Josh's Fake Fiancee (Military Men Book 5)

by Shelley Munro

  Josh flinched on Ashley’s behalf.

  “Don’t listen to Grandma,” a teenager whispered to Ashley. “Your hair is rad. I’d do something similar to mine if I got the chance.”

  Ashley smiled. “Thank you. I appreciate the compliment.” She leaned closer to the teenager, but Josh was near enough to overhear. “I like it. Every time I look in the mirror, seeing the blaze of sunset colors makes me happy.”

  “Does your boyfriend like your hair?”

  “He does,” Josh said. “Very much.”

  The teenager giggled while Ashley sent him a broad smile. His heart flip-flopped, pleasure surging through him at the shared moment. Then, he thought of the sex tapes emblazoned over social media. While most had been removed, he could imagine Frog’s reaction. Not that he regretted making love with Ashley. He’d do it again in a heartbeat, but he hated lies. He and Ashley needed to talk, to decide how to handle their fake engagement. The way he saw it, no matter what they did, they’d face backlash.

  From Frog or from the public and perhaps Ashley’s work colleagues.

  His gut clenched. Ashley was intelligent and gorgeous, and since meeting her, he’d fallen under her spell. Despite the circumstances, she’d kept going when others would’ve stumbled or cracked under pressure. He had no doubt, she had an excellent chance of winning the election, but he couldn’t figure out how he might fit into her life permanently.

  He was a soldier. One without a job.

  Their political beliefs were different.

  Yet when it was just them, they synced.

  It was only when the outside world intruded that the doubts crept into his brain.

  He trailed Ashley, gaze scanning the faces in the crowds who waited to meet her. A faint breeze blew in off the harbor, ruffling her sunset hair. Overhead a seagull sat atop the roof of a restaurant, squawking at the intruders while its beady eyes scanned for tidbits of food.

  Ashley spoke to men, women, and children. Some asked for policy details, one woman asked the location of the restrooms while others had comments about her personal life. Josh had no idea how she remained smiling and pleasant.

  At precisely eleven, they moved on to their next engagement. A new business had started up in the city—a cat café. Josh was a dog person himself, so he sat at a table with Nelson and sipped his coffee while Ashley spoke with the owners, the employees, and the other patrons. She stroked a purring cat while she discussed policies for businesses and the Labor party’s thoughts on shifting the minimum wage. Ashley visibly relaxed, opening Josh’s eyes to the purpose of the café.

  His phone buzzed, indicating an incoming message. A groan escaped him as he saw Frog’s name.

  “I need to make a phone call,” he said to Nelson. “Won’t be long.”

  “No problem. If you see Gerry, tell him to grab sandwiches for lunch. I’m starving.” Gerry had received a pass on this visit because of his allergies.

  “I’ll get something. Nothing you dislike?” Josh asked.

  “We’ll both eat anything,” Nelson replied.

  Josh left and jogged down the stairs. The cat café was off Queen Street, the main shopping street, and he found Gerry loitering at the nearby coffee shop.

  “I don’t think they’ll be much longer. Nelson asked me to buy sandwiches.”

  “Not in there,” Gerry said. “They’ve sold out.”

  “No problem. I’ll find something.” Before he left, he messaged Frog. Will ring in a few.

  Now came Frog’s instant reply.

  Josh sighed, found a quiet spot out of the way of the pedestrian traffic, and dialed his friend. No doubt, if Frog had his way, it’d be ex-friend. His own damn fault. Josh shouldn’t have crossed the line.

  “What the fuck is going on over there?” Frog roared. “Sex tapes? What the fuck, man? I trusted you to protect Ashley. Instead, you think with your dick and make a sex tape.”

  “You gonna let me speak?” Josh asked before Frog started again.

  “Speak!” Frog roared.

  “Ashley’s stalker placed a hidden camera in her bedroom.”

  “Which doesn’t explain why your pasty white arse is in the movie. The thing about a fake engagement is that it remains a pretense. No sex.” Frog’s voice grew in volume. “What part of no sex don’t you get? If you screw Ashley’s chance to follow her dream because of sex, I’ll come home, and your problems will be worse than one stupid stalker. Where is Ashley? You tell her to call me,” Frog ordered.

