[Anthology] A Clean Fake Marriage Romance Collection

by Victorine E. Lieske

  “Hey,” she said, suddenly shy.

  His eyes sparkled. “Enjoying your vacation so far?”

  She could only nod.

  “What would you like to do today?”

  “I have no idea. I’ve never been here before.”

  Jared pushed himself off the door jamb and took a couple of steps toward her. “There’s the memorial at Pearl Harbor.”

  She wrinkled her nose. “War is depressing.”

  Jared nodded. “There’s a wonderful museum full of Hawaiian history.”

  “Hmm, isn’t there something we can do outdoors?”

  He took another step closer. She could feel the heat from his body. If he leaned over, they’d be kissing. His lips twitched. “We’re in Hawaii. There’s plenty to do outdoors.”

  “Then let’s go spend the day in nature.” On impulse, she reached up and mussed up his hair.

  “What’d you do that for?”

  “You needed a little less ‘CEO’ and a little more ‘I’m on vacation.’”

  His hands snaked around her and pulled her to him. “And you need a little ‘keep my hands to myself.’”

  They stood for a moment, staring into each other’s eyes before Jared leaned over and brushed his lips on hers. The kiss was quick and over before she knew it. He let go and stepped back. “Sorry.”

  “Don’t be.” And in her mind she said, “We can kiss. We’re married.” But the words stuck in her throat and wouldn’t come out her lips.

  Chapter 24

  They ended up spending the day at Manoa Falls, walking the trails and taking countless photos. Madison’s heart warmed as she watched Jared loosen up and enjoy the cool breeze and beauty nature provided.

  As they ate dinner in a restaurant along the beach, Madison realized it had been a near perfect day. The only problem was the fact Madison hadn’t yet told Jared.

  Her stomach churned, and nerves tingled in her chest. She couldn’t wait any longer. Jared sat across from her, a slight smile on his lips. He’d never be in a better mood. She needed to spill it, like ripping off a band-aid.

  He stood and offered her his hand. “Would you like to walk along the beach with me?”

  She nodded. This was it. She took his hand and followed him down the sandy path. The soft waves reflected a calm she didn’t feel. Turning to him, she took a deep breath. “I have something to tell you.”

  His eyebrow raised quizzically. “What is it?”

  She looked out over the ocean, the sun painting the perfect backdrop. Best to simply spill it. “We’re married. For real.”

  His eyes widened in surprise. “How is that possible?”

  “Jimmy went online and got ordained as a minister.”

  He picked her up and spun her around. “My dreams have come true.”

  At least, that’s how it happened in her head.

  She blinked, realizing he was still standing there, holding out his hand, waiting for her to answer him. “Sure, we can go for a walk on the beach.”

  She took his hand for real, warmth spreading up her arm. Maybe things would go as she had imagined. Well, he probably wouldn’t say the corny ‘my dreams have come true’ line, but she’d take about anything above him freaking and screaming at her.

  The sound of sea gulls carried over the cool evening air. The sunset cast purple and pink hues over the ocean. The faint smell of rain mixed with grilled meat and fresh flowers wafted in the breeze. Jared smiled down at her. “What are your plans when we get back to Crimson Ridge?”

  Madison shrugged. She couldn’t say, “Move in with you, have a few babies, live forever in marital bliss.” So, instead, she said, “Look for a job, I guess.” She laughed, but it came out nervous and strained. She wiped her sweaty hands on her jeans.

  “I suppose eventually you’ll go back to California and give acting another shot, huh?”

  She raised an eyebrow. What was he doing? Did he want her to leave? “That’s my goal,” was all she could say.

  Pursuing her acting career hadn’t been on her mind lately. But now that he brought it up, she wondered what the future would look like if they did decide to stay married. Would Jared move to California? Or would he expect her to give up her dreams and stay in Crimson Ridge with him?

  A silence settled between them, and Jared seemed lost in thought. Now was the time. She couldn’t go on without telling him. She gathered up her courage and turned to him. “We need to talk.”

