[Anthology] A Clean Fake Marriage Romance Collection

by Victorine E. Lieske

What had he done?

  It wasn’t the skydiving. He’d seen the curiosity in her eyes. She really did want to try it, even though it made her nervous. It wasn’t that. She’d freaked out about the TV show. Why? It made no sense.

  “Please, just go,” she said, wringing her hands.

  She really was distraught. He should leave. She must have been quite hurt in her past, to make her so afraid to let him get close to her. His heart ached for her, but what could he do about it? He turned and crossed the room toward the door. When he reached for the knob, he hesitated, and turned back to her. “Sidney...”

  She looked up at him and he suddenly wanted to kiss her. He wasn’t sure where that came from, but the thought of kissing her tempted him so much he almost leaned down to do it. Only, he couldn’t.

  She was still holding onto the lie. And kissing her would be forcing the issue. He would be telling her he knew, and he couldn’t do that.

  “What?” she said, searching his face.

  If he couldn’t kiss her, he’d at least leave her with the desire for it. He hooked her chin with his finger and tilted her head up, and leaned down until their lips were a breath apart. “Have a good night,” he whispered.

  And then he left.

  Chapter 10

  Sidney’s heart thundered in her chest as she stared at the space Blake had occupied a moment before. Had he been about to kiss her? What was he doing flirting with her now? Of all the rotten things he could do, now he was shamelessly flirting with an almost married woman? She must look like an easy fling to him.

  She gripped the back of the chair in an attempt to calm her shaking hands. Blake was completely wrong if he thought she would kiss him. She was an engaged woman. Well...sort of engaged. At least he thought she was, anyway. Who cared if it wasn’t real? To Blake, she was taken. And now, he was playing games with her as well as Natalie?

  But that wasn’t the worst part.

  She liked it. How could her body betray her like that? How could he make her pulse race? He was playing around with her heart, and it was going to end up broken. Again.

  No, she couldn’t let that happen. She had to stay away from him. Him and his flirty ways that didn’t mean anything.

  She had to kick him out of her life.

  After a calming breath, she went into her bedroom and put on her pajamas. It wasn’t late, but she didn’t want to do anything but crawl in bed and read. She arranged the pillows and sat back against them, book in hand. Just as she opened it, her phone made a pinging noise. Text message.

  Phyllis: Someone says you’re engaged. I’m sure they’re mistaken, as you would have told your mother if you were seriously dating anyone. Please call.

  Alarm shot through her. Who had told her mother? And what should she do about it? She had just swiped over to the phone app to call her mother when another text came in.

  Chloe: Sorry, I didn’t know your mother wasn’t aware of your engagement. Is it a secret? I think I spilled the beans. So sorry!

  How did Chloe find out? Must have been Blake. She hadn’t thought about other people finding out when Mia suggested the idea. She dialed her mother.

  “Sidney? Is it true?” Her mother’s voice was strained.

  For a split second, she thought about telling her mom the truth. How she was using the fake ring to get more clients, and how it was working. Business was actually picking up. Maybe her mom would be happy for her.

  However, the image of her mother’s disapproving frown popped into her head. She would look at her like she was disappointed. Like she should know better. She’d try to guilt her into telling the truth. And then Blake would find out she’d been lying.

  “Sorry, we were waiting to tell everyone until we had a date set.” The words came out before she fully processed them.

  Her mother sucked in a breath. “She’s getting married!” she yelled at someone in the room. A clamor of noise followed, and Sidney’s heart sank.

  “Mom, who’s there?”

  “Oh, I just called a few people over before texting you.”

  Panic gripped her. “Who?”

  “Just a few of the neighbors. They’re excited for you. Oh, and Natalie stopped by. She really wants to talk to you.”

  A muffled noise came through the line, before Natalie’s voice hissed, “You’re engaged to Blake? Why didn’t you say anything? No wonder he moved back here. You could have told me, you made me look like an idiot!”

  Oh no. How had this spiraled out of control? “I’m not engaged to Blake. I’m engaged to Ted.”

