Bride by Mistake

by Shank, Marilyn

  Platonic relationship, my eye. It required all the discipline Zach possessed not to grab Liza right this minute and kiss the living daylights out of her!

  When she finally pulled back, he started to breathe again. “Thanks.”

  “You’re welcome. Sorry I threw my sandwich at you.”

  “Apology accepted.”

  And then Liza smiled. And Zach’s heart leaped, much like the rabbit that had shot across their blanket.

  Only higher.

  As they finished lunch, the electricity in the air seemed palpable. A yellow butterfly lighted on the neckline of Liza’s blouse. Zach wouldn’t mind lighting there himself.

  You’re a fool, Addison, he told himself. His feelings for Liza reminded him of his relationship with his ex-wife. He’d fallen for Denise hard and fast, and they’d married six months later. He’d adored Denise and showered her with everything imaginable. Oh, she’d loved the presents, all right. What she hadn’t loved was him.

  After she had divorced him, obtaining a large settlement in the process, Zach had closed off his heart. He would never be fooled again. And no other woman had tempted him until he “proposed” to Liza. At that moment, all control over his life and his emotions vanished like yesterday’s dew. His only salvation was that Liza wanted a platonic relationship and nothing more.

  “Zach, I’ve been thinking.”

  “About what?”

  “About us. You were right about our emotions getting involved. I’m glad we sorted things out. And I want to help you. Really I do.”

  Zach’s heart skipped erratically and his throat felt as dry as chalk dust. “That’s good.”

  “But not for money,” she said emphatically.

  “We’ve established that.”

  “I’m doing it mostly for Eloise. I care about your grandmother. She’s a dear lady who’s ill, and you’re trying to make her happy at the end of her life. I admire that.”

  Zach’s heart plummeted. Part of him, the crazy part, wanted Liza to continue the pretending because of him. Because she wanted to be with him—to spend time with him. He shrugged off the ridiculous notion.

  “Thanks, kiddo. I’ll make it up to you, I promise.”

  A frown creased the smooth skin of Liza’s forehead. “I’m doing this as a friend. Friendship doesn’t require compensation.”

  Friendship. The word stuck in Zach’s throat like tacky peanut butter. If only he’d never kissed Liza. If only he didn’t know the incredible high that produced. Then he could continue their charade without hitting emotional overload.

  But he had kissed Liza. And kissing her made him hungry for more—for more of her kisses, for more of Liza O’Malley.

  “Gram invited us to a dinner dance at the country club tonight. It’s a fund-raiser for the local animal shelter. Are you available?”

  “Yes,” she said. “I’m available.”

  Of course, it wasn’t true. Liza might as well wear a DO NOT DISTURB sign around her neck. She was the least available woman Zach knew.

  “Want a brownie?” he asked.

  “Sure.”

  Zach handed one to Liza and his hand brushed hers in the process. Even that gentle touch made his heart lurch.

  He’d opened a Pandora’s box when he’d asked for Liza’s help. But how could he have known the pretending would affect him so strongly, that he’d find Liza so desirable?

  An image of Denise’s pretty face flashed into Zach’s thoughts. Tough as it was, he must resist Liza’s charms. If he couldn’t manage to curb his feelings, he’d hide them from Liza.

  It was the only way.

  The Oak Hills Country Club dining room was an elegant place to enjoy a meal. A combo played soft music in the background, but Meg scarcely heard it. Thank goodness Zach had left the table to take a phone call. More than anything, Meg needed an emotional break.

  “Liza, dear?”

  Meg met Zach’s grandmother’s concerned gaze. “Yes, Eloise?”

  “Is something wrong with your shrimp cocktail? You haven’t even tasted it.”

  Meg speared a shrimp with her cocktail fork. “Nothing’s wrong with it. I’m just daydreaming.”

  “About Zachary, I imagine.”

  “Yes. About Zachary.”

  “That’s all right, child. Zach’s a real…Let’s see. What would you contemporary women call him? A hunk?”

  Meg couldn’t suppress a giggle. “You could say that.”

