Arranged

by Jennifer Kittredge

  “Don’t forget, you’re helping me too. The money will make a huge difference in my life.”

  “I know. It’s still a lot to ask of someone, especially someone who really just met me.”

  “You’re right, it is, but I wouldn’t have said yes if I didn’t want to do it. I have my reasons, just like you have yours. We both get something out of this.”

  “Touché, Ms. Alexander, soon to be Mrs. Andrews.” His smile reached his eyes, making them twinkle as he pulled me into his arms. His embrace was warm and comfortable. It also made my pulse go into overdrive. My conflict stirred back into life, even though I nestled in the safety of that simple embrace. I really needed to get myself in check. I knew that and was determined, somehow, to do it. I couldn’t let feelings for Sam interfere with our plan. But there, in that moment, I allowed myself a small taste of the forbidden.

  “Let the games begin,” I whispered to myself, the words hidden in his broad chest.

  We spend the rest of the evening getting to know one another a little better. I still felt like Sam wasn’t telling me everything. I had this funny feeling he had left something out and hoped like hell it wasn’t something that would come out to bite me.

  “Friday night, we have dinner with my family. Marcus will be there with his wife Lena, as well as my mom and her new husband, my alcoholic uncle may or may not show up with his soup de jour, as well as my gram and grandfather. Are you ready for this?”

  “I’m as ready as I’ll ever be.”

  “Don’t worry, we’ll get through it together.”

  “I’m counting on that.”

  “We will.”

  “Honestly, this is the most exciting thing to happen to me in years—well, ever, really. I’m looking at it as an adventure. But please, promise me one thing.”

  “Anything.”

  “Promise me we’ll remain friends after our divorce. I’ve come to enjoy your company as well as our evolving friendship,” I said shyly.

  “I could ask same the same of you. I promise you we will remain friends when all of this is finished.”

  “Then I’m all yours, Mr. Andrews.”

  Sam drew me close again me, kissing me softly on the lips. I had to continually remind myself this wasn’t real, that it was merely a game, so that the emotions he stirred up in me would stay in check. This would be a long year.

  Chapter Six

  The week flew by. With the contracts signed, we began our business arrangement. We went out a few nights during the week, so people would start seeing us together. I knew they looked at me as his next “fling”—which, technically, I was, though they didn’t realize the extent of it. Sam was always a delight to be around. We laughed constantly and were getting more comfortable in our roles with one another. Tonight, I’d be meeting his family.

  I was on edge and had been the whole day. He hadn’t really filled me in on everyone and what the dynamics were, so I was more than a little nervous. I felt like I would be walking into the lion’s den. I knew he didn’t care for his cousin, Marcus, and that their relationship had always been strained. Their fathers had seen to that. The boys were in competition from a young age, and as they grew older, their competitiveness turned into contempt. With the news of the clause from their grandfather, Marcus apparently felt rather smug. He clearly believed Sam would never get married, so he felt as though he had this win in the bag. Little did he know, I thought with another surge of something close to panic, he’d meet the future Mrs. Andrews tonight. I let out a long sigh.

  “You okay?” Emily asked.

  “Yes, Em. I’m okay. Just nervous to be meeting Sam’s family tonight.”

  “You guys have certainly moved fast. I’ve known Sam for years, and I don’t think he’s ever taken a woman to meet his family.”

  “You’re not making me feel any better. I’m a nervous wreck. What if they hate me?”

  “Who could possibly hate you, Syd? You’re the nicest person there is. Just be you. It will be fine.”

  “Ugh. I swear, I feel like a teenager. I’m terrified to meet them.”

  “Stop it. Sam adores you. He won’t let anything happen to you, so relax and be yourself. Then call me tomorrow and tell me all about it.” She winked at me. Em had been with me since high school. She was my oldest and dearest friend, closer to me than my own sister. She often knew what I was thinking before I said it, completing my sentences like the other half of an old married couple.

  “Oh, you know I will. I’m so glad you’re back from vacation, Em. I missed you.”

  “You couldn’t have missed me that much. You’re dating the Bay’s most notorious bachelor. I’m sure he kept you entertained while I was away.”

