Fiance by Fate

by Jennifer Shirk

  She licked her lips and involuntarily shivered when she still tasted Jack. “I—”

  “Yes, she was occupied,” Jack interrupted. He threw an arm around her as if to drive his point home and gave her shoulder a gentle squeeze.

  She swallowed hard. “Uh, David,” she began again carefully, “this is…this is…”

  What was wrong with her brain?

  Jack stuck out a large hand. “Jack Brenner.”

  David seemed reluctant but eventually shook his hand. “Brenner?” His already marked frown went farther downhill. “Are you related to the Brenner of Brenner Capital, where Sabrina works?”

  “Yes, that’s my father.”

  David gave Jack a long, inscrutable look, then turned his back to give Sabrina his full attention. “Darling, may I have a word with you for a moment?”

  She blinked. Darling?

  Sabrina wished she had ordered a drink now. David was out with another woman, she had kissed another man, yet she was still “Darling”? She didn’t know what was going on anymore.

  “Um, of course.” She pushed back from the table and stood, her legs still feeling like rubber after that kiss. “I’ll be right back,” she told Jack.

  Jack reached for her hand. “Don’t be long. I want to pick up right where we left off when you come back,” he said, holding her wrist against his warm lips for an exaggerated length of time.

  Her lips felt swollen, and as she remembered the underlying passion of their impromptu kiss, her cheeks ignited. She tugged her hand away and shot him a warning look in return. What was Jack doing? He was laying it on way too thick. And worse, she was halfway to believing it.

  David seemed oblivious to her and Jack’s silent argument. Thank goodness. She slipped her arm through his and let him lead her out of the dining room, feeling more than a little relieved to get away from Jack and his all-too-consuming lips. She needed this time away from him to refocus on their plan and what they were doing. Because as much as she knew that kiss between her and Jack was nothing more than anger and wrongly channeled fake emotions, a small part of it had begun to feel real.

  And that was something she definitely couldn’t let happen again.

  Chapter Six

  Sabrina followed David into the dimly lit bar and pulled out a soft leather stool to sit down. He remained standing, holding a meditative look across his boyishly handsome face. She shifted uncomfortably. She felt like one of his patients and the prognosis looked bad.

  It probably gave David the shock of his life to see her out with another man. Hands fisted in her lap, she decided to wait him out and let him speak first. For once since their breakup, she had some advantage. He was the one out with another woman and all she did was…turn a simple dinner out with a man she barely knew into a bad soap opera audition.

  Oh, Lord. What on earth had possessed her to kiss Jack like that? Her own eager response shocked her. She didn’t want to think about how warm and sweet his lips felt against hers or the way Jack seemed to savor each and every moment of it as much as she had.

  No. It was all wrong. She was just…lonely and Jack had just…been there. That feeling was a minor blip on her radar and nothing more.

  Sabrina took a deep breath and met David’s gaze. David was who she wanted, who she was in love with. Don’t blow this, she reminded herself.

  “So that was the infamous Jack?” he finally said. “Your friend from the office?”

  She swallowed. “Yes, but—”

  “I had no idea you meant Jack Brenner when you mentioned you were getting advice from a Jack at work. Wow, this is obviously all my fault.”

  “I— Wait.” She stared at him closely. “What’s all your fault?”

  “You out at dinner with him tonight. You’re the perfect pickings for a womanizer like that.”

  “I am?”

  “Of course you are. We’ve separated and now he’s suddenly pretending to be your friend. You look beautiful tonight, by the way. No wonder that guy had his hands all over you.”

  She blinked in astonishment. She couldn’t remember the last time David paid her a compliment like that. That had to be a good sign.

  David began pacing the small corner of the bar. “However, I was talking to Rose about it before I came over to your table, so I feel good about this.” He nodded more to himself. “Yes, it’ll be okay now.”

  What? No punch in the gut could have been delivered with more accuracy. She looked down at her hands folded tightly in her lap and sighed. So much for holding out for hope and good signs. David couldn’t care less. No, that wasn’t true—he actually seemed pleased she was lip-locked with another man. What a fool she was.

