“We are not . . . I mean, you and I are . . . It’s just a party. Don’t expect to be—”
“Zoey, if we’re going to pretend to be lovers, then you need to relax around me. You can’t get all jumpy if I make a sexual remark or gesture.”
“Gesture?”
He laughed. “If you get defensive about my words, what are you going to do when I kiss you?”
She became very quiet on the other end of the line. Had she not thought through what it meant to be lovers? It wasn’t as though she didn’t have plenty of experience, but from what he knew, she didn’t share her affairs publicly. It still surprised him how much had been hidden from searching eyes. Odd.
“Do you think we’ll need to—?”
“Backing out, Zoey? It’s not too late. You still have time to tell your brothers what’s going on.”
“No. I just hadn’t thought about—”
“What it’d take to make it believable? I’m in Boston; if you want me to come over, we can practice tonight.”
“It’s not like I haven’t kissed anyone before, Bennett. I mean, this is important to me, so I’m sure I can fake enjoying kissing you.”
“I look forward to seeing just how good an actress you are, Zoey.”
Her voice filled with frustration as she changed the subject. “I’ll text you the final details. See you tomorrow.” She disconnected the call without even waiting for his reply.
Don’t call her bluff. Nothing can come of it anyway. Just do the job you were hired to do and walk away.
Bennett slid the phone across the desk in his hotel room. Here he was in the city with nothing to do for the next twenty-four hours but avoid giving in to the urge to see Zoey. This job can’t be over quick enough.
Chapter Four
Zoey stood in front of the mirror wearing the fifth dress she’d tried on. Somehow she’d gone from wanting to dress conservatively to wearing a tight red dress that didn’t leave much to the imagination. This party is a casual affair. I should just put on a pair of jeans and a blouse.
It wasn’t like she hadn’t tried them on too. Yet, for some reason, she couldn’t seem to find just the right outfit. This isn’t a real date. It’s not even a real party. So why am I so darn nervous?
Although her brother’s reaction was on her mind, it wasn’t at the top of her list. After speaking to Bennett last night, her thoughts flashed back to his warning of a kiss. If he’d said that to cause her to toss and turn all night, it worked. Every time her eyes closed, she could picture him pulling her into his arms, his lips claiming hers, and her not resisting.
Of course, reality was so different. It was inevitable; they’d lock lips sometime tonight. Nothing hot and passionate like her dreams. Probably just like everything else about Bennett, it’d be cold and calculated. After all, he’d made it very clear what he thought of her. “Trust me, Zoey. One night with you is all I need.” That had stung, but she had a thick skin thanks to her father.
Staying locked away in her room any longer wasn’t an option. Vincent and Renita had arrived hours earlier. The last time she’d been downstairs, Renita had been setting up the dining room. It wasn’t as she imagined it’d be. Zoey had attended many parties over the years. Not because she wanted to, but because the family expected it. Many times they had been filled with people pretending to give a shit about one another. In fact, the parties were usually put together from someone with a secret agenda. She laughed softly to herself. I’m the one with the questionable motive tonight. Who would’ve thought I’d play the games that I hate so much? How did I let Bennett talk me into this?
Her phone rang. Bennett. Don’t you dare bail on me now. Not with everyone showing up any minute.
“Where are you? I thought you’d be here already.” Her voice was filled with tension and lacked the normal sweetness she tried to portray.
Bennett replied in a soft playful tone. “I miss you too, my love.”
Zoey blushed. Wow. We’re not a real couple, but I’m bitching at him like we’ve been together for years. “Sorry, Bennett. I don’t know what has me so tense. I guess tonight’s more stressful than I thought.”
“Zoey, you need to trust me. Let me take the lead on this. I’ll handle your brothers, and you spend time with the ladies. Deal?”
Actually, I want to spend time with you, but you’re right. That’s a wiser plan. Not as much fun, but then again, nothing about tonight is supposed to be. “Thanks for understanding.”
She knew he didn’t have a clue what was really troubling her. Zoey wanted to keep it that way. If they weren’t forced into an intimate situation, tonight wouldn’t be as difficult as she feared. Can’t see it actually working as smoothly as he makes it seem, though.
