The Surprise

by Alice Ward

  “That’s nice,” Madison said with a fake smile.

  I could barely speak. Now that I’d seen the inside of one of these places, I hated my decision even more. The idea of leaving my mother alone with people she’d never met was horrendous. Still, the medical facilities they had were great. Doctors and nurses were on staff and always present in the home. If anything happened to her, someone would be right there to help. In a way, it was comforting. I tried to focus on that while we continued our tour.

  “Thank you for coming,” the woman said when we stopped at the front desk.

  “Our pleasure,” I said and shook her hand. “It was very informative.”

  Madison still wore that fake smile. “Thank you.”

  Together, Madison and I headed into the parking lot. We still had two more homes to see that day. We climbed into my car, and I drove us across town. The second tour was very much like the first. They had similar rooms and staff. It seemed that assisted living homes were all the same.

  “Let’s talk about something else,” Madison said when we were back in my car. “How are things with Talen?”

  The second I heard his name, my heart began to race. I pictured his naked body on top of me, and I blushed scarlet.

  My hands tightened on the steering wheel. “We had sex.”

  “Damn,” Madison said, laughing. “You didn’t waste any time.”

  “I didn’t mean for it to happen,” I said quickly. My eyes were focused on the road in front of me. I couldn’t bear to see the look on Madison’s face. “We just sort of—”

  “Dani, it happens.” Madison laughed again. “Don’t beat yourself up over it.”

  “It shouldn’t have happened,” I said desperately. “This whole situation is a mess. It’s just supposed to be a business arrangement, you know? Nothing was supposed to happen between us.”

  “Well,” Madison said. “In your defense, you are married to him.”

  “Oh, shut up. That doesn’t count, and you know it.”

  Madison laughed again, and I turned to glare at her. She just looked at me with amusement. I was glad she found my situation entertaining because I most certainly did not.

  “This is a disaster,” I groaned.

  She placed a comforting hand on my shoulder. “No. It’s not. It could actually be a good thing.”

  I shot her a glance. “How?”

  “A little sex never hurt anyone,” Madison said with a grin. “Besides, after everything Perry put you through, you deserve a little fun. This could be exactly what you need.”

  I wished I was as carefree as my friend. “I don’t see how.”

  “This arrangement could either be horrible or wonderful,” Madison explained. “You can either spend the next month in total misery, or you can get a little sex and money out of it. You’ll get money either way, but you get my point. Try to let yourself enjoy it. Enjoy him for a while.”

  “I can’t do that,” I scoffed. “That’s insane.”

  “Whatever,” Madison said. “I’m just saying, it could be good for you.”

  I fell silent as I continued driving through town. Madison’s words played on repeat in my head the entire way to the next place. She wasn’t wrong. Having sex with Talen was fun. It was more than fun. It was fantastic. Still, I couldn’t just casually sleep with him for the next month. That wasn’t part of our deal. I shook my head and tried to force my thoughts away from Talen.

  The next home offered a glimmer of hope. It was a stately brick building with acres and acres of winding gardens in the back, all surrounded by wrought iron fencing.

  Inside, I noticed the smell immediately. Or rather, the lack of a smell. The other two homes smelled like urine masked with chemicals. Here, it smelled fresh.

  During the tour, the director explained that even the floors had been purposing chosen for dementia patients. They had better grip than standard floors and were glare resistant, which apparently helped with depth perception, or something like that.

  The rooms were also nicer. They were like small apartments, with a bedroom, sitting room, bathroom, and tiny kitchen. “Our residents don’t cook in their rooms — it’s too dangerous, so we eat together in the dining hall — but they have access to whatever snacks they wish. Plus, having a kitchen feels like home, and we do everything we can to give a home-like feel.”

  My eyes watered. This was better than my apartment, by a long shot.

  There was a gym, a pool, quilt clubs, singing clubs, all kinds of musical instruments. Dogs and cats were allowed, for a small increase in fees.