  At that moment—which was all too soon—the hunk in question rejoined them at the table. “Sorry about the business call. I’ve turned off my cell phone for the evening, so I’m all yours, ladies.”

  Don’t I just wish, Meg thought.

  The three of them dined graciously within the cherry-paneled walls while an army of waiters met their every desire before they knew it existed. As Meg ate and talked with Eloise and Zach, she felt she was part of them—part of the close-knit bond they shared. She gave herself a mental shake. Harboring these feelings was dangerous. She was a Liza stand-in and did not belong here. But she couldn’t quite push the feelings aside.

  Zach smiled at Eloise. “Your birthday’s creeping up. Are you excited?”

  For the first time all evening, Eloise’s smile waned. “I suppose so, dear. But I’m turning eighty-five, and most of my life is over. That thought’s a bit daunting.”

  “Now, we’ll have none of that,” Zach said. “How old was your mother when she died?”

  “Ninety-eight.”

  “And your grandmother?”

  “One hundred and one.”

  “Don’t you see, Gram? You’re just a baby.”

  Eloise’s blue eyes brightened and the smile flitted back to her face. “Sakes alive, Zachary. You could sweet-talk your way out of a hijacking.”

  “Let’s hope I never have to. I’d rather use my sweet-talking skills on beautiful women.” He patted his grandmother’s hand and turned to face Meg. “How about a dance, Liza?”

  Meg’s heart got stuck in her throat as Zach’s dark eyes studied her. One glance from the man and she was an explosion waiting to happen. “I’d like that,” she murmured.

  Zach led her onto the dance floor and swept her into his arms. Having him hold her made the fantasy of being important to him more real than ever. It flared from a flicker to a flame.

  His musky aftershave wrapped around her like mist on a meadow. To her delight, Zach was a skilled dancer, and they moved gracefully across the floor. As a ballet teacher, dancing was part of Meg’s very being. As natural as breathing.

  When Zach leaned to whisper in Meg’s ear, she hoped it would be sweet nothings. “You dance better than you used to,” he said. “You haven’t stepped on my foot once.”

  So much for sweet nothings. “I’ve been watching Dancing with the Stars,” she quipped, resisting the urge to step on his foot now. Really hard.

  “Hmm. You’re getting quite an education from television.”

  “Shut up and dance,” Meg said.

  And they did. Meg was glad she’d worn the yellow satin tea-length dress and her strappy sandals. With Zach handsomely tucked into that charcoal suit, they made a dashing couple. And while they danced reasonably close, it wasn’t cheek-to-cheek close. Not body-deliciously-merged-to-body close.

  As if he’d read her mind, Zach said, “Since Gram is watching, I’d like to hold you closer. She’s quick to spot inconsistencies.”

  “You’re right. We need to think of everything.”

  A moment later they did dance cheek-to-cheek close. And body-deliciously-merged-to-body close. Meg’s heart pounded like an overwound metronome.

  “I’m not sure we’re doing enough to set up our coming engagement,” he said softly. “Gram has to believe we’re serious about each other.”

  The deep timbre of Zach’s voice and his nearness hurled Meg’s emotions into overdrive. “So what do you suggest?”

  He cleared his throat. “You know. More hand-holding. More touching.”

  “Y
ou promised me a platonic engagement.”

  “And you’ll have it when we’re alone. But when Gram is with us, we should…”

  Zach got stuck on the word should.

  “Should what?”

  “Turn up the heat.”

  As far as Meg was concerned, the heat was already turned up. Past boiling point.

  She sighed. “I guess we can’t relate casually, then have you slip a huge diamond on my finger.”

  “So we agree? More touching in Gram’s presence?”

  “We agree,” she said.

  Mistake. Big, big mistake, she warned herself. Suddenly, thoughts of Martin kicked in. Her serious boyfriend—practically her fiancé. To her chagrin, Meg hadn’t thought about Martin much since she’d started pretending. It seemed that her make-believe life was usurping her real life.

  So what are you going to do about it? her conscience probed. But as she’d done all along, Meg ignored her conscience.