“I want your family to arrive first. Just tell them I’m running late, caught in traffic. Leave the door unlocked after the last one arrives. I’ll let myself in.”
“Why?”
“Trust me, Zoey. Doing this will make a statement.”
I don’t understand men at all, do I? She had totally expected him to be there before everyone else, so they could go slow and ease into the role. Nope. Bennett’s going to enter the room and drop the hammer. She had concerns about what the repercussions were going to be. But she didn’t have any time to argue with him as she heard the doorbell chime. “Remember, Bennett. These are my brothers, not strangers to me. I don’t want them to be hurt. If I find my mother but lose my—”
“You won’t. I promise you that.”
There was a knock on her bedroom door. “Zoey, I hope you didn’t invite us, thinking you’re keeping yourself locked away all night.” Lena’s sweet voice laughed through the door.
“I’ve got to go,” Zoey whispered into the phone. “Sorry. Just putting on the finishing touches.” Is courage something you actually wear? No. But maybe a bulletproof vest would be in order because when my brothers see Bennett walk through the front door, I’ll be the one needing protection.
Zoey laid her phone on her nightstand and went to greet Lena. When she opened the door, Lena’s mouth gaped open.
“Well, look at you. You look . . . amazing.”
She smiled. “Thank you, so do you.”
“No, Zoey. I mean it. Something is different. Did you take my advice and go pick up that sexy little dress yesterday just for . . . God, I wish I knew his name.”
“You’ll find out soon enough. He’s on his way.”
Lena gave her a quick hug. “Good, because Brice didn’t say one word about what I was wearing tonight. He was too busy talking to Alex the entire way here.”
“Alex? Is everything all right?” Although they were brothers, Brice took everything too seriously and normally didn’t spend much time chatting with Alex, who’d been able to fly under the radar most of his life. It explained why he was the only happy one in the family.
“Hate to tell you this, Zoey, but the entire family’s focused on one thing. Your man.”
Zoey felt horrible doing this to Lena. Even she looked excited about her mystery man. What was she going to think when she found out it was all a lie? Probably won’t trust me again. Maybe she’d understand if I told her. If I make her promise not to say anything, not even to Brice, then I wouldn’t have to do this alone.
As quickly as the thought entered her mind, it left again. Lena was an honest person. Asking her to hide such a thing from her husband was not right. Can’t risk a real relationship over a fake one.
“Well, we better get down there before they all start talking business,” Zoey said as she ushered Lena out of her room and closed the door behind them.
As they entered the living room, Zoey stopped to take in how different it looked. She really should’ve been more of an active participant all afternoon. But Renita and Vincent told her they’d handle everything, and Zoey was more than happy to release the reins.
Although Renita brought in the rustic feel, she’d managed to keep the theme of the night—love. Zoey appreciated the time and ef
fort she’d put into making it look just right. It was a shame all this had the potential to be wasted on a gathering that might turn out to be a brawl. But some of her brothers had their loves of their lives. Even if they fought Bennett, they’d still go home with their significant others. I’ll walk straight back upstairs and go to bed alone. As usual.
Not everyone was there yet. Dean and Tessa were still missing. Zoey truly was worried about his reaction the most. He might be her baby brother, but ever since he’d returned to Boston, he’d taken on the protective role more than the others. Most days she thought it was sweet to know he was looking out for her. Tonight was a different story.
“So where is this guy I’ve had to hear all about for the past two days?” Dean asked as he entered the house with Tessa by his side.
“Really, Dean? I thought we just got done saying we were going to enjoy the evening, not browbeat her boyfriend,” Tessa said as she shook her head apologetically at Zoey.
“Cut the guy some slack. He’s only saying what everyone is thinking, Tessa,” Alex said as he stood sipping his beer.
“And you wonder why you’re still single, Alex?” Shaun piped in.
Ever since Shaun had met Morgan, he’d become a new man. One who was actually much more accepting of things than anyone else.
