Fake Fiancé

by Tara Crescent

  I didn’t realize that there would be another benefit.

  Cam’s fingers trail down my arm. “I like this dress,” he says, his eyes lingering appreciatively on my cleavage. My insides clench at his fiery gaze. “Blue’s a good color on you.”

  His fingers move from my arms to my thighs. The sundress has ridden up almost to mid-thigh, leaving my legs bare and exposed. His voice deepens as he caresses my skin. “Did you do as I asked?”

  No panties, he’d ordered with a wicked gleam in his eye. If I have to be stuck in traffic, you’re going to make it worth my while.

  “Maybe,” I reply, keeping my tone nonchalant. “Maybe not.”

  His lips turn up in a grin. “There’s only one way to find out for sure…” he says, his tone teasing. He slides his hand between my inner thighs, and I inhale sharply as he touches me with whisper-soft strokes.

  “Cam,” I warn him, as a familiar need fills my body, “I’m driving your car. You don’t want me to crash it.”

  “It’s just a car,” he says with a smile. “Surely you know that by now, Mads.”

  I look at the man at my side, love overflowing in my heart. I’d given up on dating, given up on finding someone that ever made me feel. Then I found Cam again, and I discovered what happily-ever-after feels like.

  And it feels amazing.

  Misti is in her junior year in college. Cameron offered to pay for her to go to school in Toronto, but she declined. I think she’s seeing someone in Calgary, but she won’t tell me what’s going on. I’m not too worried; she’s roommates with Jenna, who’ll keep her out of trouble. The two of them are flying in tomorrow to spend a week with us at the cottage. I see the two of them fairly often--Cam makes sure of it--but I still miss my baby sister.

  As I’d foreseen, my father tried to wheedle money out of Cam. We refused. “We’ll pay for rehab, if you’ll go,” I told him. He called me an ungrateful brat who thought she was too good for her family. We haven’t been in touch since. Somewhat predictably, he is back in jail, this time for a parole violation.

  Things are more complicated with Cam’s family.

  When Cam found out about his father’s latest attempt to pay me off, he evicted him from the house and cut him out of his life. Cameron’s grandfather is still in contact with Joseph Drake, as is Emily, but I haven’t seen Cameron’s father for a year now.

  I would like to pretend that I want Cam to be reunited with his father, but I can’t lie. Joseph Drake has never apologized for what he did, and until he does, Cameron won’t entertain any suggestion of a reconciliation.

  While Cameron’s relationship with his father has eroded, his relationship with his grandfather has strengthened. Edward Drake had been horrified when Cameron pointed out how he’d treated his paralyzed daughter. Once Emily had regained consciousness, the two of them had a long heart to heart. None of us know the particulars of that conversation, but the cottage isn’t for sale anymore, not to Ryder, Cameron or anyone else. Edward Drake rewrote his will to ensure that on his death, Emily will inherit the cottage that is so dear to her heart.

  Once that decision was made, tensions decreased dramatically and the family started to heal. The cottage has become a place of warmth, fun and laughter. We spent Thanksgiving there last year, and had a surprisingly wonderful time.

  “Penny for your thoughts, Maddie.”

  Cameron’s fingers are just inches away from my clitoris. My nipples harden and my muscles tense in anticipation of his touch.

  God, I’m lucky.

  By the time we get to the cottage, stars are shining in the night sky. Ryder, Zoe, and baby Charlotte are there already, as is Emily and her caregiver Jenny.

  Ryder and Cameron greet each other cordially. I hug Emily and Zoe and coo over Charlotte. “She’s become so big,” I marvel, picking up the nine-month old. “Look at her.”

  “She’s crawling now,” Zoe says. “She’s a little menace.”

  I cuddle the baby. “When’s Edward getting in?”

  “In the morning,” she replies. “Noah’s bringing him up. Your sister is on her way too, isn’t she?”

  I nod, only half-listening to Zoe. Cameron stretches languidly, his t-shirt riding up, exposing his hard abs, and I ogle shamelessly. Mmm.

  Zoe says something to me, and I don’t catch a single word. “Sure,” I reply vaguely, and she bursts into a peal of laughter.

