[Anthology] A Clean Fake Marriage Romance Collection

by Victorine E. Lieske

  He gazed at her, and the depth of emotion in his blue eyes made her catch her breath. He looked like he was going to say something else, but leaned back and broke eye contact instead.

  The intercom system clicked on and the pilot told them they’d be taking off soon. Rick motioned for her to buckle her seatbelt. She hadn’t even noticed the couch was equipped with them.

  She drew in a deep breath and let it out slowly. Well. Now what should she say after that sorry display? Maybe keeping her mouth shut from now on would be a good idea.

  Rick ran a hand through his hair. “Do you want a bottle of water?” He motioned to the cabinet behind them. “There’s soda, too, if you prefer.”

  Glad for the change in subject, she nodded. “I’ll have a water.”

  He opened the cabinet and scanned the contents. “Huh,” he said, as he pulled out a water bottle for her.

  “What?”

  “Phil must have called the staff. The booze is gone.”

  Tara shrugged, hoping she appeared like she didn’t care either way, when really, she was relieved. They certainly didn’t need another drunken display like Friday night.

  Chapter 12

  Rick unabashedly stared at Tara as the plane took off, studying her face and the way a few tendrils of hair curled down by her ears. He wanted to pull the silver clip out of the back and let her hair spill down around her shoulders. Actually, what he really wanted to do was kiss her again, but that was a bad idea. He didn’t want to get all tangled up in a relationship with her. She wasn’t like the other girls. Tara’s heart ran deeper.

  Tara shot him a questioning glance, and he turned his gaze away. It was for the best, anyway. He shouldn’t be thinking about her. He should be focusing on his career and how to get it back on track. He’d make small talk to pass the time. “Have you ever been to a special preview screening before?”

  “Yes.” She twisted her hands in her lap. “Bobby’s film.”

  Of course. Why did he ask her that? Stupid. Should he ignore her stricken look or apologize? He decided to move on. “Would you like to Facetime with Kylee when we land?”

  Her eyebrows shot up. “I’d love that.”

  “We should have enough time before we need to be at the theater.”

  She smiled at him, and he marveled at the way it made her eyes light up. They chatted about nothing important for the rest of the flight, Rick keeping to subjects he figured wouldn’t have Bobby memories attached to them.

  After they landed he pulled out his cell and called Amanda. When they had Kylee on Facetime, Rick put his arm around Tara so Kylee could see them both.

  “Rick!” Kylee squealed. “Manda and I made cookies!”

  “Sounds delicious. What kind?” he asked.

  “Chocolate chip! And tonight we’re having a sleepover party. I’ve never had a sleepover before!” Kylee’s little cheeks were pink with pleasure.

  Tara smiled. “I’m so glad you’re having fun with Amanda.”

  “We’re going to the park.”

  “Nice. You be good and listen to Amanda, okay?”

  “Okay, Mommy. When are you coming home?”

  “Tomorrow. Amanda will be with you until I get there.”

  “Okay. Bye.” Kylee handed the phone back to Amanda and Rick hung up.

  “Feel better?” Rick squeezed her shoulder.

  “Yes. Thanks.” Tara gave him a smile that made his heart beat a little faster in his chest.

  Rick stood and helped Tara off the plane. A chauffer opened the door to a limo and Rick motioned for Tara to slide in first. He joined her and they took off for the theater. Thirty minutes later they arrived.

  The chauffer drove slowly, waiting in a line. When it was their turn to get out, the driver hopped out and opened the door. Rick stepped onto the sidewalk and reached out to Tara.

  He slid his arm around her as they walked along the red carpet, cameras flashing and reporters calling out questions.

  “Rick, when is the wedding?”

  “Can we see the ring?”

  “Where are you going to get married?”

  Rick smiled and pulled Tara closer. “We haven’t picked a date yet. Everything is still in the planning stages. I’m just happy she was sober enough to say yes.”

  He’d meant it as a joke, but Tara’s face drained of color, and her smile turned stiff.

  He waved at the crowd. “Thank you for your well wishes.” He ushered Tara into the building.

