“Twelve.”
“Wow. Who all lives here?”
Harrison walked over to the sliding glass door. “Just my stepmother and me. Trent lives over in Beverly Hills with his wife.”
Seemed pretty wasteful to have such a large house with hardly anyone in it. But that would have been rude to say. “What about your servants?”
He chuckled. “Servants? You mean the staff?”
Oops. She had called them the wrong thing. Heat flushed her cheeks, but she ignored it and nodded.
“Antonio lives in an apartment above the garage. The rest of the staff have their own homes.” His eyes twinkled with a hidden smile.
“You grew up here?” She sat down on the bed and slipped off her heels.
“Yes.”
There was a sadness to his voice, but she didn’t want to pry. “How come you’ve never moved out?”
He lifted one shoulder. “I always planned to, after I got my trust fund.”
“But you have to be married to get that.” She cocked her head to the side. He was handsome, and rich. Surely he didn’t have to resort to marrying a stranger. “Why are you doing all this, anyway? Wouldn’t it have been easier to find a real wife?”
He sighed and shoved his fists in his pockets, turning to look out at the view. “I did.” He clenched his jaw. “It didn’t work out.”
Seeing him in obvious turmoil made her heart ache. “Divorced?”
“No. Thankfully, I found out what kind of woman she was before the wedding.”
“Well, that’s good.”
He turned to her, a pained expression on his face. “An hour before, actually.”
“Oh. Not good.” The poor guy. She felt bad for him but was too curious not to ask. “You find her with another man?”
He cringed. “The best man.”
“That’s horrible. What did you do?” She ran her hand over the soft coverlet on his bed.
He frowned. “She begged me not to tell anyone. Said it would ruin her socially. She pleaded with me, and I felt bad for her. So I walked away. Everyone thought I left her at the altar.”
“What? You got blamed for it?” Indignation arose in her.
“Yes. The wedding was kind of a big deal. Lots of publicity. Leaving her at the altar was not looked upon very favorably. Let’s just say I haven’t been on many dates since then.”
“I can’t believe she did that to you.”
He shrugged. “She cared more about her reputation than mine.”
Penny tried to imagine what it would be like to have everyone think you did something horrible when in fact, you were the one hurting. It wasn’t a pleasant thought, and she stared down at her hands. How awful it must have been for him. She could tell by his body language―back straight, his fists clenched―that he was still bothered by it, even though he tried to act nonchalant.
She hopped off the bed. “Come on, let’s do something fun before dinner. You guys have a pool, right?”
He raised an eyebrow. “Yes.”
“Let’s go swimming. It’s totally warm outside.”
A frown pulled down the corners of his mouth and he folded his arms across his chest. “I’m not really the swimming pool type.”
He didn’t use his pool? For some reason that bothered her more than the unused bedrooms. “Well, you’re going to be today. Get your swim trunks on.”
She didn’t wait to see if he obeyed. She walked into the closet and shut the door, then dug through her suitcase until she found her faded suit. It had seen better days, but it still fit so it was difficult to justify buying a new one. She slipped it on and called out to Harrison. “You decent?”
“Yes.”
She opened the closet and peered out. Harrison stood facing the sliding glass door, his casual clothes still on. She huffed. “Why aren’t you in your swim trunks?”
“I thought you were kidding.” He turned and his gaze froze on her.
“No, I wasn’t. Get your suit on!”
He sighed, but walked to his dresser and opened a drawer. “All right.”
She waited while he went into the bathroom to change. Her phone sat on top of the dresser, and she picked it up. There were a few messages from William that she’d missed. He was pleading with her to forgive him. Tears threatened to spill down her cheeks, but she blinked them away.
She slid open the balcony door and stepped out, clutching her phone. Two patio chairs faced the amazing view, overlooking LA. A light breeze carried a woodsy scent mixed with a lighter floral smell.
