The Wedding Hoax (4 page)

“Done. Don’t leave me alone with them tonight, or I’ll find some way to say something suspicious.”

They spent the next couple of hours winding their way through the crowd of friends and family that had gathered to celebrate. They’d even worked out a system for when someone asked them a question they hadn’t discussed an answer for yet. To make sure they didn’t make the same mistake as they had answering Troy’s questions, one or the other would tap their fingers or squeeze their hand subtly to let the other know they were going to answer. It worked flawlessly.

Until someone asked a question that neither had expected.

“So when are you moving in together?”

Cole hadn’t even seen who’d asked the question since a large group had formed around them and the room had gotten quite noisy. But it didn’t matter who it was. Someone had asked, and it wasn’t a question he had any idea how to answer.

Would Daisy want to move in with her fiancé under normal circumstances? He’d never really given it much thought. He wasn’t a move-in-with-the-girlfriend kind of dater. But he wasn’t dating Daisy. He was supposed to be marrying her.

He tapped his fingers on Daisy’s hip. “We’re not,” he said before thinking about it too long.

“Soon, I hope,” she said at the same time as she squeezed his side.

She would want to move in with him? For real, or was she just saying that because she thought that was what everyone expected of them? He had to find out, but here wasn’t the right venue.

“Uh-oh, looks like we may have caused our first lover’s quarrel,” someone called, a teasing tone to his voice.

“No quarrel,” Cole said, trying to diffuse the situation before it became one. “We haven’t really had a chance to talk about our living arrangements much yet, given how quickly we fell in love and got engaged. I’d love for Daisy to move in with me. If she wants to, that is.”

She narrowed her eyes at him. “You assume I’m going to move into your place? Why don’t you move into mine?”

“I think we better give these two lovebirds a moment to sort out their affairs,” Mason said, coming to the rescue and shooing their guests away. When the last person had wandered off, he turned on them. “What the hell did you guys do in the last few days? Did you think about what you would tell your guests at all? Didn’t you do any prep work? Damn it. If you can’t convince your closest friends and family that you love each other, how the hell do you expect to convince the suspicious media and public?”

“We got caught off guard by that question. I hadn’t thought our living arrangements would have to change with this deal.” Cole dropped his hand from around Daisy’s waist and folded his arms across his chest instead. He might have agreed to a fake marriage with Daisy, but he hadn’t agreed to live with her.

“Why can’t we continue to live apart while we’re engaged?” she asked.

Mason rubbed his thumbs into his eyes as if he had a headache. “Because you just told your family, friends, and the press that you were going to move in together. Don’t you think before you speak?”

“Not every engaged couple lives together before marriage, and no one says we have to, either.” Cole tried to sound reasonable, but he couldn’t keep the annoyance out of his voice. This was getting carried away. He couldn’t live with Daisy. They hadn’t even lived together when they’d dated for real. Now they had a fake relationship, and he was supposed to share his space with her?

“Well, I would have agreed with you until five seconds ago when you invited Daisy to live at your place.”

“Can’t we change our minds?” she asked, sounding desperate.

“Will people start wondering if you’re going to change your minds about other things, too, like the wedding?” he asked with a shrug.

Cole and Daisy shared a look before he sighed, reluctantly agreeing. “They might.”

Mason waved over a group of photographers who had been lingering around the room all evening, snapping pictures of the happy couple celebrating with their guests. “Now you’re going to put all this living-arrangement nonsense aside for the rest of the night and smile for the cameras like you actually mean it. Make it good, because these pictures are the start of our ad campaign.”

Mason stepped aside as the photographers made a semicircle in front of Cole and Daisy.

She slid both arms around Cole’s waist and snuggled in, peering up at him with a very convincing impression of adoring crystal-blue eyes. For a second, his breath caught in his throat. Damn. She was stunning. The way her eyelids fluttered half closed with a look of lust that had always pulled him in, taking them directly to his bed… The gentle slope of her nose leading to the two rounded arches of her top lip—every little part of her made him remember why he’d been happy dating her for so long. She was the only woman who’d ever captured his interest enough to make him stick around longer than a few weeks. She’d gotten a full year, and it would have been longer if she hadn’t asked for more than he could give.

She bit her bottom lip, giving away her nervousness to anyone who knew her as well as he did. What he wouldn’t give to be the one nibbling on her bottom lip right now. His memory had dampened her beauty since they’d broken up. But tonight there was no denying how gorgeous she really was.

He lowered his lips to her ear. “You are so beautiful, Dee,” he whispered. She sucked in a breath at his words. He couldn’t resist brushing his lips gently across her cheek before standing straight for the cameras again.

