The Matchmaker's Fake Marriage (Sweet Fake Marriage Romance Book 4)

by Bree Livingston

  Gus leaned down. “I’m so sorry.”

  She smiled at him. “Why? This is actually a little fun.”

  “What a great way to start this week. We at Mr. Matchmaker hope that this week leads you to the love of your life and a happily ever after just like Gus and Peyton.”

  Peyton could see a vein popping out of Gus’s neck, and she snickered. Ty was in the doghouse with Gus.

  “Stop,” Gus said through his teeth.

  “What I’m thinking is that we need to see a kiss. Something to really start this week. How about it, you two? Why not start this week off with a kiss?”

  The bulging vein throbbed in time to the music playing, and beneath Gus’s seemingly calm demeanor, Peyton knew he was a hot pot ready to boil over. She should’ve been sympathetic, but in a way, it was comical, and it took effort on her part not to laugh.

  “I really don’t think that’s a good idea,” Gus said.

  Her best friend was never going to kiss her. Not after kissing her in tenth grade and her walking away. He’d had years to try since then, and not once had he ever even given her so much as a peck on the lips. If Ty was going to get his big show, it was up to her to do it.

  She cupped Gus’s cheek, lifted on her toes, and pressed her lips to his. The explosion of fireworks took her breath away. Her heart pounded so fast it almost hurt.

  Pulling back slightly, lips a breath away, she looked into his eyes, and everything around her faded. Tingles flew in every direction like lightning in a storm.

  She pressed her lips to his again, and this time, he responded.

  Holy. Guacamole.

  She circled her arms around his neck, and it was a good thing she was holding on to him; otherwise, she’d be on the floor. Her knees were shaking so hard they were actually hitting each other.

  This time the cheer of the crowd broke through, and Gus leaned back. Something she couldn’t put a finger on flashed in his eyes.

  He put his mouth to her ear. “I’m sorry about that.”

  “It’s okay.”

  “I promise I didn’t read anything into it, and I know we’re just friends,” he whispered.

  He didn’t feel that spark? Really? Of course he didn’t, and neither did she.

  Discreetly, she took a big breath and calmed herself. This island had mojo or something. Hadn’t she seen that on Ghosthunters or something? That’s it. It was paradise casting its crazy love spell on her. When she got back to Juneau, Gus would go back to being Gus. Her best friend. There’d be no more of these weird, confusing feelings.

  “Okay,” Gus said and cleared his throat. “I guess it’s time to trim the tree. Pick your favorite ornament, something that represents you, and find a spot on the tree. There are plenty, so feel free to fill that tree. Once the ornaments are hung, we’ll light it up.”

  The rest of the night, Peyton stayed close to Gus. She watched him work the room, effortlessly starting a conversation and smoothly going to the next, and she could tell he took in every word of the conversation. He would hold the person’s gaze and keep it as they talked, letting them know they had his undivided attention. She marveled at the way he moved, and she’d never been prouder of him.

  It made her feel good to be with him. When she’d speak, he never interrupted, not like Frank or the other guys she dated. He laughed at her jokes, held her close, and did all the things a great husband would do. It was…nice, and she liked the feel of him next to her.

  Then she’d remember it wasn’t real.

  Once the tree was trimmed, the lights were turned on, and the large spruce that nearly touched the ceiling lit up. It was gorgeous, and the guests clapped.

  What Peyton noticed most, though, was that the air felt a little more natural. The nervous energy was still present, but it wasn’t a scared or shy energy. It was excited and expectant. She looked at Gus and, again, marveled at how incredible he was.

  Near the end of the night, Gus tapped his glass to get the guests’ attention. “This has been a wonderful start to the week. I want to personally thank you for agreeing to come here and join us in this little, albeit expensive, experiment. Remember, relax and be yourself. If you need anything, please ask the staff, and they will take care of it. We’re having one last dance, and then we’ll conclude the mixer.” He paused. “Tomorrow is Christmas, and we’ll have dinner on the patio. Until then, enjoy your time and get to know someone new.”

  The music started, and Gus took Peyton, swirling her onto the dance floor.

