The Fake Engagement Favor

by Charlene Sands

  Ten minutes later, they were in their hotel suite, Gage keeping to his promise of two-bedroom accommodations. She strolled out to the balcony to view cascading waterfalls in a lush green setting. There were waterways and bridges within the interior perimeter of the hotel, brightened by the sun’s rays streaming down from the massive overhead skylight.

  Gage joined her on the balcony, handing her a glass of ice-cold water. “It’s really magnificent.”

  “It is,” he said, leaning against the wrought iron railing. “I love coming here.”

  “How many times have you sung at the Opry?” she asked. She’d never been, but everyone knew that singing at the Grand Ole Opry meant you’d hit your career high mark.

  “About five times, I’d say. Never gets old.”

  “No. I guess not.”

  “So, now that we’re here, what’s next?” she asked.

  “We relax for a bit. Then I’ll take you anywhere you want to go.”

  She smiled. “Really?”

  He nodded. “Remember, I owe you.”

  “I’d love to see some of the city, but shouldn’t we go over what I’m going to say at tomorrow’s interview?” Her stomach churned just thinking about it. “I mean, I need to know essentials about you, don’t I?”

  He shot her a glib smile. “I don’t think anyone’s going to ask you what my favorite color is. Or what I eat for breakfast. Or how many awards I’ve won.”

  She hesitated, blinking rapidly. She didn’t know any of those things.

  “Six, in case you were wondering.”

  “Six? I had no idea. I’m glad you told me. Who was your last girlfriend?” she asked. “Just because I don’t want to be ignorant of your past.”

  “I haven’t dated much. That incident with Bobette Jones sort of destroyed my trust.”

  “She was the one who claimed you were cheating on her?”

  “We’d broken up quietly just a month before, and no one knew. So, when she found out I had a date, one date, with another woman, she went to the press and claimed I cheated on her. It was probably the nicest thing she told them about me that day. Hell, one woman is more than enough for me to figure out, much less trying to maneuver two at the same time. But I got the blame. She painted a picture of me as a cheating jerk, just to get back at me.”

  “Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned.”

  “Yeah. None of it was true, but then couple that with the other two unfortunate situations I had, and suddenly I’m viewed as some sort of heartbreaker bad boy.”

  “What she did to you wasn’t fair, Gage. I’m sorry. I never knew the entire story. At least now, if I’m asked about it, I can say something in your defense.”

  His brows arched, and gratitude filled his eyes. “You’d do that?”

  She nodded. She didn’t want him to get the wrong idea. “Of course. Any fiancée would do that same.”

  “You’d stand by your man?” He spoke softly, his blue eyes twinkling. And his smile was real—he wasn’t teasing her.

  “Yeah, that’s why I’m here, isn’t it? I legitimize you.”

  He winced, his twinkle gone now. She’d been blunt, but it wasn’t anything they hadn’t discussed before. “I suppose so.”

  Gage turned away, looking out onto the view before him. “We’ve been spotted,” he said, gesturing to a group of news reporters on the ground level, and just like that, his hand covered hers and she was being drawn up against his chest. “Legitimize me right now,” he whispered, his gaze sharp and penetrating.

  “Do you mean...?”

  He nodded. “Yes, I mean kiss me.”

  But he didn’t wait—he bent his head and instantly covered her mouth. She was stunned into silence, just like the last time. And while he was putting on a good show, her stomach flipped over itself from his performance. His arms came around her waist and their hips collided. She fought against the urge to moan, to whimper as he drove his tongue into the recesses of her mouth. The invasion was surprisingly welcome. Gage took her on a masterful journey, giving and taking, and then giving again.

  Everything below her waist melted. Gage had the opposite dilemma. He was granite-hard, and it was both exhilarating and a little frightening how quickly he could turn on. How quickly he could turn her on.

  By the time he ended the kiss, she could barely breathe. Gage wasn’t doing much better. His chest pumped up and down as he pulled away.

