by Reese Ryan
Kayleigh could barely contain a grin as she gave him a two-finger salute. “Pleasure doin’ business with you, Abbott.”
Parker grunted in response as he headed to his car.
Now he was saddled with a broken-down building and a fake fiancée who hated his guts.
His siblings were going to get a kick out of this.
Three
“Are you all done?” Parker sat at one end of the conference-room table, fuming as his father, brothers Blake and Max, and sister, Zora, laughed so hard that tears came to their eyes. “If so, I’d like to get back to the business at hand.”
“That Kayleigh is a shrewd businesswoman.” His father dabbed his eyes with a hankie, then stuffed it into his pocket. “You have to give her that.”
He could think of things he’d like to give Kayleigh Jemison. A compliment wasn’t one of them.
She’d turned him into the family punch line and seemed determined to make the next few months of his life a nightmare. They still had to iron out the details, but he’d have to spend the next few months getting to know her. It’d be like two betta fish being placed in a single bowl.
“C’mon, Parker, don’t try to act like you’re not secretly looking forward to a little alone time with Kayleigh.” Zora wiped away tears with her knuckle. “It’s no secret you have a little—”
“I’m not and I don’t.” He addressed his sister—the baby of the family—pointedly. “Now, if we could get back to the details of the contract.”
“Savannah won’t believe it when I tell her this.” Blake chuckled.
“Neither will Mom,” Max added, shaking his head. “Once we finally tell her. But I’m sure the prospect of marrying off another one of her kids will thrill her to death.”
“No one is getting married.” Parker’s voice came out shriller than he’d intended. He straightened his tie and released a slow breath. “I’m glad I could provide you all with a bit of amusement today, but we can finish this around the dinner table on Sunday.” He tapped his Bvlgari Roma Finissimo watch. “Right now we’re on the clock and I need to get the team’s agreement on the details of this contract so I can get it revised and signed before Kayleigh changes her mind.”
“Parker’s right,” his father said, with one final chuckle. “Time is of the essence. I think I speak for all of us when I say, we gladly accept Miss Jemison’s terms.”
Of course they did.
They weren’t the ones sentenced to spend the next three months in hell.
“So, when were you going to tell me you proposed to Parker?” Savannah Abbott asked as Kayleigh slid into her seat in their favorite booth at the Magnolia Lake Bakery.
“First, I did not propose to Parker. Second, he said I wasn’t permitted to talk to anyone about the deal, so I couldn’t tell you.”
“I had to hear it from Blake.” Savannah’s hazel eyes danced. “I thought it was an April Fools’ joke.”
Savannah was Parker Abbott’s sister-in-law. When she’d come to town three years ago, she’d loathed the Abbotts as much as Kayleigh did. But while carrying out her plan to prove that half of the King’s Finest Distillery rightfully belonged to her grandfather, Martin McDowell, Savannah had fallen for Blake Abbott. In the end it turned out that neither of their grandfathers had been completely honest about what had happened to their partnership all those years ago.
They’d both fessed up and Joseph Abbott had felt guilty enough to give McDowell and his two granddaughters—Savannah and her younger sister, Delaney—a share of the business. He’d also written Martin a seven-figure check.
“Honestly, I was kind of relieved that I couldn’t tell you about my deal with Parker. It’s embarrassing to admit that I needed to barter for a date to my friend’s wedding.”
“Why did you feel you needed to?” Savannah employed the same patient, soothing tone she used when trying to reason with her nearly two-year-old son, Davis.
“This isn’t just any friend’s wedding. She’s my ex’s younger sister.”
“The guy you moved to Atlanta with after college?” Savannah looked up from sipping her coffee.
“Aidan.” Kayleigh confirmed with a nod. “He’s married now. To a gorgeous woman from the right family. Last I heard, they had a couple of kids together.” Kayleigh gripped her mug tighter in response to the tightness in her chest.
