Phoebe looked at him with beautiful eyes swimming in gratitude. “Thank you for saving my life.”
The corner of his mouth lifted. “All in a day's work.”
“I don’t know about that. Really, I don’t know how I could ever thank you.”
“No, thanks needed.” He was about to say more when he stopped himself. “Actually, I’ve kind of got myself into a bind. Maybe you can help me out of it.”
“Anything.”
He looked at her and grimaced. “I was hoping… I need someone…” He got up and paced back and forth in front of the fireplace, spearing his fingers through his hair. Was he really going to ask her? He turned to face her. “I need a fiancé.”
“You what?” Her face froze with astonishment. “You want me to be your fiancé?”
“Only temporarily.”
“Fiancé?” his mother said, stopping in the middle of the room holding two steaming mugs of coffee.
Beau looked at them and wondered how he would explain himself now.
***
“Are you crazy?” Phoebe looked at Connie standing still in the middle of the living room. “Is he crazy?”
Connie handed her a cup of coffee. “Yes, I think he is.” She handed Beau his cup. “Are you going to explain yourself?”
Beau stared at his coffee clasped between his hands, his expression bleak. “You’re right. I don’t know what I was thinking. It’s Rich. He has me reeling.”
“What about Rich?” Connie sat on the couch next to him.
Phoebe had the feeling the conversation was about to turn private, but she wasn’t leaving. She was just beginning to thaw out, and she didn’t have it in her to walk back to the ski chalet just then.
“He’s refusing to sell me the bar and hotel until I get married,” Beau said. “And if he keeps running things the way he is, there won’t be anything left for me to buy. We’ll be out of business.”
His mother looked stunned. “So what, you’re going to marry a girl you just met thirty seconds ago?”
Phoebe’s thoughts exactly.
“No, of course not. Like I said, I don’t know what I was thinking. I need help with Rich.”
“I’ll talk to him,” Connie assured him. “But he’s pretty set in his ways. I put some banana bread in the oven to warm. Can I trust you alone while I go get it?”
A look of embarrassment filled Beau’s face, and damn if he didn’t look so cute right then. Phoebe quickly looked away as his mom walked back into the kitchen.
“There’s this woman at the conference who won’t take no for an answer. I blurted out that I was engaged. I don’t know why.” He shook his head. “Can’t imagine what I was thinking, but there it is. That’s why I need your help.”
“And all that stuff about the bar?”
“Oh, that’s true, too. I suppose it was weighing on me when I blurted out that I was engaged to Candy.”
“Are you’re talking about Candy Stevens?”
“Do you know her?”
“We’re working together on a project,” Phoebe admitted. “If you could call it that. Earlier, the woman acted like she’d never seen me before.”
“Then I don’t suppose you want to pretend to be my girlfriend just to keep her off my back?”
“Girlfriend? Maybe. Fiancé? No way. Especially since I want a job at her firm. More than anything,” she admitted.
He smiled and leaned closer. “What if I could sweeten the pot?”
“Like how?”
“My sister is running this conference. What if I could get her to comp your fees?”
“That would help things. A little.” A lot, but no reason to let him know that.
“And your room at the hotel? And all your drinks and meals at the bar,” he added.
Surprise caught her breath. “Okay, that would help a lot.”
“You’d be doing me a huge favor,” he said.
“Wow, you must really not want to deal with her.”
“You have no idea.”
“How about if I spend a lot of time with you but leave the fiancé part out of it,” she offered, trying to figure out a way to make it work for both of them.
“Deal. And not just for Candy’s sake, but for Rich’s too.”
“The old guy from the hotel?”
He nodded as he held out his hand. She took it, surprised by how warm it was. The touch of his skin against hers moved something inside her. The way it felt to touch him was a surprise. But even more disturbing was that she didn’t want to let him go. Maybe pretending to be his girlfriend wasn’t such a great idea, no matter how much money it would save her.
His mother walked back into the room with two plates of steaming banana bread.
“Oh, that looks wonderful. Thank you,” Phoebe said as she took a plate from her. She grasped it with both hands and ate her banana bread, thinking about what she’d signed up for. He said his sister was the organizer of this conference; the chance to meet her and make that connection would be good for her. Maybe she could make this work.
They finished their banana bread, and Beau stood. “Come on, let’s get you back to the conference. The welcome panel has probably ended by now, and my sister will be looking for me. I promised to help her out this weekend.”
“Oh, did I miss the panel?” She must have. This day wasn’t turning out at all the way it was supposed to.
“Don’t worry. I’ll have Paige fill you in. Bye, Mom,” he called as they walked toward the front door.
“Thank you, Connie, for everything,” Phoebe said.
“You’re welcome. I hope you have a wonderful conference.” She shut the door behind them, and they hurried across the yard toward the chalet’s parking lot, careful to bypass the drift she fell in.
“Why don’t you come to dinner with Paige and me tonight. That way we’ll be seen, and Paige can catch you up on what you missed.”
“That would be great,” Phoebe said. “Though I can’t stay out too late. I have a work project I need to finish up by the end of the weekend. I’ll be burning the midnight oil.”
“But tomorrow night is Valentine’s,” he said.