  “Wait!” her sister called out to the room. “It’s not Blake she’s engaged to, it’s Ted!”

  The voice changed back to her mother. “Who’s Ted? And why did Blake move back here to be with you if you’re marrying Ted?”

  “No, Mom. You’ve got it all wrong. Blake has nothing to do with this.”

  “Well, when’s the wedding? When can we meet him?”

  Her father’s voice came through from the background. “Phyllis, let me talk to her.”

  “Just a second, your father wants to say something.”

  More shuffling noises. “Pumpkin? Congratulations. We didn’t even know you were dating anyone.”

  Sidney leaned back against the pillows and sighed. “Thanks, Dad.”

  “Your mother is dying to meet this young man. Can you invite him over for dinner tomorrow night?”

  Sunday dinner? At her parents’ house? Her throat tightened. “I don’t know if he’s free.”

  “Well, ask him. Call us back. I’ll be in the doghouse if you don’t.”

  Sidney believed him. Her mother wouldn’t stop until she got what she wanted. Her stomach sank and she curled her legs under her. “Okay, Dad. Bye.”

  She hung up and tried to decide what would be better: making up more lies about how Ted was out of town, or just calling and begging him to come to dinner.

  Knowing her mother, the excuses would only hold her off for so long. She took in a deep breath and dialed up Ted.

  “Hello?”

  “Hey, it’s Sidney, your fake fiancée.” She nervously giggled and then felt ridiculous and clamped her mouth shut.

  “Hey, what’s up?”

  “Listen, I’ve got a problem, and I was hoping you’d be able to help me out.”

  “Your computer acting up? I can come take a look at it Monday.”

  “No, that’s not it.” She stared down at her flannel pajamas. How was she supposed to ask him?

  “What is it?” The concern in his voice made her feel twice as bad. Ted really was a nice guy.

  “My parents found out about the fake engagement. They want to meet you.”

  “They what?” His voice cracked.

  “I know it’s a lot to ask, but business is going so well right now, I really don’t want to give up the charade just yet. I promise I’ll tell them we broke up in a few weeks. Would it be horrible for me to ask you to come to dinner tomorrow night and pretend we’re engaged?”

  She held her breath while he considered her request. “I guess I could do that.”

  Relief flooded over her. “Thank you! I promise this will be the only time.”

  She hung up then called her parents to tell them Ted would be joining them for Sunday dinner. After the conversation, she stretched out on the bed and stared up at her ceiling. She had either made a good decision, or a really, really bad one.

  TED CAME TO PICK HER up at five o’clock. When she opened the door, he stood there in a white shirt and a tie, which she hadn’t expected, but it looked good on his thin frame. Her mother would be pleased. It also went well with the cute top and white skirt she had chosen. “Hey,” she said.

  He nodded a greeting and held out his arm for her to take. “Who’s all going to be at this dinner?”

  Sidney walked with him to his car. “Just my parents. I think. Maybe Natalie.”

  He swallowed, and his Adam’s apple bobbed. “Okay.”

  She turned to him. “I really ap
preciate you doing this. I know you didn’t have to.”

  A grin formed on his face. “No problem. I’ve never been engaged before. Thought I’d try it out a little.”

  She giggled, then realized she sounded like she was flirting and stopped. “Thanks.” She climbed into his car and he shut the door.

  After he pulled out of the parking lot, he tapped the steering wheel and glanced at her. “I should probably ask how long your parents think we’ve been dating.”

  Sidney hadn’t thought about it. “I don’t know. Let’s say, almost a year. Does that sound about right?”

  He laughed and shrugged. “I have no clue. But it works for me.” He pushed his glasses up his nose with his index finger. “When’s the wedding?”

  “We haven’t picked a date yet. I think we’ll keep saying that until we break it off.”

  “Okay.”

  Sidney fiddled with the strap on her purse. If they played it cool, everything would go well tonight. Just go in, eat the food, talk a little, and then leave. That’s it. Easy, right? Her mother would be satisfied, and the world would keep on turning.