“I’m starting to get the picture.” Savannah squeezed her friend’s hand. “But, sweetie, you were the one who walked away. You have nothing to prove to him or anyone else.”
“I know, but the thought of being the only one there alone while everyone else on the island is boo’d up...” Kayleigh heaved a sigh and raked her fingers through her curls. “I couldn’t bear for Aidan to look at me and feel like he dodged a bullet by not marrying me. Or worse, that he’d pity me.”
“If he thinks that, he’s a fool.” Savannah gave her hand one last squeeze before picking up her mug and taking a sip of her vanilla decaf latte. “So I understand why you felt compelled to take someone as your date, but why Parker? I thought you couldn’t stand him.”
“I can’t.” Kayleigh’s eyes met her friend’s. She blew out a long breath. “But this was going to be awkward, no matter who I brought along. I figured that at least with Parker, I know exactly who I’m dealing with, so there won’t be any misunderstandings. This is a business deal, not a hookup.”
The corner of Savannah’s mouth lifted in a smirk. She brought the mug to her lips and mumbled under her breath, “If you say so.”
“You don’t actually think I want to spend an entire week sharing a room with Parker Abbott.”
Savannah shrugged as she sipped her latte. “You two do have pretty passionate feelings for one another.”
“It’s pure, unadulterated loathing. Nothing more. Now can we change the subject?”
“After you answer a few more questions.” Savannah set her cup down and leaned forward, folding her arms on the table. “Since you went for broke and declared that you were bringing your fiancé, won’t it become painfully obvious that you two dislike each other?”
“Like I said, I may not have been thinking clearly.” She shrugged. “I figured I’d put together a backstory of how we met. And we can fill out a couple of those questionnaires to get to know each other. You know the kind that ask about your favorite color and your ideal date?”
Savannah practically snorted. “That’s your game plan?”
“Pretty much.” Kayleigh’s cheeks heated beneath her friend’s stare. “I mean, we do have two and a half months to memorize this stuff.”
“Kayleigh, sweetie...” Savannah took a deep breath as she returned her mug to the table. “Parker is supposed to be your fiancé, which means you two should look like you’re head over heels in love. No basic questionnaire is going to get you two to that point. Not in a way that will convince anyone who spends more than three seconds with the two of you.” Savannah sighed, but her hazel eyes were filled with warmth. “Are you sure that you should bring Parker on the trip? Can’t you just say that your fiancé couldn’t make it because of a business obligation?”
“It’ll look like I made the whole thing up.”
“Which you did.”
“Sometimes a girl has to do what a girl has to do. You, of all people, should understand that.” Kayleigh took a sip of her coffee.
Savannah’s eyes widened and she lowered her gaze to her cup.
Kayleigh’s cheeks stung and her gut twisted in a knot. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have said that.”
Savannah gave her a small nod, her eyes not meeting Kayleigh’s.
Savannah and Blake had fallen in love and had managed to work things out, despite their rocky start. Still, Kayleigh knew her friend harbored guilt over the way she’d deceived Blake and his family in the beginning.
Kayleigh squeezed her friend’s hand.
“I didn’t mean to sound bitchy and judgmental. I just thought that you’d understand that sometimes the ends justify the means. Your grandfather would never have gotten what was rightfully owed to him if it hadn’t been for you. And he might never have rectified things with his old friend or gotten to see his great-grandson before he passed.”
“I was trying to restore my grandfather’s legacy and dig our family out of debt,” Savannah said sharply. “I didn’t do what I did just to make my ex jealous.”
“Now who’s being bitchy and judgmental?” Kayleigh raised a brow and drank the last of her coffee.
Savannah sighed. “This is important to you. I get it. But it still goes back to what I said before. You won’t fool your ex or his sister with your sad little ‘I love red and he loves green’ routine.”
“Then help me. Please.” She flashed her best sad, puppy-dog eyes at her friend.
