? She didn't have feelings for him beyond friendship, but she was the type of woman who wanted that fairy-tale ending. Hadn't her sister just stated as much?

The only role Mac would ever play in a fairytale would be a villain. The villain never got the princess.

“Mac?”

Blinking, he sat his glass back down and looked to Amy. “I'm sorry, what?”

“I asked what happened.” She nodded toward his injured hand still curled around his frosted mug.

“He had a slight altercation,” Jenna chimed in. “No big deal.”

Oh, hell, no. She wasn't coming to his defense or making lame excuses for him.

“I punched Martin.”

Jenna sighed and dropped her head. Amy jerked back in her seat and Nathan narrowed his eyes.

“Why?” Amy demanded in a whispered tone.

“He cheated on Jenna and—”

“And nothing,” Jenna stated, her voice rising over his. “Let's just leave this conversation for another time.”

“He cheated on you?” Amy asked, her wide eyes turning to her sister. “I knew you guys broke up, but you never said why. Oh, honey, I'm so sorry you have to walk with him during the ceremony.”

Mac clenched his teeth. The thought of Martin getting close to Jenna only made him see red all over again.

Amy turned to Nathan. “Did you know about this?” she demanded.

Nathan held his hands up in his defense. “He's my best friend, but I had no clue. I'd say he didn't tell me for obvious reasons.”

Jenna reached for her wineglass. “Seriously, it happened a few weeks ago and I didn't want to ruin the wedding, so let's forget this conversation ever happened.”

As she sipped her wine, she turned just enough to glare at Mac. He wasn't going to apologize. Amy and Nathan needed to know what kind of asshat was in their wedding party posing as a friend and all-round good guy.

Mac couldn't help but smile at the thought of the jerk sporting a shiner for the ceremony. Probably not something Amy would find amusing, but Mac sure did. They should be thankful Mac hadn't broken the guy's jaw, or worse.

“Please, don't let this ruin anything,” Jenna begged.

Amy studied her sister and finally nodded. “So, tell me what you've decided on for your wedding. Surely you have a date in mind or some details.”

Hell. He was going to need something stronger than beer to get through this.

“Actually, this is all still so new to us.”

Yeah, like two days.

“I want to focus on your wedding before thinking about my own,” Jenna went on. “Did the resort get with you on the time I can start setting up in the dining area for the reception?”

“They told me after the rehearsal would be fine. Does that give you enough time?”

“Of course.” Jenna's tight smile implied the arrangement was anything but fine, but she'd never tell her sister anything different.

Nathan asked Mac about the auction business and Mac kept his answers vague. Though O'Shea's was thriving even more than usual, Mac's mind was on the scrolls and how Ryker was doing with his lead. Ryker wasn't one to just send random check-ins, though. He wouldn't contact anyone until he discovered something substantial.

When Mac's cell vibrated in his pocket, he slipped it out just enough to see his sister's name on the screen.

“Excuse me,” he stated as he came to his feet. “I need to take this.”

His sister wasn't one to chat on the phone for fun, so the fact that she was calling had him on alert. Shoving his chair back, he offered a smile in reply to Jenna's worried look.

“Laney.” He answered the phone as he walked from the table and out onto a fairly empty dock.

“Would you tell the family Neanderthal to stop checking on me?” his sister demanded.

Mac flinched at the anger lacing her voice. Laney wasn't an angry person, but there was one man who brought out such emotions in her and Mac didn't have to ask which Neanderthal she was referring to.

“What's going on now?” Mac asked, trying to keep his frustration from coming through.

“I started talking to Carter again—”

“Oh, Laney,” Mac groaned. “Are you kidding me?”

“Anyway,” she continued, ignoring his protest. “Suddenly Carter calls and tells me he can't see me anymore. You guys may not like him, but my personal life is not your concern. We had a rough patch and I was going to give him another chance.”

