“Men can eat vegetables,” Benjamin said, narrowing his eyes even though there was laughter in them. “It’s this wonderful thing. If we eat healthy food, it means we can eat more. And we don’t die of cardiovascular disease at the age of forty. I mean, we all know that Liam here is nearing that age.”
“Fuck you. Seriously. Fuck you hard. That’s just mean,” Liam said.
“Didn’t we all make fun of him when he was turning thirty before all of us?” Aaron asked, feeling lighter than he had in days.
“Yes. And that’s what makes this fun,” Benjamin said, grinning. “He will always reach milestones before us. We can either envy him for certain ones or take pride in knowing that we can make fun of him.”
“I’m your elder, you’re supposed to respect me,” Liam said, sounding as stern as he could, even though he was laughing.
“Sure. Whatever you say,” Ronin said, looking at the ribs and the smoker.
“You know, the way these ribs are placed reminds me of that Criminal Minds episode that just aired.”
Aaron snapped his fingers and nodded. “I was just thinking that. That cult where they were eating the remains of others? It was kind of gross, but they came up with their signature barbecue sauce and were selling it nationwide.”
“Why would you bring that up?” Lincoln asked.
“Seriously?” Ethan asked. “We’re about to eat, and you’re talking about human remains and selling barbecue sauce? Oh God, Marcus, you brought another Criminal Minds junkie into our family?”
“At least you didn’t say cult,” Ronin said, and they all burst out laughing, even as they all shuddered.
“Now I don’t know if I want to eat these ribs,” Marcus said. “That sort of ruined the moment.”
“I’m sure if we keep drinking beer and start on the chicken first, it’ll be okay,” Benjamin said, even though he sounded doubtful.
“And, once again, a discussion of cannibalism and Criminal Minds has ruined a meal,” Aaron said deadpan. The rest of them threw napkins and paper plates at him, and he ducked, laughing.
He honestly had no idea what he was going to do about Madison. He sure as fuck wasn’t going to talk about the kiss or whatever they were going to do with and for each other later. For now, he would laugh and try to remember that he was doing this to make her happy and not because he wanted her taste again.
The fact that he craved her? That was just a bonus.
At least, that’s what he told himself.
Chapter 8
Madison was not getting ready for a date. She was getting ready for her fake date. Did that mean she was fake getting ready?
She ran her hands over her newly clean face and groaned. She was making things far too complicated, and it was only getting worse. The fact that it could get worse worried her, considering how far off the deep end she had already gone when it came to Aaron fricking Montgomery.
She should not have agreed to this. She shouldn’t have agreed to any of it. But she couldn’t help it when she was in the moment. Everything he said had made sense. Now, here she was, about to go on a practice and public date so others spying for her mother would know that they were out and about and not just pretending. The fact that they were actually playing a part notwithstanding.
She and Aaron had decided that they should go out for dinner and then maybe a walk in the moonlight later. And they’d do it in a park that many people frequented after dates so others would see them together. Madison had a feeling that they were just using the fakeness as an excuse, and she honestly wasn’t sure how she felt about that. All she knew was that she had agreed to it, and she was pretty sure that some of it had been her idea.
She was going on a date with Aaron Montgomery. It could be that nobody would witness it, that nobody they knew or anybody her mother knew would see. It might be for nothing.
Or, it might end up being an actual date.
“It’s not,” she told herself and looked at her reflection in the mirror before putting on her moisturizer and beginning her makeup routine.
She loved playing with makeup and had a new friend that did it for a living, so she’d learned a few tricks from her YouTube channel.
Zia was far better than Madison could ever hope to be. Still, she thought she did a decent job with concealer and eyeshadow. She didn’t look too overdone, but she felt happy and pretty. She always did her makeup for work because she wanted to, not because she felt like she had to. Most of the time, she ended up with nothing but lip balm on her lips. But that was because she worked at a bakery in a coffee shop, and when she was in the back, she just couldn’t deal with melting cosmetics.
She quickly changed into her dress for the evening, one that flared at the hips and made her feel like a fairy princess going out dancing. It had a thin layer of tulle under the main fabric, and it made her feel as if she were dancing in the clouds as she pranced about.
It might be ridiculous for some people to wear, but it made her feel pretty. And tonight, she was going out on a date—or rather a fake date—with Aaron freaking Montgomery. So, she was going to wear what she wanted.
Maybe she should change into jeans and look casual. Or sweats. He’d seen her in sweats before. She could wear sweats.
She needed to stop thinking the word sweats. Because now she was sweating just thinking about it.
She slid her feet into her heels, put on her jewelry and perfume, and wondered if she had been wrong putting on her sexy underwear. It was a lace thong panty set, a beautiful peach color that matched her outfit, and not something that she wore all the time. She loved wearing lace and silk, but she also liked wearing cotton underwear that covered her entire ass.
The fact that she wasn’t wearing those tonight spoke of her subconscious wondering if somebody might see what she wore under her dress. That would not be happening. Just because she and Aaron had kissed and might be kissing again later and we’re going on a date, didn’t mean that anybody would see her underwear but her.
