Her Fake Christmas Eve Billionaire Boyfriend

by Chelsea Hale

  Emery was definitely uncomfortable with him here, especially now that there was not a separate room for him to sleep in. It made sense—but he had no idea how to chase away the awkwardness that hung over them in the air.

  Emery swallowed and finally said, “So it looks like my parents’ house is full. I didn’t know that Alice would take the guest bedroom and an entire wing of my parents’ house is still being remodeled from a few months ago.”

  “I can always get a hotel,” he said.

  “I thought of that, but between the couch and getting a hotel, both of them look like we’re fighting … like we’re not … a couple.” She chewed on her lip at her admission.

  He nodded. “I could sleep in the closet.” The walk-in closet was huge. It was a week. He could do anything for a week to help out Emery.

  “There is no heat vent in there.”

  How bad could it be? The room was a fine temperature, and he slept hot anyway. “It will be fine.”

  She nodded. “I owe you for this.” She pulled out a small air mattress from the back of her closet that she had used a few times for sleepovers. It was more for the size of a teenage girl than a grown man, but he took the roll from her and she handed him an extra blanket and pillow.

  He took off his shirt, wearing only a pair of pajama pants and settled onto his makeshift bed. He let his mind take in the day, and his thoughts immediately returned to kissing Emery under the mistletoe at the Nutcracker. His head spun. Kissing her had been a completely natural thing to do. No one had been looking at them to show their affection and pretend. It had been a perfect moment.

  A small knock on the closet door interrupted his thoughts.

  “Could I get a few things?” she asked, poking her head through the door. She looked at him and a small blush appeared on her cheeks. She looked away.

  “Of course,” he said.

  She opened the door and let the light from her bedroom spill in behind her. She’d pulled her hair up on the top of her head, but a few stray pieces surrounded her face. He looked away, not wanting to be caught staring at how beautiful she looked in her festive red and green pajamas.

  She rummaged in her suitcase and grabbed a few things before she glanced at him again. She wiggled her bottom lip between her teeth as she took in his bare chest and then snapped her eyes back to his.

  “It really is going to get cold in here. There’s plenty of space on my floor out in my bedroom.”

  It was an offer he could tell took some effort. “I don’t want to make you uncomfortable,” he said, knowing he would be just fine in the closet.

  She sighed, dropping to the floor with her back against the wall. “This whole thing is uncomfortable, you might as well not freeze in this windowless, heatless space and add to it.”

  The last thing he wanted to do was add more stress to Emery by making her feel like somehow the sleeping arrangements were awful. So, he agreed.

  “Thanks,” he said.

  He waited until she was in bed before he moved the pad to the floor in her room. There was a plush rug under her bed on top of the wooden floor, so he set up at the end of the bed. It made his feet sticking past the edge of the mattress a little more comfortable.

  In college, James had done a lot of strange things, including camping out for multiple sporting events to be the first in line for tickets. He tried to put himself back into that frame of mind. He was doing this for Emery and he’d be fine with it. Once he’d camped out on the sidewalk and had slept sitting up before he realized people brought blankets and tents to help save the spots in line. He shifted again.

  “Are you okay down there?” a small muffled voice floated to his ears.

  He turned onto his back, his thoughts still running around their kiss. “Yes. You?”

  She blew out a breath. “It was quite the day. I’m not sure how many more of them I can handle.”

  He gulped down his disappointment. This had nothing to do with him, and for once he should be glad about that because he had wanted this … a relationship where his money wasn’t the driving factor. “How can I make this week better?”

  “You’re doing a great job, but I’m thinking of maybe cutting this week shorter, saying we need to leave or something.”

  “Why?”

  “The blowup with my sister—the whole situation. She’s going to marry my ex, and my grandpa isn’t sick and doesn’t have cancer. It seems like it’d be fine to leave.”

  His mind tried to process what she wasn’t saying. He spoke softly. “Emery, if that’s what you want, then I will support you. But if you don’t solve this now, if you don’t get over your ex now, when will you? They’re getting married and you’re going to have to deal with this sooner or later.”

  She sniffed. “I know. I’m so pathetic.”

  He wished he could give her a hug, but he folded his hands behind his head and continued staring at the darkness covering the ceiling. “Getting your heart broken isn’t pathetic.”

  “You know the really sad thing is I don’t know how to get over it.”

  James mulled that comment over. Every time she’d kissed him, was she thinking of Owen? The idea stung, but he took it as a challenge. What did Owen have that he didn’t? He should be able to help her get over him. “I think it’s time that we got you over him together,” he said.

  “How?”

  “Let’s kick it up and see where this thing goes between us,” he said.

  “You mean pretend it’s not a pretend relationship?” she asked.

  His heart sped up. “Would it change things? I mean, we’ve been dating for a couple of months now,” he said lightheartedly.

  It made her laugh and that was what he was going for.

  “So, we act more in love?” She paused. “I thought we were doing a good job.”

  “It’s been good. But let’s make it amazing,” he said, knowing he was going to be in trouble if he fell for Emery for real. “And Emery, you are amazing. You’re talented, and funny and sweet, and if Owen threw that away that reflects badly on him, not on you.”

