“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.”
“Honestly, none of them are his match, based on his software.”
Her jaw dropped. “He actually did his profile?” Why did that bother her so much? What if she input her profile? Would they match? Ugh. She needed to cut that out.
Ty nodded. “Yeah, and women found out. Changed their profiles to match his. It was a mess.”
“I can’t believe he did that and didn’t tell me.”
“He didn’t tell you?” Ty got a funny look on his face. There was something Peyton couldn’t put a finger on, but she was probably just reading into it. It seemed that lately she couldn’t think clearly, considering she was calling Gus beautiful and hot.
She shook her head. “Why wouldn’t he have told me that?”
“Maybe he didn’t think you’d care.”
Suddenly, she found herself caring a lot. Gus in love. What if the new woman didn’t like Peyton? Would Gus stop being her friend? She shook that thought away as soon as it popped up. No, Gus was her best friend. No one could tear them apart.
“Well, I care in that I’m sure it stressed him out. He should have told me.”
Ty shrugged and took a sip of coffee. “He probably didn’t want to dump his problems on you.”
Peyton snorted. “As many times as I’ve called him, crying? I owe him. And now he’s brought me here? I’m going to owe him until I’m eighty.”
“I don’t know. You did get Justine off his back.”
“Yeah, but I don’t think he sees it that way. The only reason he’s not telling her is because he doesn’t want to hurt my feelings. He wouldn’t say that, but that’s the real reason.” She sipped her coffee and sighed.
Ty chuckled. “Nah, he’s been dodging Justine. You saved his bacon.”
“You think we’ll see a lot of her?”
He shook his head. “I doubt it. There’s a lot to do, and she’s more interested in the resort than anything. I bet you guys don’t even have to so much as hold hands the rest of the week.”
Her heart took a nosedive. It had been nice being close to Gus. Oh, she wanted to pull her hair out. This was good news. It was for the best that they didn’t have to pretend they were a couple.
“I bet you’re right.” She scratched a spot under her ear. “I guess I feel like I’m more trouble than Gus needs or wants. I wanted to feel useful.”
Ty leaned over his chair and touched her arm. “Hey, I can assure you, he doesn’t feel that way. You mean a lot to him, and he enjoys coming to your rescue. I think he’s been a little lost since his mom’s been gone. He was always helping her, and now that she’s passed away, he feels useless. You give him the chance to feel needed.”
“I hadn’t thought about that. He loved his mom. After his dad left, he was so sad. He’d just sit in his backyard and cry. That first summer after he moved next door, his dad had promised Gus that he could stay with him until school started. Just before he was supposed to leave, his dad canceled. Gus was devastated.”
Ty nodded. “See? You’ve come to his rescue too. Friendship doesn’t have scorecards, sweetheart. I promise Gus doesn’t keep one.”
She nodded. “Yeah, I know.”
“I’m going to head out. If you need anything, call,” Ty said and stood.
“Okay.”
He winked and walked back into the bungalow.
Now alone, Peyton scooted down in her seat and propped her feet up. The view was so breathtaking, and with the light breeze, it was the most peace she’d felt in years. All because Gus showed up unexpectedly. He really was something special.
She groaned and pushed out of the chair. Her head was a fried, stressed-out jungle. What she needed was some sand and surf. Gus in swim trunks and no shirt popped into her head. Oh yeah, she needed help. She needed a distraction and fast.
Chapter 8
Music played softly in the pavilion situated next to the restaurant. It was attached to the patio, but there were no tables. Just couches, chairs, and fireplaces.
Gus and Ty stood in the back, observing. The mixer had just started, and Gus was anxious to see how the event would do. “Do you want some water?” he asked.
Ty shook his head. “Nah, I’ll have a glass of wine or something later.”
Gus caught a waiter walking by as he went into the kitchen. “Do me a favor, no hurry. When you come back out, would you bring me some water?”
The man smiled. “Yes, sir.”
“Thanks.”