  “No, I won’t do that. Ashley is coping with the situation. She doesn’t need you shouting at her.”

  “You slept with my sister,” Frog said, this time in a scarily quiet voice.

  “It was consensual,” Josh snapped. “Ashley has enough to deal with now. I’ll tell her you’re concerned and want to lecture her. But don’t you dare upset her. If that’s all, I have to buy sandwiches, so Ashley gets to eat before her next gig.”

  “Keep your hands off my sister.” Frog hung up before Josh could reply.

  Josh cursed and shoved his phone in his pocket. Dammit, he hated arguing with Frog. Worse, he loathed being the meat in a sibling sandwich. No matter what he did, what he said, he’d be in the wrong. He’d thought this job would help him—give him space to make decisions.

  Now, he’d fucked everything up and fallen for Ashley, a woman who was too damn good for him.

  17 – Putting Out Fires

  The next two days passed, and Ashley felt as if she was putting out fires in every direction. Overseas news agencies had picked up the sex tape story, although thankfully, the social media companies had hastened to remove the videos.

  She couldn’t go anywhere without Nelson, Gerry, or Josh following her. Her protection squad. Although she appreciated their presence, the lack of freedom to do something as simple as visiting the restroom frustrated her.

  Next up, her parents were concerned while Matt had sent a terse email demanding to know why she was putting the career she wanted above all else in jeopardy by jumping into bed with Josh.

  Which led to her final problem.

  Josh Williams.

  Since the day of the sex tape and Matt’s call, he’d distanced himself. They’d shared a bed, but each kept to their respective sides. While in public, they were friendly and polite, but Ashley hated the widening gap between them. She couldn’t discuss this with any of her political friends since as far as they knew, the engagement was real. Summer was the next logical choice, but it didn’t seem right to discuss Josh with his sister—not with private things. Ashley scowled and twirled the engagement ring on her finger.

  As she saw it, she had one final solution. She swallowed her last mouthful of tea. Ugh! Cold. She rinsed the cup and placed it in the dishwasher before turning to Josh.

  “Josh, are you busy? We need to have a discussion.”

  “Can it wait until I finish watching this movie?” Josh didn’t take his eyes off the screen.

  “I’ll be in our bedroom,” Ashley said and stalked off. She’d do paperwork, check for correspondence from Summer, and decide what she’d wear tomorrow night to the next political debate.

  Ashley picked a red pants suit, deciding to pair it with a cream blouse and black heels. Next up, she checked her email and opened one from Summer with full details of the program for the following day, and the policies she should discuss, given the opportunity.

  Summer had written, you haven’t mentioned the middle New Zealander. None of your policies address this.

  Ashley grinned at Summer’s extra input. It was helpful to have someone who voted for the other main party to see through flaws in her program. Summer managed it in such a way as to not cause offense. Josh’s sister was proving her worth, and Ashley had quickly come to appreciate and trust her. Summer bore the same solid honor as Josh.

  Integrity was worthy in its place, but when it became a block sitting between her and Josh, their situation had to change.

  When Josh didn’t arrive, Ashley prepared for be
d. The man intended to wait until she’d fallen asleep. She had plenty of busywork, correspondence to write. No problem. She set her jaw with determination.

  Game on.

  “Interested in watching another movie?” Josh asked.

  “I’m knackered,” Nelson said. “I’ll do a walk around the property and retire for the night.”

  “Yeah, I’m heading to bed too,” Gerry said. “My spidey senses are tingling.”

  Josh understood. Getting Ashley to and from her meetings was becoming logistically complicated. Not only did they have to watch for the bad guy, but the reporters reminded him of a pack of marauding dogs, and the public wanted their piece of her too. Her popularity caused difficulties.

  The two men left, and Josh turned off the television. Sighing, he stood and switched off the light. Hopefully, his plan had worked. Frog’s fist lay in his future. His fault. He’d crossed a line. He should’ve kept his hands off Ashley.

