by Pamela Yaye
Harper chuckled. And soon, she was laughing, too.
“Is there anything else I should know about you?”
The warmth of his gaze and the richness of his voice made Azure feel woozy, as if she’d drunk a slew of apple martinis. She took in some air, waited a moment for her thoughts to clear and her raging body heat to simmer. “Let me see,” she began, giving serious consideration to the question. “I love all things celebrity, I’m addicted to cupcakes and as long as you don’t expect me to be Florida Evans and pick up after you twenty-four-seven, we should get along fine!”
His touch on her hand was reassuring. “Azure, you’ll be my wife in name only. I don’t expect you to do anything but look great on my arm, smile for the cameras and gush about how wonderful married life is during interviews. Think you can do that?”
“The jury’s still out on that one, but I’m willing to give it a try.”
“That’s more than enough for me.”
Azure ignored her doubts, and the heavy feeling in her heart. Harper was right. They’d get married, bask in the limelight for several months and then move on. She only hoped that her heart stayed out of the picture, because the last time she’d made the mistake of falling head over heels for a wealthy, attractive man, he’d shattered her heart in two. Six months later, she was still trying to recover. Something told Azure what she and Harper were about to do was wrong—so very, very wrong—but she ignored her conscience. Harper’s
name and connections would open a lot of doors for her. That’s why she’d accepted his outrageous proposal.
That’s not the only reason, a high-pitched, female voice jeered inside her head. You’ve been dreaming of kissing that man since the tenth grade!
Azure ignored the voice, deleted the accusation from her mind. This wasn’t about those silly, teenage fantasies she used to have about Harper or the blinding sexual chemistry they shared, either. This was about her career, about Azure finally beating her boss at his own game. It was her time to shine, to increase her celebrity, and by the time her fake marriage was annulled, she’d have everything she ever dreamed of.
Just as Harper said.
Chapter 8
What have I gotten myself into? Azure wondered for the second time that day. The first time she had the thought was when she was at the Fountain, checking out their private dining rooms with Harper. He’d been attentive and affectionate the entire appointment. A touch on her shoulder, a kiss on her check, a hand on her waist while they selected the flowers and table linens. By the time they parted ways, Azure was so hot, so overcome with desire, she had to drink a glass of cold water to cool down. But three hours later, her body was still throbbing with need.
Armed with the dozens of wedding dress photos she’d downloaded onto her cell phone, and Harper’s suggestions at the front of her mind, she’d left the Fountain that afternoon bound and determined to find the gown of her dreams. Only, after hours of shopping in trendy, upscale boutiques, she hadn’t tried on a single dress that wowed her.
“What about this one?” The salesgirl, a bubbly strawberry-blonde who’d fit in perfectly with the cast of Glee, held up a ruffled, multicolored minidress. “You said you were looking for something fun, and this sexy number screams ‘I came to party!’”
“I’m looking for something a little less Katy Perry and a lot more Audrey Hepburn,” Azure explained, wearing a soft smile. A Philadelphia landmark synonymous with high living, Mystique was often frequented by the rich and famous, and as Azure glanced around the women’s section she spotted several local celebrities. The mayor’s wife, a sitcom star and a news anchor were all enjoying a complimentary glass of champagne in the adjoining hair salon.
“Don’t worry. We’ll find the right dress. I’m sure of it.”
I wish I shared your confidence, Azure thought, feeling her hope wane. Mystique carried the largest selection of formal attire in the city, and Azure knew if she couldn’t find a dress here, she wouldn’t find it anywhere. Dresses, shoes and accessories were positioned on eye-catching end displays. The scent of lavender was heavy in the air, and brides in poufy designer dresses sashayed around the store like a fashion show. “Do you carry Vanessa Hamilton’s line?”
“Of course!” the clerk replied cheerfully. “She is the designer to watch this season, and a Philly native, as well.”
“Yes, I know. I’m a huge fan of her work.”
“Her collection is to die for, but it’s also rather steep. I don’t remember if I asked you earlier, but is there a price point you’re comfortable being at?”
“I haven’t given it much thought. The right dress is invaluable, and I really want to look special tomorrow night.”
Dollar signs glistened in the consultant’s eyes. “What’s the occasion?”
“A dinner party.” Azure felt silly for lying, but she’d promised Harper she wouldn’t tell anyone about their surprise wedding ceremony, and she was going to honor her word. “I want a dress that will knock my fiancé’s socks off, but it has to be tasteful, classy, the type of gown that makes a bold statement.”