  She tipped her head back, laughing. “Oh! You caught me off guard.” It had been years since she’d had so much fun.

  “Did you not want to dance?”

  “I did, but I wasn’t expecting Mr. Suave to twirl me onto the dance floor.”

  He chuckled as he rested one hand on her lower back, and with the other, he held her hand to his chest. “Yeah, I’m not really Mr. Suave, and we both know that.”

  “After what I’ve seen tonight? You most certainly are.”

  “It’s just…business. Well, more personal. I do care about whether or not the people using my software find someone to love.” His voice was low and deep. Was it always so sexy? Gus and sexy. Who knew?

  Peyton held his gaze. “You are a special person, Gus Grant. I’m so glad I know you.”

  Justine stopped them as they danced. “I’m sorry to barge in, but I was hoping to ask you a few more questions.”

  They stopped, and Gus kept his arm around Peyton. “Sure.”

  “You said you’ve known each other since you were nine. Did you always know you wanted to be together?” Justine asked.

  “Best thing my family ever did was move into the house next to hers. I’d have never passed English if I didn’t cheat off her in seventh grade.” He grinned.

  Peyton’s mouth dropped open. “I knew it,” she said and popped him in the arm.

  “That didn’t answer my question,” Justine said. “When did you know she was the one?”

  As he looked down, Peyton looked up, and he smiled. As he spoke, he held her gaze. “When I was growing up, my dad would make promises and break them. It was a regular occurrence, but this one summer, he’d promised to take me camping for two whole weeks. Of course, deep down I knew it wasn’t going to happen, but it didn’t stop me from hoping.”

  He paused a moment. “My dad had disappointed me before, but that year, the summer after our first year of high school, it cut deep. It had happened before, and Peyton had worked to take my mind off of it each time. We’d even camped out in the backyard in the past, but that summer, she planned an entire camping trip for me. She even got her parents and my mom to go along with it. I knew right then she was someone I wanted to spend my life with.”

  Peyton remembered that. Gus was devastated that summer. Beyond anything she’d ever seen. It was like he’d lost his spark…the thing that made him Gus, and she’d been desperate to help him find it. It wasn’t long after that he’d kissed her, but as quickly as he’d kissed her, he’d declared he only wanted to be friends. It was as though kissing her made him realize he didn’t want more.

  “And, you, Peyton, when did you know that he was the one?” Justine’s question broke through her thoughts.

  Peyton looked at him and held his gaze. “Gus is lovable and sweet. From the moment I saw him, it was like I’d been waiting for him. I loved being around him. The way he’d make me laugh or how he’d walk me home and hold my books. He’s my Gus-Gus.” She smiled. “He’s always been there for me, and I couldn’t imagine life without him.” And she couldn’t. Life without Gus would be…intolerable. She knew all this was pretend, but if she let herself, for just a second, think about a future with him, there was no doubt in her mind that it’d be the kind of future she’d always wanted.

  Justine smiled but didn’t try to hide her disappointment. “You two are cute together. I can see you really love each other.” Maybe she would stick to the story about the resort and abandon her personal interest in Gus if she be
lieved they were really in love.

  Gus laughed, but it sounded off. “Thanks.”

  “Well, I’ll go so you two can finish your dance. Thank you for your time. This resort is incredible.”

  “Thank you,” Gus said.

  Once she was out of earshot, Peyton popped him in the chest. “You are so charming.”

  “Nah, just comfortable with you, and you make it easy to be around others. Alone? I’m two left feet and broken fingers.” The way he smiled at her made him look so kissable. But that fireworks show was hers and hers alone, apparently.

  He took her in his arms, and they began dancing again. “I bet you’re sorry you’ve declared yourself my wife now.”

  “No, actually, it’s been fun.”

  When the song ended, Gus let her go. “I’m ready for Christmas Eve hot cocoa and opening presents, are you? You don’t have to, of course. You can stay a while longer. I’m just tired.”

  “And miss out on our tradition of opening presents on Christmas Eve? No way. Besides, these heels aren’t nearly as comfortable as I make them look.” She laughed.

