If they blew this, then there was no other option. Mason would inherit the company and Reed would be stuck working for his half-brother and ex-fiancée for the rest of his life.
Muscling down any doubt he had about this arrangement, Reed crossed the street and pulled open the door to the jewelry store. He stepped inside and smiled at the saleswoman behind the counter. She had a sharp bun and a pinched expression.
“Good afternoon, sir,” she said as she rested her manicured nails on the glass case. “What can I get for you today?”
Reed took a deep breath as he peered down at the rings arranged in neat rows and uttered the words that he never thought he’d say again. “I need to buy an engagement ring.”
Chapter Five
Lillian stood in the shop, glancing around. She had never felt more out of place then she did right now. Wearing her clay-stained t-shirt and jeans was not the smartest move. But when she’d woken up this morning, packing had been on her agenda. Not shopping at some high-end boutique in New York.
She sighed as she watched Reed slip around the corner and disappear out of sight. There was no going back now. The only person she knew was gone, and she doubted that the valet would let her collect Reed’s car so she could high-tail it out of here. And the thought of abandoning Reed made her stomach twist, so she pushed all thoughts of running away from her mind. She was stuck in a store that she most definitely didn’t belong in, might as well make the best of it.
“May I help you?” a stern voice asked from behind her.
Lillian let out a yelp as she turned to see a severe-looking woman staring at her. She was a good foot taller than Lillian and had a plunging v-neck dress. Her bangs were cut straight across and her nose was long and came to a very defined point at the end.
“I”—Lillian swallowed—“am just looking,” she said, grabbing a dress off the rack to hold it against her body. She tried to look busy as the woman continued to inspect her.
Just as she pressed the dress to her stomach, the woman let out a disgruntled sound. “Your clothes aren’t wet, are they?” She motioned to the stains on Lillian’s shirt.
Lillian let out an uncomfortable laugh and hung the dress back up. Of course, this woman singled her out. She no doubt looked like a homeless person who had stumbled in there from off the street. Lillian fought the urge to explain that it was clay stains and not who-knows-what. “No. My clothes have been washed and dried.”
The woman quirked an eyebrow. “And you wore them knowing they were damaged?”
Lillian rifled absentmindedly through the clothing next to her. “That’s how it works for the ninety-nine percent.”
The air grew silent. Lillian glanced over at the woman to see that her lips were pinched and her eyebrows drawn together.
Hoping to redeem herself, Lillian forced a smile. “I think I’ll be okay for now. I’ll let you know if I need to try anything on.”
The woman took a step closer to her. “I was actually thinking that you might find what you’re looking for at a shop farther down. At a place—oh I don’t know—called Old Navy?”
Lillian stared at her. Was she serious? “I’m. . .” What was she supposed to say to that?
“Are you Lillian?”
Lillian turned her attention away from the woman in front of her to see a girl with bright blonde hair and a crop top standing a few feet off. She had on a bohemian skirt with chunky sandals that made her look like a Greek goddess.
She raised her eyebrows as if she expected Lillian to say something.
“Am I Lillian? Yes?” she said. Why did she sound so unsure? She’d only been telling everyone her name since she could talk. But the shop attendant had sucked all of her self-confidence out of her. “Are you Cassie?” Lillian leaned toward her.
The girl’s ruby red lips parted, and she smiled, exposing her perfectly straight, white teeth. “Yes.” She glanced over to the shop attendant and narrowed her eyes. “I hope you were treating my future sister-in-law well,” she said, reaching out and wrapping her arm around Lillian’s shoulders.
The woman’s eyes bugged. “I’m so sorry, Ms. Williamson, I had no idea—”
“Save it. We’ll be working with someone else.” She tipped her head toward the rest of the store and pulled Lillian with her. “Come on, let’s get you away from Trudy. She’s the worst.”
Relief flooded Lillian’s body as she let Cassie drag her to the back of the store. Evening dresses lined the wall. Some had plunging necklines, others dipped low in the back. Right now, all Lillian wanted to do was run down the street to Old Navy. A place where she might actually find something to wear.