  Josh padded along the passage and opened the bedroom door. It squeaked, and he winced. He paused a beat before entering.

  “Josh.”

  Oh-oh. The note in her voice reminded him strongly of his mother. It was the tone he’d heard whenever he’d misbehaved or stepped into trouble.

  He strove for apologetic. “Sorry. Did I wake you?”

  “No, I’ve been waiting for you. Part of me is surprised you didn’t sleep on the couch.” Ashley sat up and switched on the bedside lamp.

  A glow suffused the room, and his gaze jumped to her loose hair. The yellow, orange, and different shades of red shimmered with sunset vibrancy. His fingers itched to touch and test the strands. His gaze lifted to her features. Her frown.

  “I contemplated it, but I didn’t want Nelson or Gerry to speculate.”

  She snorted. “As if they and every New Zealander aren’t poking their nose into our business. Matt included. Sit. I have something to say, and it’s difficult to concentrate when you’re hovering. You look as if you intend a swift retreat.”

  “Considering it,” he said with total honesty.

  “I thought you were a big, brave military man.” She crooked her finger and beckoned him closer. “I promise not to bite. Much.”

  Josh felt his eyes widen. Her expression gave him nothing. Her words, however… He edged nearer and perched on the corner of the bed.

  “I’m going with gut honesty here.” Ashley straightened her shoulders. “I like you, Josh. A lot. Making love with you, sharing my life with you—I’d love our arrangement to become real. Not the engagement part because we’re still getting to know one another, but I have feelings for you. Could we give what we have between us a chance—if you’re agreeable? If you’re not on the same page, I understand and ask you to please keep the pretense until the election is done.”

  Josh stared at Ashley, frozen, and scarcely breathing. Frog had spoken to her too, and instead of listening to her brother, she wanted him. She was willing to fight for him. His chest went rigid, his throat tighter.

  He’d thought Frog…

  “Josh? Do you intend to say something? Anything?”

  Josh swallowed hard, the emotions in him tangling to do a number on his language skills.

  Ashley sighed, pulled a face. “I didn’t mean to make you uncomfortable, but I thought you’d prefer honesty instead of guessing. My life is too busy for games. I’ll back off and try not to make the situation too awkward. After the election, I’ll announce the pressure on our relationship—”

  “No!” At long last, his brain kicked into gear. He jumped to his feet and prowled toward Ashley. He hauled her from the bed and wrapped her in an embrace. “I…” He swallowed to lubricate his throat. His brain wasn’t functioning right. The words to make this right weren’t at the tip of his tongue as usual. “Please.” He stared into her brown eyes, every single piece of experience deserting him.

  A furrow formed between her brows. Damn, he was losing it, losing her.

  “I want the same thing,” he growled, desperation helping him to get out the words.

  The tiny frown didn’t shift, and he did the only thing he could. He kissed her, pouring every emotion into it. Hopefully, he’d manage the words once the fear of losing her wasn’t paralyzing him. After Frog had reamed him out and lectured Ashley, he’d figured any chance they’d had of something real had detonated.

  Her arms came around his shoulders, gripping him in a possessive manner. Her action penetrated the tension in his gut, his chest, his mind, and he drew back, parting their mouths.

  “You’re certain?” he croaked.

  “One hundred percent.”

  “What about your brother?”

  “He needs to treat me as an adult. If I’m old enough to run a country, I’m capable of a relationship with you. I’m not stupid. I’ve seen the women come on to you when we’re out together. You smile at them. You’re polite, but you never flirt with them, not unless they’re old enough to be your grandmother. Each day, you look out for me in a dozen little ways. Don’t think I haven’t noticed. Matt can’t do anything except holler from Afghanistan. When he comes home on leave, I’ll set him straight.”

  “Your brother is after my blood. He’s threatened me.”

  “Are you positive about us?” Ashley asked, her gaze direct and unflinching.

  “Yes.” His throat tightened again. “I-I thought you’d tell me to leave.”

  “It never entered my mind. Are we positive we found every hidden camera in this room?”

  “Yes. We checked the entire house.”

