[Anthology] A Clean Fake Marriage Romance Collection

by Victorine E. Lieske

  Patrice’s lips pinched together in a tight line, and she motioned for Harrison to open something next. He picked up the small gift from his stepmother. “From you.”

  He slipped his finger under the paper and loosened the tape.

  Penny nudged him. “You’re acting like you’re going to re-use that paper. Just rip it.”

  Knowing that the slow unwrap bugged her made him want to do it all the more. He grinned and took his time with the tape on the other side.

  Penny scoffed but didn’t say anything else.

  When he’d gotten the paper off, he opened the jewelry box. A Rolex. “Thank you, Mother.” He’d put it in his drawer with the others.

  Patrice nodded and shifted in her seat. “Penny, why don’t you open your gift next?” The way she said it―and the smug look that took over her face―made Harrison’s guard go up. What had Patrice gotten her?

  Penny picked up the present and ripped off the paper. She held up plastic snowman ornament. “It’s adorable!” Either she was a fabulous actress, or she didn’t realize the cheap gift was an insult. Penny examined it, smiling. “It even has the year on it. Thank you, Patrice.”

  The smug expression slowly faded into a frown. “You’re welcome, dear.”

  They opened the rest of the presents, wished each other a Merry Christmas, and Harrison steered Penny out of the room without any other incidents. He breathed a sigh of relief when he closed their bedroom door.

  Penny held up the earrings that Trent and Candy had given her. “These are so pretty. They shine just like real diamonds.”

  He smiled in amusement while loosening his tie. “They are real diamonds.”

  She whacked him on the arm. “Get out.”

  “I assure you, they are.”

  Penny gaped at him. “I’ve never owned diamonds before.”

  A rush of guilt pressed down on his chest as he looked at the cheap metal still on her finger. Even though their marriage wasn’t real, he should have made sure her ring was. This was something he needed to rectify as soon as possible.

  He wiped a hand over his face. If his deficient bank account weren’t stopping him. How had he let the situation with Patrice grow so out of control? He stepped out onto the balcony and let the cool breeze wash over him. He couldn’t take money from the firm. Not when it would mean layoffs. He had to get access to his trust fund.

  Outside, the clicking of heels on the stone walkway below echoed up to the balcony. He leaned over the railing. What was Patrice doing out by the garage this time of night? He watched as she disappeared into the shadows.

  Chapter 18

  Nerves shot through Penny as she boarded the plane and followed Harrison up the aisle. “We’ll be trimming the tree tonight. And after that we always go driving around to look at all the Christmas lights, then we go back home and have eggnog.” The more she talked about it, the more excited she got.

  Harrison looked over his shoulder, a grin on his face. “You’re like a little kid.”

  “It’s Christmas! And I wasn’t able to make it back home last year. I missed out on everything.” She pushed thoughts of last year away. She’d been on stage then, pursuing a dead-end singing career. Couldn’t get the time off, and ended up eating cold Chinese food alone in her apartment, texting William.

  No. She couldn’t think of all the time wasted on that sleazebag. If she allowed herself to think of him, she’d be mad all through the holiday festivities. Better to forget him altogether and enjoy the time with her family.

  Harrison squeezed into his seat, looking like he’d never flown coach before. She was proud of him for giving up some comfort to save money. He shoved his bag under the seat in front of him and turned to her. “Is your sister going to be there?”

  “Yes, Kimmy’s on break from school. And Clay’s a senior, so he’s still at home.” It hit her that this might be the last Christmas with all of them together for a while, with Kimmy and Clay both graduating and running off to who knew where.

  “Are you close?”

  Penny took a deep breath. They’d been close growing up, but time and space had distanced them. She should have been better about calling them. She fiddled with a strap on her bag. “I guess I’ve allowed things to get between us. But we’re family. I love them, even though sometimes I want to punch them in the throat.”

  Harrison’s deep chuckle washed over her and she peeked at him. He looked like she’d picked him out of a catalogue. His chiseled features and smooth skin could rival any Greek god. She turned her gaze away. She’d better keep to the task at hand.

