Dream Lover (Propositions and Proposals #1): A Fake Boyfriend Romance

by Ryan Michele

  “We’ll make it fair by drawing names to see who goes first. Oh and, Quinn, I forgot to tell you to wear pretty panties. So, honey, if you’re wearing granny panties you can sit this one out.” Her head went back as her laughter erupted from her throat. A throat that I wanted to wrap my hands around and choke.

  “Ignore her, everyone else does,” Conner whispered in my ear and squeezed my hip.

  My brother made a gagging sound, pretending to retch. “I don’t need to see Quinn in her panties, pretty or otherwise.”

  “Don’t worry, Andrew, I brought you a mask.”

  Rebecca reached in a glass bowl, swirled her hand dramatically, and pulled out a slip of paper. “Lucky Daniel. Looks like Paula is up first.”

  Her man rubbed his palms together and took the seat in the middle of the room. The lights drew low, and Usher filtered through the sound system, providing the soundtrack to her striptease. Her head whipped around, red hair smacking her man in the face as we watched him try to escape the attack.

  Hands on his shoulders, she moved to straddle his lap, resulting in catapulting the chair backward, and her body flying over Daniel’s head. Paula hit the floor.

  I bit back my laughter, but I had to give Paula credit. She got up and proceeded to finish her strip tease all the way down to her thong, obviously comfortable with her body.

  Her choice in undergarments were sexy and quite revealing, but I was certain Rebecca wouldn’t be that lucky. She would more than likely take the number one spot of biggest skank. Yeah, I was feeling bitter at her attempt to humiliate me yet again. So be it. Daniel hooted and clapped and gave her a sloppy kiss.

  Another name was drawn, and this time it was Laura and Bruce. Beyoncé played, setting the vibe. Laura was graceful, working her hips and sweeping her ass over her man’s crotch. The way she moved was inspiring, and I had to give her props.

  Laura gave it her all, throwing herself into the music, but her man appeared bored, even going as far to roll his eyes when she ripped her button-down top in one fluid motion, opening it and exposing her red satin bra. Even I thought it was hot.

  Bruce sent out some serious red flags. What red-blooded male wouldn’t appreciate this? Laura twirled around the stripper pole seamlessly like she’d been doing it for years instead of a couple of hours, but at this point Bruce wasn’t even watching her. Laura’s disappointment in his lackluster response killed the mood, and I felt bad for her.

  After she left the center of the room, Bruce following her, Rebecca announced she was next. Welcome to the slut show, I thought but didn’t say.

  Conner squeezed my hip, feeling my muscles tighten. “You’re going to show her up, babe.” My face heated at his words. Babe. Who would’ve thought that one word would make my insides turn to goo?

  I shook my head; whether to get out the nerves or answer him, I wasn’t sure. My confidence was wavering under pressure. Under her pressure. Normally, I was confident and comfortable in my own skin. I didn’t know why I let Rebecca shake me, but she did.

  I was frozen in place for a moment, when Conner whispered with his breath coming down hot on my neck. “I’ll put a stop to this if you don’t want to do the challenge. I’ll refuse to allow you to take your clothes off.” He smiled at me, and that smile was enough to calm my nerves. Leaning into him a bit, his heat and strength flowed through me.

  Rebecca stunned us all as she strutted to the middle of the room where my brother eagerly awaited his turn. Her song was “Crazy Bitch” by Buck Cherry, and it sure suited her.

  As usual, her performance had nothing to do with my brother and everything to do with her making a show of being the center of attention. She’d look to the crowd for their reactions instead of Drew’s.

  All eyes were on her and not in a good way. At least mine weren’t. Her hand moved over her crotch, her body pumping, tongue licking her lips, eyes on everyone except her future husband.

  As Laura’s striptease was elegant, classy, and seriously sexy, Rebecca’s was on the complete opposite end of the spectrum. Rebecca had trashy all over her.

  When her focus came on Conner, it hit me. She didn’t dislike Conner at all. He didn’t buy into her bullshit, and she couldn’t stand it. She wanted to break him. Make him come over to her side.

  In a split second I became more determined than ever. She was going down because that would never happen.