“Yeah.” She shrugged. “That’s okay, I don’t have plans.”
“You do now. We are going out on a date. I’ll plan something very special for us.” He put his arm around her shoulders as they walked toward the chalet. Phoebe wasn’t sure if the idea excited her or if she was certain she’d just made a huge mistake.
Chapter Six
Beau almost wished he could go back to bed and have a complete do-over on this day. He kept digging this hole deeper and deeper, but if he executed this plan just right, he might get what he wanted, what he’d been working for all these years. The Black Bear to be his own.
He and Phoebe walked toward the building. Phoebe’s falling in that snowdrift had been a stroke of luck—for him. She was smart, beautiful, and most important, willing to go along with his crazy plan. He slipped his hand in hers. No time like the present to get started.
She stared down at their clasped hands. “Is this really necessary?”
“No, but it’s a nice touch. Intimate, but not too much. Especially since we just met.”
Her eyes widened slightly. “I just need a minute to get used to the idea.”
He gave her hand a squeeze. “What’s there to get used to? I’m quite the catch.”
Surprise danced across her face. “Is that right?”
“Absolutely, I’m surprised you haven’t heard.”
Her lips twitched. “Actually, I did hear a little something about you in the ladies’ room this morning.”
“You did?” Now that interested him. “Want to share what it was?”
She gave him a half-smile. She had a nice smile and nice lips. He wouldn’t mind finding out what they tasted like and what magic she could create with her tongue.
“Not really,” she said. “What is heard in the ladies’ room, stays in the ladies’ room. It’s an unspoken girl
code.”
He laughed as he opened the door to the conference room, and they walked inside. “Is that right? I’ve never heard that one.”
“Sorry, but my lips are sealed.”
“Hi, Beau,” Candy said, approaching them. She’d been standing in the lobby with her cohort from the bathroom that morning.
“Didn’t the two of you just meet today?”
“We already knew each other,” Phoebe said easily. “Just like you and I.”
“We do?” Candy said with a rising lilt to her voice. Though it was obvious to Beau, Candy knew exactly who Phoebe was as she openly studied her.
He had to hand it to Phoebe; she was smooth, and she told the truth. They knew each other already. They met yesterday afternoon when he showed her to her room in the bar.
“Oh, that’s right,” Candy said. “I don’t know how I could have forgotten you. You make the most beautiful jewelry. I just know Christy Reagan will love the pieces you’re creating. Have you already finished? I know it was a quick turnaround.”
“Not yet, but they’ll be done by the deadline. Don’t worry.”
“Oh, I’m not worried in the least. I’d love to see them sometime this weekend. You must show them to me. Maybe we can even get coffee.”
Boy, Candy was laying it on thick. Beau wondered what she was up to.
“I’d like that,” Phoebe said, and Beau couldn’t tell if she was being sincere or not. She was good. She leaned in for a quick kiss. “I’ll see you tonight.”
He brushed his lips across hers, and it was all he could do not to pull her back and kiss her again. Longer this time. He liked the way she tasted and liked the way she felt even more.
Then she was gone, and he was left standing alone with Candy once more.
Her she-cat eyes narrowed. “You don’t really expect me to believe you are engaged to Phoebe Lawson.” And her true colors are revealed.
“Believe what you will; it doesn’t really matter to me.” Beau started to walk away, but she stopped him.
“Phoebe lives in San Francisco.”
“Not for much longer. She can make beautiful jewelry from anywhere.” He gave her a smile, then turned and walked away. The look on Candy’s face was priceless. He was enjoying himself. He left the chalet and drove back to town. There was something he wanted to get. A surprise for Ms. Lawson, a thank you for playing his game so well.
Beau popped into the grocery store and purchased a dozen roses in a red vase then drove it back up to the chalet. There was even a small Happy Valentine’s Day heart-shaped Mylar balloon tucked inside. He couldn’t wait to see Phoebe’s face when she saw them. He carried them into the chalet and across the main room with a wide smile on his face as he made sure everyone saw him.
“What are those?” Phoebe said as he approached with the roses.
“Look happy, darling,” he said under his breath.
She clapped her hands together with delight. “Oh, Beau. You shouldn’t have. You really shouldn’t have.”
“You said you were in the woods to find some color to brighten up your table.”
“I did.”
“I wanted to bring you some.” He shifted the roses to the side. “The red of the petals look terrific next to the silk scarf.”
She looked down at her table. “That they do. Thank you. That was very thoughtful.”
He leaned in and kissed her again. “Hey, I’m a great guy.”
She pulled back, her fingers touching her lips. “One could even say a great catch.”
“I’ve heard that before. Somewhere.” His gaze caught hers and held it.
She laughed, and he had to admit he liked the way it sounded. She pulled a blue ribbon off her purse and tied it around the flower vase. “My good luck charm,” she announced as she tied it in a bow.
“Okay, give me your spiel,” he said.
“Spiel?”
“Yes. Convince me to hire you to plan my wedding.”
“Right now?” Her gaze flitted over the other ladies behind him.
“Do you have something better to do?”