“You’re so adorable,” Cassie said.
Lillian glanced over to see that she’d taken a few steps back and was studying her. Heat rushed to her cheeks. How could an entire group of people unnerve her like this? It was a bit too much. “Thanks,” she said, reaching up and tucking a strand of hair behind her ear.
Cassie shot Lillian a smile as she turned and started rifling through the clothing rack next to her. “Now, Reed told me I needed to help you find something fabulous for tonight.” She pulled a halter top dress out and glanced down at it.
Lillian wanted to tell her that there was no way she was going to wear that dress, but thankfully, Cassie shook her head and returned it to the rack. She’d put on some weight with this pregnancy and didn’t want anything highlighting any of that.
“So, what’s your style? Besides stained shirts and jeans?” Cassie asked, casting a sideways glance in her direction before she returned to the dresses.
“Um, that’s about it. I try not to buy fancy things because I always end up with clay stains.” She brushed down her shirt. She never minded until right now, where she felt like a social pariah for wearing her clothes.
“Clay? You do pottery?”
Lillian pinched her lips together and nodded. It wasn’t something she liked to tell people. Maybe it had to do with the fact that Joshua never supported her, but she was always nervous about what people would think so kept it a secret.
“That’s awesome! You’ll have to teach me someday,” Cassie said as she pulled a floor length evening gown from the rack and held it up to Lillian.
It took Lillian’s breath away. The satin fabric felt like butter against her skin as she ran her fingers across it. It was navy and reminded Lillian of the night sky. She grabbed the price tag and almost had a heart attack.
“Five thousand dollars?” she squeaked out.
Cassie shot her a look. “That’s not bad. My gala dress last year was north of $10,000.” She held it up to Lillian and tipped her head to the side. “This is perfect. Go try it on.” She shoved the dress into Lillian’s hand and turned back to the rack.
Lillian held the dress as if it were the most expensive item in existence as she made her way over to the dressing rooms and shut the door. She pulled off her shirt and jeans, catching a glimpse of herself in the mirror. Her eyes stopped at her stomach.
Her bump was becoming more pronounced now. She let her fingers linger on it. Lately, she’d been feeling flutterings in her stomach. As much as she forced herself not to hope, she couldn’t help but wonder if it was the baby. Did that mean it was still alive?
After one trip to the doctor to verify the pregnancy, she hadn’t brought herself to return. She couldn’t get attached to this one. Her heart was already in pieces from the last pregnancy. Going into labor too soon. Not being able to stop it. She squeezed her eyes shut as she pushed the memories from her mind. She couldn’t think about that right now. She needed her wits about her.
There was a knock on her dressing room door. “Everything okay?” Cassie asked.
“Yeah,” Lillian said, turning away from the mirror and slipping on the dress. She zipped up the back as far as she could and then unlocked the dressing room door.
Cassie’s eyes widened. “Wow, that looks amazing on you,” she said, twirling her finger to indicate that Lillian should spin around.
After the zipper was fully up, she waved for Lillian to follow her to the pedestal in the far corner that was surrounded by mirrors.
Lillian stepped up and glanced at her reflection. The dress was beautiful. It fit her in the top and then flowed around her like a waterfall. How could something so expensive seem meant for her? There was no way she could pay for this.
“I—I need to get this off,” she said, stepping down from the pedestal and heading toward the dressing rooms.
“Lillian? Where are you going?” Cassie called from behind her.
As soon as she was inside, she shut the door and locked it. Now safe, she turned and collapsed on the chair next to the mirror.
What was wrong with her? How could she possibly think that this was a good idea? She was going to mess up and fail yet again at something that was important. People never stuck around for her. Reed should just call it off. Take everything she had—which was next to nothing. What did it matter to a billionaire?
“Lillian? Is everything okay?” Cassie’s voice was followed by a quiet knock. “If you’re worried about what Reed would think, he’s going to love it. You look amazing and will totally fit the part he’s asked you to play. Don’t worry, everyone is going to love you.”