What if she was in a car accident and they had to take off her dress to save her? Did she need to have cute underwear for that?
Maybe not sexy underwear that made her feel like a goddess. Now she was thinking far too hard. Everything was fine. Aaron wasn’t going to see her underwear, but the idea that she was wearing it in front of him? It made her feel...powerful.
Or that she was losing her mind. Either way.
I’m only doing this for myself.
She repeated that mantra as the doorbell rang. She froze, wondering if Aaron was a good forty-five minutes early for their date. Madison might be ready, but that didn’t matter. She needed the time to calm down and focus.
Her hands shook, and she didn’t know why. Tonight was just two friends pretending to be engaged. Nothing more, nothing less. And a complete lie.
She opened the door, and an odd mix of relief and disappointment filled her.
Bristol stood there with another woman that looked similar to her.
“You look amazing,” Bristol said, clapping her hands. “We’re too late to help you get ready, sorry.”
“That’s totally my fault,” the stranger said. “Traffic was horrible getting over to Boulder, but I’m here now. And you do look amazing, Madison.”
Madison blinked a few times. “I’m sorry, but who are you? And why are you here, Bristol? Not that I don’t love you, but I’m confused.”
“I’m so sorry. I seem to have started in the middle of a conversation. This is my cousin, Annabelle. Since her brother came over to Boulder last weekend to hang out with the guys, she decided to come tonight to hang out with me. I’m very blessed. And I am here because I like to help my friends get ready for dates. Especially first dates that can be scary or weird. But it seems you’re ready to go. You really do look amazing. Your makeup is on point.”
Madison just blinked, and somehow found herself taking a step back so the two Montgomery women could walk into the house.
“I’d offer you guys somet
hing to drink, but Aaron’s going to be here soon.” She paused. “Actually, he’s going to be here in forty-five minutes. I’m done and ready to go way too early. So, how about I get you something to drink?”
“What do you have?” Annabelle asked, her eyes bright and kind.
“I just made fresh lemonade. From actual lemons.”
“The only way to make it,” Bristol said. “Not that I actually make lemonade on my own. That takes a lot of work and energy, and I’m not good at it. I always end up making it either too tart or too sweet. But yes, yes, yes, yes, lemonade.”
They made their way to the kitchen. When Madison went to open her fridge, Bristol leaned forward and grabbed the lemonade.
“Glasses are on the top right shelf,” Bristol said, and Madison just stood there blinking.
“We don’t want you to get anything on your dress. We’re here to comfort you in your time of need. Or to annoy you, whatever you want to call it,” Bristol explained.
“You are pushy, but in a nice way,” Madison corrected.
Annabelle threw her head back and laughed, and Bristol flipped her cousin off.
“I am. Did you hear what happened to Arden?”
“Something new?” Madison asked, worried about the other woman. Arden had lupus and was going through a good spell, but Madison knew from Arden’s previous experiences that it didn’t always last.
“No, I’m sorry. She’s doing great. I meant what happened the first time I met her,” Bristol said quickly, her hands raised as she set the pitcher of lemonade down on the counter. “I didn’t mean to worry you.”
“Don’t do that.” Madison let out a breath, nervous for so many reasons.
“I’m sorry,” Bristol said again.
“Arden is great,” Annabelle said into the silence. “We had dinner when she came to visit my side of the family up in Fort Collins.”
“I forgot about that,” Bristol said. “I’m glad you met her.”
“I’m sure we’ll meet up again. We’re all trying to do better about seeing each other,” Annabelle said. There was something in her tone that made Bristol meet her gaze and share a look that Madison didn’t understand.
Something was going on with those Montgomerys. She had always thought they got along great, all sets of the cousins. But maybe she was wrong. Or perhaps she was trying to see too much into it. She was nervous about her date—or rather, her fake date—with Aaron.
“What did you do with Arden?” Annabelle asked.
“I went over to her house even though I had never met her before to help her get ready for her first date with Liam. I didn’t illegally get her address, but it was close.”
Annabelle threw back her head and laughed again, a happy sound that reminded Madison of angels and bells. She just shook her head.
“I heard about that. I’m shocked that Arden didn’t slam and lock the door, never to see a Montgomery again.”
“Well, we are tenacious,” Bristol said. “In retrospect, as soon as I knocked on the door, I realized I had made a terrible mistake. Not everybody finds me as sweet and kind and caring as I think in my head. We were fortunate that Arden let me into her life after I surprised her.”
“Yes, you are fortunate. Because I think Liam murdering you would have put a damper on the whole family thing.”
“You’re right. But alas, their romance persisted, and they’re doing fantastic. Speaking of romance, are you ready for tonight?”
Madison shook her head. “It’s not real.” She turned to Annabelle. “I mean...”
Crap. She sucked at this lying thing.
Unless she was lying to herself.
Annabelle held up her hands. “We know. At least Benjamin and I know.”
Madison relaxed. “Thank you. And I appreciate you guys coming over, but I’m okay. I’m only going out to dinner and probably for a walk with Aaron. We’re just hanging out.”
“As an engaged couple,” Annabelle said softly.
“Fake engaged couple,” Madison corrected.
