“Everything okay?” he asked, shoving his hands in his pockets. He wasn’t sure what to do and felt exposed standing there.
Lillian’s gaze fell to him. “It’s like this is a dream,” she said.
“You dream in black and white?”
She drew her eyebrows together. “What?”
“Never mind,” he said as he opened the fridge and grabbed out a water bottle. Then he eyed her suddenly feeling like he needed a reason to approach her. “Here,” he said, extending the beverage.
Lillian glanced down at it. “Thanks,” she said as she took it and unscrewed the top.
He tried not to stare at her, but she was truly breathtaking. There was nothing fake about her. She was genuine, and he was drawn to that.
“What time is dinner?” she asked, glancing over at the clock.
He shook his head. How could he have forgotten? “Seven. We need to go,” he said, extending his hand toward the front door. Out of instinct, he pressed his other hand on her lower back. He felt her muscles tighten, and he instantly regretted it. But before he removed his hand, she relaxed.
There was an inner tug inside of him. One that wanted him to keep as far away from Lillian as he could. The other part wanted to keep touching her. It felt right in a way he couldn’t describe.
Thankfully, there was no need to touch during the fifteen-minute drive to Barbette. When they pulled into the valet, Reed cursed under his breath. He’d forgotten to tell Lillian about the cameras. He’d hoped this wouldn’t scare her off.
Lillian glanced over. “Is everything okay?”
Reed shook his head. There were a few photographers standing at the front door. They were glancing around as if hoping for the next big story.
“It’s just that my mom actually called a few local magazines to let them know that we would be here.” He waved toward the cameras.
Lillian’s eyes widened. “Why would she do that?”
He shrugged. “Evidence, I’m assuming.” He glanced over at Lillian who looked as if she was going to be sick. “We can go someplace else.” He knew that this was a lot to ask of someone.
Lillian clutched her purse as she stared at her lap. Then she shook her head. “Let’s do this,” she said, turning and giving him a confident look.
“You sure?”
She nodded. “Let’s give them something to write about.”
He smiled at her as his fingers found the door handle and pulled on it. He stepped out of the car and handed his keys to the valet attendant who approached him. As he made his way over to the passenger door, flashes started going off around him.
“Who are you here with tonight?” a photographer asked as he raised his camera to his eye and shot a picture.
“You know I don’t give out names,” Reed said as he pulled on the door handle and extended his hand to Lillian. She grasped it and allowed him to help her out.
She squinted as the flashes picked up speed. Once her door was shut, she moved closer. Hoping it was okay, Reed wrapped his arm around her waist and pulled her to him. They smiled at the cameras and allowed a few more shots.
“Come on,” Reed said, leaning down to whisper in his ear. “They won’t follow us into the restaurant. Pierre wouldn’t allow it.”
Lillian nodded. The movement caused her perfume to waft up around him. He fought the urge to breathe it in.
When they were moments from the front door, a photographer called out, “What? No kiss?”
Lillian tensed as Reed turned around and shot them a smile. “You think I’d make it that easy for you? Come on, and they say you’re good at your job.”
There was a chorus of laughter as Reed pulled on the handle and ushered Lillian inside. Flashes were dulled when the front door shut behind them. Pierre was standing next to the hosts desk. He was a short man with black hair that glistened in the overhead lights. His gaze met Reed’s, and he smiled. They’d been friends for a long time. This was one of Reed’s favorite restaurants. It was a bit like home here.
“Good evening, Mr. Williamson. I see the paparazzi has followed you again. They tried to come in and use the bathroom, but I ushered them out.” He quirked an eyebrow.
Even though it seemed as if Pierre was joking, Reed knew that he like to keep his high-end clients anonymous. Mobs of photographers at the front door did not sit well with him. Leave it to his mother to offend Pierre. “I know. I’m sorry. My mom insisted that this dinner be publicized.” He shot Pierre a smile, hoping it would make up for the cameras.