  They stopped walking and faced each other. He entwined his fingers with hers. A light breeze blew his hair. “Sure. What’s on your mind?”

  She stared into his eyes. Did she imagine it, or did his gaze hold the same love she felt? She could only hope he took the news well. A deep breath, and she spoke. “Irene found out.”

  He lifted one eyebrow. “What do you mean?”

  “She found out we weren’t really engaged. They all did, actually. Your whole family knew.” Her heart beat a painful rhythm against her ribcage.

  The loving expression melted from his face, and he clenched his jaw. “How do you know?”

  “Jimmy told me. Irene called him last week.” The next part caught in her throat, but she forced it out. “She asked him to go online and get ordained so the ceremony would be real. He did, and it was.”

  His eyes hardened, and he stiffened. “What are you saying?”

  “We’re married, Jared. For real.”

  He dropped her hand and stepped back like she’d caught on fire. His eyes narrowed. “And you knew?”

  This wasn’t going as planned. She shook her head. “No. I mean, yes, but I didn’t know it when we were going through the ceremony. Jimmy told me after the dance.”

  Anger poured off him in waves. “And when were you going to tell me?” he shouted.

  Madison looked around. Several other couples glanced their way. “Let’s not discuss this here,” she said in a low voice.

  “No, I think this is the perfect place to discuss this. What right did they have to decide something like this? And what right did you have to keep it from me?”

  Pain stabbed through her. “I tried to tell you. In the airport.”

  He pointed an accusing finger at her. “You should have told me right after you found out. At the wedding.”

  He was right. She should have. She had no defense. “I’m sorry,” she whispered, tears falling down her cheeks.

  Jared swore under his breath and raked his hand through his hair. Then he rounded on her. “What about you? Aren’t you upset?”

  At that moment, she knew. She loved him, but he didn’t love her back. She’d been happy at the news. His reaction told her everything.

  What could she say to him? That she was not upset? She hoped they would live a fairy tale life together? Someday their grandchildren would laugh about the story of how they ended up married to each other?

  She struggled to swallow the lump in her throat. She had to say something. Something real. The need to tell him her feelings overwhelmed her. “I hoped we could—”

  “We could what? Keep on pretending to be a couple? Pretend to be something we’re not to please my family?”

  His words cut deep. They were not a couple. He was pretending all along. She blinked back more tears.

  He turned on his heel. “I can’t stay here,” he said as he walked up the beach. “We should never have come. This was a bad idea.”

  She stumbled after him, fear clutching her throat. “We’re leaving?”

  He stopped, reached into his back pocket and tossed something at her. “No, you stay. Live it up on Irene’s credit card. I don’t care. I’ve got to go back and take care of this mess.”

  With that he stormed off, Madison watching his retreating back as he faded into the darkness.

  Chapter 25

  Jared slammed his car into park and jumped out. He stalked up the walkway, then entered his childhood home. Countless hours on his way home had given him plenty of time to think about what he was going to say to his f
ather. His anger grew every minute that passed. It pulsed inside him.

  The door banged shut and he stomped through the house. His father and Irene were sitting on the kitchen stools eating lunch. At the sight of him, they both froze, Irene holding her fork half-way to her mouth, pasta hanging mid-air.

  “How dare you?” He narrowed his eyes and clenched his fists, his anger like a fire burning in his chest.

  Irene’s fork slowly descended to her plate. She cast a worried glance at her husband and licked her lips.

  Maxwell blinked. “Jared. Come on in. Sit down.”

  His casual manner spoke volumes. He didn’t care. He’d messed up Jared’s life and it didn’t even phase him.

  “How egotistical and completely typical of you. Thinking you can run my life for me. You’ve never understood me. Never even cared to try. But this? I can’t believe you sank so low.”

  Irene’s face paled. She glanced around. “Where’s Madison?”

  Jared ignored her. “I cannot believe the gall you two have. Did you think this would be funny?”

