Then I’ll make sure and feed you before we shop. Though it’ll have to be somewhere fast.
I love me some Taco Bell.
I wait for his response, laughing when I get it.
:(
I decide to offer another suggestion.
McDonald’s?
I’d rather not.
Now it’s my turn to send the sad face.
:( You’re no fun.
You should already know this by now, Miss Harrison.
I laugh some more. I don’t know if he’s being funny on purpose, but he’s cracking me up.
Are we back to formality, Mr. Gaines?
Indeed we are.
Should I say what I really think?
Yeah, I’m going for it.
I think you get off on us talking like this. Like it gives you some sort of perverted thrill or something.
He doesn’t respond for six minutes this time, and I’m disappointed. Did I drive him away? Maybe I said too much.
But finally, I receive a text.
You really believe that?
I respond immediately.
Yes. I do.
Then I add a winky face emoji to keep the moment light.
Perhaps you’re right. Good night, Miss Harrison. See you tomorrow.
Marlo let me clock out ten minutes early as I asked, and so I take those extra minutes and get ready for my shopping date with Jared and his sister. Hopefully it won’t be weird with her being there. It has the potential to get awkward, because things are pretty damn awkward between the two of us already.
Hopefully his sister isn’t too observant. If that’s the case, she’ll see right through our charade.
I grab my bag from the back room and lock myself away in one of the store’s dressing rooms, staring at my reflection in the full-length mirror. My makeup still looks pretty good, I just need to touch up my lipstick and that’s it, so I do. My hair is decent. Curling it the night before usually means it stays curled throughout the next day.
I’m wearing my usual Bliss uniform of black—pants today—and a thin, black short-sleeved sweater that has such a flattering fit. My boobs look pretty great, if I do say so myself, as they’re nicely supported by my brand-new Celestial bra.
Yes. I’m wearing one of the bras he gave me. Screw it, they belong to me, so I may as well embrace my new gifts.
I’m keeping the same clothes on, because I don’t want to look like I’m trying too hard. This is just a casual shopping excursion, as he called it via text last night. I look professional, put together, and hopefully his sister will like me.
But what if she hates me? What if I hate her? I stare at my reflection, nibbling off my freshly applied lipstick, immediately annoyed with myself. How can she hate me? I’m a decent person. It’s her brother who’s the asshole.
I wonder if she knows that. I wonder if I have to be the one to break it to her.
Deciding I look as good as it’s going to get, I leave Bliss, shouting goodbye to Marlo and Bethany as I walk out the door. They have no idea what I’m doing tonight, because no way am I going to tell them. I was able to get next Friday and Saturday off—I rarely work on Sundays—so I’m set on leaving for the weekend. Marlo didn’t even ask what I’m up to.
And I didn’t volunteer any information to her either.
I walk down the street, enjoying the warm spring evening, the scent of the ocean carrying on the breeze, along with all of the delicious smells emanating from the restaurants I pass by. I stop in front of the Sweet Dreams bakery and settle my butt on one of the black iron chairs that sit out front, a sigh escaping me. I’ve been on my feet all day, and while the Louboutins are somewhat comfortable, my feet still ache.
Checking my phone, I see I still have four minutes before Jared has to officially show up and I decide to text Caroline real quick and give her the deets.
Not that I’m trying to brag or anything. More like I need her to know in case anything terrible happens to me. It’s like when you go on a date with some strange dude that you met on a dating app. We all keep each other informed when we do stuff like that. I don’t want to end up the victim of the next Craigslist Killer.
Not that we’re going out with guys we find on Craigslist, but you know what I mean.
Hey! I’m going shopping with Jared Gaines and his sister tonight. Text me on occasion and check up on me, okay?
My phone buzzes within a minute of me sending that text. Now that’s how someone is supposed to respond.
Shopping? Oooh, exciting. Too bad he can’t take you to a Chanel or Dior boutique.
Rub it in, I respond, adding a smiling faced emoji.