  “Anything I should know before spending time with your family? What did you tell them about William?”

  Yeah. William. Her nerves came back a hundred fold. She’d have to spend Christmas calling him William. Pretending he was William. Thinking about William. Gah. William would haunt her all week. And what if she messed up, like she always did?

  Harrison pried her hand off the chair rail and warmed it between his hands. “Hey, calm down. Everything is going to be fine. They’ve never met William, right? So if we make a mistake, we can just say communication got screwed up while we chatted online.”

  She drew in a breath. “You’re right. It will work out. I didn’t tell my family much about William anyway. I didn’t want them to laugh at me for falling for someone I’d never met.”

  The words almost choked in her throat. If her family only knew the whole story, they’d never stop laughing. Harrison squeezed her hand and she blinked back the tears threatening to spill.

  “I’m not going to let them laugh at you.” He spoke the words so quietly she almost didn’t hear them.

  Warmth spread through her. How did he do that? He always knew what to say to make her feel better. “Thanks.”

  The flight was uneventful, which gave Penny ample time to stew about Harrison pretending to be William. When they landed in Des Moines she was a bundle of nerves.

  As soon as she saw her mother, her throat tightened. How would she keep up this charade? Why had she thought this was a good idea?

  Her mother rushed to her and enveloped her in a warm hug. “Hi, you two. So nice to see you. How was your flight?” She held Penny at arm’s length and studied her. “Something’s wrong. I can always tell when something is bothering you. Are you okay?” A frown crossed her mother’s face.

  Dang. Lying was going to be hard. “I’m fine, Mom.”

  “You’re not ill, are you? You look a little pale. Wait, are you pregnant?” A hopeful smile lit up her face.

  “No, Ma! Stop.” Heat seared Penny’s cheeks. “I think I’m just hungry. We left so early I wasn’t up to breakfast and all we had on the plane were some pretzels.” At least part of that was true.

  Her mother pulled Harrison into a quick hug.

  “Nice to see you again, Mrs. Ackerman.”

  “Call me Marci, dear. Mrs. Ackerman was my mother-in-law, and she was as cold as they come.”

  Harrison laughed. “Marci it is.”

  Her mother smiled. “Well, we need to get you two home. I’ll whip up some lunch.”

  HARRISON PLOPPED THE suitcases down and took in the small bedroom. The walls were painted light purple, and half the ceiling slanted, cutting down the space where he’d be able to stand upright. The bedspread had a floral print, and a white dresser with a mirror took up the wall beside the tiny closet. Photos covered almost the entire mirror, with just enough space in the middle to see his own reflection.

  Before he had time to examine the photos, Penny came in. “Oh, they’ve left my room exactly the same.” She smiled and the room felt brighter. Her hair swayed as she glanced around. “Sorry it’s so cramped in here.” She worried her lip.

  “It’s fine, really. Cozy.” He rubbed the back of his neck. “I’m just worried about the uh...there’s no chair...”

  Penny pulled open her closet door and brought out a sleeping bag and a large body pillow. “It’s okay. I’ll sleep on the floor. I used to do it all t
he time when my cousins came to visit.”

  Harrison couldn’t let her do that. “I can take the floor.” Before she could protest he grabbed her hand. “Let’s go help your mother.”

  When they got to the kitchen, Marci had everything already out and was putting mayonnaise on the bread. It was obvious Penny got her height from her father. Penny’s mother could barely reach the top cupboards. “Are you two all settled in? How was your honeymoon? I was going to call but I wanted to give you some privacy.”

  Penny’s face blanched, so Harrison stepped in. “The honeymoon was wonderful, wasn’t it, sweetheart? We lounged on the beach and soaked up the sun.”

  Alarm filled Penny’s eyes. Marci raised an eyebrow while reaching for another piece of bread. “The beach? I thought you were honeymooning in Alaska.”

  Alaska? What? Now what was he supposed to do? Penny swallowed and tugged at her sweater. “William had mentioned Alaska, but at the last minute we decided somewhere warm would be better, right honey?”

  He nodded. “Right. We went to Hawaii instead.”

