A Limited Engagement

by Bethany Michaels

  Well, hell. He hadn’t expected his dad to be so…honest. There was only one thing to do: play his ace. He straightened his spine and summoned some of the indignation that always pricked at him whenever he spoke to his father. “You’re right. I want to buy the team.” He tugged on his gloves with short, sharp motions. “And if you won’t sell, I’m taking my sponsors and all their money and moving to a new team. All the money and years you’ve invested will have been a waste of time.”

  He expected his father to explode at that point. Maybe make some threats, hurl a few insults, and issue an ultimatum. He counted on it, in fact, and was mentally prepared to do battle.

  Instead, his father gave him a sad smile. “My being involved with the team was never about an investment or even about the sport of racing.” He leaned on the cart and looked Derek in the eye. “I just want you to be careful.”

  “Careful? I know more about running the team than you ever will.”

  “I know. And you’ll be successful as a team owner. That’s not what I’m talking about. You’ve got a woman, a good woman, who cares a lot about you, Derek. You’re about to make her a promise that will last a lifetime, if you do it right. I’d hate for you to screw all of that up just to get me out of your life.”

  Derek frowned, confused. The man in front of him wasn’t the cold, calculating, controlling figure he’d always known…or thought he’d known. It was disconcerting, and it took a lot of wind out of his sails. Best to focus on the result Derek was going for and sort through all the emotional confusion later.

  He cleared his throat. “So you’ll sell?”

  “If that’s what you want.”

  “It is.”

  His father nodded. “I’m just going to say one thing, and then I won’t interfere anymore.” He approached Derek. They were practically toe-to-toe, but not in the way Derek had expected when he’d imagined this confrontation.

  “I know you think my marriage will distract me from making the team a success.”

  Robert shook his head. “No. I’m afraid making the team a success will distract you from building a successful marriage.”

  Derek simply blinked at his father. Or the man who looked like his father. He certainly didn’t sound like Robert Sawyer.

  “What?”

  “I’ve seen the way you look at her, son. She brings a light to your eyes I haven’t seen since you were a kid. She makes you happy. And I’ve seen the way she looks at you—like you hung the moon and stars. Don’t screw this up.” He put a hand on Derek’s shoulder. “The biggest mistake I’ve ever made in my life is letting the woman I love go.”

  Derek simply stared, his brain declining to function. He felt like a very big rug had just been pulled out from under him. He felt a little…lost. All these years, all the planning and resentment he’d harbored toward his father, all his grand plans to tell the old man to screw off…they’d just shriveled before his eyes.

  “I know you’ll be the husband and father I was never able to be. I’m proud of you, son.” He squeezed Derek’s shoulder, then dropped his hand and stepped back.

  Guilt washed over Derek. How many years had he wanted to hear those words as a kid? All he’d wanted when he was young was his father’s approval, his attention, a few minutes of his time. He’d never gotten it. And now, finally, when he was over all that and prepared to cut the man out of his life for good, he finally had that approval? And all because of an engagement that was 100 percent fake.

  “I’m proud of you.” As much as he hated to admit it, maybe he’d never really stopped wanting to hear those words.

  How would his father react when he found out Derek had lied about the whole thing? He wasn’t sure what would be more crushing—his mother’s disappointment or losing his father’s newfound respect.

  Chapter Thirteen

  Walking down the street holding Derek’s hand, Lilly was sure everyone who looked at the two of them saw their stupid grins and knew they’d been naked just hours before. Well, actually one hour before. And then again twenty minutes before. And if Derek hadn’t committed them to attending the luncheon being given in honor of Maddie Johnson’s new baby, they’d probably still be naked, just as they had been pretty much nonstop for the past three days.

  After that first amazing night, she knew she should have a serious discussion with him. Talk about the future. Decide if that was a one-night thing or whether they’d continue to sleep together while she was living under his roof. She should set rules, talk about boundaries, and discuss guidelines so that both of them knew exactly what the thing between them was and no one would get hurt.