  “Maddie,” she teases me. “Do you know what you just agreed to do?”

  Oh dear. I move Charlotte’s little fist away from my earrings and give Zoe a rueful look. “I wasn’t listening,” I confess, stating the obvious.

  Her lips twitch. “Because you were too busy checking out Cameron.”

  Cameron hears us. “You ladies talking about me?” His eyebrow lifts. “Should I be flattered or afraid?”

  “Flattered,” Zoe giggles. “So, you guys, have you eaten dinner? There are leftovers in the fridge.”

  I’m about to reply that I’m starving, but Cameron shakes his head. “Maddie and I were going to take a walk,” he says.

  We are? I give Cam a puzzled stare, but he avoids my gaze. “Right,” I murmur, my heart lurching.

  We head outside. A full moon shines down on us, and the water laps at the shore in silvery waves. The night air is warm and balmy. Holding hands, we walk along the tree-lined pathway to the dock. Cameron is quiet. “Is everything alright?” I ask him, a little nervous at the way he’s acting.

  “Between us?” He bumps my shoulder companionably. “Of course, Maddie. Why wouldn’t it be?”

  “Because you’re being a little weird?”

  His teeth flash in the dark. “Nice night, don’t you think?”

  We reach the shimmering lake. Normally, I’d kick off my flip-flops and wade into the water, but right now, I’m too exasperated with Cam. “Cut it out,” I tell him, turning toward him, but freeze when I notice he’s down on one knee and he’s holding a ring in his hand. The same ring he gave me before.

  Oh. My. God.

  “Maddie,” Cameron says, “Ten years ago, I saw this ring in an antique store, and I knew it was perfect for you.” He swallows. “When we broke up, I couldn’t bear to get rid of it. I put it in a box, and I thought I could forget. And then you came back into my life.”

  My eyes fill with tears. There’s some sadness for the years we spent apart, but mostly, they’re happy tears. Against all odds, we found each other again.

  “I love you, Maddie. I want to spend the rest of my life with you. Laughing with you, loving you. Will you marry me?”

  “Yes,” I squeak out, giddy with joy. I sink down on my knees and throw my arms around him, almost knocking him off balance. The two of us collapse in a laughing heap on the deck, my body on top of his. “I love you, Cam.”

  Cam puts his arm around my waist, and tightens his grip. His voice dances with amusement. “I’m going to take that as a yes on the proposal.”

  I kiss him, molding my body against his, feeling his erection against my thigh. He slides the ring on my finger. Closing my eyes, I take a deep breath. This feels so right. Like coming home.

  “Yes,” I whisper. “That’s definitely a yes on the proposal.”

  Last year, when Cameron gave me this ring, I was terrified about the future. Not anymore. Now, all I can feel is joy that I get to spend the rest of my life with this man. We waited nine years for our happily-ever-after. I snuggle into the arms of the man I love. “I think we should celebrate,” I mutter, moving my body closer to his.

  He chuckles, reading my mind perfectly. “Here on the dock? Anyone could walk by at any moment.”

  “True.” Reluctantly, I abandon my thoughts of jumping him, disentangle myself from his grip and clamber to my feet.

  “Shall we head to the bedroom?” he continues with a wicked gleam in his eyes. “Like you said, we do need to celebrate.”

  I grin at him, wide and happy, and look at the ring he slipped on my finger.

  Against all odds, we got
a second chance. This time, I’m not letting Cameron go. This time, it’s real and it’s forever.

  Lovely reader, thank you for reading Fake Fiance.

  If you enjoyed this story, may I recommend checking out my contemporary romance story MAX? It’s a friends-to-lovers romance that’s light-hearted and funny. Flip the page for an extended preview of MAX.

  A Preview of MAX by Tara Crescent

  She put me in the friend-zone. I want out.

  Rule #1: Never hook up with a woman who is looking for a relationship.

  Rule #2: Always do breakups in a public space.

  I have a reputation.

  I’m a player. Three dates and I’m out.

  I don’t do commitment. My idea of a romantic evening involves making a woman cry out in toe-curling, window-shattering pleasure.

  Until I meet Charlie.

  She’s beautiful. She’s funny and she’s feisty.

