[Anthology] A Clean Fake Marriage Romance Collection

by Victorine E. Lieske

  All her life she’d heard about kisses that made women weak in the knees, or sent them over a cliff, but she’d never experienced one until last night. Fireworks went off and everything. She felt like she could fly. That is, until it ended and Rick stared down at her, his eyebrows pulled together in consternation. Then he’d turned around and left her on the dance floor to get plastered at the bar. Classy.

  She thought she’d convinced him to leave right before he’d climbed up on the bar and announced to the whole club that he was going to marry her. Then he’d proposed. Suddenly everyone had their cell phones out, snapping photos and taking video.

  Tara had been mortified, but she was also stuck. She’d signed a contract. The only thing she could do was say yes, in front of all those people. She had to look excited, even though it made her look like a money grabbing nitwit, taking advantage of a drunk loser.

  Dragging him to the car after that wasn’t easy, and by the time they’d made it home his speech was so slurred he wasn’t making much sense. She’d helped him up the stairs, slipped off his shoes, and put him to bed. Then she went into her room. Since it was so late, you’d think she would have fallen right to sleep, but instead, the kiss played over and over in her head.

  Kylee scooped the last of her cereal into her mouth and looked up at Tara. “Can I go play now, Mommy?”

  “Sure.”

  “Are you going to come play with me?”

  “Yes. I’ll be up in a minute, then we’ll spend the day together.”

  Kylee’s face lit up. “Promise?”

  “Yes.” Tara smiled as her daughter slid down from the stool at the breakfast bar and ran off. She picked up the bowl and walked to the sink.

  Eliza opened a cupboard and took out a canister. “So, what really happened last night?”

  Tara sent Eliza a sad smile. “He got drunk.”

  “That’s not unusual.”

  Tara rinsed the bowl and shut off the water. What had she gotten herself into? “Do you think he’s got a problem with alcohol?”

  Eliza shrugged and looked to the floor. “I shouldn’t be talking about this.” She turned back to preparing lunch.

  “Come on. Who else is going to tell me?”

  A frown crossed her face. “I don’t think he’s an alcoholic, if that’s what you’re asking. I think he drinks to forget,” she said softly. “And anyone who does that has a problem.”

  Tara contemplated that for a moment. Rick Shade wasn’t what he pretended to be . . . the shallow party boy. She wondered what lay beneath the surface. “I agree.”

  The swinging door opened and Rick came in. “There you are. I’ve been looking all over for you. Phil called back. He wants us to do some damage control. We have to go.” He closed his eyes and pinched the bridge of his nose.

  Tara stiffened. “Go where?”

  “Ring shopping.” He turned and left.

  Of course they had to go ring shopping. And of course it would be some big production in front of flashing cameras. Ugh. Why did she agree to do this? She held back an eye roll and followed him out. “What about Kylee? I promised her we’d spend the day together.”

  “Amanda can watch her.”

  “Wait.” Tara grabbed Rick’s arm and forced him to turn around and face her. “Didn’t you hear me? I promised Kylee. I can’t go back on my promise.”

  He pulled his eyebrows together. “It’s not a big deal. It will just be an hour.”

  What was wrong with him? “I am not about to go back on my word to my daughter. She is at a very fragile place right now.” After what Bobby did, the little girl needed stability. She needed to know she could trust her own mother.

  Rick closed his eyes and rubbed his temples. “Please stop yelling,” he said, his voice low.

  “I’m not yelling. You’re hungover.”

  He opened his eyes and looked at her. “Then bring her with us. It won’t be a big deal.”

  Dread tightened in her chest. “But I don’t want her in front of the cameras.”

  A sympathetic expression filled his eyes. He reached out and took her hand in his. Warmth enveloped her. “I’m sorry. I know you want to shield your daughter. I’ll do my best to take the brunt of the attention.”

  She bit her lip, knowing she’d signed the stupid contract and had to do what Phil wanted.

  Rick ran his thumb over her knuckles. “It will be okay.”

