She tried to make her voice sound nonchalant. “Hey.” Her fingers gripped the phone so tightly her knuckles turned white.
“The rehearsal starts at one tomorrow.”
That was Jared. Down to business. No asking how she was doing, how her week was going. Nothing but the necessities. Of course, why would he ask about her week? He didn’t care. She knew he didn’t love her, but the truth of it still stung. “Okay.”
“We should leave in the morning. How does eight o’clock sound?”
The deep timbre of his voice brought back all the memories of their time together, which made her heart thump in her chest. Heat rushed to her cheeks. “Sounds good.”
Carrie stared at her from across the room. She turned and walked away to avoid the scrutiny.
“Is everything set up with your actor friend?”
“Yes. Jimmy’s ready.” Madison twisted a lock of her hair around her finger. She didn’t want their conversation to end. She hated to admit it, but she missed talking to him. “Did you speak with Veronica?”
Jared blew out a breath. “Yes. She’s groveling, trying to take everything back. She wants to date after our fake breakup. I told her to jump in the lake.”
Madison giggled. “You didn’t!”
His chuckle sent shivers through her. “Yeah. Only I wasn’t that nice.”
“I hope she leaves you alone now.”
There was a rustling noise as Jared adjusted the phone. “What else can she do?”
Madison bit her lip. “I don’t know, but she makes me nervous.”
“I won’t let her do anything to you.” His voice was soft, like a caress.
Why did he have to say that? Madison closed her eyes, unable to respond. His words almost made her think he had feelings for her. Pain stabbed through her, because she knew he didn’t.
“I’ll see you tomorrow.” The way he said it meant he was done with the call, back to the business side of things.
“Okay. Bye.” Madison hung up and slumped into the living room chair.
Carrie pointed an accusing finger in her direction. “Ha! I can’t believe it. You like him.”
Great. This was the last thing Madison needed. If Carrie found out, she wouldn’t let it go. The best course of action was denial. “I do not.”
A raised eyebrow told her Carrie wasn’t buying it. “Look at you. You’re flushed and shaking. You should have seen your face when you were talking to him. You not only like this guy, you like like him.”
“I was nervous.”
Carrie snorted. “You were nervous because you have the hots for him. Come on, I thought this was just another acting job for you. What happened? Spill it.”
Apparently Carrie wasn’t going to let up. Madison sighed. “Okay, I sort of fell for the guy.”
“Sort of? When you were on the phone, you had huge moonie eyes, and now you’re moping. You fell hard.”
“All right. I did. But he doesn’t feel the same way, so I’m out of luck. End of story.”
Carrie put her arm around Madison’s shoulders. “Aw, sweetie, are you sure?”
“Yes.” Wait, was she sure? “No. I mean, I don’t know. Things got all muddled up when I was with him.”
“Then we must find out.”
Madison picked at a piece of lint on her t-shirt. “How?”
“I’m your bridesmaid. Irene practically begged me to stay at the house after the rehearsal dinner. Don’t worry. After seeing the two of you together for a couple of days, I’ll know. The Carrie love radar is never wrong.”
Madison bit back her response. The Carrie love radar had been in desperate need of repair for quite some time. But instead of commenting, she nodded.
Carrie squeezed her shoulders. “Things have a way of working out in the end.”
True. They did.
Just not always how Madison wanted them to.
MADISON WOKE AT FOUR in the morning and couldn’t fall back asleep. Every time she closed her eyes, Jared’s face came into view. Her chest constricted. Was it possible he had feelings for her? She didn’t want to let the hope settle in, or she’d be even more devastated when things didn’t work out.
An hour later, she finally gave up trying to sleep and hopped out of bed. She opened her closet and pulled out the cute skirt and top she’d found on sale. It was embarrassing to admit she had bought them to look good for Jared.
After a hot shower, she dressed and pulled her hair back in an up-do. She took longer than usual applying her makeup. Normally, jewelry wasn’t her thing, but she put on a set of silver bangle bracelets that accentuated her engagement ring. A pair of new leather sandals completed the look.