A noise sounded below and she peered down to see Patrice on a stone walkway. The rail thin woman glanced around as if she was nervous someone was following her. Then she continued toward the garage.
What was up with that? Penny assumed Patrice could go anywhere she wanted. Why was she acting all sneaky like? Whatever.
Penny sighed and plopped down in one of the chairs. William lived in Santa Barbara. Just an hour and a half away. She stared down at the phone in her hand.
“Nice view, huh?”
Harrison’s voice startled her, and she jumped, then felt guilty for being caught thinking about William. “Yeah.”
He sat down on the other chair, and she choked back a gasp. Who knew under that suit he was so ripped? He wasn’t body builder material or anything, but his well-defined muscles made her heart pound in her chest. Holy cow, she needed to get out more.
“I like to sit out here in the evenings.” He steepled his fingers and tapped his chin. “It’s peaceful.”
She tore her gaze away from his chest. “I can see that.”
They sat for a minute in comfortable silence. Then Harrison shifted in his seat. “You still going to drag me down to the pool?”
“You betcha.” She hopped up and grabbed his hand. Electricity zinged through her, and she dropped it. “Come on. Last one in is a loser.”
He stood, his eyes hiding a smile. “You don’t even know the way.”
“How hard can it be? I’ll bet I can be in the pool even before you’ve left your room.”
He arched a brow. “Sounds like a challenge.”
They stared at each other for a second before they both took off, running through Harrison’s bedroom and down the hallway. Penny’s bare feet slapped against the marble tile as she tried to get in front of him. She was faster on the stairs and ended up being several feet ahead. Not knowing quite where to go, but following her instinct, she took off toward the west end of the house.
She ran through several rooms―a sitting room, one with a piano, a formal dining room―but when she rounded a corner she collided with a woman carrying a tray of dirty dishes. Teacups and saucers clattered to the floor and the woman shouted something in Spanish.
“Oh! I’m sorry!” Penny turned and Harrison ran smack into her, knocking her on her behind. Harrison’s face almost made her laugh out loud, his eyes were so wide.
The Spanish woman set the tray on the counter and began picking up dishes. “Lo siento, señor Williams!”
Penny scrambled to help her. “It’s my fault. I shouldn’t have been running.” She picked up a broken teacup. “I hope this wasn’t valuable.”
“The set has only been in the family for a hundred years.” The cold voice was unmistakable, and Penny cringed. She looked up to see Patrice staring down at her, contempt darkening her eyes.
Heat rushed to Penny’s cheeks and she rose. “I’m sorry—”
“Save your apologies for the stupid. I’m not blind. I know what’s going on here.”
“Patrice!” Harrison stepped between them, shielding Penny from his stepmother. “You can’t treat my wife this way.”
“Your wife?” She spat the word out like a spoiled piece of meat. “You mean this hussy? She’s simply a mistake that will soon be rectified. And you will not disrespect me. I am your mother.” She pointed a long red fingernail in his face. “I may not have birthed you, but I raised you.”
“You mean you paid the nannies who raised me,”
he said under his breath.
“Don’t sass me. I won’t stand to be mocked in my own house.” She turned and left the room, and Penny swore she heard a crack of thunder as the woman departed.
Harrison turned to Penny. “I’m sorry about that. I didn’t think she would react this way—by attacking you. Are you okay?”
She was too stunned to speak, so she just nodded.
“She’s been bothering me to get married for years. One would think she’d be happy about it.” His frown deepened. “Come on. I’ll show you the way to the pool.”
“I wasn’t headed there?”
His laugh lines crinkled with his smile. “Not even close.”
Chapter 6
Harrison sat on the side of the pool, dangling his legs in the water. It had been years since he’d been swimming. It was surprisingly relaxing. He and Penny had swum a few laps, then she’d gotten out of the pool to pump up a floating lounge chair. He watched her get in the water and struggle to get on it. She’d get one leg on, and then the whole thing would float out of her grasp. He chuckled, then realized he was staring at her legs. She had curves in all the right places.