  Madison’s smile was real this time, and I knew she felt it too. When it came to the point that Mom needed it, I’d found a place I could live with. Guilt seemed to have slid off me by a few degrees at least.

  Now, if only I could work out my issues with Talen.

  For the rest of the day, I dwelled on our situation, wondering if Madison was onto something after all. It wouldn’t hurt to have a little fun, to just relax and enjoy myself. Still, I wasn’t sure I was built that way. After one night with him, I felt guilty for days. How would I feel if we did it again?

  CHAPTER NINETEEN

  Talen

  My plan to take Dani to an art show didn’t pan out the way I planned. Sunday morning, I got word that an exclusive show was being put on in Vegas. It was the first night, and only the elite were invited. The second my invite arrived, I knew I didn’t have a choice. Dani and I would have to go. Otherwise, the press would wonder where I was and why I hadn’t shown.

  I called Dani Sunday afternoon to tell her the plan. She seemed fine with it, but I couldn’t read her mood over the phone. I wished I could see her face to know for sure how she felt. Dani challenged me during every conversation. It was both infuriating and intriguing. I’d never met a woman who could give me a run for my money, but Dani could and did. Her wit was always on point, ready to fire away at any moment. She impressed me more than I ever imagined she would. The more we talked, the more impressed I became.

  I got dressed that night in a tuxedo. The show was shrouded in mystery, so I had no idea what to expect, but I knew to dress well. I told Dani the event was formal. I was worried she wouldn’t have the proper attire, but she assured me she would be fine. Without being wealthy, I couldn’t imagine she had much reason to buy expensive dresses, but I chose to trust her. When the limo arrived to pick me up, I said good night to my doorman and hurried outside and slid in the back.

  While we drove toward Dani’s apartment, I checked the limo’s bar to make sure everything was in order. I specifically requested champagne because I wanted the evening to be extravagant. This was our first time in the public eye, and it had to go smoothly. If we failed tonight, our entire ruse would be over before it even began. I was nervous. I already felt myself sweating beneath my tux, but I tried to relax. We would be arriving at Dani’s apartment in just a few minutes, and I couldn’t let her see how anxious I felt.

  The limo pulled inside the gate at Dani’s apartment complex. We were slightly early, but only by a few minutes. I was sure Dani would be ready.

  “Shall I go knock, sir?” the limo driver asked, but I was already sliding toward the door.

  “No need,” I said. “I’ll go.”

  “Very good.” He rolled up the window separating the cab of the car from the back.

  I hurried toward Dani’s door, eager to see her. This night could either make or break us, and I had to remain positive. I was excited to finally be seen in public with her, but I was also excited for the night to end. I couldn’t wait to put this whole thing behind me and just be normal again.

  When I knocked, Dani answered immediately. She opened the door, and my mouth fell open. Her auburn hair was tied back in some elegant twist with loose curls falling all around her face. She wore a floor-length black gown that glittered slightly in the light. Her heels were just high enough that we were the same height. I focused on her face for a long time, taking in the bright green of her eyes and the b
lush on her cheeks.

  “You look nice,” Dani said, her tone cautious and polite.

  “Thank you,” I said and cleared my throat. “That dress is, um…”

  She looked down and I noticed her fingers trembling a little. “Is it okay?”

  “Perfect.”

  She blew out a relieved breath and smiled before locking the door behind her. As I followed her to the limo, I felt like an idiot the whole way there. Despite my attempts at a compliment, I fell short. When I saw her, I was immediately speechless. I’d always known she was attractive, but I’d never seen her like that before. She looked like a model standing in that doorway. I forgot how to breathe. I didn’t recover until we were safely in the back of the long car.

  “A limo?” she asked, once inside. “You weren’t kidding about this event being formal.”

  “I just thought it would be a nice touch for the cameras,” I said with a shrug.

  She settled back, her hand stroking the soft leather. “I’m sure it will be. So, what kind of show is this anyway?”