  A high-pitched squeal came from the doorway and Harrison turned to see Kim, who looked like a cookie cutter version of Penny except with very short hair that stood up on end. “You got to go to Hawaii? You lucky duck.”

  Penny smiled and hugged her sister. “I didn’t know you were home yet. I love your haircut! So cute!”

  “Just got here, and thanks.”

  Marci gave Kim a one armed hug while holding a butter knife with the other. “How were the roads?”

  “A little icy near Lincoln, but the interstate was clear.”

  The kitchen really wasn’t big enough for all of them, but no one seemed to care. Kim picked up a sandwich and Marci slapped at her hand. “Stop that, these are for the newlyweds.”

  Kim took a large bite and scooted out of the way so Marci couldn’t catch her. Then with her mouth full, said, “You snooze you lose.”

  Marci scowled at her retreating daughter. “Kimmy!”

  Penny laughed. “Not a problem. I’ll make another one.” She picked up the bread and a slice of ham.

  Marci shook her head, and then sighed. “I think we’re all still adjusting to the idea of you being married. I mean, when I first found out, I was quite worried. The Internet is full of people pretending to be something they’re not. But now that I’ve met you, William...” A warm smile filled her face. “I can see you are something special.”

  A cold lump of guilt weighed heavily in his stomach. No way to go back now. He had to keep up the charade. “Thank you, Marci. And I can see why Penny is the delightful person I fell in love with. She comes from a wonderful family.”

  Marci patted him on the arm and kissed his cheek. “You’re a dear.”

  After they’d eaten lunch, Harrison stood and took the plates. “I can put them in the dishwasher.”

  “A man who does the dishes?” Kim whacked Penny on the arm. “No wonder you fell in love.”

  A smile took over Penny’s face. “He cooks, too.”

  Marci stood and picked up the glasses. “What do you like to cook?”

  “All kinds of things. Actually, ever since Penny told me you usually have eggnog after you look at Christmas lights, I’ve been wondering if you’d let me try my hand at making some. I’ve always wanted to.”

  “Only if it’s non-alcoholic,” Marci said. “Arthur’s been sober ten years, and we don’t allow any of that in the house.”

  “Sure, I can make it without the rum.”

  “Then we’ll happily be your guinea pigs.” Marci placed her last glass in the dishwasher then added the soap and turned it on. “The sauce pans are in here, and the spices up there. Help yourself.”

  WHILE HARRISON BUSIED himself in the kitchen, Penny found herself the focus of curious stares from her sister. Finally, she turned to her and blurted, “What?”

  Kimmy shifted in the worn living room chair her parents had ever since she could remember. “I don’t know. You just seem to be happier. I think William’s good for you.”

  Penny studied her sister. “What do you mean?”

  “I don’t know.” Kimmy shrugged. “I was just watching you while we were eating. He’d touch your arm and you’d blush. You’d say something and he’d smile and look at you like he couldn’t get enough of you. I think you make a good couple.”

  Well, fooling Kimmy had been easier than she’d thought. If she could get over the whole William breaking her heart thing, maybe she could enjoy this Christmas. “Yeah, I think so, too. What about you? Are you seeing anyone?”

  A looked crossed Kimmy’s face that told it all. Penny slapped her knee. “You are! Tell me all about him.”

  Kimmy scooted closer and lowered her voice. “If I tell you, you are sworn to secrecy.”

  “Of course.” Guilt surged in Penny for prying secrets out of her sister when she was keeping a whopper herself.

  “Last summer I ran into Rob Curtis at the five and dime. He and I sort of hit it off.”

  Penny’s mouth dropped open. “Rob Curtis? The biker Rob Curtis?”

  Kimmy waved her hand. “Shh! Keep your voice down. If mom found out, I’d be in so much trouble.”

  “What are you doing with him, Kimmy?” Penny whisper-shouted. “I thought you were smarter than that.”

  “He’s actually really nice. You shouldn’t judge until you’ve gotten to know someone.”

  Her mother walked in and Penny jerked back from Kimmy. “I know, I can’t wait to make candy cane cookies either.”