  She twerked around the pole, throwing her clothes at my brother, who appeared to see her game if the pinched forehead was anything to go by.

  Then it happened. Karma paid dear ol’ Becky a visit, and I watched in avid fascination. Hey, I never said I was a saint. We take our paybacks anyway we can sometimes.

  Her foot faltered, knee buckled, her left heel snapped, and her face smacked into my brother’s lap as she went down to the floor.

  Drew laughed it up, grabbing the back of her head and bobbing it up and down, giving the impression she was giving him a blow job while her friends cackled and took pictures with their phones. I shook my head and grinned on the inside, seeing the mortified expression etched on her face as she wrenched herself away from my brother’s hand.

  Rebecca limped to the side while Drew grabbed her clothes. “Carley and Joe, you’re up. That means Quinn is dead last,” she sneered, and I rolled my eyes. Becky was even a bitch when she was hurt. Good to know.

  Conner grabbed my hand and gave it a squeeze. His reassuring touch was all I needed. There was something about this man that had me.

  Carley wasted no time getting down to Britney Spears, bumping and grinding all over Joe as though she were a professional. After her bad luck with the pole in class she avoided it all together, focusing solely on her man. At one point she bent over on all fours with her ass up in the air, doing some move that made her booty clap.

  Joe was loving every second of it as he reached into his pocket and grabbed dollar bills, throwing them at her as she teased, flipping her skirt up at him. It was a good dance, and Joe was going to get lucky later.

  “That’s good enough,” Rebecca harped, shocking everyone in the room. Carley just looked at Rebecca, then finished up what she was doing. I loved that for her.

  Becky was totally jealous of Carley’s show for Joe. Classic mean girl behavior, and Becky was the queen of that. “Quinn, you’re up.”

  “I’m going to be sick. My little sister and my best friend,” Drew grumbled, and Rebecca smirked as she slid a black eye mask over his face. At least she had a small bit of compassion for my brother. It made me wonder if I did fall on my ass, if she’d rip it off so he could see.

  I tried to ignore them both as I rose and followed Conner to the center of the room where he sat. He looked damn sexy sitting in that chair. Dark tousled hair, those blue eyes vibrant and trained on me, only me. His sleeves were pushed up showing off his muscular forearms.

  The song I chose was a bit of a slap in the face, one I hoped I didn’t end up regretting. It was a double-edged sword, but it fit—sort of. The opening beats to The Weeknd hummed through the space, slow and steady.

  Closing my eyes, the thumps of music flowed through me, and my body began to move sensuously, hips swaying and feeling the rhythm.

  Hand wrapped around the pole, gliding up and down preparing. Starting off slow with one hand up high, I arched my feet up and swung around twice before stopping, stepping slightly away then rolling my hips from one side to the other.

  My confidence rose as I leapt up, leg wrapping around the pole and dress inching up my thighs. Doing exactly what my coach taught me, I clamped my muscles to control the speed of how I fell, keeping it in tune with the beat.

  This time no screeching of the flesh to metal. Thank you, baby powder!

  Each of my moves were calculated, my eyes catching Conner’s and not leaving him. I was dancing—for Conner. No one else in that room existed but us.

  My body moved in ways I never knew it could. Legs sweeping the floor as I twirled, arms following, my dress holding up perfectly. Thr
owing in some perfectly timed hair tossing, back arching and legs stretching, I felt damn good. Better than I’d felt in a really long time.

  Conner’s eyes dilated, his lips parted, and a look of unadulterated hunger was written all over him. I had never felt more desired or wanted by another human being in my life. This only spurred me on, trying some of the moves that Sheila had done in her opening and loving the reaction from my guy.

  Only briefly did my attention stray, and that was only because Laura slapped Bruce across the chest and snapped at him. I couldn’t hear what she was saying, but the look on her face had said enough.

  Returning my focus on Conner, I crawled toward him on hands and knees, like a lioness ready to pounce, hoping he could see the desire for him in my eyes. Up on my knees before him, my body jolted fluidly with my hands on my knees as I rolled my head back and flung my hair from side to side.