  They continued dancing incredibly close through the rest of the song and the next as well. Being so delectably near Zach wrapped Meg in a dreamy fog. She caught a glimpse of Eloise’s smiling face as Zach whirled her across the floor. At least Zach’s grandmother was happy.

  We do make a great couple, Meg thought dreamily.

  A totally pretend couple, her logical self reminded her. While being wrapped in Zach’s embrace made their relationship seem real, she couldn’t get caught in the charade.

  Meg sighed. She’d known she was in trouble the minute she agreed to Liza’s scheme. But she’d never dreamed how much.

  CHAPTER 7

  “YOU LOOK LOVELY in that dress,” Zach told his pretend fiancée.

  “Why, thank you, sir. And you look stunning in that suit.”

  He nodded. “Compliment accepted.”

  As Zach held Liza in his arms, he was enjoying the experience far too much. He’d danced with her a few times before, and her dancing was adequate. But tonight she’d graduated from novice to professional. Sometime during this last number Zach felt they’d merged into one person. But common sense told him that wasn’t the case.

  He wished Liza’s lavender scent wasn’t so mesmerizing, and that her satin dress wasn’t so soft and intriguingly feminine. How could he possibly provide Liza with the platonic engagement he’d promised?

  Then he remembered that she’d just given him permission to turn up the heat. For Gram’s sake, of course. When Zach pulled Liza closer, he heard her draw a shaky breath. Her body molded to his like the snug fit of a silk stocking.

  She met Zach’s gaze and he felt suddenly immersed in Liza O’Malley, transfixed by her loveliness and femininity. Before he could remind himself he’d promised not to kiss her, he leaned forward and brushed his lips across hers.

  For Gram’s sake. For show, he told himself. But even he wasn’t stupid enough to believe it.

  Liza sighed softly. The sweet sound reminded Zach of the first spring breeze after a long winter. She rested her head on his shoulder as they continued to dance.

  Zach stroked Liza’s hair, which felt as smooth as the satin fabric of her dress. If they continued like this, they could convince Judge Judy they were in love and planned to be married!

  But when the music stopped, a semblance of sanity returned. Zach’s thoughts flashed back to Denise and the way she’d enticed him with her femininity and beauty. He’d believed Denise loved him, but she had been pretending all along. All she really loved was his money.

  As Zach escorted Liza back to the table, he realized he’d been fooling himself. The music, dim lights, and Liza’s nearness created an illusion. And if he had a grain of sense, he wouldn’t fall in love again. He’d never recovered from his first broken heart. Now that the intimacy of the dance was past, maybe his good judgment would kick in. At least he hoped so.

  To Zach’s relief, Liza played her role well. After a great meal and an evening of laughter and storytelling, Zach escorted his ladies to the Lexus and drove Gram home.

  “I’m afraid I must be impolite and not invite you children in,” Eloise said when they pulled up to her house. “I’m especially tired tonight.”

  “Why don’t you wait here, Liza, while I see Gram inside?”

  “Fine. Good night, Eloise.”

  “Good night, Liza dear. I had a lovely evening.”

  “So did I.”

  Ian answered the door, and Gram stumbled as she stepped over the threshold. As Zach and Ian grabbed her, Zach felt a stab of concern. “Are you all right?”

  “Just a bit shaky.”

  “Here, madam. We’ll help you to your chair.”

  Ian took one arm and Zach the other and they assisted Gram to her chair. When she was comfortably settled, she said, “You run along, Zachary. Don’t keep your lovely young lady waiting.”

  “Are you sure you’re all right? We can stay awhile if you like.”

  “I’m perfectly fine. Ian will bring me some tea before I go up to bed.”

  Zach kissed Gram’s scented cheek. “That’s for my favorite girl.”

  “You mean your second-favorite girl. You know, Zach, I really like your Liza. She’s sweet and beautiful and kind. She’d make a wonderful wife for you.”

  “Do you think so?”

  “I’m certain of it.”

  “Hmm. Guess I’ll give that some thought.”

  She nodded. “See that you do. Now good night, dear.”

  “Good night, Gram.”