  The silence stretched out so long after his words that he wondered if she’d fallen asleep.

  The covers rustled and when she spoke her voice sounded closer. “Thanks, James. Matt was right about you.”

  Matt had talked about him? “What was he right about?”

  “He said you are one of the best friends he’s ever had. I can see why.”

  James let the words swirl around in his mind. She could see why he was a good friend. He definitely wanted to be more than just friends in her eyes. “Sweet dreams, Emery.”

  “Good night, James. May the force be with you.” She laughed.

  He loved hearing her laugh, especially after a Star Wars joke. They’d decided to step their relationship up a notch, and he was determined to be the best boyfriend Emery Worthington had ever had, fake or real.

  * * *

  James woke up before the sun peeked through the curtains. He was stiff from his sleep, but he’d enjoyed talking to Emery late into the night.

  He folded his bed and tiptoed into the closet, storing it out of sight. He grabbed his clothes for the day and took a quick shower. Once he was finished, he opened the door slowly.

  Emery still slept, and so he carefully made his way downstairs. He didn’t want to disturb anyone, but maybe he could find a few gifts for Emery online that would be delivered here before Christmas.

  He’d expedite whatever he needed to, and pay extra for the gift wrapping, he just needed a few minutes when Emery wasn’t around to see what he was doing.

  After last night he realized that she wasn’t over her ex, and his job consisted of helping her with that. He checked on a few work emails and then hopped online to find Emery the perfect gift.

  He heard footsteps coming his way, and quickly made his purchases, making sure that it would arrive by Christmas Day before closing the browser.

  Emery's mom, Sharon, came into the kitchen.

 
“I thought I heard someone,” she said. “Can I get you anything? Coffee? Juice?”

  “Coffee is great, thanks,” James said.

  Sharon nodded, and busied herself around the kitchen after starting a pot of coffee. She compiled a small tray of creamers and sugars in different bowls and placed it on the table in front of James.

  James smiled. “Thank you.”

  “No, thank you. We’re all glad you’re here. How is our Emery doing? Is she still having a hard time with her ex here?”

  James swallowed, not sure how to respond. Emery was still struggling, but that was normal, wasn’t it? Perhaps her mom wouldn’t agree, thinking that James should be filling that void in her life.

  He didn’t answer before Sharon interrupted his train of thought again. “I suppose it’s to be expected. I just want her and Kristi to get along. Is that unreasonable as a mother?”

  She set a cup of coffee in front of James and sat down across from him at the breakfast nook.

  He took a spoonful of what looked like regular cane sugar and stirred it in. “No, that’s not unreasonable,” he said, though expecting Emery to be over a betrayal might be stretching it.

  He drank his coffee. The hot liquid was strong. He’d remember to add more sugar in next time.

  She patted his hand. “I knew I could count on you. Now, how close are you two to getting engaged? Do you think it will happen on Christmas Day?”

  James eyes widened, as he tried to keep himself composed and not spitting out a mouthful of coffee.

  “Uh, I don’t think Emery is ready for that.”

  And he wasn’t. But at the mental picture of Emery in a wedding gown and him in a tux at the same moment made his cheeks burn. It could be a nice moment. Why was he even thinking about it?

  Sharon laughed. “Of course you’re ready for it. I’ve seen the way you both look at each other. Both of you are completely smitten. You know Owen and Kristi are already engaged, and I’m sure that Emery would be truly over Owen if she was engaged too, just like her sister.”

  So that was it. Emery's mom didn’t believe that Emery was over Owen yet. He was a pretend boyfriend and he could do that for a week, but faking an engagement? No. He’d have to ask Emery about that. It was more than he could promise at the moment.

  “I don’t think it will be Christmas Day,” he said finally.

  Sharon looked disappointed but seemed to wave the expression away as she tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. “Well, no matter. I’m sure that soon it will be right. The timing will catch up with the two of you.”

  James nodded. “I hope so.” This conversation was past the uncomfortable stage and was moving into completely awkward.

  “By the way, I’m not sure if Emery told you, but my husband and I are on the board for a local charity. We have some events we are doing and could really use some help. It’s been a family Christmas tradition since Emery was little. Could I count on you and her to make it?”

  Christmas traditions? He liked the sound of it. Emery hadn’t told him the schedules for each day they were here. James supposed that it was a formality that Sharon was asking him, since it was a tradition for Emery anyway.

  He needed to present himself as the best boyfriend for Emery, so he said, “Whatever traditions you are used to, I’m in. I’m just happy to spend the holiday with Emery and with the family, so I’d be happy to help.”

  A smile broke across Sharon’s face. “That’s wonderful news. We have a full schedule for the next couple of days leading up to Christmas. You’re going to love it.”

  “I look forward to it,” James said, wondering what exactly he had just agreed to, but knowing that whatever it was, Emery would be happy for him being proactive and positive about the whole experience.

  He would be the best boyfriend she’d ever had.

  Chapter 19

  It took Emery a minute to collect her bearings when she woke up. She remembered the full day with James yesterday and sat up in bed.