  His father stood. “Calm down.”

  “Calm down? You’ve gone too far this time. I am not going to let this go.”

  A look of panic crossed Irene’s face. “Where’s Madison?”

  Jared waved her away. “She’s still in Hawaii.”

  Irene clutched her necklace. “What did you do? You just left her in Hawaii?”

  Guilt stabbed through Jared. He’d been so mad at his father, he hadn’t thought about Madison. But she was a big girl. She could handle herself. “Don’t change the subject. Madison’s fine.” He turned to his father. “What were you thinking? Not everyone treats marriage so lightly. Some people think it means something.”

  His father hitched up his pants. “And pretending to get married shows how much you think it means?”

  “Stop!” Irene hopped off her stool and stood between them. “Everyone needs to cool down.”

  “No,” Jared said between clenched teeth. “I don’t need to cool down. I need you to get out of my life.” He walked to the archway and turned. “I’m done with you.”

  MADISON BOARDED THE plane, dragging her carry-on and leaving her dreams behind to die in the fading sun. She’d thought about staying in Hawaii, but couldn’t bring herself to do it. It wasn’t right to spend Irene’s money on a vacation she didn’t deserve. She’d lied to everyone. And now the only option was to go back home and bury herself in job hunting.

  She plopped down in her seat and stared out the tiny window. For some reason, everything looked smaller through the thick glass, even though the plane hadn’t taken off yet. An elderly woman sat down beside her. “Are you okay, miss?”

  Madison hadn’t realized she was crying. She wiped the tears from her cheeks. “I’m fine.”

  The woman patted her arm. “You poor dear. What happened?”

  What could she tell her? The whole thing was too crazy. In the end, she settled for, “My husband left me.”

  The woman shook her head. “Well, he must be crazy to do such a thing.”

  The flight to L.A. took six hours, then she had a long layover and another long flight to Omaha. Luckily, she was able to sleep on the plane, because she had to rent a car and drive for almost four hours to get back to her apartment in Crimson Ridge. When she finally arrived at her apartment, she was emotionally drained and her back ached. All she wanted to do was slip into bed and pull the covers over her head.

  She tugged her suitcases up the stairs. The lock stuck, and she had to wiggle her key to get the door open. When she stepped into her apartment, her mouth fell open.

  Irene sat on the couch, her arms folded and a concerned expression on her face. She stood, crossed the room, and threw her arms around Madison. “You’re home.”

  Nothing but complete shock registered in Madison’s brain. “What are you doing here?”

  Carrie and Mark came into the room. Her roommate ran to join the hug. “Oh, Maddie, I’m so sorry.” Mark hung back, his hands in his pockets.

  “What’s going on?”

  Irene led Madison to the couch. “Have a seat. We need to talk.”

  Carrie squeezed Madison’s shoulder. “Jimmy told us how happy you were when you found out you were married to Jared.”

  She swallowed the lump forming in her throat, unable to speak. Everyone knew. They knew she loved Jared and that he didn’t feel the same way. A hole opened up in her chest, threatening to swallow her.

  Irene dabbed at her eyes with a tissue. “I just can’t believe Jared. How could he?”

  Fresh tears blurred her vision. “He doesn’t love me.”

  Irene patted her hand. “I think he does. He just doesn’t know it yet. You need to tell him how you feel.”

  Madison stared at Irene. Tell Jared she loved him? What would he say to that? She wasn’t sure, but once she admitted her feelings, she couldn’t take them back. “I don’t know.”

  “You must be exhausted.” Irene picked up a glass of ice water from the coffee table. “Get some rest. Think about it. If you tell Jared how you feel, he might be able to admit his own feelings.”

  “Or he’d laugh at me,” she said under her breath.

  Irene gave her a hug. “You won’t find out until you do it.”

  Madison nodded. “Maybe tomorrow. I can’t even think right now.”

  “Of course.” Irene stood. “We should go.”

  “Wait, how’s Shelly doing? She looked like she was doing better.”

