[Anthology] A Clean Fake Marriage Romance Collection

by Victorine E. Lieske

  A twitch in his lip told her he was trying not to smile. “I see.”

  “Never mind. Let’s go out there and force your family to break us up.” She plastered on a happy face and dragged him out of the room.

  Chapter 4

  Madison tugged Jared into the kitchen where his family was gathered. An island held trays of vegetables, cheese, crackers and dip. A stack of small plates sat on the granite countertop.

  She made a show of picking up a dish and looking at it. “Can I have a bigger plate? I’m starving.”

  Irene patted her back. “Of course, honey.” She crossed the kitchen and opened a cabinet door.

  “Never mind. I’ll just use this.” Madison picked up the serving tray filled with cheese. She slid onto the bar stool next to Jared. His lip twitched.

  “My, you’re hungry. No problem. I’ll get some more.” Irene fussed in the cupboards and pulled out another tray, and then started slicing cheese.

  No one said anything, but Madison caught a few strange looks.

  Shelly turned to her. “How did you get a part in a movie from here in the Midwest?” She sat perched on a bar stool, her legs crossed and her hands on her knee. She did look thin and pale. Under her makeup, her cheeks were gaunt. Guilt wormed its way through Madison.

  “I was living in Hollywood when I got the acting gigs.” She stuffed a few pieces of cheese in her mouth.

  “What brought you to Nebraska?”

  She chewed the wad of cheese and swallowed. “I ran out of money, and wasn’t earning enough from my acting to stay in Hollywood, so I moved back in with my college roommate.” Unfortunately she didn’t have to lie to look lame, she was doing a great job being pathetic on her own.

  Shelly’s eyebrows rose. “What do you do now?”

  Good question. She had no idea. Her plans were to get a job, save up more money and maybe try out for a few local productions. She hadn’t thought much ahead of that. “I’m kind of in between things right now.” And just to spice things up, she said, “I’ve been thinking of trying street performance.”

  Patricia’s mouth dropped open. This was it. The moment when Jared’s family realized she was a flake and not worthy of his affections.

  But instead of a look of disdain, Patricia smiled and clasped her hands together. “Zachary was in a small vocal group back in college and they performed on the streets of New York. They raked it in. It paid for half his tuition!”

  “Oh, I love street performers.” Irene patted her hair and got a faraway look on her face.

  So much for that. But she wasn’t ready to give up yet. “I don’t sing. But did learn how to play the recorder in 3rd grade.” She flashed her best dumb blonde smile.

  Jared’s lip did another twitching thing, and he coughed into his fist.

  Irene’s laughter bubbled up. “You’re so funny.” Then she turned. “Jared, she’s a keeper. Don’t let go of this one.” She patted his hand.

  Great. That didn’t work at all. She stared at their faces, all smiling at her. What was wrong with them? Couldn’t they see she was off her rocker? His family was too accepting. What could she do to make them not like her?

  She stole a glance at Jared. The smirk was gone, and his cheeks were pink. “No, she’s serious. She wants to play the recorder...professionally.”

  Irritation ran through Madison. There was Mr. CEO, trying to take over the situation.

  Oh, heavens, he’s still talking.

  “In fact, she told me she was trying to learn to play the recorder with her feet. Right, honey?”

  Madison narrowed her eyes at him. “Yes, but I gave up on that. Don’t you remember? It was the day you baked me a three-layer cake. You remember, sugar plum...the one you frosted in white and then added the little red roses on top?”

  Everyone stared, their eyes wide.

  Patricia giggled. “Jared baked a cake for you? Now that’s something I’d like to see.”

  Jared glared at her. “Oh, sure, I remember. That was the day you decided to practice your yoga positions and you somehow managed to fling yourself out the window.”

  Shelly gasped.

  “It was a ground floor window, and it really was more of a patio door thing, so I wasn’t hurt. Which is funny, because Jared ran outside to see if I was okay, forgetting he had my frilly apron on. The neighbors kind of look at him strangely now.”

  The kitchen erupted in laughter. Jared’s face turned dark red. Then purple. He folded his arms across his chest. “At least I was wearing pants.”