  Ian walked out with Zach. “What are Gram’s symptoms?” Zach asked, hoping to better understand her condition.

  “Mostly tiredness. And she looks pale. You know how robustly healthy she’s always been.”

  “Maybe we should call in specialists. I don’t want to miss anything.”

  “Everything’s being done, sir. I assure you of that. And if there’s a change or cause for alarm, I’ll telephone you immediately.”

  “Thank you, Ian. I’m glad you’re looking after her.”

  “It’s my privilege, sir.”

  Zach rejoined Liza in the car and drove to her condo. As soon as he shut off the engine, she opened the door and hopped out.

  “Thanks for a wonderful evening, Zach. You don’t need to walk me to the door.”

  “Hold it right there,” he said. “I never dump a lady on her doorstep. It’s against my code of ethics.” He joined Liza and escorted her up the walk.

  “Is there a code of ethics for people pretending to be engaged?” she asked.

  “The way we danced tonight, I forgot we were pretending.”

  When they reached the front door, Liza turned to Zach, and her eyes met his. All the wonder and desire he’d felt on the dance floor flooded back like water rushing over a dam.

  They stood gazing into each other’s eyes. And Zach felt he was seeing Liza for the very first time. If he didn’t leave this minute, he’d pull her close and kiss her again. This time he had no excuse. Gram wasn’t watching.

  It took all the discipline Zach could muster to pull away, but he finally managed. “Thanks for tonight.”

  “You’re welcome.” She turned and unlocked the door. But before she could slip inside, Zach reached for her hand. As their hands connected, hope lit Liza’s face. Did she want him to kiss her? he wondered.

  “I know it’s been hard for you to switch gears in our relationship. And since you turned down my offer of compensation…”

  “Don’t go there.”

  “I won’t. I appreciate all you’re doing in spite of our confused feelings.”

  “I said I’d help, Zach, and I meant it. I really care about Eloise.”

  There it was again. Liza’s devotion to Eloise. Deep in his heart Zach wanted the devotion directed toward him.

  “If you’re free tomorrow evening, I have one more favor,”he said.

  “And what’s that?”

  “Could we spend the evening doing our stuff?”

  “What do you mean, our stuff?”

  “You know, have dinner o
ut and watch a video at my place.”

  Liza looked less than excited. “I don’t think that’s a good idea.”

  “Oh, but it is. It will help us remember who we really are,” Zach argued. “We’ll go back to the status quo. Just hang out and have fun like we used to do.”

  Liza nodded. “I’d vote for that.”

  “Then it’s a date.” Zach grinned. “Oops, sorry. Bad choice of words.”

  Liza kept her face turned to his—the face Zach now dreamed of at night. Every night. The soft light of the streetlamp made her auburn hair glisten. She looked lovelier than ever.

  Why had he never noticed how beautiful Liza was? How could he have entertained sisterly feelings for her all these years? Those feelings had vanished like yesterday’s sunset.

  With every fiber of his being, Zach wanted to kiss Liza good night. For real this time. Not pretend. But he resisted the temptation. “Will you be home by six? I know you often work later than that.”

  “I’m coming home early. You can pick me up here.”

  “You aren’t working from home again, are you? Did you get fired and you’re afraid to tell me?” he teased.

  “No way,” she said, but she didn’t meet his gaze. And she rarely teased back these days. Figuring out the new Liza was like working your way through a complicated maze—and hitting one dead end after another.

  “See you tomorrow,” Zach said as he fought off an overpowering urge to kiss her. “Good night.”

  “Good night.”

  Zach turned and strode away from Liza—away from temptation—as fast as he could. How could he keep promising they’d return to their old way of relating? It seemed as distant as his teenage years.

  Zach heard Liza close the door, and a sense of emptiness welled up inside him. Should he have abandoned caution and kissed her? he wondered. It took all the discipline he possessed to walk away.

  You made the right choice, he told himself. How could he even think about dating again? Or falling in love again? He remembered how difficult life had become when Denise had divorced him. And she had destroyed part of his heart in the process, the part that trusted others wholeheartedly. Zach battled trust issues to this day.