Liar (a FAUX-MANCE novel)

by Stephanie St. Klaire

  “You’re not wrong to worry,” he teased.

  “How are things with you and Blackthorne? Everything all right, or do I need to call my cousins Vinnie and Guido?”

  She didn’t doubt he had cousins named Vinnie and Guido, but laughed nonetheless. “He’s…pretty amazing, actually.”

  “Is that so? Falling a little bit for Nickie-boy, huh?”

  “Oh, no! Never. I mean, this is just…you know, almost over.”

  “It doesn’t have to be, ya know.”

  “It does, Tony. It’s just one big lie on top of more lies. Not a good start to anything. Besides, these things never work out for me.”

  “You mean relationships?” Tony deadpanned. “You know I love you like a daughter, so I’m going to give it to you straight, kid. You had some real hard luck with your folks passin’ and then that putz, what’s his name—”

  “Pencil Dick,” Cori said without thinking.

  “Eh?”

  “Sorry, that’s just what we call him. I didn’t mean to interrupt,” she laughed.

  “It’s just bad luck, kid. Not your destiny. There is someone out there for you — that’s why Pencil Dick didn’t work out. He wasn’t the one for you. If Blackthorne is…let it…happen.”

  “I don’t know, Tony. If I let him in and believe in that, then it falls apart…I don’t know if I could survive it.”

  “You’ll never know until you try. And what if it doesn’t fall apart? Nickie is a good kid — real good kid.”

  “Is it worth the risk, though?”

  Tony shrugged, knowing he gave her plenty to think about. He left it at that. She knew where to find him if she was lost or did, indeed, need help picking up pieces. She kissed his cheek and left for the elevator.

  “Don’t eat all of that, or I’ll call Raquel and rat myself out. You hear me?”

  He tossed his hands to the air in surrender, earning him a smile as the elevator doors closed, taking her to her floor.

  When she got to her desk, there were more flowers. Interesting, Tony hadn’t mentioned a delivery. The flowers were all red this time — a mix of peonies and roses. The bright white card stood out and read:

  Cordelia, you looked absolutely stunning this weekend. Red is your color.

  Phillip…it had to be. There wasn’t anyone else who she knew from before at the Gala. What was he up to? Given how Nick reacted to him over the weekend, she thought it best not to mention the card…or flowers.

  Her day got busy from there, which was a welcome distraction, because otherwise, her mind would wander — to the magical weekend she just had with Nick. Weekend spent mostly in bed…naked. Startled from her inappropriate thoughts again, this time by her desk phone, she answered Eve’s call. Nick was requesting to see her over lunch.

  Given the networking they had done at the Gala, she assumed some of those give me a call mentions he’d handed out had cashed in. That meant it had something to do with her proposal. Gathering her things as quickly as she could, she made her way upstairs to the executive suite. It would be hard to get any real work done with him in the room, but she had to test her professional willpower at some point, and this was as good a time as any.

  Eve signaled for her to go right in, which she did. Nick was on the phone, but the minute she walked in, his eyes locked with hers, and he told the caller he had to go and simply hung up. That quickly. The look he was giving her was familiar, and it made her squirm. She squeezed her knees a little tighter, trying to ease what he was tempting.

  “Put your things on the couch,” he said, to which she obliged.

  She noticed lunch was set up at the nearby table and thought perhaps that was what he had summoned her for. Until she felt his heated gaze boring through her, and she turned to meet it.

  “Did you want to discuss my proposal, Mr. Blackthorne?” Her tone was breathy, and the way she licked her lips and cocked her hip with her chest out made him groan.

  “A proposal, yes,” he said. “I think you’ll find it…refreshing, intriguing, and…titillating.”

  Raising her eyebrows, she said, “Is that so? Sounds interesting.”

  “Come here, Cori.” Still seated behind his desk, he wheeled his chair back, making room for her to stand in front of him.

  She did as he said, adding a little extra sway to her hips as she walked. “I see you brought in lunch. Are you…hungry?”

  “Insatiable,” he growled, taking to his feet, closing the space between them, backing her up against his desk. “Did I mention what I was hungry for?”

