“Well, then…” Sawyer reached an arm across the table, rested a hand over hers, and tucked the tips of his fingers beneath her palm. Her skin was warm and silky. And when he glanced up to meet her gaze, the belly heat flared up anew.
She blushed, shifted in her seat, and then nodded to the list. “Are you okay with the rest of that?” Her voice was shaky now.
Sawyer followed her gaze, moving back up the page to find where he’d left off, but a random line scribbled along the bottom caught his eye. Get someone else if Sawyer says no.
“Whoa.”
She must have followed his gaze because suddenly Betzy was reaching across the table and crossing it out with her pen. “Don’t need that,” she mumbled.
Hmm. He forced his eyes back up to where he left off. “I’m coming to the cabin with you?”
“You don’t have to, of course. But it’d be fun. It’s been years since you and your mom came with us. She’s invited too, of course. Plus, I think it’s our only chance of convincing my grandma. And Mom’s boyfriend. And if his daughter brings up her kids we’ll need to convince them too.”
This was starting to sound bigger than Sawyer first realized.
“The cabin is also good because if we disappear together, it will be more convincing that our relationship is real. If we really were dating, that’s probably what we’d do, right?”
“Right,” he said.
Sawyer could hardly get over the way that sounded on her lips. If they were really dating. If he had it his way, they would be. His adrenaline spiked at the sight of number five: Sawyer proposes…
How many years had he imagined getting down on one knee for this woman?
Sawyer had to slow his next breath through pursed lips. He was getting ahead of himself. So far, she’d asked him to do a favor. One step at a time. Number six made him grin.
“Flaunt the ring in Daisy’s miserable face as she shrinks away in shame?” he said, lifting a brow at her.
Betzy hurried and crossed out that last part about Daisy shrinking away, but left the flaunting the ring part in place. “You have to understand, I was on the brink of insanity last night.” She reached out again and crossed out the entire thing. “There.”
He nodded. “I get it.”
“Oh, and I’ll buy the ring,” she chirped. Betzy couldn’t have known it, but those words were razor sharp.
He narrowed his gaze. “No.”
Her eyes went wide. “Sawyer, you’re doing me a favor.”
“Money’s not an issue for me anymore,” he said. “Get used to it.” Sure, he’d slapped a little sting on the words, but he couldn’t help it. If there was a sore spot between them, that was it. He’d worked ten hard years to make sure money wasn’t an issue. Wasn’t the issue between them.
At last Betzy nodded, her eyes dropping back to the notebook. “Fine. You can always return it.”
He followed her gaze to the bottom of the page. Sawyer goes back to NY. We keep up the charade through the winter and have a fake breakup in the spring.
Yes, he’d known that was coming. She wasn’t asking him to actually marry her, for heavens’ sake. So why did it feel like he’d been sucker-punched low in the gut?
Because he was a sucker. He’d almost had himself convinced that Betzy really did want him. That it would, on some level, be real for them both.
It wouldn’t.
The list made that clear enough. She wanted to stick it to Daisy, preserve her image, and move on with her merry little life, free of him. Heck, Betzy was prepared to ask some other guy if Sawyer said no. That said it all, didn’t it?
“What’s wrong?” Betzy’s question was distant, faded compared to the clamor in his mind.
Sawyer forced his gaze back to her and cleared his throat. “Nothing.”
She tipped her head, inspecting him with an expression he knew very well. Kindness. Concern. His earlier resolve set in once more. Whether Betzy wanted to be with him or not, he cared about her. Wanted to protect her. And he would, no matter what, slay the dragons that threatened to hurt her.
“Is everything okay? You can totally say no to this if you’d like. I wouldn’t blame you.”
But Sawyer shook his head and steadied his resolve. “No,” he assured. “I want to do this. For you. I’m in.”
Chapter 9
“Are you sure this is a good idea?” Sawyer’s mom asked while stirring a pot of soup. Vegetable beef this time.