  “As a matter of fact, he did. When you asked me to meet with him last Friday…” I paused for a moment, scrunching my forehead as I thought back. “Wow, has it really only been a week?”

  “Yep. Only a week.”

  I shook my head, feeling like I’d fast-forwarded through an entire life in that time.

  “Anyway, I so did not want to meet with him that day. I figured he’d be a pompous asshole. I was happy to find out he’s actually a very nice person. Not pompous at all.”

  “I told you so. He’s a good guy. I’m not sure what happened in his life to make him never want to settle down, but I have a feeling he’s met someone who might make that happen. Oh, and he’s not bad to look at either,” she teased.

  Heat rushed to my cheeks, turning them pink.

  “Don’t get all shy with me, Sydney Alexander. That man is an Adonis. Women swoon over him. You’ll have your hands full trying to keep them all away.”

  “I know. You should have seen the women fawning over him when we went to dinner the other night. He completely ignores it, like he doesn’t even see it happening. I tend to cringe when I see those women behaving that way, but he never takes his eyes off me. It’s as if I’m the only person in the room.”

  “What kind of spell did you put on the notorious Sam Andrews?”

  I threw my head back, chuckling, “If you only knew. It’s a secret. I’d have to kill you if I told you.”

  Emily shook her head, smirking.

  “You’ll do great tonight, Syd. Why don’t you get out of here early? We can catch up tomorrow on how your night went.”

  “I’m heading out now. I’ll call you in the morning. And yes, I know I’m repeating myself, but I’m so glad you’re back, Em.” I hugged her hard and snatched up my purse before heading out the door.

  I really had missed her. It killed me that I couldn’t tell her about my arrangement with Sam. Em was a straight-shooter, full of energy, and always had my back. It was what I loved about her. She was married to Stuart. They met a few years before at a work function and had been together ever since, finally tying the knot last year. Recently, they’d begun to talk about starting a family. They were everything I wanted, and if I let myself, I could be jealous, but that wouldn’t be fair to Em. She deserved happiness after the crappy relationship she came out of prior to Stuart.

  I went home and spent an hour outside with Bear. I needed the time to compose myself. If I thought long enough about what lay ahead of me, I would talk myself out of going. I needed to get a grip and put my big-girl panties on. I had made a promise to Sam. Tonight, I would be the most amazing girlfriend he’d ever had and his family had ever seen. Although I didn’t think they’d ever seen one before, so this should be interesting.

  “Okay, Bear. We’ve got to wrap it up. I need to get ready for tonight.”

  I took my time, deciding on a fitted black cocktail dress. I let my hair hang down my back tonight, my waves doing what they were actually supposed to do for once. I chose silver accessories and silver heels, then applied my makeup and stood back to admire my handiwork.

  “Not bad, Syd, not bad at all.”

  The knock on my door made my heart do a little flip, because I know it was Sam. I could have sworn that my heart would definitely be broken at the en
d of this, judging by its unrestrained response.

  I opened the door to the most amazing sight. Sam had a huge bunch of calla lilies in his hand.

  “Hello, future Mrs. Andrews.”

  “Hello Mr. Andrews.”

  “Wow,” he said as his gaze swept over my body.

  “Thank you. I’m a nervous wreck. Do you really think we can pull this off?”

  “Well, since it’s been a very long time since I’ve brought anyone home to meet them, they’ll be delighted. So yes, I do believe we can pull this off.”

  Sam bent down to pet Bear. “Hey, big buddy. How are you tonight?”

  Bear lapped up the attention, his signature stupid doggy-grin in evidence. I decided he might even start to like Sam better than me. Those two had bonded in a week like nothing I’d ever seen. I would never have taken Sam for a dog guy but was secretly delighted that he was.

  “Ready to go?”

  “I’m as ready as I’ll ever be.” The brave words couldn’t quite mask the slight tremor of nervousness I struggled to tamp down.

  “Let’s do this then.”

  I had begun to fall in love with Sam’s car. There was something sexy about the black Aston Martin, something that nothing to do with wealth and everything to do with sheer charisma and class. We drove in a comfortable silence for a few minutes.