Carrie whistled. “You look good, girl. If he wasn’t interested before, he will be now.”
Heat rushed to Madison’s cheeks. “Thanks.”
While Carrie took her turn in the bathroom, Madison packed for the weekend. She’d bought a couple of other outfits, splurging and spending more than she’d planned. After writing Carrie a rent check, she barely had enough to make it another few days. Next week would be a ramen noodle and peanut butter sandwich week. It would also be after the wedding, when she would have no more excuses to see Jared. She didn’t want to think about next week.
She tossed another shirt and a pair of shorts into her bag, zipped it shut, and declared her packing done. The clock told her she still had over an hour before Jared would be there.
Feeling anxious, she logged onto her laptop. It crawled at a snail’s pace. Luckily, she wasn’t in a hurry. She checked her email, then noticed a couple of new friend requests on Facebook. She clicked the first one. Irene Jameson. And the second one was Mark Jameson. Her blood froze.
Of course Jared’s family would friend her on Facebook. That made total sense. But she couldn’t accept them. Her status said ‘single.’ She and Jared weren’t even Facebook friends. Her updates said nothing about getting married.
Her heart sank to her toes. How was she going to handle that one? She bit her lip, contemplating changing her status to ‘in a relationship.’ No one would notice, right? Who would care if she wasn’t single anymore?
She searched for Jared Jameson. Quite a few popped up, but none of them were right. Maybe Jared didn’t use Facebook. That would solve some of the issues. She felt relief until she saw his photo near the bottom of the list. Great.
A quick friend request sent to Jared, and she closed the computer. Once they were friends, she would add Mark and Irene. Hopefully, they wouldn’t ask about the lack of wedding stuff on her wall or pay attention to the fact that she’d only just added Jared as a friend.
A knock on the door startled her. Jared was early. Her pulse raced and nerves shot through her. She wiped her hand on her skirt before opening the door.
Seeing Jared sent her heart into overdrive. He wore a green polo shirt with tan slacks. He looked good. Real good. Her instincts were telling her to run to him, wrap her arms around him, and bask in the warmth of his embrace. But they weren’t a couple, and there was no one around to put on a show for. Hugging him would be inappropriate, so she took a step back and swallowed the lump forming in her throat. “Hey. Carrie’s still getting ready. Come on in.”
Jared’s gaze traveled over her. “You look nice.”
Her cheeks heated. “Thanks.”
The air tingled between them. Jared sat on the couch, on the edge of the cushion like he was waiting for his first date and had to make small talk with her father. Madison sat next to him and fiddled with her fingers in her lap.
“What did you tell your roommate?” He looked worried.
“She knows everything. But she’s cool. She won’t tell anyone.”
He wiped the back of his neck. “That’s good.”
“How’s Shelly?”
A frown creased his brow. “Still having breathing problems. None of the tests have shown anything conclusive. It’s frustrating.”
Madison wanted to put her arm around him. To pull him close and console
him. Instead, she put her hand on his leg. “I hope they find out what’s wrong soon.”
“Yeah. Me too.”
Carrie entered the room and Madison withdrew her hand like she’d been caught sticking it in the cookie jar. Carrie threw her a knowing look, then smiled. “I’m ready.”
They piled into Jared’s car, Carrie quickly taking the back seat so Madison was forced to sit in front. As soon as they were on the road, Carrie rested her arms on the backs of the seats and stuck her head between them. “So, Jared, what’s it like planning a pretend wedding?”
He shifted. “Pretty much like you’d imagine.”
“Fun?”
“Awkward.”
“Oh.” Carrie’s face fell. “But there’s something a little magical about a wedding, don’t you think? Something that makes you want to fall in love?”
Madison shot Carrie a dirty look. What was she trying to do? She said she’d watch him, not grill him.
“Never really thought about it,” Jared mumbled.
Carrie leaned forward. “I mean, doesn’t it almost seem like fate is bringing you and Madison together?”
Madison gave Carrie the ‘shut up now’ signal, which was basically a murderous stare.