  Pink crossed Irene’s cheeks. “She’s really good. Improving each day.”

  “Did they find out what was wrong?”

  Irene bit her lip, and Mark coughed into his fist. Neither one spoke.

  “What?”

  A guilty smile crossed Irene’s face, and she stared down at the ice water. “Turns out she’d been taking the wrong dose of her heart medication. We, uh, found out soon after she was admitted to the hospital. She was afraid you’d postpone the wedding if she told you...so...” Her voice trailed off.

  “I guess we weren’t the only ones not being truthful.” Madison smiled. “For some reason, that makes me feel a little better.”

  Mark rocked back on his heels. “Talk to Jared. I think you guys can work this out.”

  Madison took a deep breath and let it out slowly. “Thanks for coming all the way here, it means a lot to me. But if Jared wants an annulment, I have to go along with it.”

  Irene cringed. Carrie’s face paled.

  “I’m just going to have to get past this.” Madison stood and hugged Irene again.

  After Irene and Mark left, Madison took a long soak in the tub, letting the warmth of the water soothe her wounded soul.

  Chapter 26

  Madison swung her car into the parking stall in front of Jameson Technologies and stopped. A feeling of déjà vu overwhelmed her, but this time she wasn’t there to beg for a job. She was going to tell Jared how she really felt.

  A cold lump formed in her stomach. After thinking about what Irene and Mark had said, she agreed. She needed to talk to Jared. It wasn’t fair to keep her feelings a secret.

  Her sandals slapped on the tile floor, her long skirt flowing as she strode through the building. This time she didn’t stop at the desk, but entered the elevator and pushed the button to the twenty-third floor. The receptionist called out to her, but the doors were already closing.

  When they opened on Jared’s floor, Madison walked out and approached Darlene’s desk. The woman frowned, the corners of her mouth disappearing into the folds of skin on either side of her face. “Do you have an appointment?”

  “No.” Madison walked right on past the desk.

  “You can’t go back there,” Darlene yelled, as she ran around her station. But Madison was already to Jared’s door. She threw it open and entered his office.

  Jared swung around in his chair with his phone to his ear, and his eyes widened. Darlene came up behind her, panting. “I’m sorry, she just barged in
.”

  Jared held up his hand. “It’s okay, Darlene.”

  Huffing, she turned on her heel. Jared spoke into the phone. “Can I call you back?” When he placed the phone down, his steely eyes met her gaze. He didn’t say anything, just continued to stare.

  “Really? You’re still mad at me?” She placed her hands on her hips. What was his problem?

  “You did lie to me.”

  “I tried to tell you. You didn’t listen.”

  He waved his hand, like it wasn’t worth his consideration. “Whatever. I’m having my attorney draw up the papers. We’ll get an annulment and be done with this whole mess.”

  Heat flooded her cheeks. That’s all this was to him. A mess. Something to clean up. And here she was, ready to tell him she loved him. Like that would happen. “Fine.”

  She turned to leave, but changed her mind mid-stride. “Listen, you’re the one who left me in Hawaii. It’s me who should be mad at you.”

  Jared stood and crossed the room. “If you had told me right away, we could have torn up the marriage certificate. It would have saved us both a lot of trouble.”

  Anger seethed in her. He was in the wrong. He didn’t even apologize. She took a step toward him, now only inches from his face. “You. Left. Me. In. Hawaii.” She yelled each word, making sure Darlene could hear. In fact, the people in the next building probably heard.

  He narrowed his eyes. “And you lied to me.”

  That was all he cared about. Getting out of the marriage. All thoughts of telling him she loved him left her, and instinct took over. She clenched her fist and swung, connecting with his eye. Pain shot through her knuckles.

  He staggered back, a look of complete shock on his face. She turned and strode out of his office, hoping he didn’t see her shake her hand. Darlene and a few other office personnel gaped at her as she passed. The elevator dinged, and as she entered Darlene asked, “Who was that?”