Engaging the Enemy

by Susanne Bellamy

  ‘For goodness sake, sit, Andie. You’ll wear out the floorboards.’ Lexie sprawled on the sofa. Andie knew Lexie wouldn’t like the news but neither would her best friend rub salt in the wound.

  She threw herself onto the futon. ‘It’s not like you didn’t warn me. I just wanted to be right for once.’ She sighed. ‘I so suck at reading people.’

  ‘Okay — so we’re talking about Mahoney, right?’

  Andie nodded then banged her head back into the futon’s headrest. ‘Only gullible Andie would believe Mahoney’s story. I’m hopeless.’

  ‘Not hopeless, Andie. You want to make the world right for everyone so you jump in to help. Sometimes you jump from the frying pan into the fire. It’s no biggie.’

  Frustration stung her eyes and a lead weight sat in her stomach. ‘Could I have got it more wrong this time, Lexie? Mahoney said we could stay and his team would work around us. Was I wrong to take that chance?’

  ‘Hey, girlfriend, anyone would have accepted that opportunity. Really — it would have been foolish not to. But Dave told me we’re moving out completely. That’s the last he heard.’

  ‘And I heard Mahoney on the phone to him last night. There’s the proof.’ She rubbed the heel of her hands across her eyes. Bone-tired and feeling more impotent than ever, she growled. ‘Was ever there a lower form of life? Mahoney pretends we can stay, gets his workmen into the building and then boots us out. If I get my hands on him, I’ll show him how a de Villiers deals with liars.’

  Lexie wriggled the cushion out from behind her back and hugged it to her chest. ‘So why this engagement? I don’t see how it fits.’

  ‘Neither do I. It must be part of his revenge plan. My father filled in more of the story. Apparently my great grandpa cheated his grandfather at cards and won the building. Seems the Mahoneys have been hankering for vengeance ever since.’

  ‘Sounds like an old-time feud, guns at the ready across the square. So how does that fit? I mean, it sounds more Romeo and Juliet than hillbilly.’

  She winced at Lexie’s Shakespearean take. ‘He’s no Romeo and I’m not dying for love here.’

  ‘But maybe for lust?’

  ‘That’s not true. I never — we haven’t—’

  ‘Peace. It’s just a thought.’

  Andie caught her sly glance. ‘Why’d you say that, Lexie?’

  ‘That was a pretty hot kiss I saw and you, dear one, are no actor.’

  She groaned aloud. Truth time… ‘Okay, yes, he’s a good kisser’ — Lexie’s eyebrows rose to new heights at the understatement — ‘okay, he’s a fantastic kisser. But that’s all.’

  ‘Not buying it. There’s chemistry between you two. That kiss sizzled, steamed. It fogged the foyer it was so hot.’

  Remembering his mouth and the wicked, wicked things he’d done to her with it, a blush covered her entire body. ‘Really, Lexie, you can’t say—’

  ‘Know what I think? I think if you weren’t stuck in this bind, you two might make a go of it.’

  ‘You’re mad.’ Her breath stuck in her throat. No way would I ever get involved with Mahoney. Lying, cheating snake-in-the-grass. Lexie’s wrong.

  ‘There was no chemistry, it’s just…just… It’s just the dry spell. I haven’t been out in a while.’

  ‘Am I mad?’ Lexie sat back, a self-satisfied grin firmly in place. ‘I think you’ve got the hots for him but you won’t admit it. Do you lie awake at night thinking about his kiss?’

  ‘None of your business.’ Definitely none of her business. Memories of his lips on her body sent heat racing along every pathway in her body. It pooled between her thighs and blossomed into her womb. She wriggled her hips further into the futon cushion.

  Lexie waved her hand dismissively. ‘Of course you do. It’s neither here nor there anyway. He’s a hot guy and he’s hot for you. Use that.’

  ‘How?’

  ‘String Mahoney along for the weekend. I’ve a contact at the TV station — he was away when I called last week but he’s got a nose for news and he’ll eat this up.’

  ‘I can’t.’ Fear welled up, fast and furious. If Mahoney came within ten feet of her she’d forget her lines, her role. ‘You said it — I’m a terrible actor and hopeless liar. Pinocchio would get away with more than me.’