  “So, tell me about your day. I know Emily’s back in town. How is she?”

  “She’s awesome. So happy. They had a great vacation, and she is completely amused that the Sam Andrews is totally smitten with her BFF, and in only a week’s time, too.”

  “Well, I’m sure she knows why I am totally smitten.”

  A tingling sensation spread across my skin at his words. Sam’s acting was amazing. My heart would be a complete mess at the end of this. It was already so hard for me to keep my job and my heart separate, no matter how often I reminded myself of the obvious. Still, a little voice whispered persistently that he had no reason to play the game when we were alone, yet he did. It raised a host of questions I couldn’t even think about, so I pushed them back and took hold of my determination to live in the moment. That’s how it’s done, Syd. One moment at a time.

  Thirty minutes later, we pulled up to a beautiful gated community just north of Tampa. I took a deep breath as the gates opened to let us through.

  “Relax, Sydney. You’ll be amazing, and I’ll be with you every step of the way.”

  I tried to relax, though my nerves were at an all-time high. I had no idea what I was stepping into, and any number of reasons to simply turn around and go home leapt to mind. Way too soon, Sam pulled up in front of two more gates deeper into the gated community, and they opened slowly. The house before us was enormous and luxurious. The mere sight of it overwhelmed my senses.

  “Wow,” was all I could manage as I stared in open-mouthed wonder.

  “I know. It’s pretty awesome. My grandparents built this when I was in my teens. I have a lot of amazing memories here. They had it totally remodeled about two years ago, before they found out my grandfather was so sick. I’m not sure what they’ll do with it once he’s gone.”

  “I’m speechless, Sam. I’ve never been around something this elaborate before.”

  “Remember this, they’re people too. They eat and go to the bathroom just like the rest of us.”

  “Oh, my God, Sam.” I swatted at him playfully. “You are too much.” Still, I was grateful for the humor and a quick glimpse of sanity. I could do this. With Sam beside me, I could do anything.

  “Ready?” he asked as my door was opened by the valet.

  “Ready.”

  Sam came around to my side of the car, waiting until the valet helped me out. He took my hand in his and kissed my forehead. The simple gesture wrapped me in warmth and comfort, containing my fears.

  “We’ve got this.”

  I took in the magnificence of the estate as we approached the enormous double wooden doors that opened slowly for us.

  “Good evening, Mr. Andrews.”

  “Hello, Smith. How are you this evening?”

  “Just fine, Mr. Andrews. Thank you for asking.”

  “Smith, this is my date, Sydney Alexander.”

  I noticed the slightest twitch of his eyebrow when Sam introduced me. I assumed it to be curiosity as to who I was and what I was doing there.

  “Welcome, Ms. Alexander. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

  “Thank you. It’s a pleasure to meet you as well.”

  “Everyone is out on the back lanai, Mr. Andrews. I’ll take you there. What can I bring each of you to drink?”

  “Something light and crisp, Smith,” Sam replied.

  We followed Smith, the butler, through the main entry way, down a long corridor, and out onto the back lanai. The party was certainly already there.

  “Hello, everyone. The life of the party has finally arrived.” Sam was overly confident as he strode to the middle of the small crowd.

  “Sam!” an older woman exclaimed, making her way to him. From her expression, it was obvious she was fond of Sam. Her eyes sparkled when she saw him.

  “Hey, Mom. How are you?

  “Better now that you’re here. I miss you. When will we get together?”

  “Mom, I’d like you to meet my date, Sydney.”

  Sam’s mom’s eyes widened as she looked at me. I was tense, unsure of how she would respond to me.

  “Well…hello, Sydney.” She hugged me. “It’s so good to meet you. I hope you don’t mind, I’m a hugger.” I relaxed a little in her embrace. She was comfortable, reminding me of my own mom.

  “Hello. No, I don’t mind at all.”

  I could tell I would like Sam’s mom. She was warm and welcoming, possessed of the same disarming charm and ease of manner that defined her son.

  “Sydney, I’d like you to meet Darren,” Sam’s mom said.