“That’s fine. Whatever,” Bristol said, holding up her hands. “First off, this lemonade is amazing. I’m jealous that I can’t make this. The next time we have a family barbecue or something, you need to bring this over. Marcus loves lemonade.”
That made Madison smile. “Okay, I can make that happen.”
“Good. Second, have fun tonight. You look wonderful. We came to give you a pep talk, but you look ready to go.”
“But I finally got to meet you,” Annabelle said, grinning.
“I’m glad that we got to meet, as well,” Madison said. “So, if I remember right, you have four other siblings?”
“Yes, I have a twin named Archer, another set of twins named Beckett and Benjamin, and a little sister named Paige.”
Madison’s eyes widened. “I’m never going to be able to remember all of that.”
“There’s no reason you should.” Annabelle laughed. “Unless you do marry Aaron, and then there will be a quiz once you’re indoctrinated into the Montgomerys.”
That made Madison’s eyes widen. “There’s a quiz?”
Bristol laughed. “Yes, you have to take it once you enter middle school if you’re born a Montgomery. But by then, there’s usually a whole new generation. Or someone else has gotten married, and it just gets super complicated. We’ll do an entire set of flashcards, and maybe a light show so you can get the names right.”
“Good thing I’m not marrying Aaron, then.”
“Good thing,” Annabelle said, giving Bristol a look that Madison chose to ignore.
She did not need to remember all of the Montgomery cousins. She only needed to remember the ones that she currently knew because she was not marrying Aaron. Even if they were going on a maybe real date tonight.
The girls stayed for a little while longer and then headed out, complimenting Madison’s look once more before leaving her alone and wondering how she had gotten into this situation. Thankfully, she didn’t have to stew long because the doorbell rang again. She swallowed hard, wondering what she was going to say to him.
She needn’t have worried, though. All thought left her when she saw Aaron standing there wearing gray slacks, a crisp shirt with the sleeves rolled up to his elbows, showing off his sexy-as-hell forearms, and a wicked grin.
“I saw Bristol driving away with my cousin in the front seat as I pulled into your neighborhood. Should I apologize?”
She shook her head, reaching around to grab her wristlet. “Please don’t. I love Bristol. She’s just…a lot sometimes.”
“You know they say that about me, too.”
There was an awkward moment, and then Aaron leaned forward and brushed a kiss across her lips.
She moaned, thankful that she was wearing matte lipstick instead of anything shiny that would spread.
“Hey there. You ready to go?” he asked, clearing his throat as he moved away.
“I think I am. Finally.” She didn’t know why she’d added that last part, but there was no taking it back now. Aaron searched her face, and she had to remind herself that this wasn’t real. It couldn’t be.
“So, pasta?” she asked, wondering if she could say anything more ridiculous.
He smiled at her, and for some reason, she wanted this night to be real. Yes, he’d kissed her. Sure, the kiss had felt real. But they were only playing. It was all an act.
Still, she couldn’t think clearly.
“Yes. Pasta. You know we could go for salads or something light and airy, but I want the amount of carbs that will make me roll out of there.”
“I have been craving pasta for a week. So, no, I am not getting a freaking salad.”
“That’s my girl,” he said, squeezing her hand.
She tried not to think that it was real because it hurt to do so.
They talked about their days, about the café and his art, and she leaned into the seat as she listened to him speak. He had a deep, soothing voice that sometimes rumbled a bit if he got t
ired, but he wasn’t as growly as his brothers. He surely wasn’t as gruff as her cousin. He seemed to love life a bit more. Or maybe he was just happier. The fact that he was doing this for her meant that he had a secure sense of self that she couldn’t even hope to possess.
She truly appreciated him and everything he was doing. Though she wasn’t sure how to tell him.
They sat down in an angled corner booth, one with leather backs taller than her head. She just sank in, grinning.
“They don’t make booths like these anymore.”
“No. And I don’t like sitting in the middle of the area either, feeling like I’m on display.” Aaron winced. “Though I think that’s what we’re supposed to do tonight.”
Madison tried to ignore the hurt that statement caused because it was true. She shouldn’t feel bad about it.
“We can always take a picture and post it on social media. That’s what couples do, right?”
“It’s been so long that I don’t even remember anymore. Well, we can do that.”
Aaron pulled out his phone and turned it to face them. Then he wrapped his arm around her shoulders before kissing her cheek and hitting the side button. She saw her face in the photo, her eyes wide, surprise evident, and Aaron chuckled.
“Don’t look so surprised, it’s supposed to be real.”
“Yeah, sure.”
He took another photo, and she grinned, happiness in her eyes. She hoped that nobody saw the fear there, too. The disappointment.
Because she knew it was there and could definitely see it.
Clear as day.
Or maybe she was projecting.
The waiter came, and Aaron put away his phone after posting on Instagram. They ordered appetizers and their meals and a bottle of wine to share.
Madison would be stuffed, and she could not wait.
“They have the best salads. The lettuce is perfectly cold and crisp.”
“I thought you said you didn’t want a salad?” Aaron teased.
“I’m eating the salad. As well as the olives and the red onions. I’m sorry, but I have to eat the red onions.”
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