  “I don’t believe you did. By the way,” she murmured as she looked over her shoulder, “is that door locked? I would hate to have any interruptions. It is a working lunch after all.”

  “My afternoon has been canceled, and my assistant is holding all my calls. No interruptions.”

  A little uneasy with the idea of a door left unlocked, despite what he’d arranged, she hesitated. A loud clicking sound from the door caught her attention once again, and she looked at him with a suspicious stare.

  “I have a button. It’s locked. Better?”

  “Much,” she said, her eyelids heavy with desire and voice dripping in seduction.

  “Get your ass on my desk, Ms. Dash. We have work to do, sweetheart.”

  She obediently listened and was greatly rewarded when he hiked up her skirt and ripped off her panties in a single pull. He unbuttoned her shirt and feasted on her breasts, then freed himself from his pants before his fingers caressed and toyed with her tight bundle of nerves. When her breathing became quicker and heavier, he turned her over his desk and entered her from behind. He placed his hand over her mouth, remembering this was the position that made her scream the loudest.

  When he felt her come down hard around him, and cried out his name, he pulled away from her and gently rolled her to her back while she rode the waves of ecstasy he so graciously delivered. With her legs wide, he buried himself once again and rode through those waves with her until she caught her breath. When she was able to put a solid thought together, she felt the heat pooling low in her belly again and anticipation building.

  First to her elbows, then up on her hands, she grabbed his mouth with hers, swiping at his bottom lip, daring him to let her in. The kiss was so seductive, so personal, it created a primal need. He couldn’t get enough of her — and wanted more. Reading his movements, fast and hard, she was happy to deliver. With her legs wrapped around his waist, she tightened her grip, pulling him closer, as if there was distance to close, and rode him back — hard.

  When his knees went numb, falling victim to her siren like seduction, he fell back in his leather chair, taking her with him. Cori’s legs straddled him, barely reaching the floor, and her hands were planted on his chest as she took control and rode him — doing for him what he did for her — bringing him pleasure until he growled her name in a happy ending.

  The rest of the week was much of the same. If it wasn’t secret office rendezvous, it was clothes off at the door the minute they were home, followed by more long talks about everything and nothing. Sometimes, it was over dinner or while cuddling naked on the couch or in bed.

  Though there was a growing elephant in the room as the trip to the San Juan Islands approached, and the end of their ruse…neither brought it up. They wouldn’t deal with that until they had to. It was safe to say both had hoped the other would simply forget.

  Before they knew it, Friday had arrived, and they were readying for their long weekend. Not only was there a new gown and cocktail dress found hanging together in her side of the closet, but shoes she didn’t recognize. She took the hint and walked a garment bag with the new dresses to the bed where her suitcase was so she wouldn’t forget them. Sitting next to her suitcase were two jewelry boxes. One she recognized as the one that held her jewelry from the Gala — the other was new.

  She rolled her eyes and giggled. He was impossible. But she wouldn’t have him any other way.

  “Do you like it?” h
e asked, leaning in the doorway with his arms crossed, watching her open the new jewelry box.

  “Nick. You can’t keep doing this. It’s far too much,” she said gently, not wanting to hurt his feelings. “It’s all so beautiful, but too extravagant. I can’t accept this.”

  “Sure you can. Besides, I lost the receipt, can’t return any of it,” he teased, wearing a big Cheshire cat smile as he crossed the room to be closer to her.

  “You lost the receipt? Seriously, you couldn’t do better than that?” She walked toward him for a proper thank you.

  He shrugged before placing his hands on her shoulders and pulling her closer. “It isn’t real, none of it, not even the dresses. In fact, if it rains, you’re screwed — the color will bleed everywhere.”

  “I had a sweater do that once. And…I know you’re full of crap. What am I going to do with you?” Leaning in for a kiss, he met her halfway and pulled her into him before lifting her off the ground.

  “I have a few ideas,” he said. “But we don’t have time right now. Tonight, you can model the jewelry and new shoes for me…naked.”