  It was a lame attempt, but her mother didn’t seem to notice. “They’ve always been your favorite.”

  Harrison entered the room and sat beside Penny on the loveseat, putting his arm around her. “What’s your favorite?”

  His smell enveloped Penny and she found it hard to think. What was the name of his cologne, Male Yumminess in a Bottle? She gave in and snuggled up to him. “Candy cane cookies.”

  Kimmy grinned and poked her. “You’re doing it again.”

  “Doing what?”

  “You know, acting like a happily in-love sister.”

  Ha. If only Kimmy could sit beside him and smell this. Then she’d understand. Best to keep up the act, though. “That’s because I am.” She leaned over and gave Harrison a kiss.

  Chapter 19

  Penny should have thought about it more before she kissed Harrison. The idea was to pretend she was happily in love, but as soon as her lips touched his, she melted in his arms and the pretend part flew out the window. His warm lips were soft and inviting, and she felt like she’d taken a bite of a forbidden dessert, only to want a hundred more. She pulled away and forced herself to sit rigidly beside him, avoiding as much contact as possible.

  She couldn’t fall in love with Harrison. He was...dang he was perfect. He always said the right thing. He was a gentleman who treated her with respect. He knew how to make her laugh. And he was out of her reach.

  Harrison deserved a woman raised with poise and grace. Someone who could live in his world, and who Patrice didn’t hate. Penny had been born in Iowa, in a hick town with two stoplights. She was the person who fell over her own feet and made embarrassing messes at parties. She could never fit into Harrison’s world.

  “What do you think, Penny?” Her mother stared at her, waiting for her to respond.

  Her cheeks heated. “Sorry, I wasn’t listening.”

  Harrison leaned toward her. “Your mother thinks we should get some family photos taken.”

  A hole opened up in her chest. Photos. So years from now she could remember what a colossal mistake she’d made in marrying the wrong guy, and how she’d actually fallen for him, and then how he’d left once the money came. Yeah. Great idea. “Sure.” She tried to make her voice sound chipper.

  Her mother smiled. “I’ll call and make arrangements.”

  Penny sank down in the chair. Great.

  The door opened and Clay plopped his backpack on an empty chair. “Hey, Sis.” He
gave a polite nod to Harrison then went into the kitchen. “Mmm. What’s that smell, and can I have some?”

  “William made us homemade eggnog.” Her mother trailed after him. “It’s chilling in the fridge, but don’t you touch it. It’s for tonight.”

  Harrison nudged her. “You okay?”

  She plastered on a smile. “Yeah. Just tired I guess.”

  He must have bought it, because he nodded. “The flight was early. I think I’ll sleep well tonight.”

  Kimmy giggled. “Sure you will.” She winked, and heat assaulted Penny’s cheeks once more.

  “Stop it.” Penny whacked her sister with the back of her hand.

  “Mom should have gotten you a bigger bed.” Kimmy wiggled her eyebrows. “But maybe you two don’t mind, being newlyweds and all.”

  “Kimmy!” Penny could tell her whole body was blushing.

  Harrison chuckled beside her and snuggled up close, his arm around her. “You’re cute when you’re embarrassed.” His warm breath caressed her cheek, and even that smelled good. She needed to get away from him, and fast.

  Penny stood. “Let’s start moving furniture around to make room for the tree.”

  After they got the living room ready, Penny showed Harrison where the Christmas decorations were, and they brought up several boxes from the basement. It was a good distraction. By the time her father came home, the tree was almost put together, and Kimmy had the lights strung out on the floor.

  Her father gave her a big hug, and clapped Harrison on the back. “William, nice to see you again.”

  “Same to you, Arthur.” Harrison looked a little uncomfortable, and Penny wasn’t sure if he was intimidated by her father, or if he was feeling guilty about the deception.

  “How was work today, Daddy?” Penny couldn’t stop calling him Daddy. Her father always made her feel like a little girl.

  “It was fine, sweetheart. So good to have you back home.” He eyed Harrison as he loosened his tie. “He been treating you well?”