  ‘You want The Shelter to survive, you’ll do it.’

  The Shelter.

  Everything came back to this place and what it meant to her. It wasn’t just a refuge for women and kids. Her work here made the difference in their lives. It gave them hope in intolerable situations and gave her hope she was necessary to someone else. Her father didn’t need her and never had. But these families did. She’d fight for them. Somehow she’d keep them together here, under the roof of The Shelter.

  And that meant playing up to Mahoney if — when he called.

  If it is to be, it’s up to me. Her mother’s advice ghosted down the years. She met Lexie’s gaze, took a deep breath then released it slowly.

  ‘I’ll do it. I can do it.’

  ‘Atta girl. Back to the sixty-four million dollar question, how does your fake engagement get Mahoney his revenge?’

  ‘He asked me not to tell anyone, but then he up and told Dave. And he said I’d be the one to call it off. How does that equal revenge?’

  ‘If he leaks the story, it’ll make the cover of all the magazines, the gossip columns will have a field day. ‘Melbourne’s most eligible bachelor gets the flick’. Sad thing is, he won’t lack for women wanting to be his consolation prize.’

  ‘It makes no sense unless…’

  Like a giant jigsaw, pieces moved, regrouped, flew together. ‘He wouldn’t. Would he?’

  ‘Andie?’

  Ignoring Lexie, she jumped to her feet and resumed pacing. The scope of the plan shocked her. So simple. And so effective. ‘That’s it.’

  ‘Spill.’

  ‘He set this up so I’d dump him.’

  Lexie’s shock was probably mirrored in her own face. Several seconds passed then Lexie’s features assumed a hard, knowing resolution. ‘He could move us out and the publicity wouldn’t matter.’

  ‘Everyone would feel sorry for him because I’d dumped him. The worst of it is, the fact he’s tossing us out of The Shelter won’t even rate in the story. The bastard.’

  He’d never had any intention of keeping his promise. Duplicity beyond bearing deserved retaliation. Public humiliation. ‘He’ll pay for this. He’s going to turn up soon. After last night, I am so going to—’

  ‘Don’t.’ Lexie’s sharp command cut off her plans to physically harm him. ‘Not yet. We’ve got to delay until we’ve got the media organised. Jace will come through for me. When Mahoney turns up with his reno team on Monday, the cameras will roll.’

  ‘But — what do I do when he turns up today?’

  ‘Act. Like you’ve never acted before.’

  ***

  Matt pulled up beside the industrial bin then sat drumming a rapid tattoo on the wheel. Could he have found a more inconvenient fake fiancée? Serena would have been so much easier and comfortable.

  And boring.

  They had no chemistry. Not even a spark. But the thought of play-acting with a petite firebrand had appealed in ways his tight groin didn’t need to think about now.

  Down, boyo.

  He gripped the wheel. Inconvenient lusting after Andie had landed him neck-deep in this bizarre scenario. Why had she run out on their family celebration? That had led to an interesting conversation when he and his mother returned home last night.

  He glared at the building.

  She won’t go back on her word. She gave it and she’ll keep it.

  He slammed the car door and aimed his key remote over his shoulder as he strode across the tiny square. At the foot of the steps, he paused to survey the entrance.

  The front door was firmly closed today. At least his lecture had had some effect. He rapped on a panel, his knuckles feeling the sting of his frustration against
the hardwood door. Trouble had to be expecting him. After that stunt last night, she’d be a fool not to.

  But would she be brave enough to face up to him?

  He waited, resisting the urge to pound on the door again, and shoved his hands in his pockets. Trouble wasn’t a coward. She was shy and she was vulnerable but he knew her promise was her word.

  She’ll come.

  And suddenly, silently, as though he’d magicked her up with a Leprechaun wish, the door opened.

  Trouble stood half hidden behind the door. He glanced at her left hand clutching the edge of the door and his heart skipped a beat.

  She’s not wearing the ring.

  Lips parted, eyes wide in a face pale beneath the sprinkling of freckles, she met his eyes. ‘I’m sorry, Matt. I didn’t mean to be rude to your mother but I just couldn’t do it.’

  Her lower lip trembled and his annoyance vanished. He stepped toward her and she retreated, leaving him standing in the open doorway. He pushed the door gently shut behind him and leaned against it, giving her room and himself a moment to rethink his approach Her apology was welcome, though unexpected.