“Can we get a shot of both of you turned toward us?” a photographer asked.

They played along, following directions as they were called out, turning one way and then the other so each photographer could get the perfect angle. They moved from one requested pose to another, first in a casual embrace, then standing side by side, and finally with her head resting on his chest. He liked that last one the best. It felt natural to hold her that way.

“All we need now is a kiss, and we’ll be done for the night,” a photographer said while pressing buttons on his camera. “Can you turn to the side so we get both of you in profile?”

A kiss.

She bit her lower lip, her brow creasing. He smiled in a way he hoped would be reassuring.

It was just a kiss. They could pull this off. It wasn’t as if they’d never kissed before. Easy peasy, as she’d said earlier.

She licked her lips, and his mouth went dry. Enjoying a kiss from Daisy wouldn’t be much of an act. The twinkle in her eyes as she gazed up at him, the glistening of moisture on her slightly parted lips, the way her hips pressed into him at just the right spot—his body suddenly feeling hot and hard and paying attention—all combined, making him long to do more than just feel her lips on his.

He ran his hands up her spine, eager to get to the kissing part of the evening. He cupped her jaw in one hand and tangled his other in the soft hair at the nape of her neck. She tilted her chin upward, offering her mouth to him.

Well, he wasn’t about to turn down that offer.

Slowly, he brought his lips to hers, savoring the tiny gasp he heard when her lips parted, inviting him inside. His tongue met hers with the familiarity of two reunited lovers…his body instantly remembering the feel of her nakedness moving in time with his. He felt the overwhelming urge to be with her that way again. That was one thing they’d always done well together.

That was one thing they could definitely do well again. For the next few months.

Her fingers scratched against his chest as she gripped his shirt, pulling him closer. He responded to her, kissing her deeper, his tongue exploring her mouth while his mind went to the places he wanted to take her—starting with his king-size bed. Oh yes, he’d take her there, then the kitchen table, and he’d definitely take her on the long mahogany desk in his study. Maybe living with Daisy would have a few perks he hadn’t considered.

A throat cleared from somewhere nearby, shattering the fantasy his brain was currently enjoying.

“Save something for the honeymoon,” Troy cheered. Laughter and catcalls filled the room.

Cole pulled back from Daisy, leaving her with heavy-lidded, lust-filled eyes. He could only imagine his face must be a mirror image of hers. His gaze slipped down to her lips, pink and plumped from his kiss. He already couldn’t wait to taste her on his tongue again.

Chapter Five

Cole took a swig of his rum and Coke, enjoying the warmth of the smooth liquor. He needed this—a night out, drinking with the boys, away from everything that reminded him about his commitment to Daisy.

“Getting hitched.” Austin grinned over his beer. “I still don’t believe it.”

“Me, either,” Parker chimed in. “Seems we’ve lost our spokesperson for bachelorhood. Guess I’ll have to step up and into his shoes. I know it will be challenging sleeping with a new woman every other weekend, but it’s a sacrifice I’m willing to undergo for the good of our bachelor-kind.”

“You can try to fill my shoes, but you’ve never had a way with ladies like I’ve had.” Cole shrugged. “Best to get used to the idea of me being off the market.” He forced himself not to cringe at the idea.

“I think you’re the one who needs to get used to things being different. No more coming out for drinks, trips to Vegas, or random hot girls in your bed. And all because you decided to put a ring on some girl’s finger.” Troy laughed. The sound instantly annoyed Cole.

“Just because I’m getting married doesn’t mean I can’t still have a life.”
Does it?

“That’s what they all say,” Troy said. “Until the new wife insists they miss a night out to stay in and watch TV. Pathetic. I can’t believe you’re falling into this trap. And with Daisy no less.”

Cole gripped his drink tighter, focusing his energy into the glass and not into punching his brother like he really wanted to after that backhanded comment toward his fiancée. “And what’s wrong with her?”

“Nothing,” Parker said, elbowing Troy to shut up.

Troy looked down and his beer, his eyes narrowed and obviously angry as he held something back.

“No, it’s okay. If my brother has something he wants to say, then he should get it off his chest.”

“I think you’re making a mistake. But hey, maybe I should shut my mouth and let you screw up the magazine because of a doomed-to-fail marriage. Just helps me out in the long run.”

Cole polished off the last of his drink. The liquor didn’t do nearly enough to calm the annoyance he felt for Troy. Somehow his brother had always managed to get under his skin growing up, and it was even worse now that they were adults and both competing to get their piece of the family business. At least what was left of it. Their mother had taken a good chunk in the divorce, but their father was determined and had been building back his empire ever since.