Jared raised an eyebrow. “What are you trying to say, Carrie?”
Her ‘I’m going to kill you’ look must have gotten through to Carrie because she slumped back in her seat. “Nothing. I just think you two make a cute couple.”
JARED SQUIRMED, HEAT rising to his face. Even Carrie could see his attraction for Madison. He chanced a glance beside him. Madison sat rigidly, a look of sheer terror on her face.
Great. If the thought of them being a real couple garnered that kind of a reaction, he should give up now. She obviously disliked the idea.
“Is Mark dating anyone?” Madison asked, changing the subject.
“Not that I know of.” Jared eyed her, suspicion growing in him. “Why?”
She tossed her hair over her shoulder. “No reason.”
Perfect. She’s interested in Mark. He sighed and flipped on the radio.
Carrie leaned forward. “I wanted to know. She asked because of me.”
“Oh.”
This week away from Madison had been the longest week of his life. He’d tried to go back to his old life. Jump both feet into the way things were and forget about her. But he found his life hollow and lacking. He missed her. The way she laughed with her whole body. Her smile. Her jokes. Even her catty remarks.
Over the last week, he’d pondered the situation. When had he fallen for her? That first night, when she ate Irene’s horrible potatoes? Or when she’d conned him into writing the check? Or maybe it was when she trusted him enough to tell him about her horrible family life.
He wasn’t sure how it happened, but he knew he couldn’t walk away from her after this. He had to show her he cared. Convince her to give him a chance. Maybe they could continue the farce while they dated for real. The thought of continuing to see her made him smile.
But the terrified look she wore at the thought of them being a couple had blown his confidence away in the hot August wind. She wasn’t interested in him. Her goal was to become a famous Hollywood actress, which he was sure she’d achieve. Why would she want to date him? He’d only pull her down and tie her to a small Midwestern town with nothing to offer.
She sat in the passenger seat, her long legs crossed, hair pulled back, more beautiful than he’d ever seen her. Their eyes met, and he turned away, embarrassed to be caught ogling.
Tension mounted in him as they drove. Carrie chatted in the back, thankfully. Otherwise, he and Madison would have sat silent the entire way. He nodded and made approving noises where appropriate.
They pulled into the curved drive and parked, his stomach tied in so many knots a sailor would be proud. The day was promising to be another hot one. He grabbed the luggage from the trunk.
As Irene welcomed them into the house, Madison slipped her arm through his, effortlessly easing back into her role of fiancée. It seemed so natural for her. Another knot formed.
Irene played the perfect hostess. “So nice to meet you, Carrie. Let me take your things. Follow me up the stairs, and I’ll show you to your room.”
Jared jogged up the steps behind everyone and set the luggage on the floor of their guest bedroom. He wasn’t sure how, but he needed to find out if Madison was interested in pursuing a relationship after the wedding was over. What an awkward conversation that would be. ‘Hey, after we’re married, do you want to go on a date?’
He shook his head. No. Maybe he could show her he cared over the next couple of days. Maybe she would really fall in love with him.
Yeah right. Like that would really happen.
Chapter 18
Madison found it easier than she thought to reclaim the role of being Jared’s fiancée. She cozied up to him at lunch and slipped her hand into his when they went out back to admire Irene’s setup for the wedding. Jared responded warmly, even kissing her on the forehead when they were standing on the stage where the dancing would take place.
Irene had transformed the backyard into the perfect setting. A beautiful white runner lay on the ceremony path. The twinkle lights still hung from every branch.
Others began arriving: first Pastor Ryan, then Mark, Zach and Patricia, and finally Jimmy. Dressed as he was in full ministerial attire complete with black robe and white collar, Madison worried Jimmy was over-doing it. She soon relaxed, though, when everyone accepted him as the real deal.
They sat in the living room chatting, staying inside where it was cool as long as they could. Patricia and Zach sat on the love seat, clasping hands. Patricia’s face practically glowed. If Zach was nervous, he didn’t show it.