  ‘You did fine, Trouble.’

  ‘It was all that talk of weddings and kissing.’

  ‘I know. It’s okay.’ Funny thing, it was okay. He understood. She’d frozen, as if she’d forgotten her lines on a stage and panicked.

  ‘You’re not angry?’

  He shrugged. ‘It doesn’t matter now.’

  ‘So you were angry. I don’t blame you. I tried to keep up my end of the agreement but I can’t act.’

  Soft green eyes implored his understanding.

  ‘I get it. It was a bit much, wasn’t it — meeting my mother in your dad’s home, feeling as you do about him.’

  She looked away and pressed her lips together. Obviously she didn’t want to talk about her father.

  He eyed the intervening space. His fingers twitched and the urge to touch her grew. Touch her? To what end?

  To comfort her.

  Yeah. And comfort yourself too.

  He wished the voices in his head to hell, and swallowed his need. What could he say to make her feel better?

  ‘Ma liked you. A lot.’

  Her direct gaze sought his and she leaned against the glass panel beside her. ‘Doesn’t it worry you, lying to her like this?’

  ‘Of course it does. I don’t like lies, or liars, but it was the only way to convince her to come. You’d tell a white lie too to save someone you loved.’

  ‘Perhaps.’ Delicate pink flared beneath her freckles. She hugged her arms around herself. ‘Do you want a coffee?’

  ‘Andie, let’s just relax, unwind. Forget about having to pretend.’

  ‘I can’t forget. You’re the one who put me in this position, remember?’ Accusation tinged her trembling voice.

  His gut clenched. It was his fault. The whole weird, improbable lie had come from him. Why had he picked on Trouble, the only woman who couldn’t tell a lie to save herself?

  ‘Let me make it up to you. I want to take you out.’

  ‘I don’t want to go out.’

  Desperation inspired an idea. He hadn’t done it in years but…why not?

  ‘You don’t have to dress up just for a picnic. We can relax, it’ll just be the two of us — no need to pretend.’ He risked touching her rigid shoulder. Beneath the grey T-shirt, her collarbone felt as fragile as a bird’s.

  She sucked in her breath and was still beneath his touch.

  ‘I want to apologise. I know you might not believe it but I want to start making it up to you. Please?’

  Rumbling traffic swept past nearby and a pair of horns exchanged insults. But in the quiet of the entry, he heard her swallow, and her soft exhalation as her shoulders relaxed.

  She pushed off the panel. ‘I’ll go change. Give me five minutes.’

  She climbed the stairs without looking at him again.

  Relief washed through him. He sagged against the front door, hooking his thumbs into his belt tabs.

  She’d agreed.

  Chapter Sixteen

  Andie squinted at the blaze of sunlight reflecting off the Yarra River. What had possessed her to agree with Mahoney’s picnic idea? Sitting on a blanket in spring sunshine, glass of wine in hand, it was difficult to remember Mahoney was a liar and a cheat. Especially when he smiled at her, like he was now.

  As though he was enjoying her company.

  She pinched herself to avoid falling into his charm trap.

  Prince Charming he isn’t.

  Not when she knew him for the con artist he was. His great-grandfather’s tale of being cheated was probably sour grapes. Or a lie.

  She shifted on the picnic blanket and shook her head. She was tired of the puzzle presented by Mahoney. Why couldn’t he be straightforward and uncomplicated like Dave?

  ‘Do you think Dave’s in love with Lexie?’

  Mahoney leaned up on his elbow and studied her face. ‘Where did that come from?’

  ‘I don’t know. I guess I was just thinking about our — relationship and it struck me that poor Dave is half in love with Lexie.’

  ‘Who doesn’t seem that interested in him. What’s that got to do with us?’

  ‘I think he’s wishing he was in this sort of relationship with her. That’s all.’

  ‘Bummer, isn’t it, wanting someone you can’t have?’ He popped another olive into his mouth and wiped his hands on the deli serviette.

  ‘Yeah, bummer.’

  Like how Mahoney stirred a response with his soft sigh of warm breath along her neck. With lips that made her forget her insecurities and inhibitions. Only Mahoney and his stupid, obnoxious, hot presence sent her into a spin.