Actually, it was very much their concern, but he wasn't getting into that now. Having Laney as a baby sister was exhausting at times, but they usually handled her by going behind her back to keep her safe. Mac wouldn't let any harm come to her as long as he was alive, and he knew full well Braden felt the same way, as did Ryker, even though he was only a friend of the family.

“And how does Ryker come into play?”

Laney laughed. “Seriously? He obviously called Carter and said something to him. We were supposed to go out tonight for the first time since we broke up and Carter was adamant he couldn't see me again.”

Mac shrugged, even though she couldn't see him. If Carter was scared off that easily then he didn't deserve Laney. End of story and good riddance.

“Listen, Carter isn't a good fit for you,” Mac started as he glanced back into the restaurant and met Jenna's eyes. “You deserve someone who will put you above everything else and be completely loyal.”

“Maybe Carter was that person,” she retorted.

Something flashed in Jenna's eyes before she turned her attention back to whatever her sister was saying. A punch of reality hit him in the gut. From here on out he had to do right by Jenna. She trusted him, only him, to come to her rescue. If someone ever set out to “help” his sister by means of seduction, Mac would rip him limb from limb.

How could he seduce her when she'd placed her heart, her protection in his hands? The answer was as simple as it was complex...he couldn't.

“We went to great lengths to get Carter out of your life when you needed us to step in,” Mac went on as he took a few more steps down the dock and away from a couple who had just come outside. “Even if Ryker did call Carter to scare him off, then you need to realize he has your best interests at heart.”

“He doesn't have a heart.”

That was debatable, but still. Mac wasn't going to keep arguing. “You need to settle this with Ryker.”

“He won't take my calls.”

“He's working on a lead.” He didn't need to say what for. They'd all been diligently searching for the scrolls since their father had made them promise to uncover them. “Don't take it personally.”

“If you called him he'd answer,” she muttered. “If that jackass thinks he can avoid me...”

Mac smiled. “I'm sure he'll return your call soon enough. I need to get back to dinner.”

“Sorry. I know you're with Jenna. Tell her I said hi.”

“Will do. Love you, Laney.”

“Love you, brother.”

Mac shoved the phone back in his pocket and made a mental note to contact Ryker tomorrow. Laney was an adult, yes, but she was beautiful, and as the only female O'Shea, some men saw her as a challenge. Like hell.

“Everything okay?”

Mac jerked around. “Yeah. My sister said to tell you hi.”

Jenna's face softened. “I haven't seen her since she came down to Miami to visit you.”

Mac slipped his arm around her shoulders. “Let's get back to dinner.”

Jenna paused, her hand on his chest as she looked up at him. “If we could hurry and pretend we can't wait to get back to the room that would be great.”

Mac swallowed at the thought of her in a rush to get him alone, but he quickly reminded himself he'd vowed to cool it and respect her during their charade. But he had a feeling that keeping that vow would test every ounce of his willpower and sanity.

“Martin just came in and sat at another table, but I want out of here before you blacken his other eye.”

Mac kissed her forehead. “No more punching tonight, I promise.”

Jenna patted his chest and laughed. “You're all heart. My sister is pressing for more wedding details, so we need to keep the conversation on something else.”

“Not a problem.” He'd discuss the damn weather before he got into a conversation about his impending nuptials. That day would never come and even in theory, the idea made him cringe.

As they neared the table again, Mac slid his hand along Jenna's neck, smoothing her hair aside. “I hope you're ready to put on a show to make this believable. We've still got that bet on the line.”

Jenna froze beneath his touch, but quickly recovered enough to throw him a killer smile. “I think you need to get ready for my performance.”

Mac nipped at her lips and pulled her close. “Baby, I'm always ready.”

Seven

A
my was saying something about... Jenna honestly had no clue because Mac had scooted so close to her. His hand was traveling up her thigh, pulling the hem of her dress up, and he'd just whispered something so naughty in her ear, she wondered where he learned of such a thing.

If his intent was to get her flustered and squirming in her seat, mission accomplished.

