Sadie’s gaze fell. “No, don’t. It’s my fault. I’m the one who should apologize.”
“Why? Because you like me?”
“No, I—” She shook her head.
“You don’t like me?” Pain stabbed through him. It didn’t matter; he had to know the truth.
She stared at him, her eyes widening. “I do like you. I just don’t like you that way.”
He remembered her reaction to his kiss. The way she pressed her body closer as his lips sought hers. The way her lips opened up to him. “I don’t believe you.”
“Aaron…”
He wasn’t about to listen to her protests. He closed the distance between them and brought his lips down to hers. His hands wrapped around her waist and pulled her close. She didn’t pull away. In fact, she deepened the kiss.
When she finally pulled away, he lifted her chin so she had to gaze into his eyes. “Now, tell me you don’t like me that way.”
***
Sadie stared at Aaron, breathless, electricity thrumming through her. He was right. She did like him that way. How did this happen? She opened her mouth, but no words would come out.
Aaron brushed a strand of hair from her cheek. She closed her eyes, relishing in the sensation of his skin touching hers.
“I’m such an idiot,” she finally said. “I didn’t want things to change between us, so I buried my feelings for you. I…I don’t think I even let myself believe I had them.”
Aaron grinned, kissed her on the nose, and then pulled her close.
She snuggled into his chest. She breathed in his smell again.
“I knew you were the girl for me the minute I laid eyes on you. I don’t think you even noticed me.”
Warmth flowed to her cheeks. “I noticed.” She couldn’t help but notice. Everywhere she went, there he was with an entourage of girls surrounding him.
He chuckled. “Could have fooled me.” He stroked her hair. She thought she would melt into a puddle on the floor.
“I’m sorry.”
“Just say you’ll be my girlfriend, and all will be forgiven.”
She looked up at him. The corner of his mouth lifted in a half-grin.
“Deal.”
***
Sadie clutched her lunch tray, stepping around several students as she headed toward her usual table. Lorena was already seated.
“Hey.” She set her tray down and took her seat. The tray slid a little, and Sadie resisted straightening it. She’d learned not everything in her life had to be perfect. “What’s up?”
Lorena shrugged. “Not much.” She picked up her ham sandwich and bit into it.
Aaron slid into the seat beside Sadie and put his arm around her. “Hi.”
A warm flutter spread through her. They’d been going out for a week, but the relationship still felt new. She still got tingly and tongue tied around him.
“Ohmygosh.” Lorena squeezed her arm. “Who is that?”
Sadie followed Lorena’s gaze to a guy who walked into the lunch room. She’d never seen him before. He was tall with dark hair and green eyes and looked a little lost. “I don’t know.”
“He is luscious.” Lorena didn’t take her eyes off the new kid.
Aaron chuckled. “Is this what girls are like?”
“No.” Sadie shook her head. “This is what Lorena is like.”
Lorena whacked her arm, but didn’t stop staring.
Jenna sauntered up to the table and set her tray down. She’d been eating lunch at their table for the last week. “Hey, guys.”
“Great presentation today, Jenna,” Sadie said. “I think Mr. Thorton liked it, too. You should get a good grade.”
Jenna blushed. “You think so?”
“Definitely,” Aaron said.
Jenna smiled and pulled out a chair and sat down. “Well, no one could beat you guys. That lie detector project was great. I’m sure you’ll get the highest grade in class.”
For some reason, getting the top grade in class didn’t mean as much to Sadie as it used to. She glanced at Aaron. There were more important things.
“I’m lucky to have friends like you,” Jenna said.
Sadie realized Jenna hadn’t been hanging around the popular girls much anymore. Satisfaction washed over her. Jenna didn’t deserve to be treated poorly. She deserved better friends.
“We’re pretty lucky too,” Sadie said.
And she meant it.
The End
Full novels by Victorine E. Lieske
Not What She Seems – Mystery/Romantic Suspense
The Overtaking – Young Adult Science Fiction Romance
Accidentally Married – Romantic Comedy
Reluctantly Married – Romantic Comedy
Sign up for Victorine’s Newsletter and get a free Kindle copy of one of her novels! Sign up on her website, www.victorinelieske.com.
And now, a preview of Accidentally Married:
Chapter 1
Madison pulled her car into the parking spot, relieved she found an empty space so close to the building. Even though it was only mid-morning, the temperature had risen to an uncomfortable level. A long walk would make her look like a melted ice cube by the time she entered Jameson Technologies. And she couldn’t give a bad impression. She needed this job.
Three weeks of handing out résumés and filling out applications, and she hadn’t gotten anywhere. She’d promised Carrie she would pay her half of the rent this week, but her bank account was empty.
She shoved the car into park, and it sputtered, choked, and then died. Running the air conditioner always made it feisty. At least the poor thing didn’t die on her while driving...most of the time.
She picked up her satchel and stepped out onto the pavement. Heat assaulted her, and she ran a self-conscious hand through her hair. The last few days her horoscope had the theme of something new on her horizon. This was it. Her something new was this job, she was sure of it. She squared her shoulders and tried to put more confidence in her step.