  But the truth was, she didn’t want to think about any of that. She just wanted to live in the moment for once and enjoy the ride. And Derek definitely knew how to ride.

  “I can’t believe you’re making me go to this,” she said as they walked toward the social hall. As Penny Ridge’s only venue large enough to hold just about the whole town, it was the place people gathered for everything from town council meetings to school plays to blood drives. In fact, her mother had suggested holding the wedding reception here, too, since the whole town would obviously want to attend the big event.

  “We won’t stay long,” he said, leaning in to whisper in her ear. “You’re going to need a nap to rest up for tonight.”

  A shiver ran up her spine. Even after hours of naked time with him, his words still sent a delicious warmth straight to her sex. He’d touched and caressed and licked every inch of her, and it had done nothing to assuage her need for him. The more she had of him, the more she wanted. He was a drug, and she was the world’s most blissed-out junkie. No wonder he had so many groupies.

  “You know we have to go back to real life sooner or later,” she said, hip-bumping him back into his own space but still holding fast to his hand. “I have to make my travel plans for next week.”

  Sometime between nailing Derek in the living room and nailing him in the rocking chair that had been in his family for generations, she’d managed to nail the phone interview with the firm in Seattle. She’d clicked with the director right away, and by the time she’d hung up the phone, she’d scored an in-person interview…then she’d scored with Derek, too.

  Derek stopped and turned to her. “You really want to move all the way to Seattle?”

  “It’s a good opportunity. It’s a smaller firm, but I could make partner within a couple of years. And they have some really good clients. Younger, more open-minded and innovative. It would be great to be able to stretch the creative muscle a little more.”

  “It just seems like a long way from home.”

  “This coming from a guy who’s on the road five out of seven days, ten months out of the year?”

  “Good point. But Penny Ridge is still my home address.”

  They started walking again. “It might be better if I wasn’t around for a while. You know. After.”

  “After?”

  “After we break up.” Honestly, she didn’t want to think about that at the moment. She hated lying to her parents and all their friends, but for the first time in a long time, she felt almost…content. Which was absurd, considering all the complications cluttering her life right now. She should be losing her mind, making plans, creating spreadsheets to organize how she was going to get back on track. Instead, all she could think about was how quickly she could get him back to the house and out of his pants.

  Still, she couldn’t ignore reality forever.

  “I mean, it might get ugly. A lot of people will be disappointed, and there will be questions and theories and rumors. I can only deflect and redirect so much, you know. If I’m in another city, I think the chitchat will die down more quickly, don’t you?”

  “I hadn’t thought about how I’ll handle it on my end, either. I have to do press. It’s part of the job. They’re going to ask what happened between us.”

  “If I end up taking the job in Seattle, the time and distance thing will become a pretty good cover. J
ust say we drifted apart. It’s drama-free and blame-free.” It was true. She’d never see him if she moved to the Pacific Northwest. It was just about as far as you could get from Georgia, and there were no races in that part of the country. Even if the relationship had been real, it probably wouldn’t have survived the separation.

  If she accepted the job, it would most definitely put an abrupt end to the whole thing. But that was the end goal to this whole mess. They needed to extract themselves from the fake engagement in a way that seemed realistic.

  “It’s just an interview. I might not even get an offer.”

  “You’ll get it. They’d be crazy not to hire you.” He pulled her into his arms. “But you’re mine for now.”

  He threaded his fingers through her hair and tilted his head, capturing her lips. Even though she’d kissed him until her lips were swollen over the past days, just the touch of his mouth on hers still sent shocks of anticipation hurtling through her body. Wrapping her arms around his neck, she gave over to the sensations. How could she not? Besides, they were supposed to be nearly-weds. It was all part of the game. Convenient, since there was nothing on earth better than kissing Derek.