The third time she fell off the lounge he jumped in the water and swam over to her. “Here, let me hold it. That’ll be easier.”
“Thanks.” After she was on, she grinned like a little kid. “This is fun. You should get on.”
“That’s a one-person chair.”
She giggled, and something stirred in him.
He liked her. He couldn’t deny it. When she’d kissed him, he’d been surprised to find himself attracted to her. More than that. Something had awakened in him that had been dead for a long time. He hadn’t wanted to stop kissing her. And now he needed to tear his gaze away from her lips. She was speaking. What was she saying?
“You’d fit. It’s a huge floaty.”
He laughed. “I’ll make it tip over.” Even though it was ridiculous, he suddenly wanted to climb up there with her. He’d have to snuggle pretty close to keep it from capsizing. The thought made him smile.
“No, you won’t.” She scooted over then patted the seat. “Come on, I dare you.”
He grabbed the sides and heaved his upper body up, which bounced Penny and she squealed. “Hang on,” he said while getting another hold on the sides. In order to keep the chair afloat, he basically had to climb on top of her.
She giggled again when he maneuvered to lay beside her. The chair rocked dangerously, but didn’t tip over. “You did it.” She smiled up at him.
He propped his head up on his hand and stared at her lips. What would she do if he kissed her?
Her eyes met his, and she blushed under the intensity of his gaze. “What are you thinking about?” Her voice was so quiet, he could barely hear her.
His desire to kiss her overwhelmed him. How would she react? The kiss they’d shared at tea had been amazing. Would every kiss with her be like that? There was only one way to find out.
He half-shrugged. “About you.” He moved closer. “About this.” He brushed his lips across hers, and she closed her eyes. He took that as a good sign and deepened the kiss. Sensations washed over him as he let instinct take the lead. Penny pressed her hand against his chest, her touch sending heat through him. Kissing her was like nothing he’d ever experienced before. Sure, there’d been passion with Carol, but had been a tiny flame compared to this raging fire.
PENNY’S PULSE RACED as Harrison kissed her. Dang, he knew how to kiss. She had to use all her will power not to wrap her arms around him. She couldn’t. She wasn’t over William yet. It was stupid to love William, she knew that. But she couldn’t help it. He’d been her best friend for two years. Kissing Harrison was wrong. And she was going to stop. Any minute now.
Her phone called out “Text Message” by the side of the pool and she jerked her head back, scrambling away from Harrison. Unfortunately, the movement caused the chair to rock, sending her over the side with a yelp. Cold water doused the flames that Harrison had ignited and startled her out of the haze she’d been in.
William was texting.
She surfaced and realized the chair had capsized with Harrison in it.
He swam over to her, smiling, and pulled her to him.
But she wriggled out of his grasp. “I’m sorry. That was a mistake. I can’t.”
Her phone sounded again. “Text Message!”
His smile disappeared and he cocked his head to the side, scrutinizing her. When her phone sounded a third time, he motioned toward it. “Go. Answer him.”
She swam away from him, a strange sense of loss tugging at her heart. She climbed out of the pool and dried off. Her legs wobbled as she picked up her phone and swiped to read the message.
W: Your silent treatment is killing me.
W: Please say something. I’m sorry. U are the most important person in the world to me. I never meant to hurt u.
W: I want to work this out. U mean so much to me. Please text me back. I love u.
His pleadings stabbed at her heart. She couldn’t stand to ignore him any longer, even though she still hurt from what he’d done.
P: I thought you loved me.
W: I do, Penny! Please forgive me. I don’t know what I was thinking.
P: I thought you wanted to get married.
W: I’m so sorry. I have to be honest. I don’t think I’m ready.
The words stung Penny. He’d lied about being held up. She’d known he had, but this proved it.
W: Don’t think poorly of me, sweetheart. It is hard for me to admit, but I think I have commitment issues.
That might explain a few things. She punched in her response.
