The Matchmaker's Fake Marriage

by Bree Livingston

  Chapter 6

  Taking a deep breath, Gus opened his eyes. Sunlight poured through the back wall of windows overlooking the patio, hitting him so that he blinked. The painted sky told him it was still early, but he’d slept so soundly that he actually felt refreshed. Or as refreshed as one good night’s sleep would get him.

  Then the night before rushed back. Peyton. Her lap. He looked up, and her chin was resting on her shoulder as her hand lay flat on his chest. His wealth had opened a world he’d never seen before, things of beauty that would make someone cry, but they all paled compared to her.

  That idiot Frank had no clue what he’d let go. Peyton Burrows was sweet, bubbly, and caring. Most of the time, she was oblivious to her own charm. The way she’d laugh, smile, light up a room…it was all lost on her. Gus tried to tell her to find a guy who saw that, but she never listened.

  As he stared up at her, watching her while she slept, he wished things between them could be different, but they couldn’t, and he needed to get moving. He had a resort to run.

  As he sat up, Peyton stirred and lifted her head, stretching her arms up as she did. “Oh, wow, I fell asleep.”

  “I know. So much for that nap. You didn’t wake me up.” He felt so torn. On one hand, he wanted to put his arm around her and kiss her temple, and on the other, he wanted to get away as fast as he could. Suddenly, this week was feeling like a big mistake.

  She laughed. “I’m sorry. It was comfortable. The fire, the coziness…I slept great. Did you?”

  “Yeah, I did.” Actually, he felt better than he had in a while.

  Before he could move, she hugged his arm and cuddled next to him. “This is going to be the best week I’ve had in a long time.” She sighed and pressed farther into him.

  “Yeah, it is.” Despite his better judgment, he slid his arm out of her grip and put it around her, and she rested her head against his shoulder.

  “This is nice,” she said, the movement of her mouth pulling at his shirt.

  More than she could possibly know. How many times had he dreamed about this type of moment? Only in his dreams did she tell him she’d been wrong and that they belonged together. Geez. He closed his eyes and tried to get himself together. It was so hard when she was close. All he wanted to do was kiss her and tell her how much he loved her.

  “Gus?”

  His eyes flew open. “Uh, yeah?”

  “Are you okay?”

  He looked down at her.

  She was in the crook of his arm, her head tilted up, lips close. The perfect position to kiss her.

  His gaze lingered on her lips. It almost felt as though she was giving him permission. Then his brain caught up, and he blinked. He couldn’t kiss her and have her walk away again. His heart couldn’t take it.

  “Gus? Are you okay?”

  He cleared his throat and nodded. “Yeah, I’m good.” Quickly pulling his arm away from her, he stood. “Well, I guess I need to get ready for the day since I’m the one in charge.”

  “We can’t have breakfast first?” Peyton asked as she pushed off the blanket and stood. “I mean, you do need to eat, right?”

  “Yeah, I can handle that. Let’s get dressed, and we’ll go see if our chef, Kalani, is in.”

  Peyton threw her arms around him. “Gus, I can’t tell you how much I appreciate you bringing me here.” Leaning back, she looked up. “It’s so beautiful here.” Lifting on her toes, she pressed a kiss to his cheek. “Thank you.”

  Gus swallowed hard as the warmth of her touch spread through him. He was torturing himself. “On second thought, I really need to get to work. I’ll get the staff to get you something to eat, okay? I really do need to make sure everything is running smoothly.” He turned toward his room.

  “Wait.”

  As he turned back, even her eyes seemed to plead with him. “What?” he asked, smiling while his chest felt stepped-on.

  Peyton came closer. “Why do I feel like you’re running away from me? Did I do something wrong?”

  His stomach clenched, and his lungs felt squeezed. He had to get away.

  Gathering every ounce of willpower he had, he smiled. “No, you haven’t done anything wrong. I just have a lot to do, and with guests coming, I know if I wait until the last minute, things will blow up like they usually do.”

  She fidgeted with her fingers. “Are you sure? You look really upset.”