  “Hello, Darren. How are you this evening? Sydney, this is Darren, my mom’s husband.”

  There was an awkward exchange between Sam and Darren, as if they were not quite sure where they stood with one another. Darren reached out his hand to shake mine.

  “Hey, Sam. Hello, Sydney. It’s nice to meet you.”

  “Hi, Darren. You as well.”

  “Well, if it isn’t the infamous Sam Andrews, making an appearance for the sake of his inheritance.”

  I had no doubt in my mind that the slick, slimy, dark-haired man standing before me was Marcus.

  “Marcus,” Sam said shortly.

  “And who do we have here?” asked Marcus as he looked me up and down slowly. His gaze roamed over my body, and alarm bubbled up in my chest though I did my best to hide it. He reminded me of a venomous serpent ready to strike, and I instinctively recoiled.

  “This is my date, Sydney. Sydney, this is my cousin Marcus.”

  “Hello, Marcus,” I said as sweetly as I possibly could, determined not to let my instinctive dislike override my manners or composure.

  “Hello, Sydney. It’s a pleasure to meet you.” He kissed my hand, an unnecessary gesture I found repulsive. The kiss lingered a little longer than necessary, and the hairs stood up on the back of my neck. I could see why Sam did not want this guy to inherit everything his grandfather had built. He was a complete slime ball.

  “Hello, Sam.” A voice reminiscent of a purr spoke behind us.

  I felt Sam stiffen beside me.

  “Lena.” His short reply spoke volumes and I flashed a quick look at his cold, shuttered expression.

  “And you are?” she asked, looking suspiciously at me.

  “This is Sydney,” Sam said quickly. “She’s with me. Sydney, this is Lena, Marcus’ wife.”

  “Interesting,” Lena said snarkily. “It’s nice to meet you, Sydney, although I’m sure we won’t be seeing much of you. Sam tends to dispose of women pretty quickly. Isn’t that right, Sam?”

  What a bitch.

  “Thank you for the warning, Lena. Sam’s already been very honest with me, s
o no need to repeat what I already know. It’s nice to meet you too.”

  Sam looked at me and grinned, a hint of pure pleasure in his eyes at my response to Lena. She, on the other hand, was clearly furious. I could tell by the daggers that came out of her eyes toward me.

  “Lena, darling. Come, let me refill your drink,” oozed Marcus as he put his arm around her shoulder.

  “Ugh. I can’t stand the two of them. Sometimes, I wonder how you two can be related, Sam.”

  “I wonder that myself, Mom.”

  “Sammy?” We turned at the feeble voice, and I managed to catch an instinctive indrawn breath. Sam’s grandfather was wheeled toward us by a nurse, and his grandmother, I assumed, walked slowly beside them. Sam’s pop had a wrinkled face, worn by time, and his blue eyes twinkled from behind his glasses. His hand trembled as he held it out toward Sam.

  “Pop. It’s so good to see you.” Sam leaned down to kiss his pale cheek. He pulled his grandmother gently into a tight hug.

  “Hey, Gram. How are you?”

  “Hanging in there, Sammy.”

  “You look wonderful, Gram. I’d like you to meet my friend Sydney.”

  Both of Sam’s grandparent’s eyebrows raised in wonder.

  “Hello, Mr. and Mrs. Andrews,” I said as I shook each of theirs in turn.

  “Well, aren’t you a sight for sore eyes,” Mr. Andrews said as he took my hand in his and kissed the top of mine.

  “I thought I’d never see the day when Sam actually brought someone to meet us. At least, not after—”

  Sam cut his grandmother off. “Well, today’s the day, Gram. Enjoy it.” I sent him a sharp look. Still, now wasn’t the time for curiosity, though I wondered what was behind his interruption. What didn’t he want me to know? He looked hesitantly at me—not apologetically, I noticed—then chuckled.

  So, there was something Sam wasn’t telling me. I knew it and it rankled, but I returned his smile sweetly. It was something I’d bring up later, though. I wished I’d put a ‘complete honesty’ clause into that stupid agreement, because not knowing things that clearly seemed important—at least to him—made me feel vulnerable and on shaky ground.