  Heat crept up her neck as more laughter filled the room. “I had my workout shorts on.”

  “I’m not sure you can call those shorts.”

  “They’re a little skimpy, but you’ve got me beat when you wear your tiny pink Speedos.”

  Jared’s face darkened again, a shade somewhere between ‘You’re in big trouble’ and ‘I’m gonna kill you.’

  “I do believe you gave me those Speedos, and I don’t think I’ve ever worn them.”

  Irene came up behind them and put her arms around them. “You two sound like an old married couple already.”

  As the evening progressed, Madison came to the conclusion she liked Jared’s family, more than she intended to. His father was pretty quiet most of the time. For a retired prosecuting attorney, he had more bark than bite. A distinguished air hung about him.

  Shelly seemed to be the glue that held the family together. She was the typical mother figure, even though she was technically Jared’s aunt. When tempers flared, she was there to smooth things over.

  Irene was a bit flighty, although very nice. Madison was surprised to learn she had been married to Maxwell for only ten months.

  There was obvious tension between Mark and Jared. Maybe half-sibling rivalry. She wasn’t sure. They kept tossing glares and snide remarks at each other. Mark actually looked a lot like Jared. His eyes were more of an almond shape, but the half-brothers shared the same dark hair and high cheek bones.

  Zachary and Patricia were the perfect young couple in love. Patricia positively radiated. She was chatty and likable, and laughed easily. Zachary was quiet, and maybe a bit shy in front of her family. He managed one of the stores in his family’s hardware business.

  Madison enjoyed talking with and getting to know Jared’s family. Everyone seemed relaxed and happy...even Jared mellowed out. At least he wasn’t scowling anymore.

  Patricia pulled out her engagement ring and everyone oohed and ahhed appropriately. The diamond was huge. Probably set Zachary back quite a bit.

  “Where’s Madison’s ring?” Patricia asked, poking Jared in the side.

  His eyes widened. He stammered a minute, before Madison took pity on him and said, “We’ve been to the jewelry store several times, but I haven’t found anything I like. I’m picky that way.”

  He nodded, his face relaxing. “Yep. We haven’t found the right one.”

  “Ooh, you should go to the little shop on First and Pine. It has amazing hand-crafted rings. I’m sure Madison will like something there.”

  Madison could tell what was going through his mind, as his mouth opened and closed. She could almost see green dollar signs shining in his eyes. She decided to save him again. “I have really simple tastes. In fact, I may wear my great-grandmother’s ring.”

  “Oh, a family heirloom! That would be so meaningful.” Patricia clasped Zachary’s hand. “And romantic.”

  Mark ran his hand through his dark hair. “Wouldn’t it be more romantic if it was Jared’s family heirloom?”

  Patricia scowled at him. “Hush.”

  “Just sayin...”

  “You be nice,” Patricia scolded.

  “But it’s her own ring. That’s all I’m sayin’.”

  “I’m taking her ring-shopping tomorrow.” Jared cleared his throat and tugged at his tie. “I mean, there was one shop down the street from my company that we haven’t tried yet. It’s been closed for remodeling. We’re going tomorrow.”

  “
Wonderful,” Shelly said.

  “My jeweler can get you a good deal.” Maxwell put his arm around Irene. “You’d never believe the price he gave me on the one I bought Irene.”

  “Only because you buy them in bulk,” Jared muttered.

  Madison’s mouth dropped. Luckily, no one else heard the comment.

  She forgot about acting uncouth in front of his family as the time wore on. When it came time for dinner, they moved into the formal dining room. A long oak table, lavishly decorated with candles and beautiful white china, sat in the middle of the room. A roast on a silver platter took the center spot on the table. Wine glasses, polished silverware...and the cloth napkins were folded in fancy shapes. Madison half expected to see a butler waltz in with a tux and little white towel draped over one arm. They seated the happy couples next to each other on one side, across from Mark, Shelly and Irene. Maxwell, sitting at the head of the table, said grace.