Pierre attempted to narrow his eyes in a serious manner. “Just don’t let it happen again.” He laughed, his expression changing to welcoming host as he waved his hand toward them. “Your table is ready for you,” he said.
Reed nodded and motioned for Lillian to follow him. She kept in step as Pierre led them into the kitchen and over to the chef’s table. Clanging of dishes and people talking in Italian filled the air. When Reed glanced over at Lillian, her eyes were wide.
“We’re eating in here?” she asked.
Reed paused. “Is that okay? It’s my normal table.”
Lillian glanced over at him and then nodded. “Yes,” she breathed out. “I’ve just never sat at a table like this before. I see it all the time on cooking shows and have always wondered what it would be like. . .”
He watched her as Pierre motioned for her to slid into the half-circle booth that lined the far wall. She was so amazed by the smallest things. He liked that she didn’t know anything about his world. It was refreshing to see his life through a new set of eyes.
“You may sit,” Pierre said, extending his hand.
Reed clapped him on the shoulder and nodded. “Thanks for doing this,” he said and then slid in next to Lillian.
Pierre gave him an exasperated look before he flipped the wine glasses over. He was always telling Reed to stop thanking him for just doing his job. “What will we be drinking tonight?” he asked.
Reed glanced over at Lillian.
“Water is fine.”
“Madam, we serve the best wines in the country. Perhaps you would like to see the list?” He reached into his suit coat pocket.
Before he could pull it out, Lillian shook her head. “No alcohol for me, thank you.”
Reed studied her. Lillian kept her gaze on the white table cloth in front of her.
“And you, Mr. Williamson? Scotch on the rocks as normal?”
Reed shook his head. “Actually, I’ll have a water.”
Lillian glanced over at him and he shot her a smile. “Don’t feel like you can’t drink on my account,” she said.
Reed shrugged as Pierre walked away. “It’s okay. I probably drink a bit too much as it is.”
Lillian smoothed out the table cloth as she glanced around. “It’s beautiful in here. Makes my dingy apartment kitchen look like a dump.”
Reed leaned back, relaxing his legs. One brushed against Lillian’s. For a moment, he hesitated, wondering what she would do. She shifted but didn’t pull away. His heart hammered in his chest. What was wrong with him? He was acting like a teenage boy. But he wasn’t going to move. He liked the feeling of Lillian next to him.
“So, besides your love of kitchen architecture, what else should I know about you?” He unbuttoned his suit coat which helped him feel more relaxed.
“Me?” Lillian pointed her finger toward her chest. “Nothing really. I’m pretty boring.” Her cheeks hinted pink as she fiddled with the silverware.
Reed liked how nervous she was. “Okay. Well, if we are going to pull this fake marriage thing off, I’m going to need to learn something about you.”
She chewed her bottom lip. Reed couldn’t help but notice how soft and full they looked. When she glanced over at him and he realized that he was staring at her mouth, he snapped his gaze up to meet hers.
“Well, I love art.”
Reed clapped his hands as he leaned forward, hoping to distract himself. “That’s something. Is it painting? Drawing?”
<
br /> “Clay. I love pottery.”
Reed nodded. Truth be told, he didn’t know too much about that. His mother dragged him to all the galleries in Europe, but nothing really held his attention. “Do you just like studying it or do you do it?”
Pierre returned with some sparkling water and poured them each a glass. He announced that the chef was whipping up something new and exclusive just for them and then left.
Now alone, Lillian peered over at him. “I do both. Study and create.”
“You’ll have to show me sometime.” A waitress brought them a basket of bread and they each grabbed a piece and began eating.
It was nice, sitting in silence next to Lillian. She had a calming effect on him. Even though they’d just met, he was grateful to have her by his side. And for some reason, he wanted to learn more about her. An excited feeling brewed in his gut. Perhaps, this whole arrangement wasn’t going to be terrible after all.