  “Excuse me,” said a voice behind them. You’re blocking the sidewalk.” They parted reluctantly, and Lilly wished more than ever they were back at Derek’s place where they could take the kiss as far as they wanted.

  “Oh, very sorry, Ms. Hill. Guess I got carried away.” He turned on his million-watt smile, but Ms. Hill wasn’t having it.

  “Obviously,” she said and sailed on by, her paisley skirt fluttering in the wake of her icy breeze.

  “Wow.”

  “What?”

  “A woman who doesn’t like you.”

  “Maybe she was just having a bad day.”

  “No, I think she doesn’t like you. Maybe even loathes you.”

  “Maybe because she once walked in on me doing the same thing with her daughter?”

  “Lynette? You banged her, too?” She didn’t like the little twinge of jealousy that settled in the pit of her stomach.

  “Didn’t make it past second base,” he said with a grin. “That’s when we got busted.”

  “Hmm. Too bad for Lynette. Third base is pretty awesome.”

  She pressed against him and got a little thrill when his eyes darkened with lust.

  “Just wait’ll you see my home run. Again.”

  “Sheesh,” came Shana’s voice from behind them, startling them apart. “Will you two get a room?” She stood with hands on hips but was smiling at the both of them. “Do you know how icky it is to turn a corner and see your big brother with his tongue down your best friend’s throat? Ewww.”

  “Sorry, sis,” Derek said. “You know how it is.” He winked at her, and Lilly felt her face go red.

  “I don’t actually, but whatever.” She turned to Lilly. “I need your help. If you can un-Velcro yourself from Derek for a sec.”

  “Sure,” she said and reluctantly disentangled herself from Derek. “I guess I’ll see you inside.”

  “I’ll save you a seat.” He threw a last grin at her before heading inside the social hall.

  Shana latched onto her arm and dragged Lilly around the corner, out of earshot. “What is up with the two of you?” Shana said. “I thought there were ground rules and guidelines.”

  “There were,” she said. “But things sort of…changed.”

  “Just be careful,” she said. “I don’t want to get in the middle of this.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “I know my brother,” Shana said. “And I’ve overheard way too many late-night phone calls from girls in this town once Derek moves on. He’s kind of a heartbreaker.”

  “You’re the one who told me I should go for it. Besides, this isn’t a heartbreak situation. What’s between Derek and me is purely physical.”

  “Ewww again.” Shana wrinkled her nose.

  “Sorry.”

  “I know I told you to go for it with Derek, but I didn’t really think you’d do it.”

  “Well, it’s not like I could undo it. Even if I wanted to.” She couldn’t keep the grin from her lips. “Which I don’t.”

  “I just…don’t want this to blow up in your face is all. I know you’ve always had a thing for him, and now stuff is happening. I see the look in your eye, Lil. And the one in his. Just be careful, okay? I don’t want to see either of you hurt.”

  “There’s absolutely nothing to worry about.” She hugged Shana. “But thanks for having my back.”

  “Always,” she said, giving Lilly a tight squeeze. But something deep in a forgotten part of Lilly’s heart pinched just a little, and she wondered if walking away would be as easy for her as it would be for Derek.

  …

  “Thanks for flying out, Lilly,” her hopefully new boss said, rising from her chair to shake Lilly’s hand. “I like to meet the final pool of candidates in person.”

  The interview had gone well, and Lilly was pretty sure the job was hers if she wanted it. The firm was a good fit, the energy in the office seemed positive and upbeat, and the range of projects the firm handled was already firing the neurons in the creative part of Lilly’s brain. Her would-be boss was on the young side and had a blue streak in her jet-black hair. The firm was young and hip and open to new ideas, unlike the principals at RSG who liked to stick with what had worked for them for the past four decades. Working here would be reinvigorating—a dream job and a big step to getting her life back on track.

  She tucked her portfolio under one arm. “Thanks for meeting with me, Ms. Chou.”