  Conner’s hands were clutched at his sides, knuckles turning white. I got a huge amount of glee from this. Slowly I slithered to a standing position, my arms going all the way up. I could feel Conner’s heat, and my core throbbed.

  Without a second thought, hand behind my back, I went for the zipper of my dress and dropped it in one fell swoop to the floor in a puddle at my feet.

  My black lace bra with crisscrossing straps across the front and back and the matching thong were revealed. The straps on the black lace underwear cut across my hips, showing off my curves.

  Conner’s gaze raked up my body as I continued to dance to the music. He surprised me by rising, grabbing my hands, and jerking me into his solid body. Tossing his coat over my shoulders as he said, “Sorry, guys, show’s over. This sex kitten is all mine.” His voice snapped out in a feral growl that made me quiver with need. A need for him so desperate I could hardly keep up as he yanked me out the room and toward the elevators, all thoughts of everyone in the room disappearing.

  Tension crackled between us the short ride up to our room. I wanted to reach for him, but Conner was quiet, breathing hard yet still. I felt confused as hell. He wanted me. I knew it, but when we got to the room, he went straight to the bathroom, locked the door, and hopped in the shower.

  That sure as hell was an ego deflation.

  Conner

  KISSING BURNS OFF 6.4 CALORIES A SECOND. WANNA EXERCISE?

  “Everyone, go get ready and meet downstairs in thirty minutes to hear today’s challenge. Dress casual and be sure to have fresh breath,” Rebecca announced with a clap. Truly I wasn’t ready for another challenge.

  The one last night almost broke me.

  Downing the rest of my coffee, I hoped to get a word in with Drew, but he was already halfway out of the restaurant by the time I managed to set my cup on the table. He avoided my eyes the entire time during breakfast. Probably because he thought I screwed his sister last night. Unfortunately, he was further from the truth. My damn dick felt the pain.

  Hell, for all I knew he was pissed at everyone because he didn’t really talk to many people during eating.

  “What do you think she meant by that?” Quinn gazed at me perplexed. It was incredibly cute when she made that face. Had been for as long as I could remember.

  “Sounds like we’ll be using our mouths.” I grinned, and her cheeks bloomed bright pink. Yeah, she was feeling this too.

  “Who knows with her.” Quinn snatched my last piece of bacon, devouring it as she scooted her chair back. “Guess I’d better go freshen up.”

  I watched her go, loving the view of her sweet ass in them tight jeans and thinking of so many other ways I could make her blush.

  Watching her dance that strip tease she put on for me last night about nearly killed me. With every sway of her hips, my cock grew harder and harder. There had been so many nights I’d dreamed about Quinn, but last night was better than any and every dream I’d ever had. Off the charts hot and sexy.

  Quinn was in a league of her own, and I’d known that for years. Last night just put the nails in the coffin so to speak. The urge to take her right there was hard to resist.

  It took all my restraint not to claim her body on the spot, hating those assholes Bruce, Joe, and Daniel getting to see her in the sexier than sin black lace. I'd guarantee they were having the same illicit thoughts I was, and I wanted to punch each of them for it. Quinn had no idea how alluring and tempting she truly was, making her all the more beautiful.

  By the time we made it to the room I was ready to combust. Everything inside of me told me to take her right then and there, but for some damn reason I held back. Still now, I had no idea why. She wanted me just as much as I wanted her. Maybe it was having any of those fuckers downstairs being part of a moment with us. That sounded twisted even to my own ears.

  The cold shower I immediately took to cool my ass down did nothing. Laying next to her, though, I pulled her in my arms as we fell asleep. She never asked me a single thing about it. In fact, she didn’t say anything until this morning, and everything appeared to be the same.

  I followed Quinn upstairs to brush my teeth and get ready for this challenge. The only good part about it was my lips on Quinn’s, but being in front of everyone, especially her brother, was starting to piss me off.

  I squeezed in next to her at the sink. Her arm brushed against mine subtly, and electricity shot through me at her light touch. Her gorgeous green eyes met mine in the mirror, feeling it too. All I wanted to do was toss her toothbrush out of the way and kiss her breathless. She didn’t give me the opportunity because Quinn rinsed her mouth and left me alone staring at myself in the mirror.