  Sounded like a good plan to her.

  “How did we meet?” Ted asked, tugging on his shirt collar.

  “We met through Mia.”

  “Oh, right.” Ted flipped on his turn signal.

  “No need to be nervous. My parents are nice. Unless you count the time I snuck out in the middle of the night to T.P. a friend’s tree. They weren’t so nice then.” She thought of how her parents had looked standing in the living room when she snuck back inside. She’d gotten a good lecture, and a weekend grounding.

  Ted chuckled. “I can imagine.”

  “But, seriously, it should be easy.”

  He pulled up to her parents’ home and cut the engine. He hopped out and walked around the car to open her door for her. She took his hand, in case anyone was watching.

  Before they got to the door, her mother flew outside and assaulted her with a hug. She wore her purple Mumu, which she brought out for ‘special’ occasions. “So, this is Ted?” She turned and wrapped her arms around him. “Nice to meet you. Come on inside. I can’t believe my daughter didn’t even tell us she was dating anyone.” She clicked her tongue in disapproval.

  “Mom. Please. I didn’t say anything because I didn’t want you to embarrass me, like you’re doing right now.”

  Her mother shook her head. “Nonsense. I’m Phyllis. Now come inside and meet everyone.”

  Everyone? Sidney’s palms began to sweat and she inhaled, trying to remain calm. “Who?”

  They stepped inside and her dad crushed poor Ted in a bear hug.

  “This is Doug,” her mother said, then pointed to the other side of the room. “And this is our oldest daughter, Natalie, and our good family friend...”

  She kept talking but the words sounded like mush as Sidney’s gaze landed on the one person she hadn’t expected to see.

  Blake.

  Chapter 11

  The air whooshed out of Sidney’s lungs and she felt lightheaded. What was Blake doing here? She blinked and looked around her childhood home, certain that he was a figment of her imagination. A ghost of a memory from growing up. Surely he’d be gone once she looked back.

  Not so.

  He shook hands with Ted, although the grimace on Blake’s face was puzzling. Natalie looked like she’d won the blue ribbon at the county fair. “Blake was free tonight, so I invited him to come. Just like old times, right?” She looped her arm through his.

  Sidney didn’t want to be reminded about the last time they’d all shared a meal at her mother’s table. In fact, she’d rather go lick the gutters clean than relive that evening.

  “Why don’t we all sit down? The rolls are ready to come out of the oven.” Her mother clasped her hands together, her smile so wide Sidney wondered if it would pop off her face. At least she was happy.

  They all went into the formal dining room and Ted pulled out a chair for Sidney. Blake sat directly across the table, and Natalie quickly claimed the seat next to his. Her father sat at the head of the table while her mother flitted about setting the rolls out and making sure everyone had water. The table was already set, tablecloth and all. She’d even pulled out the cloth napkins.

  “Phyllis, when you’re ready, would you please say grace?” Her father bowed his head. Mom filled the last cup and then sat down and started the prayer.

  The roast smelled delicious, and soon they were all passing around the food and the room filled with friendly chatter. Her mother turned to her. “I’ve been looking into wedding venues.”

  Her father frowned. Even though he’d greyed, he was still a formidable ex-military man. He’d gained a little weight since retirement, but not enough to hide his washboard stomach. “Phyllis, please. Let your daughter plan her own wedding.”

  Her mother wrung her hands. “But if we’re going to have a spring wedding, we really need to book—”

  Blake interrupted. “You have a date? To get married?” He stared at her pointedly. Whatever that meant.

  “No,” Sidney said. “We haven’t set the date yet. We’re still considering lots of options.”

  Ted put his arm around her. “We don’t want to rush into anything.”

  She smiled up at him, grateful for his contribution. That was believable. But when she glanced at Blake his jaw was clenched and he looked upset about something. “Sure,” he said under his breath.

  Natalie cozied up to Blake. “When I get married, I’d love a winter wedding. Everything white.” She looked at him. “What time of year do you want to get married?”

  Sidney kicked her sister under the table, but Natalie just glared at her.