A man clears his throat and I glance up to find Jared standing by the table, towering over me. I forgot how tall he is. How commanding his presence is, too. “Oh. Hi. Where’s your sister?” I glance around, expecting to see the adorable woman from the photo Eleanor showed me, but it looks like good ol’ Mr. Gaines showed up alone.
“We need to talk. About that.” He sits in the chair opposite me, his penetrating gaze meeting mine when I turn to face him. “She thinks we’re together.”
Duh, I want to tell him, but I don’t. “I would assume so.”
“That means we need to act like we’re—together.” His expression is pained. Is it really that bad, pretending to like me? I thought he already did.
Well. Like and attraction can be two different things.
“That’s not a problem,” I say, keeping my voice calm, my expression solemn. I’m curious, though. Why all the pretending? Why does he feel the need to put on a show for his family? I’d love to know.
I doubt he’d tell me.
“Okay. Good.” He nods. Exhales loudly, like he’s been holding his breath. Was he worried? That’s kind of mind blowing. I didn’t think much bothered him, with the exception of me. “She’s going to meet us here, but she’s always late, so it’ll be a while.”
Glancing behind me through the window, I see Stella’s dad working the counter inside Sweet Dreams. The man is here day and night. Does he ever rest? “We could eat here, if you want.”
“I’ve had their coffee. And their pretzels, though it’s been years,” Jared admits.
Oh look, he’s a normal human after all. “Aren’t they delicious?”
“I remember them being pretty good,” he says.
“The sandwiches are delicious too. If you, um, like sandwiches. Though maybe you want something fancier, I’m not sure.” I sound like a babbling idiot, which is normal behavior when I’m around this man.
He points an index finger at me. “You can’t do that in front of my sister.”
“What am I doing?” I sort of realize what it is, but I’d appreciate it if he described it to me in full detail.
“Talking to me like you don’t know me. We know each other.” He sends me a pointed look. “We’re supposed to be dating, remember?”
“But we’ve only ever interacted at Bliss and that’s it,” I remind him. “I don’t really know you.”
“From those brief interactions, what have you discovered about me?” He crosses his arms, contemplating me.
Talk about putting me on the spot. Taking a deep breath, I decide to be one hundred percent truthful. “I know you’re extremely demanding. Exact. Particular. You’re always punctual and mostly professional.” He’s said and done a few things that are the opposite of professional, and he knows it.
He says nothing. Just studies me with that piercing gaze.
“You’re generous.” Very, what with the gifts he’s sent me. “Focused. You, um, go after what you want.”
“That’s true,” he says, nodding slowly. “What you said is all true.”
“You can also be very…unforgiving. You have a low tolerance for bullshit,” I say in conclusion. I don’t bother telling him he’s attractive and sexy. He’s probably been told that countless times by his many mistresses.
“You’re right.” He tilts his head, contemplating me. “Can I
tell you what I’ve learned about you?”
“Please. Go ahead.” I brace myself for insults.
“You’re very…thorough. You’re also thoughtful. Observant. Confident. Smart. A little stubborn.” He hesitates, his voice shifting lower. “You’re also extremely beautiful.”
My entire body goes hot at his words, at the way he’s looking at me. He’s offered me nothing but compliments. And yes, that means I’m taking the stubborn remark as a positive. His words leave me completely shook, but in a good way.
A very good way.
The breeze ruffles his hair, causing a thick lock to fall across his forehead and giving him a boyish appeal. Though there’s nothing boyish about Jared Gaines, at this moment, I could almost consider him…
Adorable.
Shit. This means I am in big trouble.
“There. That’s it,” he says, his voice soft. “That’s how you need to look at me.”
“How am I looking at you?” I sound horrified, and I clamp my lips shut. Sit up a little straighter.
“Like you adore me,” he admits, his lips curling in the faintest smile. “Keep that up and Candice will totally—”
“Candice will totally what?”