  “Tonight? I have this thing I’m going to — kinda busy,” she taunted in between kisses.

  “No, you’re not. Tonight, you’re in my bed, in those heels and diamonds.” With a stern swat to her ass, he made her jump. Looking down at her, still in his arms, he said, “Lyle should be here soon. We need to pack all of this up. How can I help?”

  “Lyle? Helicopter Lyle? Here?”

  His brows furrowed. He wasn’t sure what was unclear. As far as he knew, she only knew the one Lyle. “Yes.”

  “We’re taking the helicopter to the San Juan Islands? From here? How?” she questioned.

  He pointed up, indicating the roof’s landing pad, and smiled at her innocence. Most women in her position would expect nothing less, but Cori was taken aback by such luxuries. “Yes, from here, rooftop. And everyone takes their helicopter to the islands — it’s the best way to get there — avoid traffic and ferry rides.”

  “Right…everyone…because who doesn’t have a helicopter?” Her tone was light and teasing, but her point serious. This was a moment where the differences between their two worlds was blatantly obvious. She would just enjoy the moment…while it lasted.

  “I’m going to call downstairs and confirm the dog walker for the weekend so they’re taken care of. Let me know when you’re ready, and I’ll grab your bags for you.” He kissed the top of her head and left the room.

  Watching him leave brought on a sense of sadness she hadn’t experienced before. It was almost like a reminder that he would be leaving after the weekend was over. It was all coming to an end, and she didn’t know how to deal with it. That all too familiar ache returned to her chest. Though she knew this was just a ploy, a game, she had somehow let herself become invested, and breaking it off now was going to hurt — badly. A real relationship with this man would never work long-term — she knew that — but it didn’t ease the pain she was already feeling.

  CHAPTER 19

  Their flight to the San Juan Islands had been longer than that to Bainbridge, but not any less amazing. Cori would never get over seeing her favorite city — or cities — this way. From the air. It was a far stretch from where she came from or where she thought she’d ever be. It was only a matter of time before Winnie was likely to point out exactly that.

  Nerves settled in as thoughts of Winnie and her vindictive ways danced in her mind. Surely she would take every opportunity to point out Cori’s flaws or make her feel bad for just about everything. Nick squeezed her hand, sensing her unease, comforting her. She was thankful he was with her. How they came together and remained together was simply odd, given the circumstances, but she was glad to have him nonetheless.

  “They’re going to know, aren’t they?” she panicked. “This isn’t an hour at a bakery or crowded Gala. This is one on one. They’re going to know.”

  “They aren’t going to know. There’s nothing to know. We have been living as a couple for weeks now — we…we’ll be fine — you’ll be fine.” Nick peppered kisses along her neck and collarbone, trying to distract her from her thoughts and relieve the tension.

  “Yeah…I suppose you’re…right. Oh my God, stop that, we can’t…not in front of people,” she said, nodding to Lyle.

  “Sure we can, and have been. Don’t go prude on me now, woman, or the jig will be up.”

  “We can do this? I can do this?” she questioned, searching for her own confidence.

  “Yes, we can — especially together.”

  “Okay. Good.” She settled back into her seat, took a deep breath, and calmed her nerves. He was right. They just had to be them.

  “You good?” he asked.

  “Yes. Totally. One hundred percent!”

  “Good, because we’re here, and the welcoming committee is waiting for us.”

  When she looked down, an enormous estate came into view behind the large, round helicopter pad they were about to land on. She also saw Winnie and Phillip as the welcoming committee, standing off to the side, leaning against the golf carts that likely drove them down from the house. The expressions they wore were less than inviting as they each appeared to have a gold plated stick up their ass.

  “This place is enormous. Maybe we won’t have to see them all weekend,” Cori admitted.

  “It’s showtime. Kiss me.” Before Cori could register what he was saying, he was on her. He didn’t just kiss her…he kissed her.

  When Lyle opened the door for them to climb out, they couldn’t be bothered. They were putting on a show and were first to jump the starting line. Not wanting to seem tacky, they finally broke away from each other, acting surprised to see they had landed and had an audience. By the looks on their hosts’ faces, they won the first round already and hadn’t even disembarked.