  Good work, Andie. You can’t even go for a normal guy. You had to fall for the most unsuitable man in Melbourne.

  Cold sweat broke out on her skin. Alarm bells shrieked in her head.

  Fall for Mahoney?

  No.

  No, she couldn’t have.

  She dug her fingers into the blanket. Knowing he was a manipulative liar and cheat, she should have kept her wits about her. Instead, she’d let him make love to her.

  A broken heart over a cheat would be fair recompense for such monumental stupidity.

  Suck it up, Andie. Now start concentrating and think of The Shelter. Do what has to be done to protect it.

  ‘Are you okay, Trouble? You look pale.’

  She nodded.

  Act. Like you’ve never acted before.

  Somehow, she just knew Lexie’s advice would return to bite her.

  She drew a deep breath, sipped her wine and shrugged. ‘Didn’t sleep after I ran out on you last night.’ Even to her ears, her voice sounded husky.

  Cool breeze rustled new green leaves above her. Shadow and sunlight interplayed, and the shifting shapes made it difficult to see Mahoney’s expression. Would he buy her fib? She squeezed out a half smile.

  The breeze died away and light and shade resolved into a still pattern and suddenly she could see him clearly. Was that sympathy in his eyes? Her stomach clenched on the half truth.

  Stick with the facts, Andie.

  She ploughed on. ‘I panicked. Then I felt bad about it all night, that’s all.’

  Mahoney reclined on his elbow, and toyed with a blade of grass in his mouth. His scrutiny fixed on her and she empathised with a bug under a microscope.

  This must be how it feels just before they get pinned.

  He twirled the grass between his fingers then sat up and tossed the blade aside. A single stripe of tartan separated their knees on the blanket.

  ‘Trouble, I’ve been re-thinking our deal.’

  Here it comes, the whole you can dump me scenario.

  Jump in, Andie. Don’t let him control the situation now.

  Drawing a deep breath, she corkscrewed a curl round her finger and gave what she hoped was an apologetic look. ‘So have I. And I understand you just wanted the best for your mum.
’

  ‘I made you go along with a lie. An unconscionable act of which I’m ashamed.’

  ‘It’s okay, really it is. As you said, we do questionable things when loved ones are affected. I don’t like lies, but — they have their place occasionally.’

  He gave her an odd look.

  Had she overdone the enthusiasm thing? Survival of The Shelter depended on sticking as close to the truth as she could. It was her only chance of convincing him she was for real and lulling him into a false sense of security.

  As false as everything else about this picnic.

  ‘That’s grand of you, to be forgiving like this. But I want to make it up to you.’

  ‘No need. After all, we agreed to scratch each other’s back.’

  ‘Trouble, I’m not pulling out of our deal if that’s what you’re thinking.’

  ‘Oh, no. Of course not. I didn’t think that.’

  He raised an eyebrow at her.

  Truth, Andie. Stick as close to the truth as you can.

  ‘Okay, maybe I did think that, just a little bit. But thanks for the reassurance. Besides, there’s our escape clause.’

  ‘That’s what I wanted to talk about. I want to give you a chance of opting out now if you feel it’s too much.’

  ‘But The Shelter—’

  ‘I’ll honour my offer. You met your end when you agreed to be my fiancée. Meeting Ma sealed the deal.’

  ‘You can’t want me to dump you so early? Wouldn’t that undo all you’ve planned?’

  And allow him to leak his broken engagement to the papers and pre-empt their plans to safeguard their accommodation.

  ‘Trouble, I hate the pretence I’ve forced you into. I want to put things right.’

  Fear skittered down her spine. She had to delay their break up.

  Just two more days. Breathe, Andie.

  She took a big breath and words tumbled from her mouth with little thought. ‘I know I’m a poor actor but I’m trying. I can do better.’

  ‘I don’t want you to do better. I don’t want you to pretend anymore.’

  He slipped a hand under her curls and lightly caressed her neck, his fingers tangling in her hair. She raised a hand to his chest, whether to ward him off or encourage him she couldn’t recall. Her choppy breathing matched his heartbeat pounding beneath her fingertips. Midnight-blue eyes filled her vision, and soft breath whispered along her cheek as he leaned closer.