A Fake Marriage Romance Collection

by Victorine E. Lieske

  Adam pocketed his keys and pressed the button to ring Megan’s apartment, Dale trailing behind him with his camera on his shoulder. Yeah, this wasn’t going to be awkward at all. He rolled his eyes. Megan buzzed him through. As he jaunted up the apartment steps, Leon’s words echoed through his head. Be a perfect gentleman. You need to woo Megan. If she suspects anything, it will ruin the show. You must act like you’re enjoying the date.

  Why did Leon assume he wouldn’t enjoy going out with Megan? He liked her. Sure, maybe she was a bit uptight, but she was usually nice to be around. And not too shabby to look at, either.

  He came to apartment 3B and knocked on the door. Megan let him in and motioned to the couch. “I’ll be just a second. Have a seat.” Her eyes flicked to Dale, and she flashed the camera a nervous smile.

  She wore a little black dress that hugged her figure, her blonde hair falling softly to her shoulders. He tried not to ogle her. She walked barefoot into the other room. The apartment was tastefully decorated in a post-modern style. An oblong wood and glass coffee table sat in front of a suede couch that looked like it had been built from large, brown pebbles. Not a speck of dust could be seen anywhere, and nothing was out of place. A definite neat freak.

  When Megan came back, she was wearing black heels that made her legs look fantastic. “Okay. I’m ready.”

  “Nice place. I love the furniture.”

  A smile lit up her face. “Thanks. I saved for months to buy this set.” She looked around and frowned. “My mother hates it.”

  Why would her mother tell her that? It really bothered Megan by the look on her face.

  “She must not have good taste.”

  Megan didn’t seem to hear him for a second, frowning and staring at her furniture. Then she looked up and smiled. “You’re probably right. Let’s go.”

  The drive to Omaha was comfortable, although quiet. Dale sat in the back filming them, even though there wasn’t much conversation. As a fresh-out-of-college boy, Dale worshiped the ground Leon walked on. The fuzz on his lip was probably an attempt to grow a similar mustache.

  Adam didn’t know what Leon’s end game was, and he didn’t like lying to Megan. It wasn’t fair to her. But if he told her what was going on, Leon would fire him. Megan was the real star of the show. She was the reason the ratings were skyrocketing. He was disposable, which put him in an awkward position. He had to go along with Leon for now. Hopefully, the gag would be up soon.

  They entered Bucatini, the smell of tomato and basil making his mouth water. A short peppy girl in her early twenties gave them leather menus and showed them to their table. It was a white tablecloth and crystal sconce type of place. Dale hovered over them with the camera, blocking the aisle. Several people glared at them.

  A man in a tux with a receding hairline and a round belly bustled up to them, his gaze nervously ping-ponging from Adam to the camera and back again. “I’m sorry, sir. We cannot allow this in our restaurant.”

  Adam cleared his throat and put on a diplomatic smile. “Our producer spoke to the owner. He assured us we could film here.”

  The man squared his shoulders and frowned. “I have heard nothing from him. I’m afraid I have to ask you to put the camera away.”

  Megan stood. “I’m sure we can come up with a compromise. I would hate for your lovely restaurant to miss out on this opportunity for publicity. Maybe you have a more private table?” She smiled, and the man’s face softened.

  “Let me see what we can do.” He rushed off. Adam was impressed with the way Megan handled the situation. Diplomatic, and yet persuasive enough to get them what they wanted. A few minutes later, they were relocated to a table in another room.

  After they were seated again, Megan opened her menu, and her eyes widened. He knew the place was pricey, but taking her to a burger joint would have been stupid. He wanted her to know he had more class than that.

  His job at the station didn’t pay a lot, but he could splurge once in a while. Actually, he’d tried to get Leon to spring for the date, but he was too much of a tightwad. “If the show gets picked up for syndication, I’ll reimburse you,” he’d said. Sure. Adam knew the conversation would be forgotten. No matter. He could afford one nice dinner. He motioned to the menu. “Order whatever you want.”

  A slight smile tugged at her lips. “Even the Strangozzi al Tarufo Nero?”