  Her heart jumped. She pulled away from him, gazing at the floor.

  “Hey,” he said, putting his hand on her shoulder. “The kid . . . Kylee will be fine. I won’t let them harass her. Okay?”

  She looked up at him, knowing she was stuck. She had to. “Alright.”

  Chapter 6

  Rick wasn’t sure why Tara insisted that the kid couldn’t be left with the nanny, but he figured the public would find out about her soon anyway. Might as well let them see her. He just hoped she didn’t throw some awful temper tantrum. He didn’t need a screaming kid making his headache worse.

  He waited by the limo for Tara to come out. When she emerged from the doors wearing a skirt that flowed around her ankles and accentuated her slim figure, he tried not to stare. She really was going to melt America’s hearts. Her sandals showed off her pink toenails, and then he noticed her daughter wearing a skirt and pink toenails as well. Tara carried a booster seat and began buckling it in place.

  The kid smiled up at him, her little pigtails sticking up from her head. “Mommy said we’re going shopping, and if I’m good I get ice cream.”

  Brilliant. Tara was smart to think of that. He grinned at her. “Sounds yummy.”

  They climbed into the car and the little girl turned to him. “Will you sit by me?”

  “Sure.”

  She buckled herself into her booster seat then grabbed his hand. “You have to be good, or you don’t get ice cream.”

  Her face was so serious when she said it, he couldn’t help but laugh. The kid sure was cute. “I’ll remember.”

  The girl watched out the window as they pulled into traffic. “What are we going to buy?”

  “A ring for your mommy. We’re getting married.”

  Tara’s face paled. “Why did you say that?” she whispered.

  He leaned over to her. “Because it’s true.”

  “We shouldn’t pretend it’s real in front of Kylee. She’ll only be disappointed when . . . you know.”

  “Well we can’t tell her the truth. What four-year-old can keep a secret?”

  Tara pressed her lips together and turned away from him. He’d upset her again. Nice. He was on a roll. “Sorry, I just think—”

  “No, you’re right. I was hoping to spare her feelings, but I don’t think we can.”

  How broken up could the kid be about them splitting? Rick nodded sympathetically, even though he didn’t think the girl would care much one way or the other.

  Kylee squeezed his hand. “Are we going to the mall?”

  “No, we’re going to a jewelry store.” He turned to Tara. “Phil told the media, so there should be photographers.”

  “Okay.” Her eyes didn’t meet his, and he wondered if she was still upset about whatever his drunk-self did.

  “Listen, about last night.” She stiffened, but he continued. “I’m sorry. Whatever I did . . . I didn’t mean it.”

  She swallowed, still staring out the window. “I know.”

  Man, he must have been a jerk. He nudged her and gave her what he hoped was an apologetic smile. “Forgive me?”

  Her lips pressed together in a tight line. “Already forgotten.”

  They pulled up to Tiffany & Co. and Carter opened the door. Paparazzi camera flashes hit them as they got out of the car.

  “Rick, is this your future bride?”

  “Your fiancée has a child?”

  “Do you regret your drunken proposal?”

  “What are you going to do now?”

  Kylee hugged her mother’s leg and buried her face in the fabric of her s
kirt. Tara picked her up. Rick put his arm around Tara so they would look like a little family. “I don’t regret anything. We’re in love and getting married. We’re here to pick out the ring.”

  He smiled at the camera to give them a good photo opportunity before leading her into the store.

  An attendant in a suit immediately approached them. “Mr. Shade. Welcome. Right this way, sir.” They were ushered into a private room where rings were brought out and showcased to them.

  Tara held a perpetual frown and shook her head at each ring. Rick pulled the attendant aside. “Do you have anything bigger? These aren’t very ornate.”

  “Of course, sir.” They brought out another set of rings. She still shook her head at each one. Rick frowned. These rings were all five figures each. What did she expect? He’d spend a few million on her rock? That wasn’t part of the deal.

  He leaned over to whisper to her. “What’s wrong? Don’t you like anything they have?”