  She turned to look up at him, a frown pinching her lips together. “Classy.”

  “I was joking.”

  “With the way the proposal went down, we probably shouldn’t bring attention to it.” She pulled away from him and walked into the second set of doors.

  She was right. He rushed to catch up to her. “I’m sorry,” he whispered. She nodded politely and kept going.

  Nice. Now she was mad. He should have kept his big mouth shut. Rick tried to catch up to her and act like nothing was wrong as they made their way into the pre-screening gathering. He put his hand on her back and she gave him a frosty nod.

  “Well, look who’s here.”

  Rick knew that voice, and he cringed before he turned around to smile at Vikki Castle. Her platinum blonde hair fell to her shoulders. Ruby red lips pouted at him. Rick braced himself. “Hello, Vikki.”

  Tara turned to see who he was talking to.

  Vikki grinned and grabbed his arm, practically purring. “I didn’t know you were going to be here. What a treat. We should do something after this. What hotel are you staying at?”

  A startled look came over Tara’s face.

  Rick wiggled out of Vikki’s grasp. “I’m sorry, Vikki, you must not have heard. I’m getting married. This is my fiancée, Tara McDermott. Tara, Vikki Castle. We worked on a film together.”

  Tara stuck out her hand, and Vikki stared at it like it was covered in pig’s blood. Vikki didn’t say anything to Tara, just turned back to Rick. “You’re not seriously marrying the maid, are you?”

  So she had heard about his engagement. Rick wanted to strangle her. He desperately wanted to put her in her place, but he knew the rules of the game. You gritted your teeth and didn’t tick off people who had influence, like Vikki Castle. “Tara and I are in love.”

  Vikki’s grin turned vicious. “How . . . sweet.” She looked down her nose at Tara. “You’re so daring, wearing that. I wouldn’t be caught dead wearing retail to an event like this.”

  Tara’s cheeks flushed pink and Rick took a protective step toward Tara. “Why don’t you go harass someone else?”

  “Let’s just cut through the bull. I know something’s up. You and this . . .” Vikki sneered at Tara, “thing . . . you’re not really dating. You don’t go for the hometown girls. You’re not the relationship type. And when I find out what’s up, I’m going to tell all the newspapers.”

  Rick swallowed hard and tugged at his collar. How could Vikki know they were a fake couple? Was it that obvious? What if she really did find out it was a farce and told the media? He hid the fact that she’d gotten under his skin with sarcasm. “What is this, 1985? Who reads newspapers anymore?”

  Vikki’s face turned red. “You don’t want to mess with me, Rick. That’s career suicide.”

  He took a step back and put his arm around Tara, forcing a smile. “Nice to see you again, Vikki. Tara and I hope you find the happiness we have.” He ushered Tara in the other direction.

  When they were out of earshot, Tara gripped his arm tightly. “She knows. How can that be?” Her face turned white.

  He patted her hand, trying to calm her down. “She knows nothing. Vikki’s been trying to get her hooks in me. Maybe she thinks it would help her reputation, or get her a better role, I don’t know.” He glanced behind them to make sure Vikki hadn’t followed them. “But honestly, she’s just a big wind bag. Ignore her.”

  Tara clenched his arm tighter. “Are you sure?”

  He wasn’t, but he didn’t want to admi
t it. “Yes. She’s nothing to worry about.”

  “Hey, there you two are.” Phil clapped him on the back. “How was the flight?”

  “Fine,” Tara said, biting her lip, her gaze breaking to look over at Vikki.

  “What’s wrong?” Phil asked.

  Great. Now he had to tell Phil about Vikki. That was the last thing he wanted to do. Phil would freak.

  Tara leaned closer. “Vikki Castle is stirring up trouble.”

  “What kind of trouble?”

  A waiter in a tux stopped by Phil. He lowered a tray with meats, cheeses, and olives. “Would you care for some?”

  Phil picked up a toothpick with a roll of meat coiled on it. “Thanks.”

  After the server left, Rick stepped closer to answer Phil’s question. “She’s threatening to tell the press we’re not in a real relationship.”