  The mischievous look on her face piqued his curiosity, and he opened his menu. Sixty dollars for one dish? He choked, pounding a fist into his chest. Guessing from the look on Megan’s face, he’d turned three shades of purple.

  Megan laughed. “I’m teasing. I don’t even know what half the things on this menu are. I’m tempted to order off the kids menu and get spaghetti and meatballs.”

  Her smile made her eyes sparkle. He’d never noticed it before. It looked good on her. “Why not? We can eat like kids. I haven’t had mac and cheese in forever.”

  She leaned over, her teeth showing as her grin widened. “I dare you.”

  “You’re on.”

  The waitress approached the table, eyeballing Dale, who was kneeling in the aisle now that they were away from everyone else. “What can I get you to drink? Our featured wine this evening is a lovely sauvignon blanc.”

  A devilish look flashed across Megan’s face before she looked up at the waitress. “Do you have any apple juice?”

  Adam hid a smile.

  The waitress curled a piece of her dark hair behind her ear. “We have some excellent sparkling juice.”

  Megan shook her head. “No, I mean like the kind that comes in a little box. With a straw.”

  A small laugh tried to escape, but Adam covered it up with a cough. The waitress’s eyebrows raised, and she looked between the two of them, then over at Dale. Her lips formed a tight line, like she didn’t want to be the brunt of any YouTube prank. “Sure. We can get you a juice box. And what about you, sir?” She turned her attention to Adam.

  Not to be out done by Megan, he cleared his throat. “Do you have any chocolate milk?” He tossed her his best on-air smile.

  The waitress narrowed her eyes, then stepped back as recognition filled her face. “You’re Adam Warner, from the morning show!” She smiled, much warmer this time, changing her angle to be in the shot. “I’m sure we can come up with some for you, Mr. Warner.”

  “Thank you.”

  “I’ll give you a few minutes to look over your menu.”

  Megan looked up. “Oh, I already know what I want.”

  The waitress appeared overly happy to take their order. “All right. Go ahead.”

  “I would like the spaghetti and meatball kid’s meal.”

  Unfazed, she scribbled on her notepad and turned to Adam. “And you?”

  “Macaroni and cheese.”

  “Of course.” She made a note, then took their menus. “We’ll have that right out for you.” She left with swaying hips.

  He leaned closer to Megan, glad to have some time alone with her. Well, as alone as it gets, considering Dale was filming them. “Tell me something about yourself that I don’t know.”

  A thoughtful look came over her. “I graduated from Colorado State University.”

  “Nope. Already knew that.”

  She frowned. “I worked in radio for two years before moving here.”

  He shook his head. “Already knew that, too.”

  “How’d you know that? You checking up on me?”

  A small shrug lifted his shoulders. “Leon and I went over the applicants together before you were hired.”

  “Ah, I see.” She brushed a blonde strand of hair from her face. “How about this: when I was seven, I decided I was going to start up my own cleaning business. I typed up my rates on a piece of paper and went around the neighborhood selling my services.”

  A smile tugged at his lips. “What kinds of services?”

  “Dusting was a dollar, vacuuming was three dollars, and flushing the toilet was five cents.”

  He held
in a laugh. “Wow. Five cents for a flush, huh? Did anyone take you up on it?”

  “Old Mrs. Fielding asked me in, and she bought all three services. Then she gave me cookies and milk, and a grocery bag full of canned vegetables to take home, along with a generous tip.” Megan’s smile faded. “Mom was furious when she got home from work. Said three neighbors called her and asked if we were okay. She was mortified that I’d embarrassed her like that.”

  “Aw, you were just being a kid. I think it was quite entrepreneurial of you.”

  She stared off into the distance, a slight frown on her face. He was about to ask her more about it, but the waitress returned with their drinks. “Here you go.” She set the juice box in front of Megan and grinned. “Your chocolate milk, Mr. Warner.” She practically glowed as she set his glass down. “The food will be ready shortly.”

  “Thank you.” Megan called after the waitress, then shifted in her seat to look at Adam. “You have family nearby?”

