The Fake Engagement Favor

by Charlene Sands

  Wolf calls and whistles from the guests brought her back to earth. They’d kissed for far too long, and the partygoers were eating it up.

  Oh, God.

  She popped her eyes open to Gage’s handsome face. He stared at her for a long moment, hunger evident in his eyes—and maybe a bit of shock, too. He blinked several times before taking half a step back.

  His breathing was as labored as hers. Had he lost himself, too? Had he been as floored as she’d been to discover the red-hot chemistry between them?

  “That was...good,” he rasped for her ears only. “Wait till you see what comes next.”

  Did he mean she’d put on a good display or...

  He entwined their fingers and turned both of them toward the guests.

  News reporters rushed toward the stage, snapping photos and shouting questions. For half a second there, Gianna had forgotten why she was here. She’d forgotten their little ruse. For half a second, she’d felt connected to another person in a way she’d never felt before. A sigh escaped her throat, and she turned away from the crowd to look at Gage again.

  He was grinning, holding her close, posing them both for the cameras.

  A loud boom made her jump, and all eyes lifted upward. Rockets soared skyward, and red, white and blue fireworks illuminated the hills behind the Tremaine estate. They exploded in succession, splashing the heavens with brilliant color as patriotic music played in the background. It was the perfect ending to their little charade, something no one in attendance would soon forget.

  Gage had wanted to make a big scene, and he’d sure gotten one. News of their engagement would be cemented in the headlines now. His fans would be happy. This engagement would impact the country music scene and allow Gage the positive publicity he craved.

  She was his stabilizer. The woman behind the man. She had the perfect résumé—a young, stable family friend with a squeaky-clean image and a position at a university.

  She was just what the doctor ordered.

  Correction—she was just what Gage had ordered.

  Oh, Mama, what have I gotten myself into?

  * * *

  After the announcement was made, Gage fielded questions from reporters and posed for a few photos with Gianna right by his side. Most of the questions were regarding his mystery woman, someone who’d come out of the blue to become his fiancée. And while he’d answered those questions as vaguely as possible, being somewhat of an expert at evading the press, he tried to keep his responses as truthful as he could.

  He was learning Gianna’s body language already. She stiffened every time he was asked a probing question about her. She clearly wasn’t comfortable with this line of interrogation.

  “Yes, we’ve known each other since we were children.”

  “No, we never dated prior to this. I was kind of a thorn in her side, to tell you the truth.”

  All eyes turned to Gianna. She forced a smile. He was determined to control the dialogue. He wouldn’t bring up her mother’s recent death. No, he wouldn’t use Tonette that way. Or Gianna, for that matter. At all costs, he wanted to keep Gianna’s grief out of the public eye. The fact was, she didn’t like lying, and neither did he, but this one time it was a must.

  “We might’ve always been a little bit in love, but it took me getting injured for us to realize our true feelings for each other. My time at home lately made me take stock of my future, and I realized Gianna had to be a part of that future. We’re in love and we’ve wasted enough time being apart.”

  At least part of that was true. And that killer of a kiss would’ve definitely convinced any skeptics. Wow, where had all that passion come from? He hadn’t expected it. Hadn’t given a thought about kissing Gianna in front everyone. Yet, once his mouth claimed hers, he’d been struck by something powerful, something overwhelming. The heat, the chemistry, the burn of desire ripped through him. It wasn’t all for show. Oh, it’d started out that way, but a second into the kiss, he was captivated and hungry for more.

  Another reporter asked a question, bringing him out of his thoughts.

  He answered it, and then Gage dismissed the reporters, asking them to respect his privacy and let them get back to the party.

  A few more photos were snapped, and then, to his surprise, no one lingered. The news-hungry reporters were probably eager to get their stories in to their editors for the morning edition. Afterward, Gage and Gianna were congratulated by just about every person at the shindig. He held her hand throughout, keeping her close and doing most of the talking.

  Paolo, Toby and Leo joined in to shake his hand and give Gianna a big hug.

  Paolo put his hand on Gage’s shoulder, nodding his head in approval. “It’s about time this guy settled down.”

  “Spoken by the only married one in the band.”

  “Why should I be the only one to suffer?” Paolo grinned and winked at Gianna. “Joking. I love my family. My wife, Jessica, and I just had a baby. It’s a boy.” He took out his phone and, instantly, a chubby little guy appeared, showing off a big, toothless smile.

  “He’s adorable,” Gianna said, her eyes going soft. “I bet you miss him.”

  “I do. Every minute. But since we’re not touring right now, I can spend a lot of time with him. He’ll be six months old next week.”

  “What’s his name?”

  “Paolo Jr. But we’re calling him Paulie right now.”

  “That’s so cute.”

  Paolo turned his attention to his bandmate. “Can’t wait for you to have a kid.”

  “A kid? Me?” Gage hadn’t thought about having kids. He’d always been career-minded. Yet, seeing Gianna looking adoringly at little chubby cheeks, he could almost imagine it. Maybe. Nah. What was wrong with him? That kiss had rattled his mind. “I have to walk down the aisle first.”