  And she’s put me straight in the friend-zone.

  I shouldn’t care, but with Charlie? I’m playing for keeps.

  CHAPTER 1

  Max:

  I should never have broken Rule Number One. Don’t hook up with a woman who is looking for a relationship.

  In my defense, I didn’t know Abby was looking for a boyfriend. We met in a bar. I’d just finished a set. She bought me a drink and asked if I was doing something later that night. “Hopefully, you,” I said, and despite the horrible pickup line, we ended the evening at her place.

  So far, so good, right? Wrong.

  Three dates later, Abby wants to be in a relationship. She’s asked me if I have plans for the Labor Day weekend. She’s hinted that she’d like to meet my parents. The other night, she came over and watched a romantic comedy on my couch.

  It’s time for Abby to go. Call me an asshole if you must, but I don’t make romantic weekend plans. I don’t take women home to meet the family, and my apartment will forever remain a Jennifer Aniston-free zone.

  Which brings me to Rule Number Two. Always do breakups in a public space. It’s much easier and cleaner that way.

  Opposite me, Abby’s eyes brim with tears. “But we had a connection, Max,” she wails. “My psychic even said you were the one.”

  Oh for fuck’s sake. Insert eye-roll. “You have a psychic that you take relationship advice from?”

  Heads swivel to look at me. Shit. That came out louder than I intended. The blonde sitting at the table next to me looks up, and at the bar, Joe frowns in my direction and gives me his patented ‘don’t cause a scene, asshole’ glare.

  Causing a scene is the last thing I want to do. I’m a big fan of uncomplicated. “Abby,” I say, holding up my hands in a placating gesture. “Come on, I’ve been honest with you from the start. I’m not looking for anything serious. You want casual sex? I’m your guy. But that’s all I’m interested in.”

  “Why?” she sniffs. “Don’t you want a family, kids?”

  “No.” My reply is instantaneous. My primary focus right now is getting my small baking business off the ground. Even if I wanted one, I don’t have time for a relationship.

  Abby glares at me and her voice rises to a pitch. “You’re just not giving me a chance.”

  Clingy women make me want to run. The blonde looks amused, but Joe’s still scowling. “Abby,” I repeat gently, resisting my urge to flee, and wishing that Joe would swing by with another beer, “I’m really sorry.”

  “Fine,” she snarls, pushing her chair back with a loud scrape, and rising to her feet. “I’m out of here.” She pivots on her heels and starts to flounce out, then she swings back and fixes me with an accusing look. “It’s all fun and games for you, isn’t it? One day, things are going to be different. You’re going to fall in love, Max, and I only wish I could be there to see the train wreck.”

  She exits in a snit, and I lean back in my seat and drain the pint in front of me. The blonde’s still looking at me. “What are you looking at?” I snap. “You want to tell me what a horrible person I am too? Fine. Knock yourself out.”

  She chuckles. “Max, right?” she asks. “I don’t think you’re a horrible person.” She gets to her feet, her brown eyes twinkling with amusement. “But your breaking-up skills could use a lot of work.” Her lips quirk up. “Hopefully, you have other talents.”

  Wait a second - who is this woman?

  She walks over to the bar, and tosses a twenty on the counter. “See you next week, Joe?” she says. “Oh, and hey, buy Max a beer for me, will you? He’s having a rough night.”

  Joe takes a look at my face and laughs out aloud. “Sure thing, Charlie.”

  She turns to leave and I finally react, scrambling to my feet and joining her at the bar. “You’re not going to stay?”

  “Oh no, Max. You’re not my type.”

  Once she’s gone, I turn to Joe. “Who was that?” I ask him, a bit dazed from the encounter.

  Joe pushes a beer in front of me. “That’s Charlie Campbell. She’s a regular as well. Uses the bar for the same reason as you do.”

  “As a public venue to break up with someone?”

  “Exactly.” Joe smirks at me. “Charlie and you, you guys are like two peas in a pod. I should have introduced you to each other much earlier.”

  “Dude,” I protest, settling myself on the barstool and taking a deep swig of my drink. “I’m nothing like that woman. I’m not cocky and arrogant.”