We both glance up at the sweet, feminine voice that just interrupted our conversation. Of course, it’s Candice Gaines standing in front of us, her expression questioning, her big smile putting me at immediate ease.
“I was telling Sarah how much I think you two are going to get along,” he says smoothly, sending me a pointed glance before he stands and presses a kiss to his sister’s cheek. “You’re late.”
“As usual.” She’s not fazed by his annoyance. I already like this chick. “You should know this by now. And you.” She turns her attention to me, her sparkling eyes seeming to eat me up, though not in a bad way. The curiosity is practically causing her body to vibrate. “You must be Sarah.”
I rise to my feet only to find myself tugged into her arms. She gives me a big hug, her bold floral scent enveloping me, making my nose itch. I glance over at Jared, who’s watching us, a helpless expression on his face, and I realize quick that he’s…
Terrified.
Interesting.
His family seems to make him extremely nervous.
Resolve steels my spine and I vow right then to make our phony relationship as believable as I possibly can. Why I want to help this man, I’m not sure, but that quick flash of vulnerability in his gaze just hooked me.
“It’s so nice to meet you,” I tell his sister, pulling away and offering her a warm smile. “Jared has already told me so much about you.”
“Really? Well, then you’re at an advantage. He hasn’t told me nearly enough about you.” Candice reaches out and playfully shoves at Jared’s shoulder, but he barely moves.
Did I mention that he’s tall and broad and he towers over both of us? Because he does.
“Ha, ha. Very funny, Candice.” Jared shifts so he’s standing by my side, sneaking his arm around my waist and pulling me so close, I’m plastered against him. He’s warm and solid and he smells so delicious, I’m thankful he has such a tight grip on me. My entire body starts to tingle from his nearness.
It’s not a hardship to pretend to be attracted to this guy.
That’s because I actually am attracted to him. No faking necessary.
Candice is smiling at us as we stand there, and she clasps her hands together in front of her chest like a child. “Aren’t you two the cutest? Oh my God, I love this.”
My cheeks are warm at her making such a fuss over us, but Jared doesn’t appear ruffled whatsoever. “Are you hungry?” he asks Candice.
“Always,” she answers with a tiny laugh.
“Are you?” He gazes down at me, his fingers pressing into my side, and I nod. Nibble on my bottom lip for the quickest moment.
“Definitely,” I answer, noting how throaty my voice sounds.
I think it’s because he’s touching me. Looking at me.
As if he actually likes me.
“Please tell me we’re going to eat at Sweet Dreams,” Candice says as she approaches the front window and presses her hands against the glass while peering inside. “I’ve always loved this place. I know the owner.”
“You do? So do I! His daughter is one of my best friends,” I tell her as I shift away from Jared and go stand next to her at the window.
“You know Stella?” Candice asks as she looks at me.
“Oh my God, you know her too? How crazy is this!” I need to calm down, but hey, Jared’s sister and I have something in common. Mutual friends. I figured we moved in separate circles. His family is in the rich one and I’m in the poor one.
But Stella comes from a prominent family. They’ve lived in the Monterey area for generations, and Sweet Dreams is an institution. Her older brothers have carried on the legacy and have opened two restaurants in downtown Carmel, with plans to open a third on the Wharf in Monterey.
“Yes! We had dance together when we were kids. We were on the same competition team for a couple of years.” Candice wiggles her hips, making me laugh. “I have the medals and incriminating photographs to prove it.”
“Oh, I would love to see those someday. She’s never mentioned being on a competitive dance team,” I tell Candice as Jared leads us inside the bakery-slash-café. It’s quiet, only a few tables are occupied, and there’s no one in line at the counter. Sweet Dreams does most of its business in the morning, when there’s a line out the door for their delicious coffee drinks and pastries.
Stella’s dad Lorenzo comes from behind the counter to greet me with open arms. I let him wrap me up in a hug, savoring the feeling, hoping I don’t get choked up.