Maybe you’re my hidden ally? God knows I need one in this family right now. “He’s just stuck in traffic. He should be here any—”
Bennett seemed to have appeared out of nowhere. She watched her brothers look at him, but it was apparent they hadn’t put two and two together yet. As he made his way over to her, Zoey couldn’t take her eyes off Dean. His expression was quickly changing, and she knew it was going to take a lot more than sweet words from Tessa to control him.
As soon as Bennett made it to her side, he pulled her into his arms and said, “Sorry, sweetheart. You know I hate to keep you waiting.” He placed a sweet, gentle kiss on her lips.
Zoey had thought about what it’d feel like, their first touch, first kiss. The only thing disappointing about it was that it ended way too soon. Although brief, it was long enough to cause her entire body to tingle.
“Damn. Not one of us saw that one coming.” Alex laughed.
Zoey heard Dean let out what sounded like a growl as he approached them. Please, Dean, don’t hate me. I had no choice but to do it this way.
“What the fu—?”
“Dean!” Tessa exclaimed. “This is not the time for—”
Her brother stopped and looked back at Tessa. Zoey saw the pleading look in Tessa’s eyes. She wanted to run across the room and give Tessa a huge hug of gratitude, but all she could do was wait, holding her breath, for Dean’s next move.
Bennett appeared not to be fazed by Dean’s reaction at all. Probably because his job requires him to provoke powerful men. Having their wrath aimed at him, even being shot at. But I’m not used to anyone coming toward me that angry. Even if it’s not me, Dean wants to rip someone to pieces.
Morgan was the first to come over and greet Bennett, totally ignoring Dean’s behavior. She actually gave him a quick welcoming hug. Zoey noticed Bennett was even surprised. “It’s so nice to see you again.”
Shaun was right by Morgan’s side. He extended his hand, but his eyes didn’t break contact with Dean’s. “I’d ask what you’ve been up to lately, but I’m not sure Dean’s ready for your response yet.”
Zoey heard Alex laugh at Shaun’s comment. He might find it humorous, but pushing Dean’s buttons any further wasn’t wise. The last thing she needed was them riling each other up. It wouldn’t take much to get out of control.
Bennett still had an arm around her waist. She didn’t feel any tension in his body, which blew her mind. How can he be so relaxed? There was no way he’d missed the looks and comments, yet it didn’t seem to have any effect on him.
“We ladies didn’t get all dressed up and pretty to be ignored,” Lena stated with a strong warning voice that captured the attention of the room. That was so out of character for Lena.
Brice pulled Lena close and said, “You do look amazing, darling.”
“Thank you, Brice.” Lena gave her husband a loving kiss.
Zoey was thrilled for the distraction so she could gather her thoughts. With the room finally quiet, she remembered Vincent had been cooking all day. Somehow she still didn’t know what was on the menu and truly didn’t care. They can’t argue with their mouths full. Or at least, they shouldn’t.
“There is some exquisite food waiting for us in the dining room. It’s a shame to let it go to waste.”
“Great. I’m starving,” Alex replied and headed toward the dining room first.
Slowly the others followed suit until only Dean and Tessa remained with Bennett and Zoey. Dean walked over to Bennett and said in a firm tone, “This isn’t over.”
Bennett’s response was pulling her even closer to him as he said, “You’re right, it’s just the beginning.”
I don’t think they teach acting in the Marines, but this man is smooth. If I didn’t know the truth I’d believe what he’s dishing out.
It looked as though Dean was about to say something when Tessa slipped into his arms and said, “Isn’t it lovely to see your sister so happy? She’s actually glowing.”
Zoey knew that was pushing it. If, anything she was burning up inside with anxiety. Of course, she wasn’t going to ignore the fact that she was enjoying the feel of Bennett’s body so close. He makes me feel . . . safe. It was something she hadn’t experienced before. Leaving his embrace to dine with the others didn’t appeal to her at all.
Dean turned and headed to join the others without saying a word. Zoey took a step to follow, but Bennett stopped her. “What’s the matter?”
“Do you trust me?” Bennett asked as he looked into her eyes.