The tallest building in Crimson Ridge stood before her in all its horrific, shiny glory. The impersonal glass reflected the sun into her eyes. The rest of the business district held older buildings with detailed architecture. Jameson Technologies was an eyesore.
As much as she hated the building, she hated mooching off Carrie even more. Her heels clicked on the sidewalk as she neared the glass doors. Her stomach clenched.
Even though she’d never been an administrative assistant, it couldn’t be hard. As an actress, she had played several small roles, one of them a secretary. Granted, she had only been on camera for ten seconds before the building blew up, but she had answered the phone and stared at her nails, and she felt like she had embodied the part.
She pulled the smooth metal handle, and the glass door glided open. The lobby felt cold and impersonal with its sleek lines and modern fixtures. Everything was either silver or beige. Down a short hallway to the right, an elevator caught her eye, and a large reception desk sat on the left, which she approached. The woman behind the desk gave a tight-lipped smile.
“May I help you?”
“I’m here to see Mr. Jameson.” She tried to sound confident, like she belonged in a place like this.
The woman’s eyes traveled the length of her, and she pursed her red lips. “He’s been waiting for you.”
“He has?” Madison tried to keep her mouth from falling open. When Carrie told her a position at Jameson Technologies was about to open up, she didn’t realize her roommate had set up an interview. What luck.
The receptionist nodded, the corners of her mouth pulling down in disapproval. “Go straight up to his office. Twenty-third floor.”
Madison strode across the expensive tile floor to the elevator. She pressed the up button and stepped back. Her heart fluttered in her chest. If she played this right, she could be employed by noon.
Carrie was a life saver. Last night she overheard a woman at the shopping center talking about how she was qui
tting her job. Like a true friend, she asked around until she found out the woman was Mr. Jameson’s administrative assistant.
The elevator dinged, and the doors slid open. Madison stepped inside and pressed the button for the twenty-third floor. According to Carrie, the woman indicated she would waltz into Mr. Jameson’s office this morning and quit. If the stars aligned, Madison would secure the position before they even called a temp agency.
Her stomach dropped as the elevator lifted and the numbers above the door rose. She smoothed her black skirt and forced herself to think about being an administrative assistant. Answering phones, filing, and…answering phones. Exactly what she was born to do.
The silver doors opened, and she stalked out into another lobby. This one was smaller, but decorated in much the same way. The woman behind the desk reminded her of a bull frog. Large round eyes set wide, a double chin, and a frown that went from one side of her face to the other. A silver name plate revealed her to be Darlene.
For a split second, Madison panicked. What was the assistant still doing here? Carrie made it sound like the woman, Darlene apparently, was going to quit first thing. But her worries fled when Darlene motioned for Madison to pass. “Mr. Jameson wants to speak with you right away.”
Darlene must be sticking around to train the next employee. A rush of excitement shot through Madison. That could be her.
She straightened her spine and walked past the desk and entered the office. Huge windows took up the entire east wall, and a fantastic view of the town spread forth. The rest of the spacious office held filing cabinets, an expensive mahogany desk, and some leather chairs. The man behind the desk was much younger than she had imagined the CEO of a large company would be, probably only a year or two her senior. His stormy grey eyes focused on her, and then narrowed.
“You’re late.” A scowl formed on his face and he stood, his gaze traveling over her. He wore a tie and a white dress shirt, which showed off his muscular physique. His jet black hair was neatly styled, probably some kind of corporate cut.
Confidence, she reminded herself.
Madison crossed the room and extended her hand. “I’m sorry, Mr. Jameson, I was not aware Carrie had set up—”
“And what are you wearing? You look like you’re going to a business meeting.” His scowl deepened, which she thought wasn’t possible.
“I uh—”
“Never mind. You’ll do.” He grabbed a briefcase from the floor and strode across the room, past her, and out the door, which he left open.
Madison stared after him. What happened? You’ll do? What did that mean?
He stuck his head back into the office. “You want the job, or what?”
Her pulse raced. She got the job! “Yes, sir!”
“Come on, then.” He motioned with his head.
She jumped into motion, following him until he stopped at the elevator. He must want to give her a tour of the place. Unnecessary, but it didn’t matter, she got the job. She felt like doing a little leprechaun dance, but settled for a satisfied smile.
They stepped into the elevator, and she became aware of their close proximity. Masculinity rolled off him. He smelled of aftershave and expensive soap, and she had to step back in order to clear her head. He was her boss. She couldn’t think of him as anything else.
He pressed the button marked B2. He must want to show her everything, from the basement up. She shrugged. Okay. After they descended, the doors opened and Mr. Jameson disappeared into the parking garage.
Warning bells sounded in Madison’s head. What was going on here?
“Come on,” he called, his voice echoing through the dim space. “We’re already late.”
She stuck her head out of the elevator and spotted him stalking toward a black luxury car. It beeped and the doors unlocked. “Wait...I—”
“What? Are you having second thoughts?” He stopped and glared at her. “I don’t have time for this. I’ll double your pay. A thousand dollars for a few hours of your time.”