Chapter Seven
Lillian couldn’t believe the tastes and sensations that she was experiencing here at the Barbette. This was hands down the best meal she’d ever had. It wasn’t until her stomach felt as if it was going to burst from her dress, that she laid her fork down and leaned back.
Reed was studying her as he wiped his napkin on his lips. There was a twinkle in his eye. “Did you like the meal?”
She couldn’t help the satisfied smile that formed on her lips. “It was amazing. Do you eat like this all the time?”
Reed set his napkin down on the table and nodded. “Yeah. Perks of the lifestyle, I guess.”
“I’m going to be the size of a house by the time our contract is over,” she said.
Reed shot her a quizzical look before he nodded. “Contract. Right.” He patted his suit coat as if he were making sure something was there.
The waitress stopped at their table to clear their plates. Reed shifted in his seat as he glanced over to her. His leg brushed hers again, sending tingles across her skin. Heat permeated her cheeks as she kept her leg there, pressed against his. Was it wrong that she was enjoying it?
“So, we when head back out there, I’m going to propose to you. Mom wants the press to document it. Thinks it will help convince my grandfather.” He patted his chest again. Lillian could only assume that he was making sure the ring was still there.
Lillian took a deep breath. Once he proposed publicly, there was no going back. She was going to become Mrs. Reed Williamson. Her heart quickened at the thought. But then she pushed it from her mind. There was no way she was supposed to be excited about that.
The money? Yes.
But not the title. The marriage was just an advantageous one. It didn’t mean she was wanted. And it didn’t mean that she was family. Desperate to distract herself, Lillian laughed and said, “Tamara’s going to freak.”
Reed took a sip of water. “What are you going to tell her?”
Lillian shrugged. Tamara would be suspicious, sure, but Lillian was sure the shock would fade away once the realization of what the marriage meant settled in. “I’m sure once I get talking about the wedding plans, she’ll be just fine.”
Reed tapped the tabletop with his fingers. “About the wedding. I was kind of hoping we could keep it small. Just my mom and my sister along with my grandfather. We could have a priest perform it in my grandfather’s room. You could invite a few people if you want.” He raised his eyebrows. “Your family?”
Lillian pinched her lips shut and shook her head. “Foster kid. The only family I have is Tamara. Well, there was Joshua, but—” She cleared her throat as she stared down at her hands. What was wrong with her? Bringing up her ex’s name? That was a road she didn’t want to go down. The less Reed knew about her past the better.
When she glanced over at him, Reed had straightened and was studying her. “Who’s Joshua?”
She waved his question away. “An old relationship turned sour.”
A knowing look passed over Reed’s face. “I understand that.”
Lillian wanted to ask him if he meant the girl now engaged to his half-brother but kept quiet instead. She really didn’t want him to know that Cassie had spilled his history to her. Plus, it was strange, but she kind of wanted Reed to trust her enough to tell her himself.
He clapped his hands and then rubbed them together like he was preparing to do something sinister. “Are you ready for this, Ms. Brunette?”
Lillian nodded. “Ready as I’ll ever be.”
“You do realize that once we do this, the press will start digging into your closet.” He leaned in and raised his eyebrows. Geez, he smelled good. “There aren’t any skeletons that I should know about, right?”
Panic rose up in her chest. She had secrets. A very big, yet very tiny secret. But she couldn’t tell Reed. She couldn’t tell anyone. This pregnancy wasn’t going to last, and she couldn’t get her hopes up. So she forced a smile and shook her head. “No skeletons.”
Reed swiped his forehead. “Whew.”
After thanking the chef, Reed pressed his hand on her lower back and led her from the kitchen. At first, his touch made her shy away, but she was slowly becoming accustomed to it. It comforted her in a way that both excited and scared her. Her first reaction was to pull back, but then the desire to be cared for came over her and she let the contact remain.
Pierre waved at them as they passed by, heading out the front door. The paparazzi was idling around on the sidewalk, trying to look busy.