I don’t think I can ever totally trust anyone. “I’ve done what you’ve asked so far.” It wasn’t an answer, but it was all she could give.
What she didn’t expect was for Bennett to pull her into his arms and claim her lips for a second time. They were alone. No one to witness the exchange. She was so confused yet couldn’t help herself. One minute she wanted to question him, the next she had her arms around his neck pulling him down to her, wanting more.
Her lips parted, and his tongue entered, not taking but playfully teasing. She moaned, arching her back, pressing even closer to him. For the first time, she felt his muscle tense, but it was from his desire. That knowledge only inflamed her own desire.
Bennett sucked in his breath and then pulled away. “Let’s go and enjoy the food you were talking about.”
Zoey could strangle him. Food was the furthest thing from her mind. Her heart was racing, her cheeks flushed, and she knew her nipples were hard and probably showed in her form-fitting dress.
“I can’t go in there like this.”
“If anyone had any doubts a moment ago about us, they won’t any longer. Trust me, Zoey.” He took her hand and led the way. That had been for show? He didn’t feel a modicum of the desire that thrummed through my veins after that kiss. And I’d played right into his ploy. I feel like a fool.
Her heart broke, knowing his kiss was only part of the role they were playing. She knew what she’d been getting into when she agreed to this. Yet, she never expected her own hormones to turn against her. This night had just gotten more complicated than she’d ever imagined.
As they walked into the dining room hand in hand she recalled his request. Trust me. Such simple words to say, but trust was not easy to earn and so easy to lose.
Bennett knew what to expect, but he could tell Zoey wasn’t used to playing such games. Although her acting skills were right up there, he could see it in her eyes. She wanted to be anywhere but at that dining room table.
Sorry, but the night’s not over. I still haven’t accomplished what we came here to do.
Bennett knew Dean was watching everything he did. That was good. It meant setting them up for a ch
at all at once was going to be so much easier. “Alex, do you like cigars?”
“Hell, yeah.”
“Good, why don’t we head outside and you can join me for one?” Bennett slipped his hand into his breast pocket and pulled out two.
“Hope you brought six,” Dean said as he glared at Bennett.
Bennett reached back into his pocket and pulled out another four. His plan was working perfectly. When he stood up, he stopped and placed a kiss on the top of Zoey’s head. “We won’t be long.”
She smiled up at him, and it was hard not to be mesmerized by her beauty. I won’t think about that kiss either. Fuck. I barely managed to stop. He knew she had no clue why he was asking them out to smoke. It was better if she thought he was only out to play nice with her brothers. But it was a quick, easy method to accomplish his job. He’d collect what remained after they smoked then send them off to Jon after the party. All it was going to take was not getting caught. If I can’t pull this off, I need a new job.
When they got outside, they all lit the cigars except for Dean. He stood with his arms crossed in front of him. “What game are you playing, Bennett?”
“Just enjoying my smoke.”
“Don’t fuck with me. You know damn well I told you to stay the hell away from my sister. You’re no idiot, so I know there was no misunderstanding.”
Bennett took a long puff on his cigar and let it out slowly. He was reading the others’ reactions as well. Alex didn’t seem to care either way. Logan was always cool and in control. He and Shaun had recently worked together closely, so he didn’t expect any problems from him. Brice was always tough to read. Even now he stood quietly, but Bennett could see the wheels turning in his head. Maybe if you voiced your opinion more, like Dean, Zoey might not have felt the need to hire me in the first place.
“She’s a grown woman, Dean. Neither of us need your permission.”
“You’re not the man for her. You’ve got nothing in common,” Dean said flatly.
“You’d be amazed,” Bennett said with a small grin on his face. Honestly, he was trying to push Dean. He had to. Right now they all thought he and Zoey were a couple, but one good way to end a relationship, even a fake one, was for one of the brothers to decide to punch out her boyfriend. Dean was so close to being that brother. He could feel it. And with the others around, it’d look legit when he knocked Dean on his ass afterward. “The things I could tell you.”
Virgin For The Fourth Time: Barrington Billionaire's Series: Book Four Page 5