  “Yes. My father lives in Iowa.”

  “My cousin lives in Iowa. Where’s your dad at?” She picked up her juice box and pulled the straw off the back.

  He waved his hand, fully aware that the camera was rolling. “A small enough town I’m sure you’ve never heard of it.”

  She raised an eyebrow but didn’t push it, and he inwardly sighed with relief. That was a conversation he didn’t want to have in front of the cameras. In fact, he was hoping he wouldn’t have to have it at all. His father was the last thing he wanted to discuss.

  Chapter 4

  Their meals arrived, and Megan marveled as Adam fumbled with his silverware. Why was he so nervous? She contemplated the possibility, as she had over the past couple of days, that he might have secret feelings for her.

  Of course, the idea of Adam quietly pining away for her was flattering. Any girl would think so. Being wanted by a man was a special kind of thrill. But Adam? With his broad shoulders and gorgeous eyes, it was like she was back in high school and the captain of the football team had asked her to prom.

  Adam pointed to her plate. “How’s your spaghetti?”

  “I think I’ve died and gone to heaven.” She twirled a long piece around her fork. “I don’t know what they did, but this is the best sauce I’ve ever tasted. And I think this pasta is freshly made.”

  “I agree. This macaroni is delicious. Kids eat like kings here.”

  The way he was looking at her—intently, with one eyebrow slightly raised—made her insides tingle. She could have sworn he’d grown more handsome in the last few minutes.

  His gaze grew intense, and she squirmed. “Your turn to tell me something I don’t know.”

  “When I bought my Mustang, it was a heap of junk. Got it for a song. I’ve spent the last four years restoring it.”

  “I knew you were good with cars, but I had no idea you could restore them. Your car is beautiful.”

  “Thanks. The paint job wasn’t cheap, but it was worth it.”

  Megan popped a meatball into her mouth, savoring the flavor. After she swallowed, she said, “So, you restore cars and save baby animals. What else don’t I know about you?”

  He thought for a moment. “I’m a terrible dancer.”

  Megan laughed. “Really?”

  “Horrible. As in, my homecoming date dumped me for Fred Dunn. In the middle of the dance. I guess she got tired of me embarrassing her.”

  “Aw, that’s sad.” She tried not to giggle, but failed.

  “And I can’t carry a tune. Don’t make me sing, it’s not pretty.” He grinned, then took a swig of his chocolate milk.

  “I guess if we’re confessing things we stink at, I’ll admit I can’t draw. Not even stick figures. In fact, it’s not a good idea to get me near paint, either. Or pottery. I, uh, got kicked out of seventh grade art class.”

  Adam choked on his milk. “No way. How?”

  “It wasn’t entirely my fault. I don’t think the teacher made it very clear that our clay needed to be hollowed out if we had any solid areas.”

  He hid a smile. “Oh, no.”

  “Oh, yes. Mine exploded in the kiln. Ruined a bunch of other kid’s projects. And Parent’s Night was the next day.” She picked up her fork and stabbed a meatball. “That’s when Mrs. Bohate suggested I try shop class instead.”

  “How did that go?”

  She took another bite as Dale moved to get a better shot. She’d almost forgotten he was there. “It wasn’t a good fit either. Power tools and I don’t get along. Mr. Harding banned me from using the scroll saw.”

  The corner of his mouth lifted up in a grin. “At least you still have all your fingers.”

  “I think he was more worried about me breaking the machine than hurting myself.”

  He chuckled. “Any other little-known facts I should know about you?”

  She twirled the last of her spaghetti around her fork. “I’ve never been on a Ferris wheel.”

  “Really?”

  “To be honest, they scare me. I’m not good with heights.”

  He arched an eyebrow, which looked really sexy on him. “Any heights?”

  “Just those that are off the floor.”

  A warm laugh erupted from his chest. “Got it.”

  The waitress sauntered up to the table, her hand on her hip, eyeballing the camera. “Is everything good here?”

  Adam leaned forward. “Excellent. The best kid’s meal I’ve had in years.”