  “I don’t know,” I admitted. “I got the invitation this morning and thought we should go. It’s the first showing, and only certain people were invited.”

  “Exclusive,” she said.

  “Very. Which means there will be a ton of cameras around tonight.”

  Dani nodded, but I noticed that her cheeks flushed slightly. She was nervous too. I tried to think of something to say that would ease her fears, but nothing came to mind. Instead, I slid down the seat and grabbed the champagne bottle.

  “Champagne?” she asked with raised eyebrows.

  “It’ll get us in the right mood.” She lifted a brow and I laughed. “I mean, it’ll help us loosen up. This night is important. The first time we’re being seen together in public. We should celebrate or something.”

  “I think hard liquor would be better,” she joked.

  “Probably,” I said, laughing. God, she was adorable. “But then we would have to worry about getting drunk. The last thing we need is another drunken adventure in Vegas together.”

  “What’s the worst that could happen?” she asked, grinning. “We get married again?”

  “Good point,” I said, pouring us each a glass. “Better safe than sorry, though.”

  “I never thought I’d hear those words come out of your mouth,” Dani teased.

  “Well, you don’t really know me, do you?” I asked, bobbing my eyebrows.

  “I think I know you better than you think.” I handed her a glass, and she took a small sip.

  “You do?” I asked with a challenge in my voice.

  “You aren’t that mysterious, Talen.”

  Her eyes were locked on mine while she spoke. We drank our champagne in silence as we headed into Vegas. The quiet around us was comfortable, easy. I didn’t feel nervous anymore. I knew that Dani had my back and that she would make the evening painless. We would be fine.

  We finished our glasses of champagne just as the limo pulled up in front of the venue. I could already see the line of cameras flashing. My stomach clenched tightly. Despite my confidence, I was still scared my plan would fail.

  “You ready?” I asked Dani.

  “I guess.” I watched as she adjusted the wedding ring on her finger. I glanced down at my own, realizing that I hadn’t taken it off once since we got married. I’d almost forgotten it was there. And it reminded me…

  I reached into my pocket and pulled out the enormous diamond ring I bought this morning. Dani gasped when I opened my palm to show it to her. Slowly, I took her hand and slipped it over her knuckle until it met the simple band I didn’t remember sliding there. “There. Now we’re believable.”

  She just stared, her mouth sagging open and she moved her hand around so the ring caught the dim light. “It’s beautiful.”

  It really was. I’d gone into the jewelry store thinking I’d pick up whatever ring would pass my parents’ and the public’s inspection, but I ended up spending three hours there, trying to decide. I’d gone with the seven-carat round surrounded by halo diamonds. It was simple but gorgeous, just like her.

  “You’re beautiful.” I hadn’t meant to say that, but it was true.

  The air pulsed between us as it always did and it took every ounce of willpower I possessed not to kiss her. Fuck it. I was going to kiss her anyway, but the driver’s door opened and I remembered where we were.

  “Let’s go.” I pushed open the limo door and climbed outside. Immediately, cameras began to flash in my face. I turned around and extended my hand to Dani. She took it and let me pull her to her feet. Her beauty struck me again as she stepped onto the sidewalk. She looked like an actress stepping onto the red carpet.

  Dani wrapped her arm around mine, and I led us through the crowd. We both smiled and waved at the cameras as we passed. Reporters yelled my name, and I acknowledged them with a nod. Questions were fired at us, but we didn’t stop to answer. Instead, we continued walking up the sidewalk until we were almost to the venue’s doors.

  “Mr. Gaston!” a voice yelled. “Pose for a picture?”

  I glanced at Dani to see if she was okay with it. She nodded, and we both turned toward the voices. Dani stepped closer to me, laying her left hand gently on my chest. I put my arm around her waist and smiled widely. I knew her glittering ring would be in plain sight in the photograph, and the thought pleased me immensely. In just a couple days, everyone would know that Talen Gaston was a married man.