Sticking his hands in his pockets, Gus let his gaze roam over the space. This had been the perfect spot. Insulated against the wind enough to keep from being blown over, but open enough to still get a nice breeze. With the fireplaces crackling away and the sunset in the background, it set the right mood for the event.
Ty tipped his chin in the direction of the tree. “This idea for the Christmas tree was excellent. A great way to start this week.”
Gus shrugged. “Well, it’s Christmas Eve. We’re in Hawaii, so with no tree or snow, it wouldn’t feel very festive.”
“True. Now we just need mistletoe hung in a few strategic places, and it’ll be perfect.” Ty grinned and wiggled his eyebrows.
With a sigh, Gus pinched the bridge of his nose. “You’re killing me.”
“You’re just afraid you’d get caught under some with Peyton, and then you’d have to kiss her.”
Gus shook his head but remained silent, keeping his eyes trained on the front of the pavilion where guests were arriving. Then he felt Tyrone’s gaze on him. “What, Ty?”
“You’re sure focused on people arriving.”
“That’s why we’re here. To focus on our guests.” After tonight, they’d be leaving the resort in the hands of the people they’d hired. Both men wanted to see things from a layman’s point of view. That way, they knew what the job of the host would entail, and they could pay accordingly.
Ty chuckled. “Couldn’t be the attractive, newly-single brunette you brought along, could it? You know, the one pretending to be your wife?”
Gus rolled his shoulders and stretched his neck. “No. Peyton’s a friend.”
“I’ll make you a deal.” Ty crossed his arms over his chest. “A one-time offer never to be repeated.”
Gus sighed heavily. “What kind of deal?”
“I will never mention anything about you and Peyton again if you’ll just try while you’re here this week.” Ty held his gaze. He was a man of jokes and fun, but when he held a person’s gaze like that, it was all jokes aside. “But you have to make an actual real effort. I want at least one real kiss. If there are no sparks, no nothing, I’ll back off, and you’ll never hear me speak of it again.”
“Never?” Gus asked. Ty never speaking of it again. Man, that was tempting.
Gus cursed under his breath, something he rarely did. “I did kiss her, remember?” Yeah, even he wasn’t buying that. It’d been forever ago, and they had changed.
Ty lifted an eyebrow as he looked at him. “It’s time to try again.”
Gus shook his head. “No.”
“Well, what if she kisses you?”
That was ridiculous. Peyton would never kiss him. “Then I’ll enjoy it, because it’s never going to happen.”
“Okay, then do we have a deal? You give it your best shot while you’re here, and if she kisses you, you go for it. In exchange, I’ll shut up about you and Peyton.”
Gus stuck out his hand. He’d be too busy to really make a go of it this week, so this deal was in the bag. “You’ve got a deal.”
“Sir? Your water?” the waiter he’d stopped earlier said.
Gus took it and said, “Thanks.”
Ty and Gus waited until he’d moved on.
“Great,” Ty said quietly, shaking his hand. “I can’t wait to see how this plays out.”
Gus rolled his eyes, and just then, a figure caught his eye.
Peyton in a dress that could make Zeus weep. It was honey-colored and flowing in the wind, and she looked like someone from Mount Olympus.
“You’re drooling.” Ty laughed. “But I can’t blame you.”
Gus didn’t hear him. “You got this?” he asked absentmindedly and set his drink on a tray that passed by on a waiter’s arm.
Ty laughed again, but it was lost on Gus. He was fixed on Peyton.
When he stopped in front of her, he didn’t know what to say. For a second, he just gaped. “Wow. You look…wow.”
Her cheeks turned crimson, and she smiled. “And you look…like James Bond. All tailored and dashing. This party is great.”
“It is. We’ll make a few announcements, but hopefully, people see it as a time to get acquainted and meet their someone special.”
“I wish you could meet your someone special. I’m worried about you. You’re alone in New York and work all the time. I want to see you happy. You’re here. Would it hurt to meet someone?”