Tears filled Lillian’s eyes as she took a deep breath. She appreciated how grounded Cassie was. It helped calm her down.
And then she felt stupid. Why was she freaking out? She could do this. She had to. Reaching down, she wrapped her hand around her stomach bulge. Whatever was going to happen with this pregnancy, she needed to be prepared. A single, out of work mom didn’t seem like the best idea.
So what if she had to fake a relationship? She was sure it wasn’t the worst thing someone had done for money. Taking a deep breath, she closed her eyes and counted down from ten. When she reached one, she felt better. Her stomach didn’t hurt, and she was more grounded.
She needed to make the decision right now to marry Reed Williamson. That way, there was no more thinking involved. She would fake this, make the money, and leave. He would get his company, and she’d be taken care of. This was the best option for both of them.
She slipped off the dress and pulled on her shirt and jeans. When she opened the door, she found Cassie on the other side with her eyes wide.
“You okay?” she asked.
Lillian nodded. “Yeah, I’m sorry. I just got overwhelmed.”
Cassie clicked her tongue. “I totally get it. I’m sure this is all crazy. When Reed told me what our mom did, I couldn’t believe it.” She smiled over at Lillian. “But it’s a nice thing you’re doing for my brother. He deserves this more than Mason. That snake.”
Lillian hung up the dress as she listened to Cassie. “Who’s Mason?”
Cassie dropped her jaw. “He’s our half-brother. The conceived-through-an-affair baby my dad had.” She studied herself in the mirror, pushing up her roots as she turned her head to the side.
“What does Mason have to do with any of this?” Lillian sat down on the chair again.
Cassie glanced over at her. “Reed didn’t tell you?”
Lillian shook her head.
“Mason stole Hannah, Reed’s fiancée, and got her pregnant. Now they’re getting married which means he is fulfilling my grandfather’s stipulation while Reed is left with nothing.” She gave Lillian a warm smile. “Enter you.”
Lillian wasn’t sure what to say to that. That seemed like a lot of information to be given. “Does he. . .” She studied Cassie. “Do you think he wants me to know this?”
Cassie hesitated for a moment before she shook her head. “I’m sure he’d want you to know. You’re marrying him, after all.” She reached out and hugged Lillian. “Oh, I’m just so excited that you guys are going to stick it to Mason!”
Lillian patted her back. She liked that Cassie had this open and unabashed way about her. Never had she been so welcomed into any family. Joshua’s parents never approved of her, and she’d been moved from foster home to foster home as a kid. She’d be lying to herself if she said she didn’t enjoy this.
“Thanks, Cassie.”
Cassie pulled back. “Anytime. Reed’s the best brother. He really is the greatest.” She pinched her lips together and raised her eyebrows. “Now, let’s blow his socks off with some awesome clothes.” She held out her hand and wiggled her fingers. “Hand me the card he gave you and I’ll take care of everything. In fact,”—she glanced toward the shop’s door—“head two doors down to Serenity Salon and ask for Stacy. She’ll handle your hair and make-up. Tonight is going to be epic.”
Even though the thought to protest raced through her mind, Lillian nodded and grabbed her purse. What Cassie suggested sound amazing. Just what she needed after the last few days. Plus it helped her get away from this shop with the crazy attendant and prices that made her head swim.
“Thanks, Cas,” she said as she stepped out of the dressing room and out into the shop.
“No probs. This is my area of expertise,” Cassie said, following after her.
Before she forgot, Lillian grabbed out the card Reed had given her and handed it to Cassie. “Just, nothing too wild.”
Cassie raised her eyebrows. “I can’t promise anything,” she said as she took the card.
Lillian turned and headed toward the front door. Once outside, she took a deep breath and glanced down the sidewalk. She found the sign for Serenity Salon. When she got to the door, she hesitated but then took a deep breath and went inside. It was time to stop worrying about this and jump in with two feet.