“Fine, but only if you’ll do exactly what I say. I won’t invest my time in this little scheme of yours if you’re planning to half-ass it.”
“Thank you, thank you, thank you!” Kayleigh bounced in her seat. “I’ll do whatever you say. I promise. Parker on the other hand—”
“Don’t worry about Parker.” Savannah waved a hand dismissively. “Leave him to us.” She pulled out her phone and opened her text app. “I’ll enlist Blake and Benji to make sure Parker understands exactly what’s at stake.”
If Parker Abbott cared about her feelings, they’d still be friends.
Kayleigh’s face burned and tears stung her eyes as she remembered the day in sixth grade when their friendship had ended. She’d caught Parker repeating things she’d confided in him about her father—the town drunk—to a chorus of laughter from the popular kids with whom he’d chosen to ingratiate himself.
“When do we start?”
“Right now.” Savannah shoved a monogrammed pen and pad across the table. “Make a list of everything you like about Parker.”
Kayleigh frowned. “Can’t we start with something easier? Like a list of reasons he’s incredibly irritating?”
“Do you want my help or not, Ms. Thing?”
Kayleigh pouted. “This is harder than I thought.”
“You’re not trying. Parker may be annoying, but he’s brilliant. And he’s determined when he believes he’s right.”
“Which is always,” Kayleigh muttered. She jotted down smart and determined.
“You know, you and Parker have a lot in common.”
“That’s a low blow.” Kayleigh dropped the pen. “Name one way I’m like Parker.”
“You’re both stubborn smart-asses who can be exasperating. You’re both extremely good at what you do, and you’re both carrying king-size chips on your shoulders.”
“I said one thing.” Kayleigh held up a finger. “The rest was completely unnecessary.”
Savannah grinned. “Just keep working on that list. I’m going to grab something to eat. Want anything?”
Kayleigh shook her head as she studied the list.
She closed her eyes and pictured Parker’s face. Beneath that constant scowl was a strong jaw, dark, piercing eyes and sensual lips framed by a neat, full goatee. Kayleigh’s eyes opened suddenly as her cheeks flushed with heat.
Some women might find Parker hot—with or without his glasses.
She scribbled fairly attractive, gainfully employed, wealthy and family-oriented.
“You’re making progress.” Savannah set down a warm sticky bun and slid into her seat.
“Speaking of progress...doesn’t that defeat the purpose of yoga this morning?”
“I’m allowed a few extra calories.” Savannah broke into a slow grin and pressed a hand to her belly. “I’m pregnant.”
“Savannah, that’s wonderful!” Kayleigh hugged her friend.
She was thrilled for Savannah. She had the dream husband, a career she loved, an adorable little boy and another little one on the way. And she’d never have to worry about money again.
Still, Kayleigh envied her friend’s happiness. Wanted a piece of it for herself.
“Thanks, but please don’t tell anyone,” Savannah said as they returned to their seats. “Blake and I will share the news with his family at dinner on Sunday. Then I’ll call my sister.”
“I won’t say a word.” Kayleigh forced a smile. “When is the baby due?”
“November.” Savannah reviewed Kayleigh’s list as she nibbled on the sticky bun. “This is a good start, but it’s just the basics. And right now they’re empty words. If you have any hope of pulling this off, you and Parker have to spend time getting to know each other.”
The knot in Kayleigh’s stomach tightened. “Are we talking about a couple of get-to-know-you sessions?”
“Sorry, babe.” Savannah pushed her plate aside. Her grin indicated she wasn’t sorry at all. “I’m talking full-on dating...on steroids.”
“What’s Option Two?” Kayleigh slumped in her seat. Her mouth went dry and her palms felt clammy.
“Tell your friend the truth. There is no fiancé and there never was one.”
“Fine.” Kayleigh dragged a hand across her forehead. “If you can convince Parker to do this, I’m in, too.”