  He needed to get a grip. This was Peyton. He loved her. More than just loved her, he cherished her. His mom had always told him loving someone meant setting aside selfishness. It wasn’t her fault he was hung up on her.

  He rubbed his hands up and down her arms. “You’ve done nothing wrong. I really do have a lot of work to do. I’ll make sure we have dinner together tonight, okay?”

  “Ty said you two were going to act like guests, so if there’s really nothing wrong, have breakfast with me.”

  What could he do? If she got that close again, could he trust himself not to give in? And he had to pretend to be married to her. He could do this. He could be close to her and keep his cool. How long had he been doing exactly that? What was one more week?

  Peyton stepped closer. “I know you’re busy, and I don’t doubt you have plenty to do. All I’m asking is for a little breakfast with my best friend before he becomes the star of the show.”

  Gus laughed. Did he have a choice? Yes, but it would hurt Peyton. “Okay.”

  “Good.” Her smile was worth whatever torture he was bringing upon himself. That thousand-watt smile was what he wanted all the time. When he woke, when he went to sleep, and everywhere in between.

  Over the next hour, they showered and dressed, and then they strolled to the restaurant. When they got there, Kalani was just getting in. “Hey, Kalani, good morning,” Gus said.

  “Aloha, Mr. Grant, how are you?” Her dark eyes shined. He knew Ty was interested in her, and Gus could see why.

  “I’m good, thank you. How are you this morning? Is everything ready to go for tonight?”

  “Yes, sir, everything’s set.” Kalani’s gaze drifted to Peyton.

  “Oh! Manners. Guess I need some. This is my best friend, Peyton Burrows. Peyton this is Kalani Mahelona, our famous chef.”

  Kalani shook her hand. “Aloha. It’s nice to meet you.”

  “You too,” Peyton said and smiled.

  Gus rubbed his chin with his fingers. “I hate to ask because I know you’re busy, but is there any chance I could bother you for some breakfast?” he asked Kalani.

  Her laugh was warm. “I’d be happy to.”

  “Thanks. Just something small, okay? We’ll be out on the patio.”

  “Yes, sir, I’ll have it out shortly.” Kalani smiled.

  Gus and Peyton walked out to the patio and found a table near the edge. He sat, but instead of sitting down with him, Peyton stood at the rail, hugging herself. Instantly, he pictured himself walking up behind her and wrapping his arms around her, dropping a kiss on the top of her head.

  She turned, and her lips quirked up. With the sun shining behind her, she looked angelic, and his heart skipped a beat. He was in trouble. A full week of being with her was ahead of him, and if he started avoiding her or running away every time he couldn’t handle something, it would make her suspicious.

  “Is there a better view standing up?” he asked as he moved to stand beside her.

  “I don’t think there’s a bad view here, sitting or standing.”

  He crossed his arms over his chest and nodded. “No, I don’t think there is, but I think that’s pretty standard for Hawaii.”

  “True.”

  She sighed and bumped his shoulder with hers. “Never thought I’d be standing on a patio in Hawaii on Christmas Eve or staying the week so I could celebrate the New Year.”

  “Well, I’m glad you got to come.” He put his arm around her, and they stood there, quietly watching the beach.

  “I’ve got your breakfast ready, Mr. Grant,” Kalani said as she walked towar
d them. She set the tray down on a nearby table and smiled as she left. There were several different kinds of fruits and a couple of bagels, along with coffee, juice, and water.

  “Breakfast is served,” he said.

  Peyton nodded and followed him to the table. He pulled out her chair and then took a seat across from her.

  “This looks delicious,” she said.

  “Yeah, it does. Kalani is amazing.” He grinned.

  “You’ve got a big day ahead of you. If there’s anything you need me to do to help, I’m ready. I mean, it’s the least I can do.”

  He shook his head. “No, I’ve got it. You relax and have a good time today.” He popped a strawberry into his mouth.

  Picking up a piece of mango, she said, “You told Justine you were doing a tree-trimming mixer tonight, right?”