  She grabbed the collar of his shirt and gazed adoringly into his eyes. “Well, we showed them, didn’t we?” Maybe too well.

  He gazed right back at her, catching his breath. “We...did. You’re a quick study.”

  But was it really necessary to put on such a display? She wasn’t sure.

  He turned his back on the balcony railing and tugged her into the suite, closing the double doors behind him. To all, it looked as if they were heading to the bedroom.

  At least, that’s what a real couple would do. But they were far from that. “I think I’ll unpack and get some rest.”

  Gage rubbed the back of his neck, hesitating a moment, as if he was going to say something. Then he just nodded and watched her walk away.

  * * *

  “Do you always lose track of time that way when you’re working?” Gage asked, sipping red wine as they sat down to dinner at the hotel’s outdoor steak house. The soothing rush of the waterfall and soft music playing in the background gave the restaurant a relaxing ambience.

  “Most times I do. I swear I was just checking some stats, and then the next thing I know, I’m knee-deep in research.” She pushed her glasses up her nose. “The time flew by.” They’d never made it outside the hotel today. “I apologize.”

  “I thought you were napping all that time. Or, worse yet, that you were running scared after we kissed.”

  “You were wrong on both counts.” Gianna sipped her wine. This time she’d stick to half a glass. She had to be on her toes around Gage. He had wild kissing skills.

  “So what were you researching that fascinated you so much?” he asked. He’d changed for dinner and looked nice in a snap-down tan shirt and black jeans. His dark hair, touching his collar, was as long as she’d ever seen it. He epitomized a handsome-as-the-devil country rock star. “Divorce rates.”

  He nearly choked on his merlot. “Divorce rates,” he repeated, coming forward in his seat. “I can see how that can keep you awake all afternoon.”

  Her mouth twitched. Gage was such a tease.

  “Tell me something interesting about divorce rates.”

  She didn’t hesitate. “Well, did you know that over thirty percent of divorces occur when the woman feels the man doesn’t take her career seriously?”

  “Thirty percent, huh? And what’s the other seventy percent caused by?”

  “Oh, that’s from having men overrate their kissing abilities.”

  Gianna lifted her glass and smiled at Gage.

  He burst out laughing. “You really had me going there for a minute.”

  “I know. And I also know that you think my research isn’t valuable. But I assure you it is.”

  “I never once said anything of the kind.”

  “You have selective memory. You’ve teased me about my work hundreds of times.”

  Gage shook his head. “Teasing doesn’t count. It’s just what I do, with you.”

  She smiled because she knew there were eyes on her. She was coming to realize that no matter where they went, people were going to recognize Gage Tremaine. Especially in Nashville, Tennessee.

  “So tell me, if you could go anywhere in the world, where would you want to go?” he asked.

  “Why are you asking me that?”

  “We should keep the conversation going, since we’re being watched.” He sipped again, swirling wine in the glass. “And I’m curious about what places fascinate you
.”

  “Europe. Brooke and I had a trip planned a year ago. Specifically to visit Italy and Greece. My heritage. I’m one-quarter Greek, too. We were really looking forward to going. It was one of the things on my bucket list. Only, life interfered when Mama got so sick.”

  “You’ll get there one day, Gianna.”

  “Maybe.” She wasn’t thinking that far into the future right now. She had to get through one day at a time now.

  “Would you like to take a drive with me after dinner?” he asked.

  “Where’d you have in mind?”

  His mouth quirked up. “The place where I cut my musical teeth.”

  She tilted her head, giving it some thought. Gage could be charming when he set out to be. And after that kiss, with all the sizzling-hot stirrings it created, she should refuse. She had the perfect excuse. “I do have more research to do.” Allotting her plenty of work time was part of the deal they’d agreed to. Going out with him when not absolutely necessary wasn’t.

  “It’s a place you should see. For the interview. You can say it was the first place I took you to in Nashville. And that wouldn’t be a lie.”

  “No, I guess it wouldn’t. Is it fancy? Should I change my clothes?” She was wearing a floral summer dress with spaghetti straps, her hair down around her shoulders.