“No,” he answered. “I think it’s kind of a terrible idea,” he admitted with a laugh. “Especially since, just a few months ago, the editor of the magazine planted a kiss on me during her trip to New York.”
Mom spun around, flicking the spoon out of the pot as she moved. A splatter sounded, and Sawyer spotted splotches of soup on the cabinets.
“Sorry,” she said. “But Daisy kissed you when she came to New York?”
He shrugged. “Barely. We were sitting up to the bar. She was a few drinks in, so was I. Then suddenly she leaned over and kissed me.” Sawyer wadded up a handful of paper towels and ran them beneath the faucet.
“What did you do?”
He wiped up the splotches of soup as he spoke. “I pulled away pretty quick. I tried to do it gently. I didn’t want to hurt her feelings, but I didn’t want to encourage her either. She can come on pretty strong.”
“So then what?” Mom asked, holding her hand out to take the paper towel wad from him.
He handed it over and watched as she sopped up a few splatters along the stovetop before tossing it in the trash bin.
“I apologized. Told her that my mind was kind of on someone else. I didn’t specify, but she guessed it was Betzy.”
“You’re kidding,” Mom said with a gasp.
Sawyer shook his head. “She said something like…I don’t know, that Betzy wasn’t waiting around for me. That I shouldn’t be counting on it.”
Mom stirred at the soup once more before abandoning the tall spoon and folding her arms. She squared a look at Sawyer. “Do you think you’re the reason she’s going after Betzy?”
He shook his head. “No. They’ve never liked each other. That’s all I know.”
“Yeah, and they’ve both liked you. You’re the common denominator.” She grabbed hold of the spoon once more and stirred. “I don’t think I’ll go to the cabin with you guys,” she announced.
“Why not?”
“First of all, I was already considering Ted’s offer to go skiing with him this week. I figured I’d see if I could bring you along. But this way, you can have that time with Betzy without your mommy there.”
Sawyer let out a laugh. “Fine.”
“How long ago did Daisy go out there?” Mom asked.
Sawyer counted back the months. “August sometime. Maybe the beginning of September.”
“When are you and Betzy going to say things started being…romantic between you?” she asked next.
“I guess I can say it was around that time.”
“So, three months and then you propose?” she asked.
“Yeah, but after a lifetime of loving her…”
His mom’s gaze met his, an almost worried look in her eyes. “You’re not going to get hurt, are you? Doing this?”
Sawyer tried to shrug it off, but the heat flaring in his chest made him gulp first. “I might,” he admitted. “But I might just be able to show her how good we are together. In case she doesn’t already know.”
Mom motioned him over, and Sawyer readied himself for one of her long, sappy hugs. Which was exactly what he got once he neared.
“I love you, Sawyer,” she said, squeezing him tightly before stepping back to the stovetop where she leaned on one hip. “I’m torn on this one. I care about Betzy, and I’m glad you’ll be able to protect her image in time for the article to release. But you’ve waited a lot of years to make a move on her. Is this really the way you want to go about it?”
“No,” he admitted. “But I can’t let someone else step in and do
it. Besides, it’s my own fault for waiting so long. This is what I get, I guess. Should’ve gone after her sooner.”
Mom nodded, her eyes drifting toward the living room where they’d set up the tree together.
“Why didn’t you do it sooner?” she asked. “Each year, it seems like you’re going to, but then you just…don’t.”
Sawyer never did tell his mom what he’d witnessed at his father’s that year. For a reason he still couldn’t explain, he felt a level of shame over the whole thing. Like he’d gotten what he deserved for ditching school and going out there and…and not being a good enough kid.
“I have my reasons,” he finally said.
His mom studied him for a blink before nodding. “Who knows?” she said with a shrug. “Everybody’s love story is different, right? Maybe this is where yours starts. This could be the crazy beginning to your own happily ever after.”
Sawyer forced a smile to his lips, hoping it didn’t look as fake as it felt. “Yeah,” he said, “you never know.” It was, after all, exactly what he hoped for.