  He swept her into his arms and spun her around. “Well, I can’t have my wife walking on sore feet.”

  She giggled and put her arms around his neck as he carried her to their bungalow, where he set her down as he reached the couch. While he changed in his bedroom, she changed into her pajamas in the bathroom, taking time to wash her makeup off, brush her teeth, and take a breath.

  When she stepped out, Gus was already setting up the tablet, and she could smell cocoa heating. The temperature was even a little chillier than it was before.

  “Hey,” she said.

  “Hey, I turned the thermostat down, but not as far as last night. And the cocoa is on the stove.” He walked to it and stirred the spoon sticking out of the pot. “Shouldn’t be long.”

  When did Gus start looking so good in pajamas? Did he look this good last night? The shirt he wore stretched across his chest, emphasizing muscles she didn’t know he had. Wow. Gus was…wow. She’d felt like a broken record since he arrived on her doorstep.

  Peyton walked to the kitchen and leaned against the counter next to the stove. “Thanks for cooking.”

  “Of course. Can’t do Christmas Eve without it.”

  “Are you sure you aren’t mad at me for blurting out that we’re married?” she asked as she twisted her fingers in her shirt.

  He tucked a piece of her hair behind her ear. “No, I’m not. It’s not like anyone will care if we are or not. I don’t have to be perfect to be a matchmaker.” But he was perfect, or at least Peyton thought so.

  “You remember that time I got my tonsils out?”

  He chuckled. “Yeah, the summer between eighth and ninth. You were miserable.”

  Oh, she was, but Gus…“You brought me ice cream. You sat with me and watched Dawson’s Creek, even though you thought it was a chick show. I’ve never done things like that for you.”

  “You don’t remember bringing me magazines when I broke my leg?”

  She blinked. That was when they were seniors and she was dating…Brad Flemming. “I did?”

  “Yeah, you did.”

  “But I didn’t stay with you.” Because she had a date, and she was so caught up with Brad that she’d put Gus on the back burner. Some friend she was.

  “So, you thought of me, and you didn’t have to.” He paused. “You were dating someone. I didn’t expect to be your sole focus.”

  “I should have done more. I should have stayed with you.”

  Gus sighed. “I’m not keeping score, remember?” Stirring the pot again, he stuck his pinkie in the chocolate mixture. “Oh, it’s ready. Would you get the mugs?”

  She nodded and dug in the cabinet for two cups, but her thoughts weren’t on the hot chocolate. They were on the sweet man who’d been there for her more than anyone else ever had. Setting the cups down, she continued to let her thoughts wander as he dished up the drinks.

  “Hey? You coming?” he asked, tapping her on the shoulder. “What’s got you so glum?”

  Peyton smiled. “Nothing. I think I had one of those moments where your thoughts go down a rabbit hole.”

  “Want to talk about it?”

  “Nah, let’s watch movies.”

  They settled in on the couch, and Gus hit play on the tablet. He put his arm around her and pulled her close.

  Then it struck her. She was developing feelings for him. It hit her square in the chest, and she nearly gulped. What on earth was she going to do? It was obvious her feelings were one-sided. With the island and the ambiance, the resort was made for love connections. But it wasn’t that simple for her and Gus. Not when she knew he saw her as a friend.

  No, she’d wait. When they got back to Alaska, she’d see what Gus thought about maybe…taking a chance. If he didn’t want to, it might be awkward, but Peyton Burrows wasn’t a coward. She’d just deal if he said no. She had plenty of experience with rejection.

  Now that she had a plan, she could make it through the week. Get back home. Tell Gus. An easy three-step plan. Done, done, and done.

  Chapter 10

  For the second day in a row, Gus was waking up on the couch. How long had it been since he’d slept that hard? Well, other than the night before when he’d fallen asleep with his head in Peyton’s lap.

  The last thing he remembered was leaning his head back against the couch. He felt bad that he’d fallen asleep before they’d opened their gifts. When did he stretch out? Had he pushed Peyton off the couch? If he had, he was sorry. At least she had her bedroom, and he knew the bed in there was excellent.