Alarm rang through her. What kind of job was this? She gripped the elevator door jam, keeping the doors open. “I think there’s been some kind of—”
His phone rang and he held up his hand to silence her. “Yeah?”
He opened his trunk and slung his briefcase into the back. “Wait, what?” His piercing gaze traveled over to her and froze. “Okay. Thanks for calling.” He jammed his finger on his phone to hang up, then he slipped it into his pocket.
“You’re not Nathan’s cousin.” His glare was accusing, and he folded his arms across his chest.
She shook her head, confused.
“Who are you?” he demanded.
“Madison Nichols. I’ve come to apply for the administrative assistant position that recently became available.” Her voice sounded paper thin to her ears.
Mr. Jameson’s shoulders slumped and one corner of his mouth twitched. “I’m sorry. I’ve made a terrible mistake.”
“I’ll say,” she mumbled.
He started toward her but stopped when she shrank back. “Listen, I’ve got to go to a family function this evening, and it would ease the tension if I brought a date.”
It was Madison’s turn to narrow her eyes. He was going to pay someone to date him? Who does that?
He stuffed his hands in his pockets. “Sounds weird, but I’m not really the dating type, so I was going to hire someone.” Color touched his cheeks. At least he had the good sense to look embarrassed.
When she didn’t speak, he continued. “That was Nathan on the phone. His cousin is sick...so I’m left without a date.”
She glared at him. What exactly was he asking her to do? “I’m here to apply for the administrative assistant position,” she repeated.
He clenched his jaw. “I have no administrative assistant positions open at this time.”
Heat rose to her face. The jerk. “So, now there is no job unless I agree to be your paid escort?” Her voice rose in pitch.
He sighed. “It’s only a family dinner. My father’s birthday. And it’s more like an acting job than anything.”
Her head snapped up. How did he know she was an actress?
Mr. Jameson took a step closer. “A thousand dollars, and all you have to do is eat my stepmother’s cooking, laugh at my father’s lame jokes, and act like you don’t hate me. That’s it. I swear.”
“Where does your family live?”
“Highland Falls. It’s a three-hour drive. We’ll get there around…” He checked his watch. “One-thirty. We spend some time with the family, eat dinner, and leave. I’ll have you back here by ten at the latest.”
She eyeballed him. He didn’t look like he was lying. With his clean-shaven face and well manicured nails, he appeared quite sophisticated. Was she really considering this? A thousand dollars would pay her half of the rent for a couple of months. She really needed the money. “And if I agree, maybe an administrative assistant job would become available?”
He frowned, scrubbed his hand over his chin, and squinted at her. “Maybe.”
“Deal.” Did she say yes? She must be out of her mind.
A smug look flashed across his face before he opened the driver’s side door and slid onto the seat. “Well come on, then. We’re late.”
How rude. This guy was something else. He didn’t even open her car door for her. But she figured she could ignore his rude behavior if it meant paying the rent.
She left the protection of the elevator doorway, which caused the doors to swish shut as if angry at being held open for so long. The sound of her heels on the cement echoed through the parking garage. She yanked open the passenger door and plopped down, hugging her satchel to her chest.
He scowled at her for a second. “Toss it in the back.”
As they drove, Madison figured out why they called them luxury cars. The plush seat molded to her body, the ride smooth and quiet. Mr. Jameson even seemed to relax a bit.
“There are a few things you should know, in order
to play this part correctly. First, we’ve been dating for four months.”
Madison turned to him, forcing herself not to make a face. That’s why he needed a date so bad. He’d lied to his family. And now they were demanding to see his mystery girlfriend. She pursed her lips.
“We’ve been to the opera, the ballet, and we frequent the art museum.”
What kind of a person lies to their family? Her opinion of him dropped. “Uh huh.” She nodded.
“You’re refined, so it’s important you act the part.”
Did he just call her unrefined? What a colossal jerk. She narrowed her eyes. “Sure.”
“We are on the verge of being serious, but don’t worry, I won’t have to see the family again until Christmas, and by then we’ll have broken up.” He gripped the steering wheel and glanced at her. “Got all that?”
What did he think she was, an idiot? It’s not like he was teaching her trigonometry. “Dating for four months...refined...and on the verge of a break up. Got it.”
He grimaced. “You don’t have to think about the break up. That won’t happen for a few months.”
She lifted an eyebrow. “I should portray a hint of discord between us, so when you eventually tell them, it seems more believable, don’t you think?”
He signaled and changed lanes to pass a slow moving semi truck. “I suppose.”
Madison closed her eyes for a moment, trying to get into her part. She imagined herself being a woman who liked the finer things in life. Someone who would date a wealthy CEO like Mr. Jameson. Her eyes snapped open. “What’s your name? I can’t really call you Mr. Jameson in front of your family.”
“Jared.”
The name fit him somehow. A power name. Muscular. She shook her head. She shouldn’t be thinking about his muscles. “How did we meet?”
His jaw muscles twitched. “I didn’t tell them how we met, so it’s irrelevant.”
The Truth Comes Out Page 5