  “They’re all too big. Gaudy looking. Don’t they have anything simple?”

  Rick stared at her. She wasn’t fishing for a bigger ring. She wanted something smaller. He could barely believe it. “I’ll ask.”

  He pulled the attendant aside again and apologized, explaining what Tara wanted. The man nodded, happy to oblige. He brought in another set of rings, this time much smaller. The man picked up one with his gloved hands. “This one is particularly lovely, set in a platinum gold band. The wedding band nestles into it. Its simple elegance is appreciated by all.”

  Tara smiled and touched Rick’s arm. “I love it.”

  Rick took it from the attendant and slid it on her finger. Electricity zinged between them. He met her gaze, which seemed to hold an unspoken question. Had she felt it too?

  The ring fit her finger perfectly. “This is the one,” he said to the attendant.

  He paid for the rings. Tara kept the engagement ring on her finger, and they gave him the wedding band in a velvet box. The whole thing was done in under thirty minutes, which was good because the child looked bored and walked around the room the whole time, patting the chairs and muttering under her breath.

  Tara reached her hand out to Kylee. “Are you ready to go get ice cream?”

  Her face lit up. “Yes!” She ran to her mother and grabbed her hand.

  His phone rang and he glanced at the screen. Phil. He picked it up. “Hello?”

  “I’m setting up an engagement photo shoot. What time works for you this afternoon?”

  Rick just wanted to get all of it over with. “One o’clock.”

  “I’ll make the arrangements. We’ll shoot it in your home so it’s more convenient.”

  “Fine, whatever.” He hung up.

  He was silent as they drove to get the ice cream. Kylee patted his arm. “The trees are tired today.”

  He looked out the window. “What?”

  “They’re tired. See? They aren’t flapping today.”

  Rick wasn’t sure what she meant. “Flapping?”

  “The leaves were flapping yesterday, making wind. But they need to rest today. They worked hard yesterday.”

  She looked so serious, he wasn’t sure how to answer her. Would it crush her to know the leaves flapping didn’t make the wind? He decided to humor her. “Yes. I guess you’re right.”

  Kylee continued to chatter as they drove. He wondered how she could have that much to say but not really say anything. They got out at the ice cream shop and several people took photos with their cell phones. He flashed a smile, then went inside. At least his headache had subsided. He sat in a booth and Kylee climbed up on his lap, snuggling into him. She smelled like strawberry shampoo.

  Tara set a stack of napkins on the table and slid onto the bench opposite them. “Why don’t you sit next to Rick? You’re crowding him.”

  Rick had never had a little girl take to him before. In fact, he’d never been around kids much. He kind of liked her snuggling into him. “It’s okay. She can sit on my lap.”

  Kylee looked up at him with adoration written across her face. “What ice cream do you like?”

  “I like butter pecan.”

  Kylee wrinkled her nose. “Not chocolate?” Apparently the child couldn’t comprehend anyone liking anything except chocolate.

  He chuckled. “I like chocolate, too.”

  When they were done eating the ice cream, they traveled back to his home. Kylee fell asleep in her booster seat, and Tara had to lift her out and carry her up the stairs. She removed the little girl’s sandals and put her in the guest bed. He still hadn’t set up another room for the girl and felt bad that Tara had to sleep with her daughter.

  When Tara was done covering up Kylee, she walked out and closed the door behind her.

  “I can have the other guest bedroom set up tomorrow,” Rick said.

  Tara worried her lower lip. “I was going to talk to you about that,” she said, her voice hushed. “Can she stay in my room?”

  “Why?”

  Her eyes darkened, and he wondered what was hidden behind them. “I just want to keep her close.”

  He walked with her down the stairs. “I don’t understand.”

  Hesitancy slowed her steps. “I’m not being very . . . responsible. I don’t want my own recklessness to hurt my daughter.”

  Rick stopped. “You think I would hurt her?” How could she think that of him?

  “No, not like that.” Her gaze dropped. “It’s just that she’s been through a lot. Her father . . .”