  Shelly stood and raised her wine glass, tapping it with her knife. “I’d like to offer a toast, to my brother.” She turned to Maxwell, who had a grin on his face. “You’re another year older, but we all know you’re no wiser.” A few chuckles sounded. “But we love you, anyway. May this year be as wonderful as the last one. And may your new bride be around at least for your next birthday.”

  Laughter filled the room. Even Irene giggled. Madison turned to Jared. He sat with his back straight, his jaw clenched. When everyone raised their glass, he didn’t move. Madison nudged him and he reluctantly followed suit.

  “To Maxwell,” Patricia said, a bright smile on her face. Either she was oblivious to the tension, or she was ignoring it.

  The food looked delicious, and Madison plopped a healthy helping of mashed potatoes on her plate. Jared stared at her and then gave her a slight head shake. She frowned. Who cared if his family thought she was a pig? Or was he trying to tell her she should watch her weight? What a jerk. She raised her chin and added another spoonful. They were loaded potatoes, with chunks of bacon and chives in them. Her mouth watered.

  When her plate was full, she glanced around the table. Most everyone else had conservative portions, similar to Jared’s plate. Maybe it was a rich people thing. Smaller portions to fit in to those designer jeans. She mentally shrugged. No reason to go hungry. After all, she was trying to make his family think she didn’t belong.

  Jared seemed particularly interested in her plate. He wouldn’t stop staring at it. She took a hearty scoop of potatoes and shoved them into her mouth.

  The first thing she noticed was the temperature. The potatoes were cold. Then the taste hit her. What was that? They tasted like dirty dish water! And those chunks were not bacon bits. She didn’t know what they were. She forced her jaw to chew, hoping the warmth of her mouth would make the potatoes tolerable enough to swallow.

  As she worked on getting the food to go down, she noticed the corner of Jared’s mouth twitching. He turned away, but then his shoulders started shaking. The scoundrel was laughing at her.

  She kicked him under the table, and he turned to her, a full-fledged smile on his face. Such a rare occurrence, she’d noticed, but when it did happen, he looked like a model. A hint of blue infected his steel-grey eyes, and his long eyelashes made him even sexier. Her stomach plummeted to her knees. If Jared made an effort, he could have any girl on his arm.

  Madison forced the chunky, cold potatoes down and held back a giggle, unable to be mad. He had tried to warn her. He picked up his napkin and wiped his face to hide his laughter, a chuckle escaping. She pinched her lips together, desperately trying not to laugh, but that only made it erupt in a forceful “Ha!”

  She clamped her hand over her mouth.

  Patricia’s eyes were full of mirth. “Looks like Jared and Madison have some kind of inside joke going.”

  Mark frowned. “Since when does Jared laugh at jokes?”

  Shelly patted Mark’s hand. “He’s in love. That tends to change everything.”

  Jared swallowed his laughter and put his arm around Madison. “Yes. Love. That’s it.” He looked down at her, a hint of a smile on his face.

  Her skin tingled where he touched her, and she gazed up into his eyes. “Yep. We’re in love.”

  As the attention of the family drifted to other things, Madison tentatively took a nibble from the roast. At least that was decent. It was hard to mess up a roast, she supposed. The vegetables, on the other hand, were half frozen, and the side salad had a weird taste to it. She stuck with the meat, and pushed the rest of the food around her plate until everyone was done.

  After the dishes were scraped and in the dishwasher, everyone gathered back in the family room to watch Maxwell open his birthday gifts. Madison had not seen Jared with a gift, and she hoped he brought something. Her instinct told her he hadn’t, which would embarrass her. She sat next to Jared on the couch, hoping he had done something for his father’s birthday.

  Irene brought out a stack of brightly wrapped gifts. Jared reached into his pocket and placed an envelope on top. It turned out to be a gift card. Pretty lame, in Madison’s opinion, but at least he’d gotten something.

  After the gift unwrapping, Shelly pulled out a camera and announced, “Photo time! I have to get pictures of the two newly engaged couples.”

  She turned to Patricia and Zachary first, snapping some great pictures of them posing and goofing around. They made a wonderful couple. When they looked at each other, their eyes shone. Madison’s stomach tightened. She and Jared could never look like them. Surely everyone would see they were a fraud.