He waited for the idea to replace the tumult happening in his heart. When it didn’t, one final warning crept in. Hold onto your heartstrings, Sawyer. This could be one painful ride.
Chapter 10
Betzy eyed the piece of artwork before her. A unique, three-dimensional painting of a tall, puffy-tailed poodle. The artist had used a blend of mediums to create realistic-looking dog hair that popped off the canvas. According to the description beside it, the piece featured the artist’s very own dog’s collar and charm as well.
Betzy tried very hard to pay attention to details like that—she was supposed to introduce the piece for auction in a few short minutes—but was having a very hard time focusing with the feel of Sawyer Kingsley so close.
Sawyer had been asked to play a part tonight: Serious-boyfriend-who-was-playing-it-down-in-public. So far, he was doing everything right. Staying close by her side, wandering only slightly as he observed one piece or another, only to slip up behind her, so closely she could feel his breath on the back of her neck. A sensation she paused to tune into even then.
So good.
They’d arrived at the event close to two hours ago. Dinner had been served, and the guests were making their way around the banquet room to study the pieces up for auction.
During the banquet, with several high profile people seated at the table, Sawyer would catch her eye and give her an admiring smile or flirtatious wink.
Gestures like those set off Betzy’s internal microwave, sending just enough heat through her to warm her cheeks and neck. The interactions, along with her physical response to them, would definitely have guests talking.
If they could see what was happening on the inside though, they’d know how very off-balance this whole thing was. While Sawyer was playing a part for their company, the cameras, and the public eye, Betzy battled feelings she’d had since she was a little girl.
She fought off the sadness that threatened to seep in at the thought. Just focus on the revenge, Betzy. That’s the only thing you can control.
“Have you studied this piece long enough?” Sawyer’s deep, masculine voice sounded from behind. And there he was, stepping things up a bit more by grazing his chin over the top of her bare shoulder, tickling the tender skin there with his short stubble.
A thrill shot through her at his touch.
Holy smokes. If she had any semblance of self-preservation, Betzy would abort this mission right here and now. Heck, she’d be a pile of ruins after this was through. But how could she stop when it all felt so good?
“I’m getting a little jealous of Buster, here,” he added with a laugh.
Heart swelling in heated, longing thumps, she turned her head the slightest bit toward him. The action caused his lips to ever-so-slightly graze her jaw. A flash of heat shot to her cheeks.
“It’s almost time for you to announce, right?” he asked.
“Right. Are you still okay to walk up there with me and add in a line about Mario?”
Joanne Levia, the elegant woman running the event, had loved the idea when Betzy presented it. Especially since Sawyer, being a dog person, could add his own personal touch to the intro. It didn’t hurt that he’d just earned himself yet another Bachelor title.
“Of course,” he assured.
Luckily, the auction would stream live, allowing bids to come in from all over the world. The live stream would play a key part in making their public appearance a little more public.
It wouldn’t make a giant splash, but it would make a very nice ripple, which was exactly what they needed.
Betzy spun to see Sawyer push a hand through his gorgeous dark hair, an action that made her feel a little wobbly on her stilettos.
Suddenly his brow furrowed, and he sunk a hand into his tux pocket. Yes, he looked amazing in that thing. And yes, the single ladies in the building were all abuzz over him. She’d overheard several of those conversations without even trying.
“Oh no,” he mumbled while looking at his phone screen. Sawyer’s face went pale.
Betzy’s heart skipped. “What’s wrong?”
“It’s Mario. My mom says she’s rushing him to the vet.”
The vet—right now? Betzy scrambled for the right words. What were the chances something would go wrong with the poor dog at a moment like this? She shot a look to the platform across the banquet room, wondering how soon the auction would begin.
“It’s probably nothing,” Sawyer said, seeming to follow her gaze. “We can stay. I’m sure he’s fine.”
Betzy nodded. “Well, only if you’re sure.” Relief flooded in, but it fled just as quickly at his next words.