  After a quick welcome, Jeeves, the butler, took their bags from Lyle, loaded them on one of the golf carts, drove the luggage to the main house where they would be staying, and delivered it to their designated room. Jeeves was assigned as their butler for the weekend, should they need anything.

  “Just follow Jeeves, and he’ll show you to your room. I hope you enjoy the view. It’s right next to ours,” Winnie said. “Though the grounds are absolutely stunning, you’ll want to keep your golf cart nearby. We really have a lot of property — it can be exhausting to get around.”

  “Right, I can see that,” Cori said, looking around, taking in the sprawling estate.

  “Okay, now. We have other guests to tend to. You aren’t the only ones here today, Cori,” Winnie said, as if they were demanding of her time. “It’s couples’ game time in an hour. Meet on the south lawn. Maps are in your room. Tootles!”

  “Is she serious? Maps just to get around this place? Now I know why she wanted us to come,” Cori admitted. “And there is no way that guy’s name is actually Jeeves. Who really has a butler named Jeeves?”

  Their room was stunning, as was the view they had of the water. If they stayed in their bed the entire weekend, neither would complain. But they were guests and had to make their presence known, so they changed into their attire for their first event.

  “So, what are these couples’ games? Why do I have to wear this ridiculous outfit?” Nick hollered to Cori, who was changing in the bathroom.

  “Tennis. I guess we all go up against each other. I thought we should match.” Wearing a bright pink tennis dress with a halter top and short bottom, she made her way to Nick who was fixated on the ample cleavage her dress provided.

  “Well, now I know why my shirt is pink. We match.”

  “Right! How cute are we? Besides, the itinerary said the bride was wearing white so I took that as don’t wear white,” she said with a shrug.

  “Or you saw this, knew you would look hot in it, and decided screw you, Winnie. Am I right?”

  She chuckled, and gave him a quick kiss. “Maybe. Now, let’s go. Don’t want to be late.”

  As t
hey approached the south lawn, they noticed something was off. Why wasn’t anyone wearing tennis clothes? When they reached the larger group, already well into their games, they realized it was because they weren’t playing tennis — that explained all the plaid, capri pants, white visors, and sweaters draped over shoulders.

  Cori tugged at her too short skirt and half-hid behind Nick when all eyes moved to them in their glaring hot pink, which they wore like a neon sign.

  “Cori, dear, what are you wearing? We normally class it up on the island — not trash it up.” Winnie chuckled, her cackling bitch posse joining her. “Whatever were you thinking?”

  As if it weren’t already obvious, Cori answered, “A tennis dress. The itinerary said couples’ tennis.”

  “Oh, silly Cori. That’s the old itinerary — you didn’t get the update? Its couples’ croquette! Were you really going to wear that for tennis, though? Oh, honey…you really are new to this lifestyle.”

  Winnie walked away, her friend Eliza at her side, and in a loud whisper, said, “You can take the girl out of the po-dunk mountain town, but you can’t take the po-dunk out of…well, however that goes, she’s still tacky and stupid.”

  “Didn’t she live on a farm?” Eliza asked.

  “Who cares, same thing. How does he take her anywhere?” Winnie finished. She turned with a smile as fake as she was, and added, “Cocktails are at three, by the pool, and dinner immediately following. You know how to dress for that, don’t you? If you need to borrow something appropriate to wear, let me know.”

  Nick grabbed Cori’s hand, reminding her she wasn’t alone, but not even that could prepare her for the last dig when Winnie not so quietly said, “She probably has a dress from the Bargain Barn.”

  Eliza matched Winnie’s annoying cackle. “She isn’t fooling anyone in her fake couture.”

  “Speaking of couture,” Winnie interrupted, “I can’t wait to show you my dress. It was so expensive, but I had to have it. It’s a beautiful vintage lace…”

  “Let’s get out of here,” Nick said.

  “Like leave? No. I can’t let her win.” He gave her a look she hadn’t seen before. “Just cocktail hour, and we’ll go from there. She doesn’t calm down, and we leave.”