  The thought of Bobby laying a finger on that little girl made his blood freeze. His hands involuntarily clenched into fists. “What did he do?”

  “He turned into a different person after fame hit. He didn’t physically hurt her. The stress of the part wore on him though. He was short with her. Made promises he didn’t keep. Then, near the end, he just wasn’t around anymore. He’s supposed to spend a few weeks with her this summer, but so far he’s made up excuses for why he can’t take her. She keeps asking when she’s going to see him. It breaks my heart. I want to be there for her. What I’m doing . . . this probably wasn’t a good decision.”

  Moisture gathered in her eyes and she blinked it away. Rick didn’t know what to do. Was he supposed to comfort her? Was it awkward to pull her into his arms when they barely knew each other? He ended up patting her on the back. “It’s okay.”

  “No, I don’t think it is. Her father abandoned her, and she’s going to go through that again when we separate. I don’t know what I was thinking.” She rubbed her arms like she was cold.

  “Listen. Kids are resilient. She’ll bounce back.”

  That must not have been the right thing to say, because Tara stiffened and her mouth set into a hard line.

  “And it’s fine if you want her in your room. There’s no harm in that.”

  She gave him a small smile. “Thanks.”

  They continued walking and he shoved his fists in his pockets. “Phil wants an official engagement photo to send to the papers. The photographer is coming at one.”

  “What should I wear?”

  He wasn’t sure what a person wore to an engagement photo shoot. “Something nice?”

  “Okay.”

  Turns out he didn’t have to guess what to have her wear. Phil came in before the shoot with a box full of designer clothes. All the top designers wanted Tara to be wearing their label for the photos.

  When she came in the drawing room wearing a blue evening gown that hugged her curves, her hair pulled up, Rick’s mouth went dry. She nervously clutched the necklace she wore.

  The photo equipment was already set up. He stepped over an extension cord and around a light so he could take her hand, hoping to calm her anxiety. “You look lovely.”

  She glanced up at him. “You look nice, too.”

  The photographer ushered them to the other side of the room. “We’ll start in here, then I’d like to get a few outdoor shots as well.”

  He photographed them in a few formal
poses with Rick’s arms around her, her hand on his arm so the public could see the engagement ring. The feeling of his skin against the soft silky dress was making his heart beat faster, and he wondered if Tara was at all affected by their close proximity.

  “Now, kiss her,” the camera man said.

  Rick’s breath caught. It was only logical that he would have to kiss Tara. They were getting married in the public eye. He just hadn’t expected it yet. And he knew Tara well enough to know she wouldn’t take such a thing lightly. He raised one eyebrow to silently ask her approval.

  She gave him a subtle nod and then lifted her chin and closed her eyes. He brushed his lips against hers in a feather-light kiss. The softness of her lips combined with the feel of her in his arms created an intoxicating effect, and he inched closer. His heart raced and he was sure Tara could feel it under her fingertips, which were pressed to his chest. He kissed her again, this time more slowly, and his head begin to spin.

  Kissing Tara was like nothing he’d ever experienced. It was longing and desire, wrapped up together in an intense heat. It brought back memories of kissing Scarlett, his ex, under the moonlight, only that had been a tiny flame compared to the raging fire now consuming him. The feelings invading him were unwanted and he pulled back, breaking the kiss.

  A memory of last night came to him unbidden. He had danced with Tara, and he’d kissed her. He’d been playing it up for the camera, doing what he did best. Acting. But as they kissed, something changed. What started out as pretend soon turned real. He’d gotten wrapped up in it.

  And that’s why he’d gotten drunk and proposed.

  He sucked in a breath. He’d done it to get the whole thing over with.

  Tara looked up at him, a question mark on her face. He smoothed his features into a smile and turned to the camera man. “We done?”

  “Not yet. Let’s go get some outdoor shots.”

  They headed to the garden and took some more pictures. A few of them turned playful, and he knew they looked good for the camera. When the photographer said they were done, Rick nodded, let go of Tara, and turned to go inside. He didn’t want to deal with anything at the moment.