  The photographer continued to snap pictures until I finally pulled Dani away. We waved to the cameras one last time before disappearing inside. A doorman directed us down a long, dark hallway. It was dimly lit with blue lights and nothing else. I’d never been inside this venue before, but it was beautiful. When we reached the end of the hallway, the room opened up into a huge amphitheater.

  “Wow,” Dani gasped. “Holy fu… crap.”

  I laughed. Just seconds before, she had been poised and elegant. No one would have guessed she would have uttered such words.

  “Lady on the streets,” I muttered softly. She heard me and smacked my arm playfully.

  I led her forward, and we found our seats. The stage was empty and completely black. The seats around us began to fill quickly, and soon, the show was about to start. The lights around us went dark, and the stage was lit in fluorescent green. I didn’t know what to expect from this show, but it didn’t matter. I couldn’t tear my attention away from Dani the entire night.

  No matter how hard I tried, I continued glancing at her during the show. I couldn’t have told anyone what the show was about, but I knew every single line on Dani’s face. I memorized each eyelash and freckle she sported. I found myself wishing the show would end so we could talk again. I wanted to hear her voice, her laugh.

  When the show finally ended, we left the theatre arm in arm. Cameras flashed again, but we hurried toward the limo. Once we were safely tucked away from the crowd, Dani leaned back against the seat and sighed. She was clearly glad the night was over. I watched her more, trying not to be obvious. I was completely mesmerized by her beauty.

  “You must have really liked the show,” Dani said, finally breaking the silence that stretched out around us.

  “Why do you say that?” I asked.

  “You haven’t said a word since we left,” she pointed out. “You’re speechless.”

  “I guess so.” She was right. I was speechless, but not for the reasons she thought. I quickly snapped out of it. She was only doing her job by attending the show with me, but it still felt nice to have her by my side.

  “Thanks for taking me,” she said politely.

  “I think you should meet my parents tomorrow,” I said. “Our pictures will be coming out soon, and my mom and dad should probably meet you before they do.”

  Dani swallowed hard. “That’s smart. Tomorrow?”

  I nodded. “Yeah. I’ll pick you up and take you over to their house.”

  “Okay.” She blew out a
breath. “I work the morning shift at the diner, then I’ll work the bookstore until four. So any time after that is good.”

  Damn. I’d forgotten that she worked two jobs.

  “Now that we’ve basically announced ourselves as a married couple, it doesn’t make sense for you to stay at your apartment.”

  She nodded and chewed her lip. “Yeah, we’ve talked about that before.”

  “I mean, tonight is fine,” I added when she seemed hesitant. “But maybe, after we see my parents, you can just come back to my place.”

  Dani stayed quiet for a few minutes. She looked at me, then out the window, then back at me. I didn’t want to rush her for an answer, but we were already pulling into her apartment complex.

  “I know, it’s weird,” I said. “I just think that—”

  “No,” she interrupted. “You’re right. Married people don’t live apart. That doesn’t make any sense. It’s fine.”

  I smiled, happier than I thought was possible. “Great.”

  The driver opened her door and she glanced at me before sliding to the opening. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”

  “Yeah.” I reached out and touched her hand. “See you tomorrow.”

  Dani climbed out of the limo. I watched her walk toward her door, her dress swishing softly around her body, and realized what a total ass I actually was, allowing her to walk to her door unescorted in that slinky, sexed-up number. I’d also missed the opportunity for a long, hot good night kiss. And maybe more.

  Fuck.

  CHAPTER TWENTY

  Dani

  My night with Talen was more fun than I thought it would be. The show was strange, weirder than anything I’d ever seen. It was a cross between a musical and a Cirque du Soleil performance. It was trippy and crazy but entertaining. What made the night great, though, was Talen. He got us a limo and champagne. He made sure to show me off to the cameras, and he didn’t let go of me the entire night. I was nervous when we first arrived at the venue, but Talen made me feel comfortable.