  Phil choked. “What?” He coughed and pounded on his chest with his fist. “How did she find out?”

  “She didn’t,” Rick said. “She’s just digging for something to hang me with.”

  Phil frowned and Rick could see the thoughts swirling around in his head.

  Tara shot a worried glance toward Vikki, who was now chatting with the cast of the movie. “What proof could Vikki dig up? Is it possible she could find the contracts?”

  “They’re under lock and key at the house,” Rick said. “She can’t prove anything.”

  “No.” Phil scrubbed a hand over his chin. “But she can make waves and we don’t want that. It’s good you’re here. Mingle, but I also want you to spend time looking completely in love. Make out in front of everyone if you have to. People here need to see that you’re crazy about each other.”

  Tara’s eyes widened for a brief moment before she nodded. Rick cleared his throat. “Alright. I’ll make it look good.”

  Phil squeezed his shoulder. “The more people who see you two together, the more it will just become commonplace. Sorry, but you might have to be seen out in public more than we originally thought.”

  Rick looked to Tara, who was now staring at the floor. She met his gaze and he could see the hesitation in her eyes.

  “Only if Tara is okay with it,” Rick said.

  Tara straightened her back. “Of course.”

  Phil plucked a glass of wine from a server passing by. Rick reached up and Phil shot him a warning frown. He put his hand down. Maybe when Phil wasn’t looking he’d sneak one. A glass of wine wasn’t going to make him drunk.

  “Catch you two love birds later,” Phil said as the crowd of people pressed closer.

  After Phil left, Rick put his arm around Tara and pulled her off to the side of the room. He gazed into her eyes, and she smiled tentatively at him.

  “Guess we need to make out.” He ran his fingers up her arm.

  She looked to the floor, but a smile formed on her lips. “It’s part of the job.”

  He hooked his finger under her chin and raised it until she looked into his eyes. “But I don’t want to force you to do anything you’re uncomfortable with.”

  She took his hand and ran her thumb over his fingers. “Just kiss me,” she said, her smile widening.

  He grinned. “Bossy, aren’t you?”

  Before she could respond, he leaned down and covered her lips with his. The kiss was slow and thorough, and his heart began to race in his chest. He slid his hands around her waist and pulled her closer. Her skin was soft and warm, and he deepened the kiss.

  He allowed himself to get lost in the pleasure her lips brought him. She was a different kind of woman than he’d dated in the past. She cared so deeply for her daughter. Maybe that’s what made her feel like she had more substance. Deeper feelings than others. He wasn’t sure, but he was severely attracted to her, and kissing her was only making it worse.

  Chapter 13

  Tara fought back the urge to pull away from the kiss. It was necessary, she knew, but she was starting to lose herself in Rick, and she knew she couldn’t do that. She had to keep her feelings in check. If she allowed herself to fall for him, she’d only end up with a broken heart.

  Rick ran his hand up her back, and tingles erupted, making her pulse race. She forced herself to remember this was just an act. Rick wasn’t really kissing her. He was playing a part, and she was the female lead. She distanced herself from the kiss, thinking of Kylee and how she would see her tomorrow.

  When he pulled back, she smiled at him, hoping it looked realistic. What she wanted to do was run away from him. Go catch her breath in the restroom and gather her wits about her. But instead, she forced herself to melt into his arms.

  Rick played with a tendril of her hair. “Think we should mingle?”

  “Probably a good idea.”

  “Maybe in a minute.” Rick brushed another light kiss across her lips and tingles shot across her skin. Man, this was going to kill her.

  Rick finally pulled back and they walked the room, chatting with the celebrities and producers. She watched as he introduced her to everyone. Tara had to give it to him: he was good at this game. Charm rolled off him in waves. He knew everyone’s name and worked the room with ease.

  As people started filing into the screening room, Rick took her hand. “Guess we should follow.”

  She nodded, and they made their way through the doors. Instead of regular theater seats, leather recliners made up the rows of seating. Small tables were spread throughout the room, topped with hors d’oeuvres and wine.

  Rick motioned to a couple of seats near a table. “This look okay?”