Lorenzo hugs always remind me of my dad and make me miss him.
“It’s been too long, beautiful girl,” Lorenzo murmurs close to my ear before he pulls me away from him. He keeps his hands wrapped around my upper arms so he can examine me. “You never come here anymore.”
“I’m here all the time,” I tell him with an eyeroll accompanied by a laugh. “It’s Stella who usually helps me. You’re always in the back, so I never get to see you.”
“Tell her she needs to bring you to dinner at our house soon. We get together—”
“—every Sunday,” I finish for him with a smile. “I remember.”
I’ve been to my fair share of Ricci family dinners. They’re always loud and boisterous, with Lorenzo yelling at his sons and the sons yelling back. Stella usually brings a few tagalongs looking forward to an authentic, home-cooked Italian meal, and her mom is always more than willing to feed us.
“You’re too thin,” she used to tell me when I was younger. “You need to eat more. Here.” She’d shove a bowl of pasta at me, and I’d always take it.
The last few times I went to eat dinner there, though, she didn’t remark on how I was too thin. I guess I’ve finally filled out enough for her approval.
“Do you remember me, Mr. Ricci?” Candice takes a step forward, bestowing Lorenzo with a megawatt smile. “My name is Candice Gaines. I used to dance with Stella at the Dance Studio.”
“Of course, of course.” He pulls her in for a quick hug, beaming at her. “Aren’t you still the cutest thing?” He glances over at Jared. “And who’s this?”
“My brother, Jared. Sarah’s new boyfriend!” Candice announces with glee.
Lorenzo’s eyes narrow as he contemplates Jared. “New boyfriend, eh?” He’s now looking over at me. “Is he doing right by you, Sarah?”
“Yes, of course he is!” I say too brightly, moving so I’m standing right next to Jared. I hook my arm through his, trying to appear united with Jared. “He’s the greatest.”
Jared makes a little growling noise low in his throat, and I take it as code for shut the hell up.
“Why hasn’t Stella mentioned this boyfriend of yours to me before?” Lorenzo asks skeptically.
“We’ve only been dating for a short time,” I tell Lorenzo, wanting to
laugh at the scowl he sends in Jared’s direction. I appreciate Lorenzo’s overprotective father act, but I don’t want him to blow our cover either.
“But don’t they make the cutest couple?” Candice asks with a big romantic sigh.
“I suppose,” Lorenzo says as he makes his way back behind the counter. “Now tell me what sandwich you each want, and I’ll make it special. Even yours,” he says directly to Jared.
It takes everything within me not to burst out laughing.
Eighteen
Jared
This evening has the potential to become a nightmare of epic proportions. This means Sarah and I have to be extra careful.
Candice is her usual over-the-top self. She sucked right up to the old man who owns the Sweet Dreams Café and got herself a free sandwich out of it, including a cup of pasta salad and a drink. Sarah got a free meal as well, though she knows the man through one of her friends, so I don’t have a problem with it.
That old man clearly has a problem with me, though. He regards me with immediate distrust, and no matter what I say or do, he shuts it down or throws subtle insults in my direction. I decide it’s best to remain quiet instead. Don’t want to disturb the old guy and make him think I’m up to no good.
We sit outside, Candice and Sarah chatting away while I eat my dinner—that I had to pay for, by the way. They’re acting like they’re long-lost best friends, and Sarah keeps sending me looks that clearly say can you believe this? and wow I think she really likes me!
At least, that’s how I’m interpreting them.
I remain quiet throughout dinner, listening to their conversation. Really, what could I say? I should be glad they’re getting along so well. But it’s also risky, that they’re acting this way so quickly. What if Candice reveals bits of information about me that I want no one else to know about? Or what if Sarah blows our cover and confesses that we’re not really together? I’m not sure what Candice would do if she found out I lied to her about my and Sarah’s so-called relationship.
Truthfully, I didn’t even mean for her to get this involved. I should’ve never answered that damn phone call.
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