  “It’s fine because I’m glad I saw it and can warn you,” he added. “Thank God he’s not your type or else I’d be worried.”

  Her head snapped up. “Wait. But you should be worried. Uh, very worried. Didn’t you see the way Jack kissed me? He wants to be more than friends.”

  He stopped pacing and raised his brows at her. “I’m sure he does. But don’t be lulled into his web, Sabrina. I know I’m the last person who should be saying this, but he can’t give you any kind of commitment. I’ve read articles about him. Sure, he’s good-looking,” he confirmed, waving his hand around dismissively, “and it’s probably flattering to have his attention, but it won’t last.”

  She didn’t know why, but she felt strangely compelled to defend Jack for more reasons than their plan to make David jealous. “Jack’s a different person. All those women are in the past. He’s looking to settle down.”

  David scoffed. “That’s not what I’ve read. Stop seeing him.”

  “No, I won’t.” A thick blanket of outrage settled over her. “I’m obviously not looking for a relationship, but I see no harm in continuing my friendship with him, since Jack and I are partners now at work.”

  He reached out and took hold of her shoulders in a firm grip. “Work is one thing. But as your fiancé, I have a say in who you should be hanging out with outside of work.”

  She swatted his hands away. “You’re out with another woman. Don’t I have any say in that?”

  “Technically, that’s different.”

  She folded her arms, afraid she would swat him again. “Well, technically, I’m not your fiancée.”

  “Darling, you don’t mean that. You’re not acting like yourself. Can’t you see he’s using you? That man does not look like he’s done sewing his wild oats, if you know what I mean.”

  Wild oats? Ha! What century are we in?

  She stood. “David, I can see if we keep talking about this we’re only going to cause a scene. I appreciate the warning, but until we’re officially back together—if we get back together—I’m going to be friends with whomever I choose. I can take care of myself.”

  “Fine. I guess if you feel the need to see someone else to be sure of our relationship, then I’ll have to deal with that. However, for your protection and because I care, I’m going to keep my eye on him.” He marched back into the dining room, his jaw set with resolve.

  Sabrina turned and asked the bartender for a glass of ice. When he handed it to her she took out a cube and ran it over her warm cheeks. She wasn’t used to having heated discussions like that with David. But he did have a habit of telling her what to do—something she’d appreciated in the past, but now it only annoyed her.

  She couldn’t believe David actually threatened to keep an eye on Jack. She’d like to know how he was going to do that with the hours he kept at the hospital. And she could pick her own friends, thank you very much. Of all the highhanded things he’d ever said to her. It was as if he turned into one of those stereotypical jealous boyfriends. Who knows what possessed him to—

  Wait a minute, wait a minute, wait just a darn minute… Giddiness rushed over her. David was acting jealous. He was actually jealous of her relationship with Jack.

  She wanted to jump up and high-five the closest person around, but glancing around the sedate room, s
he gave up on that idea and settled on just knowing that Jack’s plan had worked. So far.

  She had to give Jack credit, though she still felt funny about lying to David. But once they were back together and she told David the truth, they’d probably have a huge laugh over it. It’d be a story to tell their grandkids someday. A warm glow flowed through her at the thought.

  The piano player in the corner of the bar sat down and began to play “Chances Are.” She considered that another good sign. If she hadn’t left her purse at the table with Jack, she would have tipped the man generously. He managed to hit it right on the nose with the perfect song.

  Chances of her and David getting back together were looking better and better.

  When Sabrina returned to the table, she quickly noted that Jack wore the same aggravated expression she’d just seen on David.

  “That was the infamous David?” he charged at her before she could even sit down. “He seemed pretty ordinary to me. From the way you were talking, I half expected gold coins to drop from his mouth.”

  She sat down, too happy with how things worked out with David to be affected by Jack’s grumpy attitude. “Well, I know he’s not some god.”