Just another good example of how marriage and business didn’t mix.

But Troy only cared that he hadn’t been given the magazine. He’d resented Cole ever since. But he also conveniently forgot he’d barely managed to graduate college after six years for a bachelor’s degree. Cole had graduated top of his class. Was there really a question about who was the better son to pass on the business to?

“I’m not about to change my mind about marrying Daisy because you don’t like it or her.” He ordered another drink from a passing cocktail waitress. He’d had the same view of marriage as Troy and his buddies did up until a week ago when Daisy wandered back into his life and into his arms. Along with three hundred grand.

“Why didn’t we hear about you starting to date Daisy again before this whole engagement thing?” Parker asked.

“Seems a little sudden and out of the blue, if you ask me,” Troy said.

Cole leaned back, forcing the tension he’d been feeling all week out of his shoulders. If he was going to convince his closest friends and family that he was getting married because of love, then he needed to get his act together and start
acting
like he loved Daisy. The thought sent a chill down his spine.

Love was a strong word and not one he planned on ever using in reference to a woman. Especially
that
woman.

Of course, he would have said that very same thing about the word “fiancée” a week ago.

What the hell happened to his life? No wonder his friends were acting suspicious. He barely recognized himself.

“I didn’t tell you guys, because I didn’t want to hear how I’m making a huge mistake by dating a girl seriously.” He hoped it sounded true. “And it seems sudden because it was. Now can you ladies knock off the chatter about my upcoming nuptials already, or do I have to ask the waitress to bring over some tampons for when you all get your periods at the same time? I came for a drink, not a therapy session.”

“We’re just looking out for you, dude. Look at you. You’re already talking about PMSing, and you haven’t even married her yet. Next time we see you, you’ll be sharing your favorite cookie recipe.” Austin laughed and slapped him on the shoulder.

Parker shrugged. “Now if any of you want to look out for me, you’ll be a good wingman and help me out with Miss Sexy Short Skirt over at the bar.”

Cole stood and followed Parker, thankful to be done with the uncomfortable conversation. He’d been friends with Austin and Parker for years, and Troy was family, but that didn’t mean he could trust any of them with the truth in this situation. If one of them got too drunk and ended up with loose lips, it could ruin everything.

No matter what, Cole had to keep this quiet, even if that meant lying to his friends. He’d made his peace with the whole Daisy situation, and now he had to live with it…her.

For better or for worse.

…

Daisy strode into the Javits Convention Center, determined to play Cole’s fiancée as part of their first public appearance as a couple at Mason’s bridal show, but she would not—
repeat, not!
—let Cole get under her skin again like he had at their engagement party. Seemed they’d done a bang-up job of convincing their friends and family that they were in love. The kiss had definitely helped their cause. She couldn’t remember the last time her cheeks had burned as hot as they had after she came back up for air and found she was still in a room full of people and not alone somewhere with Cole. During his kiss, she’d gotten swept away, forgotten anything else around them existed.

Their engagement might be fake, but that kiss had been real.

Or at least it had felt pretty darn real to her. Cole, on the other hand, had looked calm and at ease after their kiss, as if it had been nothing more than part of the act to him. Had Cole called her Dee as part of the act, too? When she’d heard his old nickname for her, her heart had ceased beating. She’d simply frozen, unable to think. She didn’t want to be Dee to Cole again.

Last time had hurt way too much.

She chided herself for being so stupid and getting swept away by Cole from the very first kiss. She should have focused on something else other than the feel of his warm mouth on hers—his fingers as they tangled in her hair. Instead, she’d mistakenly let her mind drift to the other places his fingers could touch her. Other areas of her body she wanted his tongue to explore, his lips to kiss.

How on earth was she going to survive kissing him like that at every public event without losing her mind, her heart, and her panties?

She pulled her shoulders back and held her chin high, smiling at other vendors as she walked the aisle to the booth that would be hers for the day. It was spacious, easily three times the size of the others, in a prime location with the most traffic and even views of the stage. A huge banner on one side of the booth showed a cover for
Exclusively Yours
, while the other side had a large picture of her boutique and a woman posing in one of her gowns.

Mason had come through with his end of the deal. She never could have afforded this space on her own.

A quick glance showed no signs of Cole. Daisy let out the breath she’d been holding, thankful that she might actually get a few minutes of peace before she had to work in the small space with him all day. She needed to get herself settled so that when he showed up, she’d have her nerves in check.

She rounded the corner of the booth and then froze.

“Daisy.” Cole looked up at her from his place on the floor where he knelt, on one knee, not two. His smile seemed to reach all the way to his eyes, as if he was genuinely happy to see her.