Jenna tipped her head just slightly, suppressing a groan as Mac's fingertips made a pattern over her bare skin. If he moved his hand any higher she'd have a hard time remaining ladylike in public.

Damn that man. He was owning this role of fiancé/lover. No way would he win this bet, though.

Jenna smiled and nodded as Amy stated how their mother had found the most beautiful lilac dress for the wedding. But Mac's relentless touches had her shifting in her seat, spreading her legs slightly and letting out a low, soft sigh.

Mac froze a half second before he moved his hand to her inner thigh. Jenna's first thought was that he'd probably never felt a thick, bare leg like hers before. Her second thought was...she wished he could just go a little higher to relieve her ache.

“If you did a Christmas wedding, we could totally do a classy white theme,” Amy went on, clearly oblivious to what was happening beneath the table.

Unable to help herself, Jenna leaned against Mac. She told herself she was just playing the part, but she was starting to think this part was playing her. He removed his hand from her thigh, and she nearly whimpered at the loss, but then he smoothed her hair away from her neck and started massaging the sensitive flesh there. Oh, yeah. He had some talented hands and she didn't want to think about how many women had groaned beneath his touch.

“No matter when Jenna decides to have the wedding, she'll be a beautiful bride.”

Mac kissed her cheek and trailed his fingertips down her spine, sending an instant onslaught of goose bumps all over her body despite the heat.

“I hate to cut this dinner short,” Mac went on. “But Martin is staring in this direction and I won't have him upsetting Jenna again. Besides, I want to have as much alone time with my gorgeous fiancée as I can. You understand, don't you, Nathan?”

Nathan nodded and lifted his nearly empty beer mug. “I do. I'll talk to Martin in a bit. I didn't know he was harassing you guys.”

“He's not harassing us.” Jenna refused to add fuel to the fire. The situation with Martin was bad enough. “He just thinks we're getting back together and I've had to tell him several times it's not happening. I'm sure now that he's seen how close Mac and I are, he'll back off.”

Mac squeezed her shoulder. “Let's go, sweetheart. I'm done discussing your ex.”

The endearment he delivered seemed so genuine, so perfect. Jenna didn't want to get so wrapped up in this that she forgot what was truly happening. Mac was simply playing a role. He wasn't a man she could ever tame and he wasn't looking for anything beyond this week. She knew him better than most, so to cling to any false hope would only leave her with a bruised heart.

Amy winked at Jenna. “See you tomorrow. Don't forget we have a bonfire on the beach at nine.”

Jenna came to her feet when Mac pulled out her chair. “I'll be there,” she promised. “See you guys tomorrow.”

Mac rested his hand on the small of her back, his fingertips brushing her rear end, sending even more jolts of arousal through her. She didn't remember being so responsive before, but she'd also never been touched so intimately by Mac, either. Clearly the man had a special touch, one her body instantly loved.

As soon as they reached the doorway, Mac patted her bottom. “Go on ahead, sweetheart. I'm going to settle the bill and I'll be right there.”

“There's no bill,” she told him. “It's all part of the package my sister paid for.”

“Go on, Jenna.”

Something about the way his eyes seemed darker, his smile seemed tighter, had her wondering what he wasn't telling her, but Jenna nodded and headed back toward their bungalow. She needed a moment without Mac, a moment away from his touch, his powerful presence. Jenna pulled in deep breaths as she walked along the docks leading toward various areas of the resort. If she ever did get married, she'd seriously consider Bora Bora for her honeymoon.

If she ever found the one who made her heart kick up, who made her want to rip his clothes off, who made her want to reveal all her hopes and fears. Did that miracle man even exist?

Well, Mac did all those things, but he'd made it abundantly clear he couldn't be that man. As soon as she entered her bungalow, she slid out of her wedges and padded across the room and out onto her private deck. She sank down onto the hammock and carefully swiveled around to lie back. The gentle breeze had her swaying. Jenna laced her hands over her abdomen and closed her eyes. Yeah, she'd definitely bring her husband here.