  “You can say that again. And did you see what your boy did? He didn’t even want to shake my hand until I pressed him.”

  “Can you blame him? His fiancée is out at dinner with another man. Not only that, but we probably looked like Siamese twins joined at the lips.”

  “Ex-fiancée,” he corrected. Her comment seemed to take the wind out of his anger. “And that kiss was nothing,” he murmured.

  Sabrina stiffened. Nothing? If she had been wearing socks, they would’ve been effectively and unequivocally knocked off. But of course it was meaningless to someone like him. Jack had much more experience and probably tossed around those types of kisses like confetti on New Year’s Eve. She couldn’t let herself forget that.

  “What did he want?” he asked.

  “For your information, our plan is working.”

  His brows rose almost imperceptibly. “Is it?”

  “Yes, so thank you.” By the look on his face, she could tell Jack was surprised. Maybe even a little worried. She wondered if he thought she’d renege on their deal now.

  “So, what? Are you guys back together now?”

  “Not exactly.” She paused and glanced behind her to where David was eating with the other woman. He sat unsmiling and his face looked flustered. “David did say some things that look very promising, though.”

  “I’ll be the judge of that,” Jack said, sitting back with folded arms. “What did he say? And don’t leave anything out.”

  “For one thing he warned me not to see you anymore. Let’s see, what else— Oh, and he said, and I quote, ‘That man does not look like he’s done sewing his wild oats.’”

  Jack’s eyes narrowed. “Is that right?”

  “Mm-hmm.” She grinned, enjoying Jack’s reaction, but not exactly certain why. “He wants to protect me and said he’ll be watching you closely.”

  “That’s it.” He tossed his napkin on the table and stood. “Dr. Too Good’s going down.”

  “No!” She grabbed hold of his hand. “No, don’t. Sit down. Can’t you see that’s good?” She tugged on his arm again. “It means he’s concerned.”

  Jack stared into her eyes for a full five seconds, the anger working in his cheeks, then grudgingly sat back down. “What is there to be so concerned about? I’m not Charles Manson here. I’m a very decent guy. I’ve never even had so much as a parking ticket in my life.” “That’s not the point. He thinks you’re some playboy and that you’ll break my heart.” She let out a rush of air when Jack seemed to settle down. That’s all she needed was him getting into a fist fight over a little name-calling. Why would he even care what David said anyway? They weren’t dating for real.

  But after a moment, she couldn’t help but ask, “So is David right?”

  “About what?”

  “Are you still sewing your wild oats?”

  “Hmm, I’m not sure,” he said, scratching his chin. “I’d have to get my time machine and travel back to when that phrase was used to fully understand the question.”

  She rolled her eyes, but giggled. “Well, are you looking for a special kind of woman?”

  His dimple slipped out. “Of course.”

  “That special woman to share the rest of your life and possibly have children with?” she finished.

  “Hell no.”

  She raised an eyebrow. “Then I guess David’s right.”

  “The good doctor knows nothing about me or my oats. At least I have the decency to be upfront with a woman and not leave her dangling while I make up my mind. She knows exactly what’s she’s getting into with me. Light and fun, no strings attached.”

  “Why don’t you want to get married?”

  Jack looked taken aback by her question. “I already feel married. To my job. As far as I’m concerned, it’s been the best and longest relationship I’ve ever had.”

  “That’s not the same. Everybody gets lonely and wants someone special in their life.”

  He looked away. “I’m not everybody.”

  No, he certainly wasn’t.

  She supposed it was perfectly reasonable for someone like him to choose to stay single for the rest of his life. A part of her even felt sorry for the choice he’d made. But she wasn’t about to push the issue anymore. If Jack wanted to spend the rest of his life meeting strange woman after strange woman, she wasn’t going to lose any sleep over it. And if he wanted to end up living and dying alone in some old age home in Florida, she certainly wasn’t going to give it a second thought.

  Except she did. And it bothered her that she did.