  Blake cleared his throat. “I’d always thought a fall wedding would be nice, so that’s what my wife and I had. Too bad it didn’t stick.”

  The room fell silent, everyone focusing on their plates. Sidney felt awful for Blake, and she mouthed, “I’m sorry,” to him.

  He shrugged. “It’s okay. People get divorced. It happens.”

  Her father picked up the conversation. “Blake, how’s your mother doing?”

  And the awkwardness just kept coming. Nice. Sidney winced and tossed Blake another apologetic look.

  “Not very well, I’m afraid.”

  Her mother frowned. “I’m sorry to hear that. Is there anything we can do? I can take her a meal.”

  Blake shook his head. “No, thank you. She’s very independent. She’d be embarrassed.”

  The conversation lulled and Sidney chewed her food. This was a fine evening full of uncomfortable situations. Maybe next they could all talk about how Asher cheated on her.

  If she scarfed her food, perhaps she and Ted could leave soon. She stuffed a large piece of roast beef in her mouth. Everyone ate in silence for a few minutes.

  Blake picked up his glass of water and took a sip. “How’s Grayson? Is he still out in California?”

  Her father puffed out his chest in pride. “Yes, he’s working for NBC now. He’s a writer for that show Forensic Science.”

  “Great. He always wanted to work in Hollywood. Such a tough business, but I’m glad he’s fulfilling his dreams.” Blake smiled and then turned to look at Sidney. “So, how did you and Ted meet?”

  She swallowed the chunk of meat. “We met through Mia.”

  He raised one eyebrow, and his grin seemed to hold a secret. “That’s it?”

  “Yes.” She tried to keep the annoyance out of her voice, but wasn’t too successful.

  Blake leaned back in his chair, a smug smile now on his face. What was up with him? She wanted to smack him.

  “Phyllis, you’ve outdone yourself,” her father said. “This roast is divine.” Everyone agreed, thanking her for cooking the meal.

  Sidney noticed with relief that most people were almost done eating. Blake leaned forward and whispered, “Meet me under the table.”

  “What?” she whispered back.

  He picked
up his fork and dropped it on the floor. “Oops. Dropped my fork.” He disappeared under the table.

  Sidney pretended to drop her napkin and leaned down to retrieve it. “What are you doing?” she whispered.

  “Reenacting a scene in our favorite movie.” He winked at her, which caused her stomach to fill with butterflies.

  “That’s why you called me under here? To pretend you’re Barbra Streisand?”

  “No. I wanted to say you look uncomfortable, and to suggest we blow this joint.”

  “I can’t! My parents want to get to know Ted!”

  “Then leave Ted here.” His smile seemed innocent, but he had a devilish gleam in his eyes.

  “Very funny.”

  Natalie lifted the tablecloth and peeked under the table. “What are you guys doing?”

  “Just testing a theory Sidney has.”

  Sidney tried to hold it in, but she couldn’t and laughed. Natalie grunted in disgust and dropped the tablecloth back into place.

  “She’s no fun,” Blake said, his face serious.

  Sidney had nothing to say to that, and her back was starting to hurt, so she squirmed out from under the table. Blake sat up as well.

  “Everything okay?” Her mother wore a disapproving glare on her face.

  “Fine,” Sidney said at the same time Blake said, “Yep.” Ted seemed oblivious to anything going on.

  Her mother’s gaze darted between the two of them. “Since we are all done eating, maybe you can help me clear the table, Sidney.”

  Blake pointed a finger at her and mouthed the word, “Busted.”

  Sidney shot him a glare and stood, picking up her plate. “Sure, I’ll help.” She turned her back on Blake. Gathering up a stack of dirty dishes, she sighed. Almost done. Then she’d never have to go through this again.

  Alone in the kitchen, she scraped the plates and started filling the dishwasher. Her mother came in and turned on the faucet. She looked at Sidney. “How long have you known Ted?”

  “About as long as I’ve known Mia. Since college.” This was true.

  “And how long have you been dating?” She picked up the brush and scrubbed one of the plates.