  Pull your shit together now.

  By the time we both finished getting ready thirty minutes had passed, and it was time to meet everyone. Quinn and I needed to talk about last night—soon.

  We made our way down, standing in the lobby.

  “Ready for this?” I asked Quinn.

  She shrugged. “Sure.”

  “Did anyone see Bruce and Laura on your way down?” Our group glanced around the lobby shrugging. “Seriously?” Rebecca griped, pulling her cell phone out, then holding it to her ear. “Where are you? We have a schedule to keep.” Her mouth set tight, and she scowled at us like it was our fault someone got off schedule.

  She really was a bitch.

  “She probably caught Bruce trying to catch a plane home,” I heard Daniel whisper to Paula with a snicker. Quinn shook her head, but I could see a smile tugging at the corners of her mouth. That was a good sign. I wanted her happy.

  “Hey, man. Excited for the big day?” I asked, sidling up to Drew while Rebecca talked on the phone.

  “Yeah, sure,” Drew muttered. He didn’t look excited or even happy, and I wanted to press him further, but the elevator doors opened, and Bruce and Laura stepped out, preventing me from asking him what was eating him. If it was Quinn and me, he’d need to get over it. If it was Rebecca, I’d get him as drunk as fuck and say good riddance to the bitch.

  Rebecca called attention. “Alright, now that you are all accounted for.” She stared down at the late comers. “Today’s challenge requires you to put your best kiss forward. We booked a private session with Madame Bisset who has a retreat that teaches couples the art of kissing. Now, everyone, load up, and I hope you remembered to brush your teeth.” She shot a warning glance toward Quinn that ticked me off. I’d had enough of her bitch act with Quinn. If Drew didn’t get a handle on his woman, I was going to.

  The ride to the retreat was only about ten minutes. We arrived and entered a space that was decorated to appear like a tropical oasis. Palm trees, calming blue hues, and coconut scents were everywhere. It didn’t feel like I was at the beach.

  In the lobby we were greeted by a woman who appeared to be in her mid to late fifties. There was an air of sophistication that surrounded her. Dressed in a white gown that hung off her shoulders and cinched at the waist, she looked like a goddess with her white hair pinned and braided neatly close to her scalp like a halo.

  “This is different.” I l
eaned down and whispered in Quinn’s ear. She turned, smiling huge up at me. Having to touch her, I pulled her into my body, arm across her chest. She relaxed into me as if it were second nature.

  “Welcome to Florentine Kiss. Today I will be teaching you the sensual art of kissing, and before you roll your eyes and think to yourselves that you don’t need help, you’re wrong. Anyone can kiss, it is true, but not everyone can do it right. Please follow me.” She motioned for us to follow her down a corridor.

  Lacing my fingers with Quinn’s I held her close to me, filing in with the rest of the group. Her fingers squeezed softly then released. While I wasn’t sure what she was trying to convey, I liked it all the same.

  The room we were escorted to had a white plush sectional that took up the longest side. Thick throw pillows of tropical print and lots of candles gave a comfortable homey ambiance. Everyone took their seats next to their partner.

  “Please make yourselves cozy.” Madame Bisset took the high-back chair that faced us. There was nothing else to call it but a throne. “You on the end, introduce yourself and your partner and then so on.”

  We each had our turn making our introductions, telling the woman how long each of us had been coupled up. I lied and said Quinn and I had been seeing each other for months. There was no way I would give Rebecca the satisfaction of the truth, and technically we’d been together for years, but that was neither here nor there.

  I slung an arm over the back of the sofa behind Quinn’s shoulders. She appeared more relaxed than this morning. This I liked.

  “Did you know that the term French Kiss was not coined in France?” She paused, waiting for us to answer. Once satisfied with the murmurs of yes and no she continued. “My assistant is going to give each of you a clipboard with basic questions about your likes and dislikes in a kiss. Answer truthfully. These will be used to give a compatibility score for you and your partner at the end of today’s lesson. Niko.” She gestured to the young man standing in the corner. He was shirtless, wearing only a pair of white drawstring pants. No shoes. I was certain based on the look that passed between them he was her lover. Good for her.