  The waiter came and interrupted their fallen silence with their entrees. Although Jack’s steak looked and smelled delicious, she shook her head at it. “I’ve noticed you eat a lot of red meat.”

  “Careful,” he chided with a grin. “First you talk marriage and now you’re telling me what to eat. You’re sounding more and more like a real girlfriend every day. Just remember, this is still our first date, so keep your hands to yourself tonight. I’m not one of those guys.”

  “Jack, I’m serious. Your dad’s been battling heart issues and that kind of thing is hereditary.”

  He stabbed a piece of steak with his fork and pointed it at her. “Has David ever mentioned anything to you about your bossiness?”

  “Never,” she said, suppressing a smile. “And I’m not saying you have to become a vegetarian. But eating like one for even one day a week reduces consumption of saturated fat by fifteen percent, enough to ward off lifestyle diseases such as heart attacks, strokes, and cancer, too.”

  “Suggestion noted, darling,” he mumbled around a mouthful of meat.

  “See?” She chuckled. “You’re sounding more and more like a real boyfriend, too.”

  “How about we celebrate our successes, then,” he suggested. “Perhaps you could bend your rule just this once and have a little champagne with me.”

  “Well…” She bit her lip. She supposed she could splurge a little, considering. “Okay. Why not?”

  At once, Jack signaled the waiter and asked for the wine list. After spending a total of three seconds looking it over, he ordered what she hoped was a reasonably priced bottle of champagne.

  After the waiter came back and poured them both a healthy glass, Sabrina reached for hers but ended up knocking over the table salt. She gasped. Quickly gathering up what spilled on the table, she threw it over her shoulder.

  Jack frowned over his glass. “Good grief, what was that?”

  “Hmm?” Feeling more at ease, she took a tentative sip of her wine. She was a bit of a wine novice, but she thought the champagne tasted crisp and delicious.

  “The whole salt ritual you just performed. What was that all about?”

  “Oh.” Her cheeks heated. “Spilling salt is bad luck. But if you throw it over your left s
houlder with your right hand, then it’s supposed to counteract it with good luck.”

  “I heard something different.” He signaled with his index finger to lean closer and lowered his voice. “Do you want to know what it really means?”

  “Sure, what?”

  “It means you now have salt on your shoulder.”

  She picked up her fork and made a face. “Well, that’s not what I’ve read.”

  “Superstitious?” There was a glint of amusement in the depths of his blue eyes.

  “A little,” she murmured. Oh, who was she kidding? The way her luck was working, if she had time to stop off and buy a lottery ticket tonight, she probably would.

  “How about a toast?” He lifted his flute.

  “Okay,” she said, mimicking his gesture. “To successful goals?”

  They clinked glasses, then Jack drank deeply, finishing off his glass. She did the same. Her head was already feeling a bit dizzy. Maybe champagne was a bad idea. Or maybe she was caught up in the excitement of tonight—that kiss, her fight with David, Jack’s odd behavior.

  Jack was definitely different tonight. He wasn’t supposed to be charming or funny. He should be annoying and self-righteous. She thought she’d be counting down the seconds until her “date” with him was over. But instead, she found she was enjoying herself. Jack had a way of sneaking up on her, like a cold or…a chin hair. She had to turn away from that easy-going smile of his to even remember what they’d toasted to.

  Successful goals, stupid. David, not Jack’s ocean blue eyes.

  “Is David looking over here?” she asking, forcing herself to concentrate on what mattered.

  “Nope.”

  “He’s not?” She was so sure David would be seething and unable to keep his eyes off of them. What happened in the span of ten minutes?

  “Wait, he just looked over.”

  Ah-ha! She knew it.

  Smiling, she took a bite of her quiche and watched as Jack picked up the bottle and refilled their glasses. Everything was back on track. She was so happy she almost couldn’t catch up with her thoughts. This was too simple. She still couldn’t believe how easy it was to make David jealous. She knew all along he cared and this proved it. Soon, they’d be engaged again, just like Madame Butterfly predicted.