  He took a big breath, and the smell of rich Hawaiian coffee made his mouth water.

  Before he could move, Peyton kneeled next to him. “Hi,” she said. “Merry Christmas!”

  “It’s very early, and you’re very chipper. Who are you, and what did you do with my Peyton?”

  She giggled. “I wanted to make coffee and sit on the patio with you before our day got started.” Tilting her head, she ran her fingers through his hair. “You still look tired.”

  Gus pushed her hair over her shoulder and smiled. “I’m more rested than I’ve been in a while.”

  Holding his gaze, she ran her finger down his jaw and traced his lips. In an instant, the air around them was charged. She leaned in, and it seemed like she was going to kiss him. Her lips were so close, and he couldn’t think or speak.

  “Good morning!” Ty said as he walked in. “Merry Christmas, guys.”

  “Merry Christmas,” Gus said.

  Peyton startled and shot to her feet. “Merry Christmas, Ty.” Her cheeks were a color of red Gus was sure could be classified as new. “Uh, coffee’s ready. I’m going to go take my shower. See you later.” She nearly ran out of the room and into the bathroom, leaving Gus feeling as though he’d been hit by a tornado.

  “Did I interrupt something?” Ty asked as his gaze followed the blur named Peyton running out of the room.

  Gus wasn’t sure what had happened, but he was certain it wasn’t what he thought had happened. Peyton saw him as a friend. She wouldn’t even entertain thoughts of kissing him. “No, she was just telling me the coffee was ready.”

  “You sure?”

  Gus pushed off the couch and stood. “Yeah, positive, and positive I need some of that coffee.”

  After they grabbed a cup of coffee, they went to the patio and sat.

  “This view,” Ty said. “I think I could get used to this.”

  The sun was still low enough that the horizon was a rainbow of colors. “Yeah, me too.”

  “I’ve already checked on everything. I think the staff we hired will work out great. They’ve got things under control.”

  Gus took a drink of his coffee. “That’s good to know. I knew you were the best person to do the hiring.”

  “Yeah, and it also gave you more time with Peyton.” Ty shot him a glance and smiled.

  Gus rolled his eyes. “You just w
on’t stop. And whatever that was last night? What were you thinking? Peyton and I aren’t married, and you know it. I can’t even believe Justine did that.”

  “Hey, I can’t help it that everyone heard her. But once it was said, a celebration was in order. Did you want me outing you in front of all those people and embarrassing Peyton?”

  “No.”

  Ty shook his head. “I didn’t think so. And now that you’re married, you’re going to have to act it.”

  Gus pinched the bridge of his nose. He knew what that meant. Spending time with Peyton and making sure they really looked married. “I don’t know if I can. I don’t want to jeopardize our friendship.”

  “Let Peyton make the first move.” When Gus didn’t respond, Ty continued. “Listen, I know it has to be hard, but take this as your chance. If Peyton kisses you again, ask yourself why. Maybe things have changed. People do change, you know?”

  Gus nodded as he considered Ty’s words. He’d always looked at his relationship with Peyton with clarity. Hadn’t he? She’d never shown any interest in him, ever, or at least, he didn’t think so. When was the last time he’d really dissected their interactions? No. What was he even thinking? It was nonsense to even consider it. He appreciated Ty’s friendship, but there was no point in even considering it.

  “Hey, since you’re having to act married, I took a chance that you’d be up for it and booked you a horseback ride,” Ty said.

  “I can go for that. I’m sure Peyton will love it.” Gus finished his coffee and stood. “When do we need to be there?”

  Ty pulled out his phone and checked the time. “You’ve got an hour.”

  “Mountains behind the resort or the beach?”

  “I figured you’d get enough beach time this week and went with mountains.” Ty stood and let his cup dangle at his side. “I’m going to run into town. Kalani needs a few things, and I said I’d make the trip.”

  Gus lifted an eyebrow. “You sure there isn’t another reason you’re running that errand?”

  The left side of Ty’s lip quirked up. “Hey, at least I’m making a move.”