  “Fine.” She sat down and nibbled on something wrapped in bacon. It was delicious. Rick grabbed a glass of wine and downed it.

  Tara swatted him on the arm. “Stop that.”

  “Phil worries too much. I’m fine. Wine isn’t going to do anything to me.”

  Tara struggled for a moment between saying something and keeping her mouth shut. She wasn’t hired to be his mother. He was a grown man and could make his own decisions. Yet, if he got sloppy drunk and did something else to embarrass himself, it would only reflect poorly on them both. In the end, she decided to shrug and let him drink it. He was right. It was only wine.

  She watched the movie and tried to ignore when Rick signaled for more wine throughout the show. Then the party moved to a private home where harder liquor was being served. Tara grabbed Rick’s arm the moment he reached for a glass of scotch.

  “I’m sorry, I forgot something in the car. Can you come with me?”

  Rick slid his arm around her waist. “Of course, baby.” He grabbed the glass with his other hand and ushered her out of the room.

  “What are you doing?” she hissed. “You can’t drink that.”

  He grinned at her. “Loosen up. It’s a party.”

  “You promised Phil you wouldn’t drink.”

  He chuckled. “Phil went home.”

  She clenched her hands. “You need to be on your best game.”

  “It’s just one drink. Relax. It’s okay.” He took a sip.

  “You don’t make good decisions when you’re drinking, and you’re going to embarrass me.” She gave him what she hoped was a death glare.

  He sobered. “I don’t want to embarrass you.”

  “Then put the drink down.”

  Indecision played across his face, but then he set the glass on a coffee table and straightened. “For you.”

  Why did that make her heart beat against her rib cage? She took his hands in hers and ignored the warmth as it spread through her. “Thank you.”

  His hands snaked around her waist. “I won’t drink anymore if you lighten up and have some fun.”

  She stiffened. He kept telling her to loosen up. It was beginning to annoy her. “I can have fun just like the next person.”

  “Okay, prove it.” He tugged her through the house to the open room with the band. People were milling about, mostly talking. He pulled her to him and started swaying with the music.

  Heat shot to her cheeks. “No one
else is dancing,” she whispered.

  “That’s okay. You don’t care, because you’re letting loose.”

  He pushed her back, twirled her, then pulled her to him again. The move made her dizzy and she couldn’t help but laugh. “You’re crazy.”

  “I’ve been called a lot worse.” His grin widened as he moved to the music.

  She followed his dance steps, keeping up with him. Everyone in the room was now looking at them. Maybe that’s what Rick was after. If he wanted people to talk about them, he was sure getting the attention.

  Someone whistled after he twirled her a second time, and Tara noticed another couple had joined in the dancing. She couldn’t help but smile. Dang, Rick was a good dancer.

  The music ended and the band played a slow song. Rick pulled Tara close and her knees went weak. He placed his hand on her upper back, just below her shoulder blade, and took her hand in his. She made the mistake of looking up into his blue eyes. They seemed to hold an unspoken question.

  “You look flushed.” His voice was low and she leaned forward a little to hear him better.

  “You’re a good dancer.”

  “And you’re a good kisser.”

  Heat once again flushed in her cheeks, and Rick seemed to take pleasure in her embarrassment. He smiled and raised one eyebrow. “You’re not used to compliments, are you?”

  She hadn’t really thought about it, but now that Rick brought it up, Bobby hadn’t been one to shower her with praise or flattery. He’d been more . . . well, Bobby was all about Bobby. And she’d been fine with that. At least, she’d thought she was. She let his question hang in the air.

  His gaze trapped hers. “Let’s give them something to remember us by.” He dipped her, then held her there as his lips brushed against hers. The kiss was soft, and she didn’t have any trouble getting lost in it. When he brought her up, the people in the room cheered.

  Tara’s heart thumped wildly in her chest. Rick wanted attention, and he’d gotten it. She had to keep reminding herself this was all just for show.

  They danced through another song. By the time they left the room, there were a dozen couples dancing. Rick had successfully livened up the party. She picked up a glass of water off the serving table and motioned to the double doors that led outside. “I think I need some air.”