  “So, when’s the wedding?” Toby asked.

  Gage had prepared himself for these kinds of questions, but he wasn’t sure Gianna had. He wrapped his arm around her waist and dragged her to his side. “We’re thinking on it. Right, sugar?” he asked Gianna.

  Gianna’s brow shot up. She didn’t like the endearment. He figured he’d get an earful from her later.

  “We still have so much to decide, honey bun.” She sent an adoring smile his way.

  Gage did a mental eye roll. His quick-witted fake fiancée could go toe to toe with him. He’d almost forgotten. “We’ll be sure to let you all know when we decide.”

  Regan strolled up, and one by one, the guys found an excuse to walk away. They were not her biggest fans, but she’d been loyal and true to him all these years, so he pretty much let it slide.

  “It’s done,” Regan said quietly.

  “It sure is.”

  “You kinda laid it on pretty thick with that kiss.” Regan smiled, darting a glance at Gianna, whose cheeks suddenly appeared rosy red. A difficult feat for an olive-skinned Italian girl.

  “There should be no room for doubt now,” he said.

  Gianna flinched, and he envisioned the wheels in her mind turning. He’d come off as callous when he’d really been stunned by the impact of her kiss. Stunned and amazed and pleasantly surprised.

  “Anything for the cause,” Gianna responded. She toyed with the frames of her glasses. “Guess I’m a good actress after all.”

  “Guess you are,” Gage shot back, irritated.

  “Well, there’s no turning back now,” Regan said, glancing at the both of them. “You’re off to the races.”

  “No, no turning back,” Gage repeated, trying to hide his annoyance. Just who was he annoyed at? Himself for being caught so incredibly off guard and enjoying that kiss far too much, or Gianna for making light of it and pretending she wasn’t as astonished as he was? “Well, I guess we should get back. Some people are ready to leave.”

  Regan nodded. “Yes, and I see the mayor
and his wife are about to go. I want to catch them before they do.” She stepped away and then turned abruptly. “Oh, and keep it up, you two. You’re doing great!”

  He gave her a nod and she took off, heading back into the fray.

  “She’s got your back,” Gianna said.

  “She’s a good manager.” He paused. “And friend.”

  “Yes, I can see that.”

  “You don’t approve?” he asked.

  “I didn’t say that. She concocted this grand plan for you, after all.”

  “Gianna, if you’re upset about something, just lay it on me now. Before we go back to the party. Is it about the kiss?”

  “No. Not at all.” Her chin cocked up. She looked pissed, but she also looked hot. In that getup, with her perfectly smooth skin, her sexy dress, her meadow-green eyes. Hell, she even looked great wearing those wire-rimmed glasses. It suited her, and the beauty behind those glasses was unmistakable. “But if there’s a next time, keep it to a minimum.”

  He sighed. “A minimum? You mean, don’t make you moan?” he whispered.

  She shot him a look that told him exactly what she thought of him.

  “There will be more kisses, Gianna. Can’t be helped. Now, will you smile and pretend you’re happy to be my fiancée?”

  A few guests were heading in their general direction. She took note and plastered a big smile on her face. After they walked past, though, her smile faded. “How was that?” She batted her eyes like a 1920s movie star.

  “It’ll do, for starters.”

  Gianna put him on edge. She was mind-blowingly sexy and didn’t even know it. But she was also a pain in his rear end. And he wasn’t sure which of the two disturbed him more.

  * * *

  Gianna sat with Lily and Harper at one of the tables, while Gage picked up his guitar and joined his band onstage, treating the late-night die-hard guests to a song. There were fewer than forty people here now, many, she figured, who had waited around for this very thing. To hear Gage Tremaine sing. And he didn’t disappoint. His voice was smooth, untarnished by time or repetition, the depth of his tone rich and sincere. He sang a beautiful ballad, aiming his blue-eyed attention not on the guests who sat mesmerized, but on her, as if there wasn’t another soul at the party.

  Opera and classical music were her preference, but she didn’t doubt Gage’s immense talent. And the words of the song, about love and loss and newfound hope, touched her deeply. He delivered the song as if he knew he could reach her with those lyrics, with the raw emotion he’d packed in them. As if he was singing of her grief and a future of promise.

  Someone gently patted her hand, and she tore her gaze from Gage to look at his sister. “Are you okay?” Lily whispered.

  Lily was astute enough to know this whole charade had been thrust upon her quickly and that she had a dozen puzzling thoughts roaming her mind at any one given moment. “I’m fine. It’s a pretty song.”

  “But the way Gage kissed you—”

  “It was just for show,” she replied immediately.

  Lily gave her head a little shake. “Really?” she asked softly. “Because it looked like both of you were into it, hot and heavy.”

  “That’s what Gage wanted everyone to think,” she offered.

  “My brother’s a good man, Gianna. But just be careful. A girl can get swept away by his charm and all the adulation surrounding him.”

  “Charm? Gage has charm?” She glanced at him again, his voice captivating the audience, making a liar out of her. “Don’t worry. He doesn’t affect me that way.”