“I’m not a match with anyone.” He’d keep that he’d done it on purpose to himself. Besides, the only one he wanted to be matched with was her. “What’s really got you so focused on this?”
She shrugged. “You’re always rescuing me. I just want to take care of you the way you always take care of me.”
“Last I checked, you saved me from a very vicious reporter. And I’m not alone in New York. I have Ty. I’m fine, really.”
Peyton sighed. “All right.” She paused and looked over her shoulder. “I’m going to get something to drink. I’ll be right back.”
“Do you want me to get it?” he asked.
She shook her head. “No, I don’t know what I want yet.”
With the way the dress hit the floor, it looked like she was floating away. He’d always thought of her as graceful and poised. Man, she was beautiful.
“Gus,” Justine said from behind him.
He turned. “Hey, Justine. Have you enjoyed everything so far?”
She smiled. “I have. This place is beyond incredible. You can fall in love here without even trying.” Her gaze swept around the pavilion. “I must admit, I’m impressed. It’s beautiful, simple yet elegant, and luxurious. And this mixer is very low-key. Listening to the guests, they’re quite happy with how you’ve done things.” She smiled.
“That was the idea.” Gus chuckled.
She moved a little closer. “Well, all I can say is that it’s an idea well executed. I’ve slept in more hotels than I can count, and I’ve never had a bed like the one I slept on last night. It was incredible.”
“I’m glad to hear that.”
Justine tilted her head. “Would you mind if I asked you a few questions?”
Now that he was pretending to be married to Peyton, he didn’t mind at all. What could she ask? “Sure.”
She tilted her head. “I’ve asked around about you in New York. No one seems to remember you ever talking about being with anyone.”
Gus froze. She’d asked around about him? Great. Suddenly, he felt like a mouse in a hawk’s talons. “I’m a private person, and I don’t want to be the topic of gossip.” Whew, quick thinking on his part.
“I’ve learned that much, but, still, it seems rather odd that no one would have heard of your wife…Peyton, is it?” She ran her hand down his lapel, and Gus stepped back. What was Justine doing? Peyton needed to hurry back.
A few of the guests turned their attention toward him, and it took effort not to pull at his collar. The guests weren’t supposed to know about the little white lie. What was he going to do if he had to pretend to be married in front of all of his guests? They’d really have to act married. Could he handle that? If he came clean now, what would Justine do? He’d worked too hard to build this place to have it ruined because he’d angered a journalist.
“We grew up together in Juneau. There’s nothing else, really.” That information was nothing people didn’t already know.
“That’s good to hear.”
“Hey,” Peyton said as she returned, holding two drinks in her hand. “Justine, I hope you are enjoying your stay,” she said as she looked up at Gus and smiled. He inwardly sighed in relief. Being left alone with Justine wasn’t an option anymore.
“It’s been lovely.” Justine raised her glass to Peyton. “I don’t think I’ve properly congratulated you on your wedding. When exactly did you get married?”
Again, a few guests cast glances in Gus’s direction, and he could swear he heard murmurs, as if the lie was being spread like a wildfire. Yep, there went his plan to keep the ruse contained to one person.
“A few days ago. It was spur of the moment, right, sweetie?” Peyton smiled.
“Yeah, spur of the moment.” Gus nodded as he put his arm around her waist, pulling her closer.
Justine’s gaze dipped to their hands. “Still no rings? I’m surprised those weren’t the first things you went out and bought.” She held Peyton’s gaze. “I mean, on an island filled with single women, if I were married to him, I’d stake my claim.”
Gus laughed. “We’ll get rings soon enough.”
Peyton hugged his arm. “Besides, I don’t have to worry about that. Gus would never do anything to hurt me.” She rested her hand on his chest. “My husband is a good man.”
More murmurs, and Gus felt everyone in the room shifting their gazes to him and Peyton. He needed to talk to her before things got too crazy. “Justine, I’m sorry. I need to speak to my wife a moment.”
