Caden nodded. “I could, but with what you’re wearing, we might be very late for your aunt’s wedding.”
“Oh, yeah.” Maggie cleared her throat and pushed a lock of hair behind her ear.
“Maggie, will you do me the honor of being my fake fiancée?”
With a roll of her eyes, Maggie sighed. “Until the presidency of the pageant is settled do us part.”
The intense beating of her heart surely filled the room. A sizzle of electricity bounced between them as he slid the band down her finger. The fit was amazing. How did he know? They both stared at the rock for a few seconds. Maggie lifted her lashes and met Caden’s gaze. A part of her wished their towels would succumb to the laws of gravity so she could surrender to the desire building between them. Just because their friendship had grown did not mean the desire between them had settled.
Maggie moistened her lips with the tip of her tongue.
Caden dipped his head lower.
Was this about to happen? Shy of a week since she last tasted this beautiful man, and it was about to happen right here under the same roof as her family. Maggie’s body quivered. She rose on her bare tiptoes and closed her eyes.
And then an annoying knock came from the main door.
“Magnolia Swayne.” Her mother’s pinched voice penetrated through the door, reminding Maggie of all the reasons why she hated family events. “We need to talk.”
With an apologetic giggle, Maggie pressed her forehead against his chest and sighed. Maybe later.
* * *
It didn’t surprise Caden to find Hawk Cameron waiting to get on the party bus to the Tremé neighborhood for the rehearsal dinner. Caden tugged at the sleeves of his green oxford shirt and smoothed down the pink-and-yellow-flowered tie Maggie had picked out for him before heading over to his client.
Last summer it was Hawk walking down the aisle to Corie Hairston, Maggie’s cousin. It was another wedding Caden had not attended, but he’d thrown an epic bachelor party. Had he gone to the wedding, he wondered where he and Maggie would be right now. Slipping the engagement ring, real or not, on her finger had done something to him. It connected him to her in an odd, magical kind of way, as if he never wanted the moments between them to end.
As the wedding party formed a line, Caden lost sight of Maggie. They’d walked out of the room together but her sister, Kenzie, called on her for some help. Members of the Hairston family greeted Caden with friendly smiles and a few whispers behind hands. Once he reached Hawk, he felt more in his element—or so he thought.
Six foot seven, Hawk stood out from the rest. He held his three-year-old son, CJ, on his shoulders. “I hear you’re becoming a part of the Hairston family.”
“Hey, man,” Caden said, extending his hand. It was one thing when the folks in Southwood congratulated him but something different when it came from a friend. Caden’s mother used to tell him that lightning would strike for telling a lie. He glanced up at the sky to find a few gray clouds in the distance but nothing sinister. The two men shook hands. “Wow, this kiddo has grown.”
Four years ago Hawk had been the number one draft pick. The Hairston Sports Agency fought hard to get Hawk. Rumors spread they fought dirty by sending in Corie Hairston to get him to sign with them. Fortunately for A&O, Hawk signed with them. The young Hairston agency didn’t get the new prospect, but clearly Corie got her man. Caden rubbed his hands together in wonder at how things might turn out for him and Maggie.
“He has,” said Hawk, patting his son on the back. The kid already sported a long set of legs like his dad, and the close-cut hair glinted flecks of red, just like the rest of the Hairstons. “He’s grown out of the toddler boy sizes.”
Caden had no idea what that meant.
“Tell me about this engagement,” Hawk asked him. “I thought I’d never see the day. You were the smoothest player ever. I can never thank you enough for my bachelor party. Talk about going out with a bang.”
Uncomfortable with the reminder of his past, especially here in Maggie-land, Caden scratched the back of his neck. The family’s curiosity was not limited to Maggie’s family. The staff at Erin’s rehab center spotted him waiting at the bakery for Maggie which gave fodder for gossip to his clients. “Yeah, well, you know me.”
“I heard about the one from last week,” Hawk refreshed his memory. “I’m still mad I didn’t get an invite.”
“An invitation to what?” Just then Corie came over to the three of them. CJ reached down for his mother.