  Lily didn’t appear convinced, but she didn’t argue the point.

  After the song ended, Gage sang an upbeat tune, and everyone stood and moved along with the music. It was a fun, impromptu moment, and even she had to admit to enjoying herself.

  The jam session went on for twenty more minutes, and as soon as Gage was through and the band members dispersed, the rest of the guests started to leave. Several approached to wish them congratulations one more time on their way out.

  Gianna’s phone buzzed on the table. She picked it up and found a message from Brooke. “Excuse me,” she told the rest of Gage’s family. She walked over to a far, quiet corner of the yard and read the text.

  Having a good time with my folks. Maine’s amazing this time of year. Ben’s here with Sadie and the kids. They loved the fireworks. How’s your Fourth going? Anything delish to tell me? Gage?

  The last time they’d spoken, Gianna had skirted the issue of Gage and what they were doing together at the ice cream shop and the Rhinestone Room. She wished she had the nerve to explain the “lie” in a way that Brooke would understand. Brooke worked at the university, too, as a counselor. They’d become great friends over the years, but they were more than that; they’d been each other’s confidantes.

  Glad you’re having a great time. Miss you. Wish you were here tonight at the Tremaine estate. We need to talk.

  What? She posted an upside-down emoji. Don’t tell me you’ve fallen madly in love with Gage and your heart’s all aflutter?

  It was a tease. A joke. But never had Gianna felt the gravity of lying more than right now. She didn’t want to do this to Brooke. She’d battled it over and over in her head until her brains were mush. And now her stomach ached in the worst way.

  But she had to think on this logically. Because she was a logical kind of girl, right? If Gage hadn’t told his band members the truth, guys he felt closest to, the fair thing for her to do was keep the charade going with Brooke.

  She’d come to realize that nothing was really fair when the lie was this huge.

  Actually, she typed in. Don’t fall over, but Gage and I just got engaged. For real.

  Her phone rang ten seconds later, and Gianna didn’t have to look to know it was Brooke, ready to interrogate her.

  She pushed the button to accept the call. “What? Tell me you’re joking.” Brooke’s voice was elevated an octave. “Are you serious?”

  She wished she wasn’t. “I am serious. It’s not a joke, Brooke. We fell in love and have kept it quiet out of reverence for my mother.” She squeezed her eyes shut. She should be struck by lightning using that as an excuse.

  Sorry, Mama.

  “He is the exact opposite of you, Gia.”

  “I know. I guess it’s true, opposites attract,” she said. “We’ve known each other forever, Brooke.”

  “Maybe you only think you love him because of all the heartache you’ve been through lately.”

  “I don’t think that’s it, Brooke. I, uh, I really love him.”

  Her friend became very quiet. “And when were you going to tell me?”

  “Tomorrow. Honestly, I’m still getting used to the idea myself. I’m sorry if you’re hurt, Brooke. It’s been a whirlwind.”

  “I’m not hurt. I only want you to be happy, Gianna. You’ve had a rough year, but I’m glad you told me tonight.”

  “Yes, me, too. Well, I’d better get back. I’ll talk to you tomorrow, okay?”

  “Okay...and congratulations, my friend. I...wish you all the best.”

  “Thanks. Love you.”

  “Same.”

  Ugh, that conversation had been grueling. Brooke still had reservations—she could tell by her skeptical tone. She knew Gianna too well. Brooke hadn’t heard passion in her voice while she spoke of Gage. She hadn’t heard excitement. Because there was none, and Gianna hadn’t been all that convincing.

  She tried not to blame Gage for getting her involved in this. But right now, her emotions were overriding her logic and good sense. You reap what you sow. Gage’s occupation put his every move in the spotlight, and that very thing was what had caused all the trouble. Now she was a part of a sham that might make her lose Brooke’s friendship if the lie was ever discovered, and she couldn’t bear the thought of losing yet an
other person she loved.

  By the time she returned, all the guests had gone. She found Gage by the stage, speaking with Cade and their mom. A crew was working cleanup, and servers were removing the last of the dishes and cutlery. Lily was over by the pool with Nathan, and if Gianna wasn’t mistaken, the candles glistening on the water didn’t twinkle half as much as Lily’s eyes as she flirted coyly with the family’s horse wrangler.

  Gianna had a vivid imagination, but she wasn’t imaging the way Nathan was looking at Lily, either, like she was a treasure of gold. Who could blame him? Lily was wonderful.

  Gianna sighed and gathered her wits. She was in this thing now, for better or worse, and couldn’t back out. She walked over to everyone. “Hi.”

  “Hello, dear,” Rose said, giving her a little kiss on the cheek. “How are you holding up?”

  She felt Gage’s eyes on her. “I’m doing well. The party was really great. Harper, those fresh tarts you made were yummy.”

  “So was the five-layer American flag cake,” Cade said, glancing at his soon-to-be wife. “I’m afraid you’re stuck now, sweetheart. You’re gonna have to make it every year from now on.”

  “Happy to.”

  “Yeah, I had two slices and would’ve gone in for thirds if given the chance,” Gage said.