Reed cleared his throat, and their gazes whipped over to them. “You guys are still here,” he said, wrapping his arm around Lillian’s waist and pulling her close.
Lillian’s heart hammered so hard in her chest that she feared it would give her away. Could he hear it? Could the photographers?
Reed seemed so calm and collected. Why was she the only one having a reaction from his close proximity? She needed to get a grip. This was fake. It wasn’t real. A dream that could be taken away from her at any moment. Besides, she promised herself and Reed that she wouldn’t get feelings for him and she was going to keep her word.
“Are you going to give us anything we can use?” a photographer who was short and wore a fedora asked.
Reed hesitated before he turned and grabbed both of Lillian’s hands. He met her gaze and gave her a wink. Even though she knew what was about to happen, her breath caught in her throat as she watched him lower to one knee. That got the attention of all the photographers and they began snapping photos. Their flashes blinded Lillian.
“Lillian Brunette, I knew the moment you walked into my office that you were going to change my life.” He met her gaze and gave her his half-smile. Despite her better judgement, her insides melted a bit. “I can’t imagine my life without you by my side. I want you there, walking with me through the good times and the bad.” He let one of her hands fall as he released it to reach into his suit coat. He removed a ring. The diamond was so big it dazzled as it caught the remaining light from the setting sun.
There was a low murmur of appreciation from the crowd around them. Lillian couldn’t help but stare at the ring. Never in her life had she imagined she’d get to wear something that beautiful. The one Joshua gave her was from the discount store. She almost feared what would happen when Reed turned it over to her.
“Will you, Lillian Brunette, agree to marry me and make me the happiest man in the world?” He lifted her left hand and readied the ring on her fourth finger.
Fear crept up inside of her, but she pushed it away. She needed to say yes, no matter how scared it made her. She was contractually obligated to marry Reed. End of story.
“Well?” a nearby photographer asked.
Right. She was supposed to answer. She glanced down at Reed who was looking up at her expectantly. “Yes,” she said as excitement bubbled up in her stomach. Reaching out with her right hand, she cradled his cheek. “Yes, Reed Williamson. I will marry you.”
He glanced down and slid the ring on her finger. Then he stood, wrapping her into a
hug. For reasons she couldn’t describe, it felt right. They fit together. She wrapped her arms around him as he brought her closer, pressing her body against his. They held each other for a moment before he pulled away.
They turned to the photographers and smiled.
A woman with a bob did not look impressed. “Seriously? No kiss?” She rolled her eyes as she glanced at another photographer who shook his head.
“You gotta kiss. That’s what the people want to see,” fedora hat interjected.
“You want a kiss?” Reed glanced around and received a unanimous nod. “They want a kiss, sweetheart.”
Lillian started to protest but then swallowed. She needed to make this real. “Then let’s give them a kiss.” She turned toward him.
The look on Reed’s face almost made her laugh. Suddenly, his cool and collected persona was shaken. His eyes were wide as he peered down at her. “Are you sure?” he whispered.
Lillian smiled and nodded.
Reed slid a hand around her waist and pulled her close. She could feel his muscles under her hands as she rested them on his chest. He leaned in closer, until he was inches from her. His presence intoxicated her, making her knees weaken and her head spin.
Thankfully, he was holding onto her. If not, she feared she’d slip from his grasp and collapse on the ground.
“You can back out if you want,” he said, as he leaned in closer, taunting her with his lips.
She narrowed her eyes. “Absolutely not. I’m going to earn that money.”
He backed away slightly with his eyes wide.
Great. That didn’t sound right. “You know what I mean,” she said, leaning in and hoping he’d follow.
“I’m a little scared to find out,” he said.
“Just kiss me so they have a picture.” She tilted her face toward him.
He hovered for a moment and then pressed his lips against hers. Heat raced from her lips, across her skin, and exploded throughout her body. Her heart hammered so hard, she thought it might leap from her chest and take off. What was happening to her? This kind of a reaction from a kiss?
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