  “What the fuck are you talking about, Max? Of course you are.” He grins. “This is going to be so much fun.”

  CHAPTER 2

  Charlie:

  In general, I’ve good taste in guys.

  Not so Richard. So far, I’ve gone out with him three times. In that brief period, he’s insulted me, every waiter who’s served us, all the wineries in Argentina and right now, he’s on a rant about Joe’s bar. Insult me all you want, but when you start on Joe? Crossing a line.

  All I want is a restful evening. One of my current cases is a nightmare. Single mom breaks up a fight between her kid and some rich teenager, and the teenager’s parents have her arrested for assault. It should have been an easy dismissal, but the kid’s parents are determined to drag Renee through the mud. And if I can’t win this case, Renee faces six years in jail, and her kid gets shunted into the foster care system. The whole thing is awful.

  “Richard,” I lean forward, interrupting a monologue about Malbec. I’ve made up my mind - I don’t have time for this bullshit. Life is too short to spend with boorish men. “Listen, I don’t think we should see each other anymore.”

  His face turns red. “What?”

  “I said, I don’t think we should see each other anymore.”

  Right then, Max walks into the bar, and I feel my face break out into a smile. Every time I’ve thought about our encounter three weeks ago, I’ve had to grin. Yeah, I was a little ballsy with him, but I couldn’t resist. Max is tattooed, bearded and ripped, and he just oozes charm and self-assurance. He was practically begging me to mess with him.

  “You’re breaking up with me?” Richard’s voice rises, and his face takes on an unpleasant scowl. “Are you fucking kidding me? Runaway Charlie Campbell. They warned me about you, and rather than listen, I gave you a chance.”

  Gee thanks, asshole. Max’s chatting with Joe, the two of them laughing about something. Two dimples flash on his cheeks when he smiles. Seriously adorable. It takes effort to tear my gaze away from him and back to Richard.

  “Let’s not make a scene, okay?”

  “Fuck you, bitch,” he snaps. “Don’t tell me what to do.” His fingers dig into my upper arm. “You think you can just waltz in and out of people’s lives without consequences?”

  “Umm, yes, I do?” I try to shake free of his grip, but he’s stronger than me. “I don’t know if you’ve noticed, Richard, but we live in a free country, which means that after three dates, if I decide I don’t want a fourth, I’ve the right to say no.”

  “You fucking cunt.” His voice is a low snarl, a
nd there’s hatred in his eyes. He pulls me toward him. “You are going to regret this.”

  Oh my god, this guy is unravelling at the idea that I’m breaking up with him. He’s some kind of investment banker - I guess women usually don’t say no to him? Yikes. Right now, he’s projecting sexual predator, and I’m really, really glad that I’ve always ended relationships in the relative safety of Joe’s bar.

  “Let me go, Richard.” I’m proud at how calm I sound.

  “Or what?”

  “Or you’ll be sorry, asshole,” a cool voice cuts in. Max is at my side, looming threateningly over Richard. “I believe the lady told you to let her go.” His hands are clenched into fists at his side. “If I were you, I’d listen.”

  Richard takes one look at Max and reconsiders his stand, releasing my arm without further comment. Max’s eyes fall to my reddened skin. “Are you okay, Charlie?” he asks, his voice gentle.

  I nod silently. Now that the moment has passed, I can feel my heart pounding in my chest. “I’m fine.”

  “I’m escorting you out of here.” Max turns to face Richard, his expression hard and his voice layered with rage. “And I’m warning you. You ever come within three feet of this woman again, and you’ll regret it.”

  My hands are still shaking as I settle at the bar. Joe’s over in an instant. “That didn’t look pleasant,” he says, his casual words not quite hiding the real concern in his tone. “Who’s the jerk?”

  “He works in the building next to mine,” I say tonelessly, gulping down the scotch Joe’s placed in front of me. “We kept running into each other at the Korean noodle place in the lobby. Damn it, I’ll have to find a new bibimbap place.” I frown into my drink. “Asshole.”

  “Indeed.” Max comes back in and takes a seat next to me. His gaze runs over me, and he notices the tremble in my fingers that I can’t quite conceal. “Your date’s a prick, Charlie.”