  The young woman smiled. “I have to admit, I was sort of coerced into giving your résumé special consideration by one of our biggest clients, but I’m glad I did. You’d be a genuine asset to the company.”

  It was amazing what could happen with the right contacts. She would never underestimate that again. “I look forward to hearing from you soon.” She shook the woman’s hand.

  “Oh, you will. I’ll discuss with my partner and call you in a few days.” She walked with Lilly to the door of her office. “And call me Vi. Everyone does.”

  “Great. Thanks, Vi.”

  Heading down the stairs of the old warehouse that had been converted into open, light-filled office space, Lilly felt excitement bubbling in her belly. Evergreen was great, the building was great, and the people seemed great, too. It felt like a small community but functioned like a well-oiled machine. If her research was correct, this was one of the fastest-growing and most quality-conscious firms she’d looked at. This would be perfect for her.

  The only thing that made her hesitate was the fact that it was so far from home. Despite what she’d told Derek, the distance from her family did bother her a little. Chicago had been a two-hour flight. Seattle would be more like five hours…and three time zones. Still, given the amount of crap about to hit the fan in Penny Ridge, maybe that wasn’t such a bad thing.

  Once she was back behind the wheel of her rental car, she pulled out her cell phone and checked for messages. Okay, fine—she checked for messages from Derek. There weren’t any, and she couldn’t help but feel a little disappointed.

  He was working with his team, preparing for the first race of the season, and was probably swamped. No big deal. She’d only left his bed yesterday morning. Still, she kind of missed him. It was okay to admit, that, right? They were friends first, and now lovers, however temporary. After this was all in the books, hopefully they’d still be friends. You were allowed to miss a friend without it meaning anything more, right?

  As if on cue, her phone beeped.

  Did u know it rains 155 days out of the year in Seattle?

  You Google that?

  Yep.

  She smiled, her uncertainty dissolving instantly.

  I’ll buy an umbrella.

  Come to the shop. It’s sunny here. Or we could get on a plane and head to my house in Monte Carlo instead. There’s a pool. Top optional.

&
nbsp; You have a house in Monte Carlo?

  It was an investment property. I got a good deal ;)

  I’ll bet. Sadly, no time to jet-set today. Some of us have to find work. I don’t know of any firms in Monaco.

  Then come to the shop and hang out with me

  When?

  Now.

  Now? She couldn’t…could she? Change her flight destination just like that? The last time she’d hopped a plane on impulse, she’d ended up fake-engaged. What the hell would happen this time?

  The Gulfstream is waiting at Sea-Tac.

  Wow. He was serious.

  You sent the plane all the way out here?

  I’m an optimist.

  She bit her lip, her thumbs hovering over the screen. She should go home and spend time with Shana and her parents since she was about 90 percent sure she’d be relocating to the West Coast in a few weeks. Or she could scope out some apartments while she was here in Seattle. Thunder boomed overhead, and raindrops began to pelt her windshield.

  Still there?

  Yes. Thinking…

  Don’t think, drive. I’ll make it worth the trip.

  Should I ask how?

  Remember that move that made you scream the other night?

  Boy, did she. It involved his tongue, his lips, and two fingers.

  Maybe.

  Got something even better. U driving toward the airport yet?

  She should just tell him she was busy and that she’d see him on Friday, as planned. She should disengage and protect her heart, because this trip had proved that she was becoming addicted to Derek and all his attention. He was like a sexy drug, and if she didn’t try to wean herself off of him, the withdrawal symptoms were going to hurt a lot more later.

  Tomorrow. She’d start the disconnect tomorrow.

  On my way.

  :) :) :) :)

  Since she didn’t know what the proper response to four smileys was, Lilly put her phone away and closed her eyes. She was making a mistake. A big one. Bigger than Richard. Bigger than RSG. Bigger than letting Shana talk her into trying ombré highlights a few years ago when she was home for a visit. But it didn’t matter. She was doing this.