  Shelly turned the camera on them. “Your turn.” The camera clicked a couple of times, then she added, “Just act natural.”

  They sat on the couch, Jared’s back stiff, his hands folded in his lap. At least he plastered on a fake smile.

  “Relax a bit. You look like you’re posing for a mug shot. Jared, put your arm around your fiancée.” Shelly adjusted the camera settings and snapped a couple more photos.

  “That’s a little better. Now I want an action shot. Give her a kiss.”

  Madison looked up at Jared, and he leaned over and gave her a quick peck on the cheek.

  Shelly laughed. “Oh, you can do better than that, hon. Kiss her like you mean it.”

  Jared shot Madison an apologetic look, which actually was quite sweet of him. She didn’t care if he kissed her. She was an actress, after all. Kissing on set was no big deal.

  He leaned in and brushed his lips over hers. A light, innocent gesture. At least that’s how it started out, until he deepened the kiss. Her heart raced and her mind went blank. Time slowed as the sensation of his soft lips touching hers sent ripples of pleasure across her skin. His hand cradled the back of her head, pulling her closer.

  The smell of his cologne mixed with his masculinity heightened her senses. Before she knew what she was doing her arms were around his neck, and she was kissing him back. Warmth spread through her as his gentle touch sent tingles down her spine.

  He pulled back, ending the kiss and staring at her, his eyebrows knit together. The room erupted in cat calls and hoots. Madison’s cheeks heated. She’d forgotten where they were.

  “Now that’s how it’s done.” Maxwell grinned.

  Madison could barely catch her breath. It was only a kiss, for heaven’s sake. How could she let herself get carried away? As an actress, she needed to focus. She mentally reprimanded herself.

  “You guys look so twitterpated with each other,” Patricia said, giggling. “Such a happy couple.”

  Jared turned away, frowning.

  Shelly packed up the camera, and Zachary looked at his watch. “It’s been fun, but I have an early day tomorrow. I’m afraid we must be heading out.”

  Jared stood. “It’s time we left as well.” He extended his hand to Madison, which she was grateful for as her knees were still wobbly, but when she looked up at him, anger flashed in his eyes.

  They said their goodbyes, and she suddenly felt nervous to be alone with him.
He was acting like a caged lion, about to spring on her once they were alone. She sucked in a breath and stepped out into the evening, the sun already below the horizon.

  Chapter 5

  Jared stalked toward his car, Madison clicking behind him in her heels, trying to keep up. He was being rude, but he didn’t care.

  When he was sure no one could see them from the house he rounded on her. “What did you think you were doing in there?”

  Madison blinked, her eyes wide. “What are you talking about?”

  “Don’t you play innocent with me. You were supposed to look like a crazy chick so my family would break us up. But instead, you...you do that! Now they think we’re twitterpated.”

  A laugh erupted from Madison, and she clamped her hand over her mouth.

  “What?”

  “Sorry, there’s just something about an angry CEO shouting the word twitterpated. I’ve got to add that to my ‘things I never thought I’d hear’ list.”

  He couldn’t think of a thing to say in response, so he unlocked his car and slid into the driver’s seat, huffing in exasperation. She was infuriating. Didn’t she realize the position she’d put him in? This was no time to joke.

  Madison climbed in the car.

  “Don’t expect to get paid. After what you pulled, you’re lucky I don’t file a restraining order.”

  “Hey, it’s not like it was all my fault. You were kissing me first.”

  “I was only trying to appease my aunt.”

  “Well, you appeased the socks right off me.”

  Jared stared at her. “What does that even mean?”

  “It means, stop kissing people like that unless you want to be kissed back. Now, drive.” She motioned toward the driveway.

  He narrowed his eyes, annoyed she was telling him what to do, but held his tongue. The engine roared to life and he pulled out onto the street.

  Obviously Madison sucked at being an actress. She couldn’t even play the simple part of a girlfriend. And her idea of trying to get his family to break them up was insane. He didn’t know why he went along with it in the first place. He’d handle this his own way, and hope his aunt wouldn’t be too hurt.