She let the daydream of a faceless man flood her mind. Would they make love out here in the open, but where nobody could see them? Would they walk hand in hand along the shore and discuss their dreams for the future? Have a romantic dinner and come back to their bungalow and skinny-dip in the dark?

“That must be some daydream.”

Jenna jerked at Mac's voice.

“That was the sexiest smile I've ever seen.”

When Jenna started to sit up, Mac put a hand on her back. “Don't get up,” he told her as he leaned against the side of the bungalow and propped his foot up.

“You look so relaxed, I hate to disturb you.” His mouth spread into a wide, toe-curling grin. “Now, tell me what put that smile on your face. Or should I say who?”

“Nobody in particular,” she replied with a shrug. Jenna settled back down onto the woven ropes of the hammock and sighed. “Just thinking of bringing my future husband back here for our honeymoon. It's too romantic and gorgeous not to.”

When he didn't respond, Jenna risked a glance. His eyes held hers, a muscle ticking in his jaw as he crossed his arms over that broad chest.

“Do you really have your mother's dress in storage?” he asked.

Swallowing, Jenna nodded. “Yeah. It's satin with a simple lace overlay. Her marriage may have been a disaster, but I love the vintage dress and it was still my mother's. It's perfect for me if I ever find the right man.”

Perfect because Jenna had inherited her mother's curves and the measurements were just right. Amy had a different father and got her athletic build from him...lucky girl.

“What else would you want in your dream wedding?” he asked.

Jenna stared at him for a second before she laughed, shook her head and turned back to focus on the water just beyond their private deck. “Does it matter? Or is this another ploy for you to seduce me?”

“If I wanted to seduce you, I'd have already succeeded,” he told her. “You know I want you physically, any man would be blind and a fool not to. But you were right. We're best friends and at the end of the week, that's what we still need to be.”

Great. She was right. He was finally seeing reason. So why did she feel like she'd lost out on a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity?

“I won't lie,” he went on. “You're still one of the sexiest women I've ever known, but I respect you, respect what we have.”

Wait a second. She was one of the sexiest women he knew? Now he was just being kind, but she wasn't about to say anything because she wasn't one of those women who went fishing for compliments.

“You talked to Martin after I walked away didn't you?” she asked, already knowing the answer.

“I'm done talking about your ex,” Mac replied, which told her all she needed to know. “Are you going to work on those flowers tonight? I can go pack more in if you need me to.”

Jenna smiled. “You want to help put together wedding arrangements? I knew you had a soft side.”

Mac grumbled. “I'm just offering to do some grunt work. Don't read too much into it.”

Jenna needed a breather and she had to get these arrangements made. “Fine. Go bring me the rest of the lilacs and half of the greenery.”

With a mock bow, Mac gave her a wink. “Consider it done.”

Even when he was being a sarcastic goof, he made her heart flutter. She couldn't afford the flutter, the bundle of nerves or the tingles from his kisses.

At dinner, Martin hadn't come over to speak, so perhaps they were making headway. Maybe seeing her with Mac over and over would get through to him—or maybe Mac's fist helped. As much as she wasn't a fan of violence, she also knew Mac was effective when he wanted to be.

She recalled a time he'd been more than forceful at a party when a guy had hit on her and she'd politely turned down his advances. Unfortunately that guy hadn't taken no for an answer and Mac intervened. A slam against the wall and a threat she hadn't been able to overhear sent that guy packing in the other direction.

Mac was definitely a man she wanted in her corner...too bad she couldn't risk having him in her bed.

* * *

Mac's cell vibrated in his pocket just as he hit the entrance to the lobby of the resort. Glancing at the screen, he darted to the side of the building and slid his finger to answer the call.

“Ryker. What do you have?”

“Nothing yet on the scrolls, but we have a problem.”

Not what Mac wanted to hear. He was having enough problems trying to remain on the strictly friend level with Jenna. Throwing in a dose of family issues wasn't going to help his mood.

“It's Shane,” Ryker went on.