She was marrying Reed Williamson and that was it. There was no going back.
Chapter Six
Reed stood in his apartment in his suit, staring at Lillian’s boxes that had been piled against the far wall. There were only a handful. Apparently, Bernard must have felt that most of Lillian’s belongings weren’t valuable, because Reed had no idea how an entire apartment could fit in—fifteen boxes. He hoped she wouldn’t get too upset to see that very little actually made its way over to his place.
He sighed as he glanced down at his watch. Where were they anyway?
After he’d dropped Lillian off at Jezebels, he went and got the ring only to be texted by Cassie saying she’d take care of Lillian until their reservations at seven. It was now half-past six and they were nowhere to be found.
The host, Pierre, at The Barbette was not fond of latecomers and was known to give away tables if someone was even a few minutes late.
Groaning, he pulled out his phone and pressed on Cassie’s number. Just as he began to write, where are you, there was a knock. In three steps, he was at his front door, pulling it open.
He parted his lips to ask his sister where she’d been, but no words came to mind when he was met with Lillian’s bright blue eyes. Her hair was half pulled up and ringlets framed her face. She had on a dark blue dress that went to the floor. It hugged her curves and wasn’t revealing—something most women in his social circle weren’t too concerned about.
“Wow,” he said. Just as the word left his mouth, heat raced to his cheeks. “I mean, wow, why are you so late?” He turned to see the smug expression of his kid sister.
She had her arms folded as she studied him. “I was taking care of your future wife,” she said, blowing past him as she waved her chauffeur into his apartment. “You can bring her clothes to the master bedroom.” She waved toward the hall that was to the left of the kitchen.
“Um.” Lillian stepped forward. Her eyes were as wide as saucers.
“Guest bedroom, Cas,” Reed said, shooting her an exasperated look.
Cassie raised her eyebrows. “Silly me,” she said. Then she turned to her chauffeur. “Second door to the right down that hall. She pointed to the hallway just off the main living-room.
“I’ll go with him,” Lillian said as she trailed after the man carrying more bags then any human should have to.
Once she was out of earshot, he turned to his sister. “What was that? Gee
z, way to make this girl feel weird.” Why was Cassie acting so strange? He’d already told her that this was all arranged. There was no hope of any relationship emotional or physical between them.
Cassie shrugged and made her way over to the kitchen where she grabbed a few grapes from the bowl on the counter. “I like her. You picked a good one,” she said, pointing at him.
Was it wrong that his heart picked up speed at the thought that his sister liked Lillian? Yes. It was wrong. He shook his head clear it and then walked over to her. “Yeah, well, you’re going to scare her off with all your master bedroom talk.”
Cassie shrugged. “Just promise me you won’t blow this.”
Reed raised his eyebrows. “First of all, I don’t blow things and second of all, she’s kind of contractually obligated to stay, so. . .” He shrugged as he grabbed out a bottle of water from the fridge.
Cassie took it from him before he could even untwist the top. “Well, leave it to you to chase off a woman who is legally bound to marry you.” She took a swig and then placed the bottle down on the counter. “I need to go. There’s a party downtown that isn’t going to start without me and I’m so far behind on getting ready.” She gave him a wink and made her way out of the kitchen. “Sawyer, come on!” she said as she pulled open the door. Seconds ticked by before he appeared in the hall.
“Sorry, just helping Ms. Lillian get situated.” He made his way out into the hall that led to the elevator with Cassie following behind him.
“Don’t mess this up,” she sang out as she shut the door.
Thankful that she was no longer in his apartment to embarrass him, Reed took a deep breath. Before he could gather his wits about him, Lillian appeared. She looked unsure as she glanced around. Her eyes were wide. Compared to her apartment, his flat had to feel huge with thirty-foot ceilings and giant picture windows.
His mother insisted he hire her decorator who had a flare for the modern. Half his furniture was either white or black. Most times, he felt as if he lived in a black and white movie. It was decorated well, but never really felt like his own.
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