P: You have issues, all right.
W: I do. I’m sorry. I think we should meet. Just to talk.
The thought of meeting William made her pulse race. After all this time, meeting him face to face was something she felt she needed. She tried to push out of her mind the reality that she’d expected to meet him yesterday—at the altar.
She hesitated, not sure of what she should say to him. She wanted to meet. She loved him. Working things out just made sense, right? She typed her response.
P: Yes. We should meet.
Harrison pulled himself out of the pool and started toward her. She quickly typed the rest.
P: I have to go now. I will text u later.
She switched her phone off and turned to Harrison. Water glistened on his muscled chest, causing her breath to catch and she forced herself to avert her eyes. “Thanks for swimming with me. I think I’ll go back up and change now.”
His gaze probed hers. “Sure. I’ll take you up.” He grabbed a towel and rubbed his head and chest.
She followed him through the house and up to the bedroom. The door was ajar, and when she entered she saw why. A note lay on the bed. She picked it up.
You will dress up for dinner tonight. I have friends coming over and you will not embarrass me.
Patrice
Harrison spoke from behind her. “What’s that?”
She turned, letting out a frustrated breath. “Your wicked stepmother wants to make sure I don’t embarrass her tonight.” Penny flicked the note onto the bed.
“Appearances mean more to her than anything. Don’t take it personally.” He reached out to her like he was going to touch her, but then withdrew his hand as if he’d thought better of it. “She doesn’t even know you.”
“Yeah, well, she definitely doesn’t like me.”
He closed his eyes and ran his hand through his dark hair. “It’s my fault. I embarrassed her in front of her socialite friend. It’s me she’s mad at. I just didn’t think—”
“It’s okay. I can take care of myself. But she’d better watch out.”
He smiled. “She’s more upset than I thought. You might want to stay away from her wrath. Fly below the radar until I can get the trust fund and get you out of here.”
Penny raised her chin. “Just remember―she attacked first.”
Harrison adjusted his tie in the bathroom mirror, staring at his reflection. What was he doing, trying to impress Penny? He let out a breath. She didn’t seem to be the type to care what he was wearing. In fact, she’d let him know how stupid she thought it was to dress up for dinner. She hadn’t intended on changing, but he’d convinced her it was a good idea. She’d rummaged through her suitcase and found a sundress, which she looked amazing in. He’d had to get out of the bedroom because he couldn’t stop staring at her legs.
When it was time to go down to dinner, he walked over to her and offered her his elbow. She was curled up on his chair, surfing the web on his laptop. She took his arm, her touch sending warmth through him. He smiled down at her, hoping she felt the same growing attraction he was feeling. She blushed and lowered her lashes. Maybe there could be something between them.
Penny was impulsive, but she was also warm and more down to earth than any other woman he’d dated. She made him feel like she really cared, whereas the rest of them dated him for his money and social status. Thinking about having a relationship with Penny made him excited. Happy even.
“Wait.” Penny withdrew her hand. “I’d better tell William I’m going to be away for a while.” She ran over to the nightstand and picked up her phone.
Harrison exhaled. What was he thinking? She was still hung up on this Internet guy she’d never even met. He swallowed his disappointment. They were silent as he walked her down to the sitting room.
Patrice stood when they entered. Her gaze traveled over Penny and a disapproving frown settled on her face. “Didn’t you get my note?”
Penny’s eyes widened, and Harrison steeled himself. “Mother. Stop.”
Patrice plastered on a fake smile. “I want you to meet my closest friends. This is Eleanor Watkins and Miranda Henning. And of course you met Josephine Gilbert earlier today.” Patrice reached out to take Penny’s hand, but judging from what happened earlier Harrison didn’t think that was a good idea, so he stepped in between them. Unfortunately, that pushed Penny a little and she stumbled. Harrison steadied her, before she ended up on the floor.
[Anthology] A Clean Fake Marriage Romance Collection Page 37