  “No need to change. You might be overdressed for the honky-tonk I’m taking you to, but you sure do look pretty tonight.”

  Heat rushed up her neck. “Thank you.”

  An hour later, Gage held her hand as they walked down Broadway, the street bustling with tourists and musicians, Nashville nightlife in full swing. “This is the place where dreams are made. Or hearts are broken. I know some guys, and ladies alike, who’ve spent years trying to get their big break here.”

  “It does remind me of New Orleans. There’s so much energy here.”

  “That’s a good way to put it.”

  “So how did you get your big break?”

  They strolled the sidewalk, country twang, laughter and conversation pouring out of the bars as they walked along. Several people recognized Gage and stopped to take a picture of him. It didn’t faze him much that he had no privacy, but it wasn’t a life Gianna could ever get used to.

  “Me? I was in a band in college, and on a dare, we came to Nashville. But there were no gigs for amateurs like us. I mean, we were really raw, but we loved making music. I never expected to make a living at it. My path was always to help my family with the business.

  “One day, me and the guys sauntered into Lucky Red’s Bar to get a beer, and it turned out, the band they had booked was involved in a car accident. None of them were seriously injured, but they couldn’t get to Lucky’s in time. I guess you could say what was bad luck for them was my lucky break. I wound up singing two sets that night. We did so well, we got booked for the next month. And then one day Regan Fitzgerald walked into Lucky’s scouting new talent, and the rest is history.”

  “Wow, I find it amazing that your career was left to chance like that. I mean, up until that point, you had no idea if you were going to make it as a musician.”

  “It’s the nature of the beast, I guess. It’s a well-known fact that some of the best talent in the country—singers, guitarists, drummers—are pining away in some local honky-tonk. Or playing a lounge act in Vegas. Like I said, some hearts get broken.”

  “Tough. I couldn’t do it. I couldn’t leave my future to chance like that. I always knew what I wanted to do with my life.”

  “And you made that happen. You worked hard for your success.”

  “Because I knew it was achievable.”

  “Where’s the challenge in that?” He grinned.

  She swatted at his arm. “You’re impossible.”

  Gage grabbed her hand and immediately brought her in, looking deep into her eyes. He had a way of cradling her body as if she was something precious, something he didn’t want to let go. He tipped his hat lower on his forehead. “We’re being watched.”

  “I know.”

  He gestured toward the bar in front of them. Lucky Red’s. “Want to go inside?”

  “It’s why we came.”

  “Always so logical.”

  Their hands entwined, he led her into the bar. A band was up on the tiniest stage in the back, with just enough room for three musicians and the lead singer. The place was jam-packed, couples dancing on the floor, servers nearly spilling topped-off beers, the music more country rock than twang and loud enough to bust eardrums.

  “Want a drink?” he asked, heading over to the bar.

  “Sure, I’ll take a beer.”

  He gave her a look. “Beer?”

  “Sure, I like beer.” Occasionally, she’d have a beer. And she wanted to look like she fit in. “Make that a light beer. And no jokes about me being a lightweight.”

  “No jokes,” he promised and called over to the bartender. The man turned, recognition registering on his face. “Hey, Gage. Good to see you.”

  “Hey, Red. Same here.”

  The two men shook hands over the bar. “It’s been quite some time, boy. You back to cause a ruckus?”

  Gage grinned. “Never in here, Red. I came to show my fiancée, Gianna, the place. She’s never been to Nashville. Thought she’d want to see where it all started. Gianna, honey, this ole guy is Red Muldoon. He’s owned this honky-tonk going on forty years.”

  “That’s right. Opened the place on New Year’s Eve 1982. Nice to meet you, miss. And congratulations. Won’t pretend I don’t know about your engagement. Been big news around here, you know.”

  “Yes, I suppose it has,” she replied. “Nice to meet you, too, Mr. Muldoon.”

  The man’s mouth twisted up. “It’s Red. Just plain ole Red.”