Shane, Braden's nemesis and all-round world-class ass. He'd tried to ruin their family years ago when a business deal had gone sour. He'd attempted to sic the authorities on Patrick, who'd still been running the show. Only Shane hadn't been smart enough to realize the commissioner, the police chief and the FBI director were in the O'Sheas' back pocket. Poor Shane, rookie mistake.

“What the hell is he doing now?”

“I have no clue who is feeding him information, but he's been following me for two days.”

Mac glanced around to make sure nobody could hear him. “What the hell does he want?”

“No idea,” Ryker stated. “He's trying to be sneaky, but I spotted him when I got to my hotel. I had Laney check into his travel arrangements, and he has an open-ended airline ticket. He's also staying in my hotel. Laney made things a bit difficult for him by hacking into his bank account and moving his funds around.”

Mac ran a hand over his face. His sister, the computer hacker. She'd be dangerous if they gave her too much leeway.

“Did you call Braden?”

The cell rustled on the other end before Ryker's reply came through, his tone hushed as if he were worried about being overheard. “He texted me yesterday and said not to bother him unless I found the scrolls. Claimed something about a personal problem with Zara. I didn't ask any more.”

Mac frowned. He'd gotten a text from Braden telling him there was a slight issue at home, but it was nothing for Mac to worry about. What was going on?

“That's not all,” Ryker went on. “Laney received a threat from Shane through her email. He tried to encrypt it, but she was able to trace it back to him.”

Mac gripped the phone. Nobody threatened his family and lived to follow through. “What did the message say?”

“She wouldn't tell me, but I could tell she was shaken up.”

“It's not like her to be caught off guard,” Mac stated. They'd never known any other way of life, so the contents of the email must have been pretty harsh.

“There's more,” Ryker stated. “Someone tried to grab her as she went into a coffee shop two days ago. Luckily an off-duty cop was there and was able to stop it.”

Mac's blood boiled. “Why the hell am I just now hearing about this?”

“Because I just heard about it,” Ryker retorted. “Laney is smart. She's keeping low and staying home with her security alarm on, but she finally told me when I called her to check on another matter.”

Braden may want this family to go legit, but there were times that extreme measures were called for.

“Shane has been a thorn in our side for years,” Ryker went on. “Now he's literally threatening one of our own. I know that was him who tried to grab her because she said the guy had a mask on, but it slipped. She saw the tattoo on his neck. I don't care that he's following me. I can handle him, but Laney is another matter. When are we going to end this once and for all?”

Mac rubbed a hand down his face and blew out a breath. Damn it, he hated making this call. Braden had been adamant about moving this family in a new direction since their father had passed. No more killings. That was Braden's main stance, but Shane had crossed the line by threatening Laney. “Wait,” Mac stated. “Braden really wants O'Shea's to make a new start and I can't say as I blame him. He's got a fiancée to think of now and he's in charge. Let's try to get ahold of him again and see what he thinks. If we can't contact him, I'll make a decision.”

Ryker sighed. “Fine. But if Shane gets in my way or tries to thwart my plans regarding the scrolls, I'm not backing down. And if I even think he's contacted Laney again, I won't ask for permission to proceed.”

Mac gripped his phone tighter. “Make sure you call or text me before you do anything.”

Ryker grunted and hung up. As Mac slid his phone back into his pocket, he thought back to all Shane had done. Braden had practiced serious restraint a few months ago when Shane had been harassing Zara. Apparently Zara and Shane had gone out a few times, and once Zara had showed interest in Braden, Shane took that as a personal slap in the face. His pathetic attempt at making their lives hell backfired, but Shane was lucky he was still on this side of the grave.

Mac tried Braden's cell, but got no answer. What on earth could be so dire at home that Braden had checked out? That wasn't like him, especially as the new head of the family. He took that role seriously. Worry slid through Mac as he shot off a quick text asking if everything was all right. Once he knew what Braden's status was, he'd delve into the mess with Shane because Laney's very life could be on the line.