Her gaze fell to his hands. They held a little black velvet box. Again. A spike of longing and regret shot through her.

He glanced down to the box in his hands, too. After flipping the lid open, he turned it in his hands, revealing a diamond ring nestled on top of a pillow of satin.

She swallowed the lump of emotion in her throat. How many times had she imagined this moment with Cole when they’d dated? Too many. She’d dreamed of a moment set up like this, him on one knee, her with tears of happiness in her eyes, their future waiting for them to take hold and never let go.

The tacky, monstrous ring he’d given her at the engagement party felt ten pounds heavier on her finger as she twisted it. “What…?” She coughed, hoping to strengthen her voice made weak with unshed tears of longing for something she’d never have. “What are you doing?” She attempted to look indifferent. By the look of his smile turning into an amused grin, she’d failed miserably.

“I’m organizing props for my table. You know, a cheesy plastic ring, some roses, maybe even a little confetti to make the place feel festive.” He grinned, as if challenging her to say it looked like he was doing something more. Well, she wasn’t going to fall into that trap again. Challenging Cole had always ended up with arguments…and subsequent make-out sessions. Easier to concede this one silently as her mistake and move on without him knowing.

“I should really get started setting up my things too…over there.”
Away from you
.

As she busied herself opening boxes and setting up dress mannequins, she thought she felt Cole’s eyes on her. It was something she’d been intimately familiar with after their year together. In fact, there had been a time or two—or three—when a look from Cole had her shedding her clothes in the hallway as if they were on fire. Damn. The man could send her pulse racing without a single touch. And if she weren’t careful, he might have the power over her still to do it again.

Just what I need to stir up business, a spontaneous, uncontrollable strip show.

She bent at the hips to lift a piece out of a box. Behind her, a distinct intake of breath came from Cole’s vicinity.

She casually peeked over her shoulder but found him focused on his current task at hand.

Cole
isn’t watching
. She bent over once more to retrieve the last veil from the bottom of the box. He wasn’t some hormonal teenager who would react to something as simple as her unpacking boxes.

“Thank God,” he mumbled quietly behind her.

“Something wrong?” she asked while pinning the veil onto the mannequin to complete the look. She pulled the ribbon-trimmed edges over its shoulders so the veil draped perfectly.

“Something is wrong.” His voice was suddenly much closer than it should be. His breath tickled her neck while his hands slid around her waist.

“What’s that?” she asked, her voice soft.

“The next time we do one of these shows together, I’m paying someone else to empty those boxes for you.”

“Why?” She laughed. The thought of paying someone else to do a job she was perfectly capable of doing herself was ridiculous. Neither of them had the money for that kind of luxury.

“Because watching you do it is way too distracting.”

Oh…
Surely he wasn’t implying that her bending over had actually turned him on. The idea that she might still have that kind of power over Cole was intriguing…and concerning. She liked this little tidbit of power. Too much.

Her pulse raced, her body threatened to melt into him, encouraging the lust for him she didn’t want to admit. Was his distraction similar to her attraction? What the hell would she do if it were? Flirt with him? Didn’t that go against the whole resisting him thing?

“Don’t blame me for your distraction when I’m working. Maybe you need to learn to keep your eyes focused on the goal.” There, go for bitchy instead. Much safer than flirting. Flirty banter with Cole had always been great foreplay—exactly what she didn’t need to complicate her relationship with him further.

“I am,” he said, his voice deep and quiet.

What was his goal exactly?
Me? No way.

His gaze darted down her body, then back to meet hers. In his path of destruction, he left behind scorched, aching flesh. He raised one eyebrow and gave her a lopsided grin…his flirting face. His eyes seemed to have a familiar fire burning behind them as if to answer her unspoken question. That look of his which had always brought her defenses down, making her bend to his will, fall into his bed. But as quickly as the heat sparked, it disappeared again, making her question if she’d ever seen it to begin with or if it had been wishful thinking.

Good. She didn’t need that fire. She didn’t want the flirting, either, despite the fact that the heat in her cheeks said otherwise.

“Are you ready?” he asked.

“Ready for what?” She’d been too caught up in her own thoughts to have any idea what he was referring to.

“To be my bride. The doors opened. Time to play the part of a happy couple. Gotta get those other brides-to-be interested enough in us to make this stunt worthwhile, right?” He stepped away, letting his hand trail along her lower back as he did, his fingers nearly grazing her rear. His touch sent a tingle through her legs, making them feel shaky and unsteady. Then his words sank in.

Play the part.
His distraction was nothing more than him appreciating the female form. Once again she’d mistakenly read too much into his feelings for her. If he could play the part, she’d find a way to play it, too.