  She found the whiskered man endearing and immediately liked him. “Okay, Red. It’s a great place you have here.”

  “I appreciate it.” He turned to the other barkeep. “Get these two anything they want. On the house.”

  “Yes, sir.” The starstruck young man behind the bar nodded.

  “That’s not necessary, Red.”

  “You know your money’s not good here. But I wouldn’t kick you in the shin if you wanted to give the crowd a taste of your music.”

  “Will do,” Gage said, tipping his hat. “A little later.”

  “Whenever you’re ready. Tell Ronny what you’re having and we’ll get it to you pronto.”

  Their attention was brought to the singer onstage crooning a love song, one so poignant the noisy patrons all simmered down to listen.

  “He’s good, but he’s no Gage Tremaine.” Red slapped Gage on the back. “Now, go dance with your lady. I’ll get a table cleaned up for you both.”

  “Sounds good.”

  Red walked off, and Gage ordered their drinks at the bar, giving the guy a huge tip before turning to her. “Want to legitimize me some more?” he asked.

  Before Gianna could open her mouth to refuse, her hand was entwined with his and she was led to the dance floor.

  “What are you doing?”

  “Dancing with my lady.” Gage winked playfully. “The crowd expects it.”

  Gage dragged her to his chest so quickly, air whooshed out of her lungs. His arms were like anchors around her waist, keeping her close. Her heart began to dance, far sooner than her body moved.

  Goodness, they were the focus of attention again. This time, she didn’t have to look around. She sensed eyes on both of them. “Do you always do what the crowd wants?” she whispered. A hint of his cologne invaded her nostrils, the scent wildly erotic.

  “Actually,” he whispered back, “I’m at my very best when there isn’t a crowd. When it’s just one on one.”

  Goose bumps rose up her arms. Gage liked to keep her close, but the contact battled with her good senses. She co
uldn’t pull away. Others on the dance floor were watching intently, waiting.

  A good defense is a powerful offense, and she was learning quickly that she needed to take the helm. “Conceited, aren’t you?”

  Her jab didn’t even faze him. “Nope. Just solid fact.”

  His confidence stunned her. She gave her head a shake. “Amazing.”

  “That’s what they tell me.”

  But his boast didn’t really bother her, not in the way it should. He had provoked her curiosity about his prowess, about what it would be like to make love with him. To be the object of his desire and have the full force of his sexual attention aimed at her. For real.

  She hadn’t had a satisfying sexual experience in...well, maybe never. The few men she’d been with didn’t exactly make the earth quake.

  And there was no doubt, as much as she hated to admit it to herself, Gage Tremaine was...delicious. Sexually speaking.

  “Put your head on my shoulder,” he whispered as the music played on.

  “Why?”

  “Because for some reason you’re scowling.”

  Oh!

  She pressed her head to his chest. The pounding of his heart reverberated in her ears. She shouldn’t be surprised by the tight contact. They’d danced this way before. At the Fourth of July bash, when they’d lied to the world about being in love.

  “That’s better,” he said into her ear. “What’s with the sour face?”

  “Nothing.” Except images flashed in her head of getting bare-butt naked with him. It really freaked her out.

  “You hate this, don’t you?”

  She did. She really did. Lusting for her fake fiancée wasn’t in the plan. And wouldn’t Gage just have a big laugh over it if he ever found out?

  “It’s not so bad, Gage,” she lied. She couldn’t let him guess her wanton thoughts. That, if things were different, she’d jump his bones. “I can live with it. For a little while longer.”

  At the table, after they guzzled beer—well, Gage did all the guzzling, Gianna merely sipped—Red brought over three decadent desserts. Red had a sweet tooth, and his honky-tonk was known for serving a variety of amazing treats. Gianna sampled chocolate surprise, a mound of chocolate infused with warm raspberry sauce. A person could gain three pounds just by looking at it. Gage tried the apple cobbler deluxe, with almonds, walnuts and cashews on top. And they both indulged in a bite of warm cookie pie, the dessert too rich to have more than one bite.