Justine nodded. “Sure. I’ve got all week, right?”
“Exactly,” Gus said and led Peyton out of the pavilion, down to the beach, and away from anyone who could hear them.
He took her hands in his. “I’m so sorry. I had no idea she’d ask about us being married in front of the guests.”
“It’s okay. I’m just glad I saw her. What do you think she’d do if she found out you weren’t really married?” Peyton asked.
Gus shrugged. “I have no idea. It’s not like someone single can’t run a matchmaking agency or that it hasn’t been done before. I don’t know why she seems so fixated on it.”
“Maybe it’s not the resort she’s focused on. Maybe it’s you.”
His eyes widened. “Then she’s in for a letdown. I’m not interested. I just don’t know about lying to my guests.”
“If you want, we could just tell her the truth. I doubt the idea of being married to me is all that great.” Peyton cast her gaze down to the sand.
Is that what she thought? How could he get out of this without hurting her and still keep Justine out of his business? “No, that’s not what I mean. You just got out of a relationship. I don’t want you to feel like you have to keep up the pretense.”
“It’s okay. Really. I mean, if nothing else, having the day to myself gave me a lot of time to think. Frank isn’t worth my tears or my anger. He wasn’t worth my time, and I should have seen it from the very beginning.” Peyton stepped into him. “I know we argued in college, and I know I asked you to butt out of my love life, but I’m rescinding that. I need you to tell me when I’m making a horrible choice. You’re my friend, and if I care about you as much as you care about me, I’ll at least be willing to hear you out.”
Gus wasn’t sure he could do that. Not after the fight they had. “I don’t know, Peyton. You were so angry.”
“I know, but we’ll call it youthful stupidity. You have my permission to tell me what you think, and I will do my best to listen from now on.”
Gus couldn’t hold back as the overwhelming need hit him to tell her exactly what he thought of all her boyfriends. “Every guy you’ve dated has been a class-A jerk. They don’t treat you like you should be treated. They don’t listen like they should, and you were too good for them. I have no idea what you saw in them. And Frank was the worst by far. If a slug and a deformed jellyfish had a baby, it would make fun of Frank.”
Peyton rolled her lips in. “Do you feel better now?”
Gus laughed.
“Actually, yeah, I do.”
She giggled and wrapped her arms around him. “You really are the best. You know that? If anyone deserves someone special, it’s you. When we get back to the mainland, we’re finding you someone that will love you. You’ll just have to promise me they won’t make you stop being friends with me.”
He hugged her back. “Peyton, if any woman told me I couldn’t be friends with you, I wouldn’t be with her. You mean the world to me, and if they love me, they’ll love you too.”
She squeezed him. “I don’t know what I’d do without you.”
He sighed and rolled his eyes. “Come on. Let’s get back to the party.”
She slipped her arm through his as they walked back, and it didn’t take any imagination at all for Gus to picture this being his life with her. Slow strolls, laughter…love. Only, he’d never have this. He’d have a week of pretending what it would be like and then have to go home to an empty apartment and nurse an even bigger heartache.
Chapter 9
Peyton should’ve known it wouldn’t take long for the news to spread when there was a journalist around. She blushed at the number of congratulations she received as she walked back to the patio, even if it was all fake.
It was exciting to be attached to Gus. And now, Peyton had ruined any chance for him to find someone. Even when she was trying to be selfless, she was selfish. When was she ever going to do anything right?
They’d just made their way through the welcoming crowd, when Tyrone stopped into the middle of the room in front of them.
Gus smiled. “What are you doing, Tyrone?” he asked without moving his lips.
Peyton heard him, but that’s because she was pressed so close to him. She was positive no one else had.
“Ladies and gentlemen, I present Mr. and Mrs. Gustaf Grant.”
“I’m going to kill you,” Gus said without dropping his smile.
The crowd erupted into cheers and more congratulations.
The Matchmaker's Fake Marriage (Sweet Fake Marriage Romance Book 4) Page 6