“Nothing,” the two adult men chorused.
Corie, a redheaded version of Erin, with short-cropped hair like Halle Berry used to sport, eyed Caden up and down. “Don’t think I forgot about that summer-long bachelor party you threw my husband.”
“The only thing I can recall was how excited Hawk was to start his life with you,” Caden said, waving off the story. His eyes scanned the crowd for the top of Maggie’s head and only found more redheads. Maybe he needed to start looking for her.
Still not done with the conversation, Corie stepped in front of him. “I love my cousin dearly, Caden Archibald.”
Caden smoothed his hand over the flowers of his tie. “All right?”
“Cor, c’mon,” Hawk said, tugging on his wife’s arm. “We’re here for a celebration.”
“Erin told me about all the women you flirt with at the rehab center.”
Caden held his hands up in surrender. “Whoa, now. I am friendly but not flirty.”
Corie narrowed her eyes on him. “My aunt Paula is under a lot of stress these days. It’s important that I protect my family,” Corie warned them both. “You understand, don’t you?”
If she meant the Swaynes were falling on financial hardships, Caden understood loud and clear. He nodded and shoved his hands in the pockets of his tan slacks.
“Leave the man alone, wife,” said Hawk, playfully pulling his wife and son up against his frame. “CJ’s getting restless. Let’s let him burn off some energy on the playground right across the street before you’re cooped up on the bus.” Hawk pointed in a direction, but Caden didn’t look away from Corie’s questioning stare.
“Fine,” Corie said reluctantly. “Maybe you and Maggie can meet us there, providing there aren’t any Ferris wheels. You know she’s afraid of them.”
Caden realized what was going on. Corie was testing him. “You mean the merry-go-round.”
Beaming, Corie patted Caden’s shoulder. “My good man,” she said, almost relieved.
“What’s up with that ride?” Hawk asked.
“My cousin thinks of it as a metaphor for life,” explained Corie and wagged her finger in a circle. “You know, going round and round and seeing the exact same thing.”
“Uh, yeah,” Caden replied, soaking in Maggie’s fear. So many things made sense in Maggie’s life, at least up until a certain point. His pretend fiancée did not want to be tied down to one place. This explained why she’d been such a socialite. It even explained why she created her hologram years ago—to be in as many places as possible.
If the Swaynes were having trouble on the farm, though, it made sense for Maggie to come back home to Southwood. They were low on funding. This elaborate wedding was paid for by Oscar Blakemore. The former military man could afford it, but perhaps he wanted to help out the family in their dire needs.
“All right, man.” Hawk slapped his hand down on Caden’s shoulder. “We’ll catch up with business on the bus.”
“And we can discuss y’all’s wedding,” Corie added. “You know Maggie caught my bouquet last year. I was afraid with Auntie Bren bucking the line, the old saying wasn’t true. But I guess she really is next in line to get married.”
Caden shoved his hands in the pockets of his tan slacks and waited for Maggie to return. The space beside him felt empty. He liked her near him, next to him. Dear God, he huffed to himself. W
hat was going on with him? Before he had the chance to answer his own question, another hand slapped down on his shoulder.
“Glad to see I’m not the only one in love with one of these Hairston gals.”
“Mr. Blakemore,” Caden said, turning to face the old man and extending his hand. “May I offer you an early congratulations?”
“You sure can,” Oscar said and beamed. “I guess you’ll be the next one in line, eh?” Oscar, decked out in his military uniform, puffed out his chest, then shook Caden’s hand. “Thanks for coming and bringing Maggie. We weren’t sure if she made enough to get here, considering the whole nest thing.”
“Any time,” said Caden, wanting to ask what that was about. No one spoke in hushed tones about the financial crisis the Swaynes were in, not that he expected them to. Caden planned on having a man to man talk with Mitchell Swayne before the weekend ended. He wanted to let Maggie’s father know, that no matter what, Maggie would be well taken care of.
“Well, hopefully,” Oscar chuckled, “this is my last time ever walking down the aisle. I never congratulated you on your engagement announcement at your mother’s house. You and Maggie will be making this trip soon.”