“I am kind of worried about my mom though. Mind if I step outside and give her a call?”
She couldn’t help but swoon just a little from the concern he had for his mother. “I don’t mind at all,” Betzy assured. “Go ahead.”
Sawyer gave her a conflicted look before moving in to press a kiss to her forehead. “Thank you.” And then he was gone, leaving the zips and tingles from his touch to spark over her skin.
If that went on live TV, it might cause closer to a splash than a ripple. In her heart though, it was a full-on tidal wave.
She watched until he stepped into the foyer and out of sight. If Kellianne was taking the dog in at this hour, it was probably serious. Plus, they’d had Mario since they were back in high school. He couldn’t have too many years left in him. What if the dog was deathly ill? What if this ended up being his final hour, and Sawyer was stuck here doing Betzy an enormous favor?
At once the what ifs became too much. She spun in place and spotted Joanne Levia striding past the silent auction board, a champagne glass in one hand.
Betzy hurried over to her and, with a bit of panic in her heart, explained the situation. Luckily, the woman was quick to insist that Betzy excuse herself and join Sawyer in attending to the dog.
“If you don’t mind us mentioning that it was a dog emergency that pulled you away, we’ll be able to milk it for all its worth,” the woman assured.
“No,” Betzy said with the shake of her head. “I don’t think he’d mind at all. Thank you.”
Anxious to get back to her date for the evening, Betzy made her way to the foyer. It took her a moment to spot him, but at last she saw the gorgeous bachelor by a set of potted aspen trees, one arm folded across his chest, the other rubbing a hand along the back of his neck.
She walked around a cluster of female guests, shifted her way through a larger group of loosely scattered men, and finally came up behind him at last. Betzy moved to rest a hand on his shoulder, but thought better of it.
“How’s he doing?” she asked from behind.
Sawyer let out a heavy breath. “I’m not sure. They just arrived.” The nearby trees were decorated with lights and crystal. She caught the reflection of it in his hypnotic, hazel eyes. “I guess Ted drove because she was too upset.”
“Ted?” Betzy asked.
He shot her a half-smile. “Her new boyfriend, apparently.”
She couldn’t hold back the brow lift. “Oh? That’s awesome. My mom’s been getting pretty serious with Matthew too. I really like the guy, but it’s weird, seeing your mom date.”
Sawyer nodded. “Yeah. Anyway, we should probably get back in there. We’ve got a piece of art to introduce.”
But Betzy shook her head. “Actually, I told them we had a canine emergency.”
Sawyer’s eyes widened. “You did?”
She nodded. “I’ll go with you if that’s okay.”
“I’d like that.” He took a step closer and rested a hand at her lower back. It felt good there. Solid and warm. And when she pulled in her next breath, Betzy was reminded, for the hundredth time that evening, of how very good he smelled.
She savored the heavenly scent once they made it to his car, a gorgeous Lamborghini Veneno. He was forced to drive the coupé slowly until they reached the interstate, but there, Sawyer sank the pedal, switched gears, and picked up speed.
Exhilaration shot through her in a tingly rush as the nightlights sped by in a blur. “I love this thing,” she said.
He glanced over and grinned. “You do?”
“Oh, yeah. I almost bought one myself.”
“What did you get instead?” he asked.
She could barely hold back the grin as she replied. “A Bugatti Chiron, black.”
“With the metallic blue accents?”
She nodded.
He blew out a whistle. “That’s my girl.”
She liked hearing him say that.
A bit of tension seemed to drain from his shoulders. Perhaps conversation was a good distraction. He probably needed it.
The truth was, worries over missing the live appearance were starting to eke into her mind, but Betzy pushed them aside to focus on him.
It wasn’t exactly the hardest task. Sawyer Kingsley might deal largely with real estate on the east coast, but he owned the larger portion of her LA heart.
“Didn’t you used to have a Porsche?”
Her Best Friend Fake Fiancé Page 7