  “Yep, that’s tonight. I thought it would give everyone a chance to talk and get to know one another. It takes the pressure off of having to come up with a conversation. Plus, decorating a tree is fun, and it will make the evening feel lighthearted.”

  She caught her bottom lip between her teeth as she smiled. “That’s a smart idea. I never would’ve thought of that.”

  “We’re doing that, having a trivia night, trail rides, all sorts of things. I didn’t want it totally unscheduled.” He snagged one of the bagels and spread a little cream cheese on it. “I need to grab my tablet from the bungalow, so I’m going to get going. Once everyone arrives, then I’ll act like a guest.”

  “Really?” Her shoulders sagged. “Breakfast just got here.”

  “I know. I’m sorry,” he said and stood.

  “And there’s nothing I can do to help?”

  “Nope,” he said, stepping closer and quickly kissing the side of her face. “Enjoy yourself. If you need anything, just ask the staff.”

  She gave a tiny wave. “Okay. See you later.”

  “Later.” He winked.

  When he reached the bungalow, Tyrone was already there, standing outside on the patio. He turned and grinned. “Hey! How’s married life?”

  “I could knock you flat. What were you thinking, telling Justine all that and not warning me she was staying? I’m going to have to pretend to be married to Peyton all week…while staying in a bungalow with her alone. That wasn’t cool, man, and you know it.”

  “Someone needs to do something, and since you’re not, I will. You’re hitched to the girl all week. What better way to see if anything’s there?”

  “She’s just been dumped by her fiancé, and I’m not going to try anything when she’s vulnerable, even if we’re pretending to be married.”

  Ty blinked, and his eyebrows furrowed. “Wait. She’s no longer engaged?”

  “No, Frank used her and then dumped her.”

  “Gus, this is your chance. You’ve got to take it.”

  “No. She’s vulnerable and confused, and I’m not doing that. Maybe in a while, but not now.”

  Ty sighed. “Man, this is different, and you know it. You’ve never told her how you feel. I know she only thought of you as a brother, but that was years ago. People change. You’ve changed.”

  Gus worked his jaw, trying to keep his anger in check. Ty needed to quit.

  His friend held up his hands as a show of backing down. “I’m just saying…think about it. That’s all. What could it hurt to see what happens?”

  Without a word, Gus shook his head, grabbed his tablet, and stalked out of the bungalow.

  Ty made it sound so easy, but it wasn’t. Gus had tried, and while it was a long time ago, Peyton had never shown any interest in him in that way, ever. There was no point in setting himself up for heartache. No, he wasn’t going to admit to Peyton how he felt. He was going to tackle this week with her like he did everything else—with steely determination.

  They’d leave this island as friends and nothing more.

  Chapter 7

  Never had Peyton felt more confused. First, it had almost seemed like Gus was going to kiss her. And what was even crazier? She’d wanted him to. In fact, she’d nearly closed her eyes and puckered up. In her mind, she pictured one of those kissing fish giving a close up to the camera. She shuddered. How embarrassing would that have been?

  He’d told her in high school that all he wanted was friendship. Of course, that was after he’d kissed her and she’d pretended it didn’t happen. Then she’d told Leslie that Gus was like a brother and that there could never be anything between them. But even as she’d said it, a little seed of doubt was planted. That kiss had meant something at the time. She just didn’t know what.

  Before she could ask him about it, Gus told her that they were friends, he liked their friendship, and that was all he ever wanted, so she’d never let herself think of Gus as more than friends ever again.

  She’d dated so many losers since then. Her college argument with Gus came roaring back. Oh, man, had that been a fight. Gus told her what he thought of Perry, but Gus really hadn’t given him a chance. It wasn’t like she was settling down with the guy, either. And what made Gus think he could give her relationship advice when she wasn’t good enough for him to begin with?

  It didn’t take long for her to realize that Gus had been right, but that argument was the worst. She’d screamed at Gus that he had no business in her love life and if he couldn’t stay out, he could just leave her alone. They were done being friends.

  What a joke. Not a week went by before they were calling each other and apologizing. As if she could ever stop being friends with Gus. She loved him. No one, not one single friend, had ever been there for her like he had.