Tightness gripped his lungs. “Sure.” He needed to either get out of here or change the subject. Guests stepped in his path to introduce themselves to him, so he accepted he wasn’t going to see Maggie anytime soon. “Are you guys going any place special for your honeymoon?”
“Last week in Savannah felt like a honeymoon, if you know what I mean.” Oscar elbowed Caden in the ribs while he laughed at his own joke. “Seriously, though, we’ll fly out tomorrow after the reception. Tonight I have special plans.”
Caden offered a tight grin and a silent plea the old man did not feel comfortable enough to give him the details.
“After the rehearsal dinner, we’re going down to Vaughn’s.” Oscar flashed a smile, clearly proud of himself.
“Well, all right now,” said Caden. “You kids have fun.”
A round of applause interrupted their conversation. The future bride exited the building dressed in a soft pink dress printed with yellow and white flowers. While everyone’s eyes were on Auntie Bren, Caden’s heart filled with...happiness at the sight of Maggie. She was dressed in a gauzy, flowy skirt the same yellow as on her aunt’s dress. So were the other ladies who came out of the room with her. Maggie floated to Caden’s side, fitting against him like a glove. A satisfied feeling came over him, much like when he and his brothers used to put puzzles together on rainy days. Caden always pocketed a piece so he could have the satisfaction of putting in the last one.
Everyone filed in two lines and boarded the bus chartered for the evening. Erin sat across from Caden and Maggie. Paula and Mitchell Swayne sat in front of them. Mitchell only shot the engaged coupe a glare before taking his seat. Maggie’s sister and niece were in front of Erin, and at the front were Kenzie’s husband, Ramon, the mayor of Southwood, and Richard. Oscar and Auntie Bren stood at the front of the bus, making an announcement.
Since she left the room to speak with her parents, things felt different. Maggie had been silent with him. She sat beside him on the cool bus twisting her ring so the solitaire diamond faced her palm. “You do realize you’re the only woman who hasn’t flaunted the jewelry I’ve given them,” Caden whispered to her.
“Are you trying to point out I’m doing something wrong?” Maggie turned her face up to his. “Or are you bringing up the fact I’m not the first person you’ve given jewelry to?”
Damn, he thought with a goofy grin. He should have just kept his mouth shut. “Never an engagement ring, though.”
Maggie leaned close to him. He inhaled her sweet, intoxicating fragrance. “Yes, but this is a fake engagement. The gifts to other women were sincere. This one isn’t.”
“Shh,” Erin leaned over and hushed them. The noise caused Mrs. Swayne to turn around and give the two of them a glower. Mr. Swayne might not have killed Caden on the spot, but his wife’s disapproving stare may as well have.
Maggie pressed her lips together to fight back a laugh and shook her head. At that moment the happy couple finished their speech with a kiss, and the passengers erupted with applause. Despite not hearing a word that was said, Caden clapped his hands, all the while staring at Maggie. An image of the two of them crossed his mind—them standing at the altar and the round of applause was meant for the two of them. Caden had always thought he’d have to be under a magical spell in order to consider marriage. He shook his head and took a deep breath. So this was what falling in love was like. Huh. That was something he never thought would enter his mind. Strange, he thought with a twitch of his left eye. He didn’t feel as happy when she wasn’t near. It was as if...he was under a spell. Damn.
Chapter 10
Maggie had been to Dooky Chase before with Kenzie. Having a history buff for a sister meant a lot of traveling. They’d visited with Ms. Leah Chase before she passed, and now the torch had been passed on to her sister, Ms. Stella. Back in the day African Americans could find fine dining in this establishment. Still could.
Two long tables were set up in the center of the room with a few scattered four-and two-top tables along the side of the wall with Ms. Leah’s portrait. Most of the Hairston and Blakemore family members filled in the long tables while Auntie Bren and Oscar sat at different tables but still across from each other.