Carrie managed to sit by Mark, and flirted ruthlessly. Madison figured they’d be a couple by tomorrow. Carrie usually hooked the guy she wanted, the one exception being the handsome teller at Wells Fargo who, they found out later, had a boyfriend.
Pastor Ryan reminded Madison of George Clooney. She could imagine him breaking a lot of hearts in his younger years. He leaned forward and cleared his throat. “Before we walk through the ceremony, I’d like to take a few minutes, if that’s okay.” He glanced at Jimmy, who seemed oblivious. When the pastor didn’t get a non-verbal go-ahead, he said, “Pastor James?”
Jimmy started and glanced around the room. “Who, me? Yeah, sure, go ahead.” He waved his hand.
Pastor Ryan nodded. “I’m so thrilled you’ve invited me to be a part of this happy occasion. Patricia, Jared, I’ve known you both since you were small. You are like family to me. And this is why I must be bold and say this.” He paused and looked them in the eye. “Marriage is not to be taken lightly.”
Madison’s stomach dropped. Guilt flooded through her, and Jared’s face drained of color.
“Not to say that a couple needs to date for years before they tie the knot. I firmly believe when you know it’s the right person, there’s no reason to delay. In fact, I’ve always felt putting off marriage and family isn’t good. But I want to impress upon you the importance of what you’re doing here on Saturday.” His gaze pierced through Madison, and her soul shrunk back like a child caught drawing on the bedroom wall.
“Marriage is a commitment. You will stand before God and pledge to love, honor and obey for the rest of your lives. I expect you all to take the commitment seriously.”
Everyone nodded, and Patricia wiped a tear from her eye. “Yes, we do take it very seriously, Pastor.”
“I know you do. And you’ll be happy for years to come, I’m sure of it.” His face relaxed into a smile. “Pastor James, anything you’d like to add?”
Jimmy stood. His baby-smooth skin and gangly appendages made him look like a teenager. “Yes, thank you, Father...I mean, Pastor. I just wanted to say that marriage...” His gaze bounced around the room, and he fidgeted, shifting his weight from one foot to the other. “Marriage is what brings us together today.”
Jimmy rocked back on his heels while the room sat in silence. Madison tossed Jared a feeble smile. Jimmy continued quoting lines from movies, going from Four Weddings and a Funeral, to Forrest Gump, and even Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventure. He appeared to be getting into the role, because he made a dramatic flourish with his hands, and sat down. Everyone nodded, apparently satisfied with Jimmy’s words of wisdom. Madison wondered what she’d been thinking, hiring him to play the part.
“THEN I’LL GIVE A SHORT speech, you’ll exchange vows and rings, I’ll pronounce you man and wife, then you will kiss your bride. Why don’t you practice the kissing part?” Jimmy wiggled his eyebrows.
Jared suppressed a smile. Kiss her? He’d love to. But she’d pronounced the ‘no kissing’ rule last week, and he didn’t want to do anything against her wishes. He stared at Madison, searching her blue eyes for silent permission. When she inched toward him and raised her chin, he took it as assent, and he pulled her close, wrapping his arms around her slender waist. With as much self-control as he could muster, he grazed her soft lips.
The feel of her skin and the light flowery scent of her perfume pushed his heart into overdrive. Sparks ignited under his skin, sending tingles through him. She responded by entwining her fingers in his hair, drawing him closer. She seemed like she was into the kiss, but was it just an act?
Unsure when the ‘no kissing’ rule would be put back into place, he decided to take advantage of the moment, figuring he might not have another chance to show her his deepening feelings. When they parted, he swung her around in a dramatic dip, his arm supporting her back. She let out a surprised squeal, but the corners of her mouth lifted in a smile. He pressed his lips to hers again, this time more passionately. The crowd hooted and clapped, and when the kiss ended, she laughed—the kind that came from her toes and warmed his heart.
His father shot Irene a look he couldn’t comprehend, and she smiled in response. Patricia giggled like a fifth grader. Jimmy stared at them with a half-grin on his face.
[Anthology] A Clean Fake Marriage Romance Collection Page 12