  Still, from that point forward, he’d never spoken about anyone she dated. She even asked once, and he’d held up his hands and shook his head. He wasn’t ever butting into her relationships again. My opinion is not worth our friendship. I’d rather have you than anything.

  He’d been so sweet, and after that, she’d never asked again. Why had she done that? He’d been spot on about Perry. Maybe if she’d let him speak his mind, she wouldn’t have nursed so many broken hearts.

  Grumbling to herself, she pushed down the thoughts as she ate a few more pieces of fruit and finished her bagel. When she was done, she took the tray into the restaurant. When no one came to the counter, she set the tray down and left.

  As she entered the bungalow, she found Ty in the living room.

  “Hey!” she said.

  Ty was good-looking too. Dark skin, dark eyes, and a deep voice. He wasn’t as tall as Gus, but he had a commanding presence. In his breezy button-up and light-colored slacks, he looked like he was ready for a vacation.

  Ty smiled. “Hey, gorgeous. How are you?”

  “I’m in Hawaii. I’m great.”

  He laughed and nodded. “Couldn’t agree more. Have you enjoyed it so far?”

  “This place is incredible. You guys did a great job. I’m so glad Gus brought me. Thanks for giving up your bed for me, by the way.” She smiled.

  “No problem.” Ty’s gaze flicked to her ring finger. “Gus told me your engagement to Frank fell through.”

  Shouldn’t someone saying that hurt more than it did? It stung, but she should feel gutted, right? If Frank was really the love of her life and she was going to spend the rest of her life with him, why wasn’t she more upset? Mostly, she was just mad that he’d used her.

  “Oh, yeah, Frank was a big jerk. I just wish I’d known it.” Peyton cast her gaze to the floor.

  Ty touched her arm, and she looked up. “Let’s grab some coffee and talk on the patio.”

  “Okay, I’d like that,” she said as she followed him to the kitchen. “I told Gus, but maybe it would help to talk about it a little more. I don’t know how I keep finding these losers.”

  They grabbed their coffee and went to the patio, taking a seat in the two chairs facing the beach. Man, she could get used to this. Even as crummy as she’d felt, there was nothing like the view in Hawaii.

  “So, tell me what happened.” Ty too
k a sip of coffee.

  “Frank was only dating me so he could make partner and open their new office in Paris. The whole time, he was just using me to make himself look like a family man.”

  Ty glanced at her with the same disgusted look that she’d had when Frank’s brother told her what Frank had really been up to. “Yeah, my thoughts exactly. Who does that?”

  “Losers and jerks.”

  “Yep, but Gus rescued me again. I would’ve been alone this whole week if it weren’t for him surprising me by coming into town.”

  “Seems you came to the rescue yesterday.” Ty shot her a glance.

  Her cheeks warmed, and she smiled. “I was in the restroom and heard that Justine woman asking about Gus’s love life. It sounded like she was implying that he couldn’t be single and be a matchmaker. I thought it was the best way to help.”

  “That was pretty quick thinking.”

  She tucked a piece of hair behind her ear. “I don’t know about that. She’s staying the week now, and we’ll have to pretend anytime we see her. The look on Gus’s face. I think he was horrified by the idea of being married to me.”

  “I don’t think so. I think he was taken off guard. You know how he is when something happens and he’s not prepared.”

  Peyton laughed. Boy, did she. In high school, he’d nearly panic. As he got older, he handled it better, but there were times, like yesterday, that were still too much for him. “Yeah, true. I just wanted to be there for him the way he’s been there for me.”

  “He’s a pretty great guy.”

  “The best.” That didn’t even begin to describe Gus. He was beyond the best. He was the guy who brought her homework to her when she was sick. The one who’d get her fries when they were studying and she was craving something salty. He was the one who…the one who held her when the guy she was dating would break her heart. But they were friends, and that’s what friends did for one another.

  “Want to know what’s sad?” she asked. “I was thinking that while I was here, I could find someone for him, but now I’ve messed that up.”