“Perfect.” Savannah’s Cheshire Cat grin faded. She placed a hand to her mouth. “I’m going to be sick.”
Me, too. Kayleigh buried her forehead in her hand as her best friend made a beeline to the restroom.
Her saving grace was knowing Parker would never go for it.
Four
“Now you expect me to date Kayleigh Jemison, too? Have you all lost your freaking minds?” Parker paced the floor in the conference room. “It’s bad enough I have to spend a week pretending to be her fiancé.”
“You know this plan will never work the way things stand between you and Kayleigh now,” Savannah said calmly. “Besides, it’ll give you two a chance to finally hash things out.”
“Your sister-in-law is right, son,” Duke piped up. “This feud between you two has gone on for too long.”
“It isn’t a feud,” Parker clarified. “She hates my guts. End of story.”
“You hurt her, Parker, and you never even apologized,” his sister pointed out. “What do you expect?”
“For the hundredth time... I didn’t say anything she hadn’t said herself.”
“I love you, Park,” his sister said. “But you can be an asshole sometimes. You’re so determined to prove yourself right that you’re not giving the slightest consideration to Kayleigh’s feelings.”
“Let’s not stoop to name-calling, baby girl,” their father said sternly, glancing around the room at all of them.
He came to stand beside Parker in front of the conference room windows and placed a hand on his shoulder.
“Son, I realize that I’m asking a lot of you, but this is important to me because it’s important to your mother. She’s put her heart and soul into supporting my father’s dream and into raising this family. This is our chance to help her revive her father’s legacy. It’s something she’s dreamed about for years, and now we finally have the opportunity to make it happen. I’m sorry that the bulk of the load will fall to you. But this is important, Parker. Not just for your mother, but for King’s Finest, too.”
Parker groaned as he stared out the window. They had no idea what they were asking of him.
Kayleigh Jemison loathed him, but despite what his family believed, he didn’t despise her. He was angry with Kayleigh. Maybe even hurt by her unrelenting disdain. But spending time with her at Blake and Savannah’s wedding had made it clear that he was still very fond of her.
Being forced to spend a week with Kayleigh would test his will in more ways than they knew.
“I’ll do it for Mom.” Parker nodded. “And for the sake of this deal.”
His father clapped a
hand on his back and smiled. “Thank you, son. This means a lot to all of us.”
His father was counting on him. Hell, his entire family was counting on him to make this deal happen. He’d been given a gift. He wanted to prove that when it was time to name a successor to the King’s Finest throne, he was the obvious choice. What better way to show his fitness for the role of CEO than by proving that he’d go beyond the call of duty to ensure the company’s success?
Their receptionist, Lianna, called the conference room to announce the arrivals of Kayleigh and their attorney, Lane Dennings.
“Speak now or forever hold your peace.” Max could barely contain his grin as Blake and Zora dissolved into laughter in response to his marriage pun.
Parker wouldn’t give his siblings the satisfaction of reacting. He simply ignored them.
“Ready, son?” His father held back a smile.
Parker nodded and sat at the table.
“I’ll clear the room. Go ahead and send them up, Lianna,” his father said. “I’ll meet them at the elevator.”
“You’re putting us out?” Zora groused.
“We don’t want to intimidate her. Parker, Lane and I have to be here, and Kayleigh requested that Savannah stay.”
“Well, I’m going down to the day care to spend some time with Davis before I go back to work.” Blake looked especially happy. He leaned down and gave his wife a quick kiss before exiting on the heels of Max, Zora and their father.
“Right this way, ladies,” his father was saying.
Parker’s eyes met Kayleigh’s as she entered the room. His pulse quickened and his mouth went dry.
He’d expected her to show up in tattered jeans and a T-shirt, with her hair a mess. But she hadn’t.
Kayleigh was stunning in a simple white blouse and a plain black skirt with a hemline that hovered just above her knees. Her hair fell below her shoulders in bouncy curls that swayed with every movement.