She had that frozen in the headlights look, then she seemed to make up her mind. “All right. Yes, you’re right.” She straightened her shoulders and stuck out her hand. “Hello, thank you for stopping by my booth. I’m Phoebe Lawson, and I would love to plan your wedding.” She shook his hand, her grip strong and confident. “As you can see, I’m well-versed in the multitude of details that come with planning your big day.” She gestured toward the notebooks filled with planning sheets she’d created.
“No detail is too small.” She touched the tiny gemstones on the headpiece. “Or too big.” She pointed to a long veil reaching six feet in length behind her. “I will be there for you. From the first time we talk all the way through until your big day. Not just because it’s my job, but because weddings are my passion and making dreams come true—my calling.”
Beau clapped his hands in obvious surprise. “Very good.”
“You think so?” The hint of vulnerability in her voice delighted him. So many of the ladies in this room were divas who thought they were God’s gift to the industry. Ms. Lawson was the real deal.
“Absolutely. You had me convinced, and I’ve heard a lot of these.”
“That’s because I believe every word. Being a wedding planner has been a life-long dream.”
“I hope you make it happen.”
She beamed, and the look stole his breath. “Thank you, so do I. So, what tips do you have for me?”
“Tips? Absolutely none. It was perfect.” He was being truthful. He wouldn’t change a thing.
“No way,” she blurted.
He smiled. “It was. Trust me. So, I’ll pick you up for dinner at six?”
“Do you think it’s necessary?” Her teeth nibbled her bottom lip. She was adorable. “Candy reminded me I really have a lot of work to do.”
“We need to be seen around town. Look at it this way. I’m taking you out for a nice dinner, and it won’t cost you a thing. You have to eat anyway, so it shouldn’t set you back too much. We’ll be quick, I promise.”
“And your sister will be there?”
“Absolutely,” he said, and he realized he better make sure that happened. “It will be a great networking opportunity for you.”
Phoebe grinned. “I can’t pass that up.”
“I’ll try not to take offense. I’ll see you at six back at the bar? I want to make a show for Rich.”
She nodded. “Sounds good. So we’re really doing this?”
“We are. I’m starting to believe it’s the best idea I’ve had in a long time.”
She gave him a small smile and leaned toward him, her lips inches from his. “Just to be clear, sleeping with you is not part of the deal.”
She was so close it took all his restraint not to pull her into his arms and kiss her into forgetting that little statement. “I’m wounded that you would even think it was,” he said with the utmost sincerity.
“This engagement is for show only. No sex.” She waggled her finger in front of him.
“None,” he agreed. Though the thought of those lips on his body was already seeping into his mind, and he was responding with heat pooling in all the right places. He smiled, then turned and walked away.
The challenge was on, and boy, did he love a good challenge.
Chapter Seven
Phoebe spent more time than she should have getting ready for dinner. It wasn’t a real date, she kept telling herself as she curled her hair and lined her lips. In fact, she should make sure it ended as soon as possible so she could get back to work on the Reagan jewelry. She glanced at the desk and her unfinished pieces.
She put the finishing touches on her hair, gave it a quick spritz with finishing spray, and took a last look. She looked nice—approachable but not too obvious that she wanted to look good for the man. She knew better, but she couldn’t help it. He was very attractive.
She grabbed her jacket and pur
se, then left the room. She didn’t think she would, but she liked being next to the bar. It wasn’t as noisy as she’d feared, and she was right where all the action was. Beau was behind the bar and just the sight of him had her quickening her step. She better be careful. She took a seat on a stool. He was just a nice guy and brother to the organizer. This was a working dinner. That was all.
“You look nice,” Beau said, his dimples showing as he smiled.
Her cheeks warmed at his words. “Thank you.”
A young man with a buzz cut came out of the kitchen as Beau finished wiping the counter. “Sam, this is Phoebe. Phoebe, Sam,” Beau introduced.
“Nice to meet you,” Phoebe said.
“Sam makes the best burgers on the whole mountain.”
Sam laughed. “He just says that to keep me working for cheap.”
Phoebe laughed. “I must be sure to order one. Are we eating here?”
“Nah, we’re going someplace a little nicer.” He turned to Sam. “You and Rich good?”
“We got it covered.”
“Great, we’ll be back by eight. It shouldn’t get too busy before then.”
“Have a good time,” Sam said, giving her a wide smile and patting Beau on the back.
Beau walked out from behind the bar. “Are you ready?”
“Yep. Where are we going?”
“A little Italian place about halfway down the mountain toward Tahoe. Paige is meeting us there.”
“Great.” See it wasn’t a real date, Phoebe told herself as he took her hand and waved to Rich who was eating a burger at a far table.
“Well, that was fortuitous,” she said with a grin as Rich watched them leave, his brow crinkled.
“It certainly was.”
The drive took about fifteen minutes and the whole time Phoebe was mesmerized by how beautiful the landscape was. “Look, there’s a family of deer,” she said, pointing to a meadow.
“This is the time of day where we see a lot of them.”
“It’s so beautiful and serene here,” she said as they drove down the two-lane road. “And cold.”
He grinned. “Only if you bury yourself in the snow.”
All Night Long: Kiss The Bride #2 Page 4