  “Then, let’s go to bed.” She scanned the four corners of her bedroom. “And just to make sure, we’ll turn off the lights.”

  Josh’s world tipped again, this time resettling in a place of peace. Happiness.

  Laughing, he settled her on the bed. He reached over to switch off the lamp before yanking off his footwear and clothes. Naked, he joined her, determined to give her actions. The words, he’d give her later once his brain rattled back into place.

  Ashley wriggled out of her loose T-shirt and panties, firing the garments away instead of tidily folding them as was her standard MO.

  He hadn’t said no.

  When she’d expected rejection, especially given the BS that was her life at present, he’d surprised her. Her pulse still raced, and if she held out her right hand, she suspected it’d tremble.

  Josh rolled closer, his hands smoothing over her shoulders. “You’re naked.”

  “I thought it’d be quicker if I stripped too.”

  A chuckle escaped him, and her world settled onto a more level equilibrium.

  Then their mouths connected in the darkness. At first attempt, their teeth clashed but Josh tugged her closer, fit their bodies together, and the kiss settled into perfect.

  In the intimate darkness, their lovemaking was fast and furious. Hands stroked roughly as Josh sucked hard on one nipple. Her body bloomed for him, Ashley on board with this, with Josh, with the potential of a future. Desire rippled through her, a certainty in the rightness of her decision.

  “Josh,” she protested when he separated their bodies.

  “Condom,” he muttered.

  “I’m glad you’re thinking,” she whispered.

  He laughed. “It’s a close thing.”

  “Do you need the light?”

  “Nope.”

  Foil crinkled and Josh shifted his body. “Come on top of me.”

  Ashley didn’t argue. She straddled his big, muscular body and guided his cock to her entrance. Without haste, she sank down and savored the sensual stretch, the decadent glide as she took him deep.

  “That feels amazing, sweetheart,” he whispered. His voice sounded thicker than usual, and the depth of his passion filled her heart with warmth.

  She rose and fell, letting her body guide her.

  “Ashley, you’re gorgeous,” he whispered. “You are a goddess.”

  His compliment filled her cheeks with a delighted blush. “It’s dark. You can’t see
me.”

  “Excellent night vision,” he countered.

  He gripped her hips and lifted to meet her downward slide with an upward one of his own. When she couldn’t quite get the friction she wanted, she stroked her clit.

  “That’s it.” Josh encouraged her. “Take what you want.”

  A streak of pleasure shot through her, and she closed her eyes, grabbing onto passion and sensation and straining for more. Then it was there, claiming her. She caressed her nub more gently now, to prolong the blissful sensations. The pleasure spread, a moan of delight escaping her as her orgasm shimmered, gradually growing bigger, better.

  “I can feel you tightening around my cock,” Josh murmured. “So good.”

  She leaned forward to kiss him, and without warning, he rolled. She laughed up at him, barely making out his features in the dark.

  He surged into her, filling her again. Ashley gripped his shoulders and savored his unleashed power as he invaded and retreated. His strokes quickened then he stilled, balls-deep inside her.

  Their lips met, and in that perfect moment, Ashley felt so close to Josh her heart ached. Yes. She intended to fight for Josh, fight for their fledgling relationship, fight for a future. Because, despite her brother’s opinion, Ashley thought they had a chance, and that was worth fighting for.

  18 – Things Get Much, Much Worse

  The next morning, Ashley let Josh take the first shower while she checked her email. One stood out, and her hand trembled as she clicked on it.

  You were warned. This is your fault.

  The email was a throwaway fake address, but she sent the email to her printer to give to Nelson.

  “Something wrong?” Josh strode into the bedroom, naked apart from the towel wrapped around his waist.

  “A love letter from my stalker,” Ashley said. “I’m printing it now.”

  Josh retrieved the single page and frowned as he read the message.

  “He’s done something else.” Ashley’s gut tangled in knots. “I’m so over this.”

  “Take a shower. Get ready for your day. We’ll worry about things when we meet them.” Josh claimed a slow kiss, giving her comfort and diverting her mind, for an instant, to more enticing, enjoyable topics. “Nelson, Gerry, and I have your back.”