  She tittered and put her hand on his shoulder. Megan fought the urge to slap her as the perky little waitress leaned over Adam. “You’re so funny, Mr. Warner.”

  “Seriously? You’re flirting with my date?” Megan blurted. When they both stared at her, she wished she had kept her mouth shut.

  The waitress stiffened. “No. I’m doing my job.” She picked up the empty plates and stalked off with a sniff.

  Adam grinned. “Are you jealous of our waitress?”

  A snort came out of Megan, which she tried to cover up with a cough. “Hardly.”

  He chuckled. “Would you like dessert?”

  “I’m full, thanks.” For some reason, she wasn’t in the mood to sit at the table any longer. Having to watch some waitress fawn all over Adam was making her head hurt.

  “How about this. I know a little place that makes old fashioned milkshakes. The kind with real whipped cream on top.” The way his face lit up was endearing.

  “Sounds yummy. I’m in. Let’s blow this joint.”

  He paid the check and they piled back into Adam’s car. Megan found herself relaxing and enjoying the time with him, even though they were on camera. It was getting easier to forget about being filmed as they talked.

  The shake shop was a quaint little restaurant on the corner, with a red and white striped awning and a checkered tile floor. They were severely overdressed, but Megan found herself having fun anyway. The waitress wore a poodle skirt and saddle shoes, and she acted like she didn’t even notice Dale. “Whaddya want tonight, hun?” she asked as she smacked her gum.

  They ordered strawberry shakes with extra whipped cream. As people came in, they stared. It was hard to blend in with what they were wearing and Dale climbing all over the adjacent booth to get a good angle, but Adam just smiled conspiratorially and made it into a game.

  “Act like nothing’s out of the ordinary. We dress like this all the time.”

  She giggled. “And the paparazzi follow us around.”

  “We’re perfectly normal.” Adam grabbed his cherry by the stem and raised it in the air so he could eat it. A bit of whipped cream stuck to his upper lip. She laughed, and he shot her a quizzical grin. “What?”

  “You’ve got something…on your…” She pointed to her own lip, and he swiped at his mouth with his napkin but didn’t get it.

  “Here.” She reached across the table and wiped his lip with her thumb. Electricity zinged up her arm, and she yanked her hand back. Her heart pounded in her chest.

  He sat there grinning, apparently unaff
ected by the physical contact, while her head spun. She stared at his lips, wondering what it would be like to kiss him, then mentally smacked herself for thinking it. But she found her gaze being drawn to his mouth the rest of the evening.

  Adam pulled into Megan’s apartment complex parking lot and stopped the car. He’d had a surprisingly good time with her this evening. She’d let her guard down. Had some fun. He didn’t want the date to end. “I’ll walk you to your door.”

  He ran around and acted the gentleman, helping her out of the car. Dale trailed after them, into the building, and up the steps. It wasn’t until they were standing awkwardly in front of her door that the thought occurred to him Leon might be expecting him to kiss Megan goodnight. He smiled and shoved his hands in his suit pockets. He wasn’t going to do anything she wasn’t comfortable with, and Leon could just deal with it.

  She stared up at him. “I had a good time tonight.” Her eyelashes brushed her cheeks as she glanced at the floor. “If you would have told me last week that I’d enjoy a date with you, I never would have believed it.”

  “And that’s why the guys like you so much. You know how to boost their confidence.”

  She let out a little giggle. “I think it sounds a bit silly, but…” She shifted her weight and had trouble looking him in the eye. “It made a difference, what Dr. Lemon said. It made me realize I shouldn’t judge people by the masks they wear.”

  Bringing up the fake Dr. Lemon made his mouth go dry, and guilt formed in his gut. Why had Leon done that? And what was he supposed to say to Megan? He cleared his throat. “I don’t know if I would put too much stock in that machine.”

  She touched his arm. “You don’t have to be embarrassed. Feelings are never wrong.”

  What he was feeling right now was the urge to punch Leon for putting him in this situation. Best to change the subject completely. “I had a good time tonight, too.”