  “James?” she whispered. But there was no answer. She looked at the clock. It was just after seven.

  The mattress James had slept on was no longer at the edge of the bed. She wondered if he’d gone to sleep in the closet after all, but the door was open and the closet was vacant.

  She brushed her teeth and threw on some jeans and a large sweater, wondering if he’d decided to camp out on the couch downstairs. She hoped he hadn’t. It would make it look like they’d been fighting, but then again, maybe that would make them look like an actual couple.

  James was sitting at the kitchen table as she came into the kitchen. Two cups of coffee were on the table. How thoughtful of him to get her one. Her heart rate sped up as their gazes connected. She couldn’t help but smile at him. He looked good first thing in the morning.

  “Good morning,” she said.

  “Good morning,” he said. His deep voice sent ripples up her arms.

  Had she noticed how much she’d like his voice before?

  “Did you sleep okay? Were you comfortable enough on the mattress?” she asked.

  At her question, James’ eyes widened. He nodded. “I slept well, thank you.”

  Emery wasn’t sure what the look meant until her mother came around the corner from the pantry. But if her mom noticed the awkward question, she didn’t say anything about it.

  “Emery, I talked with James this morning. He’s agreed to join us on all of our Christmas traditions. Isn’t that wonderful?” her mom asked.

  Emery looked between her mom and James. He’d agreed to everything? Wow. Either her mom hadn’t done a good job of explaining their traditions or else he really was a Mr. Incredible. She hadn’t expected to spend that much time with family.

  Sure. She came to see her family, but she’d been roped into the entire week. Her parents were on the local charity board. They were booked all day and into the nights leading up to Christmas. She had to give James an out, and in front of her mom.

  “You don’t have to come to all of it. That’s a huge commitment. We can do something else too.”

  He gave her a big smile. “This week is about you, Em. Whatever traditions your family does—let’s do them.”

  He had used her nickname, Em—and it sounded so good on his lips. She gave him a huge hug and a soft peck on the cheek.

  “Thank you,” she whispered. “You really are the best.”

  She ran her fingers through his hair just a bit, wondering if she’d have kissed him if her mom wasn’t in the room.

  “That’s what I’m here for,” he whispered back.

  Chapter 20

  James tied a frilly pink apron around his waist. He felt a little ridiculous as he put on the matching oven mitts.

  Emery came back into the industrialized kitchen at the reception center where the gingerbread house charity auction would happen on Christmas Eve in just a couple of days.

  “This is going to help you get over your ex—I can feel it,” he said, feeling self-conscious.

  She laughed. “You asked me what would get me over my ex, and I guess it’s about creating new memories—things that give me something new to think of. Every Christmas tradition memory I have from last year is with him.”

  She shrugged the words out, and James could tell that this time of year was still hard for her. Sure, he was here to help with the outward ability to get over her ex to the rest of her family, but inside, she was still pining for the jerk who cheated on her with her sister. It was a rough spot to be in.

  He wanted to convey to her how important it was to him that he feel like he was helping in this process. Focusing on someone else and their problems, especially during Christmas, when it was already such a hard time for him, was the perfect way to do that.

  “I’d happily wear a frilly pink apron every day if it got you over him.”

  She laughed again, and the sound sent a vibration around him. “I don’t want every Christmas memory tainted anymore. Owen wouldn’t have ever been caught wearing an
apron, let alone a frilly one.”

  “Oh? Did he do this last year then?” He needed to stay focused. His job was to help her get over Owen, not really date her.

  “He did, but he wouldn’t wear an apron. I thought it would be romantic to have a flour fight but it was hard to have a flour fight or even have him help. He sat on the barstool in the corner and was mostly on his phone through the whole thing.” She sighed.

  “So, I’m wearing an apron because a flour fight is on your list of things to do?” he asked, thinking how cute she would look with the powdery substance on her nose or in her hair.

  “Oh, we don’t have to,” she said quickly. “It’s not that big of a deal. Your clothes are too nice to get stained.”

  He wasn’t quite sure why he was disappointed by her instant dismissal. He looked down at his casual clothes, uncomfortable that she’d noticed enough to pick out how expensive they were.

  Maybe he’d have his assistant send him some clothes that weren’t so nice and rush order it. He didn’t care about how much they cost—he wanted to have fun with Emery.

  He needed a change of topic, away from him. He looked around the kitchen. Emery had pulled out ingredients and large stainless steel bowls. “So, what are we doing?”

  “We need to make a gingerbread house to sell.”

  His eyes widened, but if this was what she loved doing, he’d help her. “Where is the rest of your family?”

  “There are a couple of kitchens here. We each do our own thing, and then show each other our creations when they are finished. It’s supposed to be this super fun reveal. We try and do something different every year. First, we have to make the gingerbread, and then we can design the house while it is baking.”

  “What kind of house?”

  “We’ll think of something brilliant. I usually start thinking about my design before Halloween, but this year I wasn’t planning on coming.” She shrugged. “Don’t worry, I’ve done this for years and it’s not as complicated as it looks—it’s just time consuming.”