Because Caden let everyone on the bus off before them, they were last to get a seat. Maggie didn’t complain. The two of them sat at their own private table. Maggie smoothed her hands over the pristine white linen cloth. Four glasses sat between them, two waters and two Arnold Palmers. Caden took several gulps of both drinks before focusing on her.
“Are you okay?” she asked him. She wondered if being around her family was a bit too much. Over the last few days, Maggie had learned that Caden didn’t enjoy being around his own family. Somehow she was comforted with the knowledge he especially did not get along with Chase and Jason. They were pigs, but the world didn’t know how juvenile they really were. At least with Caden’s family they were in Savannah. Poor Caden was stuck here with hers.
Ever since she caught up with him with Mr. Oscar, he’d been on the pale side. Maggie studied his face. A faint five o’clock shadow was beginning to grow, making him even sexier. The flowered tie was still knotted at his throat, but the cut of the collared shirt stretched across his broad chest. She’d chosen the combination to complement what she knew Auntie Bren was going to wear and to match her skirt and flowered top as well.
“I’m good. Just thinking about a lot of things.”
“Like the pageant?”
“Sure.” Caden smiled, and when he did, Maggie’s heart skipped a beat.
There was something about the sound of his voice, his Southern drawl that put her at ease. When her and Caden’s kiss was interrupted by her mother’s summons earlier today, Maggie had had to assure her parents she wasn’t engaged to Caden for his money. She couldn’t believe they’d think that about her. To prove their concern they’d shared a recently recorded episode of MET’s tabloid show, Gossip with Gigi, on Spike and Heath Archibald. A footnote on the segment mentioned Caden and Maggie’s engagement. A few comments from the gossip hostess belittled Maggie’s vlogs as nothing more than a diversion for an independent socialite who was now going to marry one of the richest and most eligible bachelors in the nation. This charade was contributing to a picture of her as a do-nothing rich girl who needed a man to support her. Maggie needed the president’s position more than ever to prove everyone wrong.
They talked about the bus ride and who was who from what side of the family over fresh-baked bread brought by a young waitress before everyone got up to get in line for the buffet.
“Are you enjoying yourself?” Caden asked after the room cleared as partiers went to the buffet. “You seemed a little distracted after talking to your par
ents. Did they say something to upset you? I’ll see if your father wants to talk after dinner.”
Maggie shook her head. “You don’t have to do that.” They needed to clear the air about a few things. “How are you enjoying yourself? I thought I saw you talking to Corie and Hawk before I came down.”
“Your cousin is very protective of you,” Caden said with a chuckle.
“She has her moments,” Maggie agreed in her own way. “When my cousins decided to break from their father’s business and start their own sports agency, I helped them promote it.”
“That’s kind of you.”
“Family looks out for one another,” said Maggie, watching a scowl across Caden’s face. “We haven’t really talked about it, but is there a reason you’re not close with your family?” Did she delve too deep? Maggie bit her bottom lip, wondering if she’d crossed the line. Caden’s smile lacked the warmth she was used to. “You don’t have to answer that.”
“Let’s just say it’s complicated,” he finally answered. “We’re not like you guys.”
“Oh, don’t let Auntie Bren’s look of love fool you,” Maggie said cheerfully. “That woman is as ornery as they come. Mean too.”
Caden shook his head in disbelief. Others began to return from the line. “That woman? She’s as sweet as cane syrup.”
Maggie rolled her eyes. “Don’t get me wrong. I love seeing my aunt this happy. But she wasn’t before finding Oscar again. And she never appreciated my lifestyle.”
“Because you were the social media queen?”
A stab made Maggie’s heart ache. Was that what he thought of her as well? “Maybe,” Maggie answered with a short shrug of her shoulders. “She’s usually grumpy and mean, and since becoming a senior citizen she doesn’t mind speaking her mind. I just speak mine back to her.”
Caden’s perfect, kissable mouth dropped open in disbelief. “What? She’s so sweet. She’s been introducing me as your fiancé all afternoon.”
“That’s because Auntie Bren knows this is a charade.”
Southern Seduction ; Pleasure in His Arms Page 13