Azure cringed when she heard the excitement in her voice, the sheer, unadulterated joy. The word fiancé felt funny on her lips, and as foreign to her ears as bluegrass music. A month ago, she’d been lusting after Harper Hamilton from afar, but in less than twenty-four hours she would be his lawfully wedded wife. Sure, in name only, but playing house with Harper for the next three months was a hell of a lot better than sitting on her couch watching reality TV night after night.
Patting back a yawn, Azure rolled her stiff, aching shoulders to loosen the knots in her back. Nervous excitement prevented her from getting a good night’s sleep. That and the raunchy, X-rated dream she’d had about Harper. It was the second one she’d had that week, and it was only Tuesday! Only God knows how I’m going to survive living with him, she thought, as her favorite parts of last night’s dream flashed in her mind. It’s only a matter of time before I do something stupid like—
Shrieks and applause pierced the air. Startled by the noise, Azure glanced over her shoulder. A brunette in a lace A-line gown was standing in front of a mirror, fanning a hand to her tear-streaked face, and an older woman was sobbing into a lace-trimmed handkerchief. Has to be her mother, Azure thought, watching the touching scene unfold. Soon, everyone was crying, including their stoic-faced consultant with the bouffant hairstyle.
Azure felt a pang of guilt and wondered how her mom and sister would feel if they knew she was shopping for a wedding dress without them. They were too busy, too wrapped up in their own lives, and probably wouldn’t care. That suited Azure fine. Truth be told, she didn’t want her fault-finding mother or sister around. They’d just point out her flaws and imperfections, anyway. Better she go at it alone, like the Lone Ranger.
But as Azure turned away to resume her search for the perfect gown, she felt her eyes moisten and her mouth dry. Suddenly, being in the boutique, surrounded by glowing brides and their weeping mothers, made Azure feel sad, insignificant, as though she didn’t matter. What else is new? she thought, swallowing hard. I’ve felt that way since the day Eden was born.
“This dress would look amazing on you!”
Azure blinked, swung her gaze back around to her cheerful, rosy-cheeked consultant.
“What do you think?” she asked, holding an ivory gown with a plunging neckline out in front of her. “Zoe Saldana wore this Vanessa Hamilton number to a movie premiere back in July, and fashionistas are still raving about it!”
The slinky satin gown looked more like a nightgown than a wedding dress, and the only thing Azure liked about it was the color. “No, thanks. It’s not my style.”
“But this dress was made for a woman like you. Someone tall, with toned arms and gorgeous, mile-long legs.”
A sheepish smile tickled Azure’s lips. She didn’t kno
w if the clerk was telling the truth or buttering her up to make a sale, but she agreed to try on the dress and after selecting several more gowns from Vanessa Hamilton’s collection, she followed her consultant into the fitting room area. The first dress she squeezed into felt tighter than plastic wrap, the second one was five inches too short and the bejeweled halter made her look like a human Pop-Tart.
Hands on her hips, her face pinched with frustration, Azure carefully studied herself in the three-way mirror. Hating how dumpy she looked in the strapless gown, she sucked in a breath. Maybe Mom’s right. Maybe I should lose some weight.
Azure was ready to throw in the towel, to call it a day, but at the last minute, she decided to try on the ivory gown the salesgirl had brought out. From the moment Azure stepped into the formfitting satin, she knew it was the dress she was going to marry Harper in. It had a deep side split, fit her body like a second skin and accentuated all of her best assets.
Azure spun to the left and to the right. Silencing her inner critic—who sounded a lot like her mom—she slipped a hand down her stomach and hips. Azure loved how the material kissed her curves, loved how it made her look long and lean. According to Harper, she had a great figure. He’d said so last night while they were having dinner, and that morning when Azure was chastising herself for eating too many free hors d’oeuvres at the Fountain. At the thought of Harper, goose bumps pricked her skin. This time tomorrow, she’d be Mrs. Harper Hamilton. It was a heady thought, one that brought on a fresh wave of butterflies.
Someone knocked on the door.
“Is everything okay in there?”
Azure nodded, though her consultant couldn’t see her. “Yes, thanks, I’m fine.”
“Do you need help with the zipper?”
“No, I’m good.”
A pause, then, “If you need anything just holler. I’m right outside the fitting room.”
Twirling around, a wide smile on her face, she marveled at how glamorous she looked in the expensive Vanessa Hamilton gown. God, I hope Harper likes this dress.
Azure cast her eyes over her shoulder and stared at her backside in the mirror. Her butt looked huge, but that was no surprise. The dress was satin, ivory and clung to every curve and slope. And it was perfect. Exactly what she was looking for.
Back in the boutique, Azure perused the shoe section, in search of a pair of killer pumps to complement her backless gown. “Oh wow, these are hot!” she gushed, grabbing the silver, open-toe pumps from off the display and sliding her foot inside. They were just what she was looking for. But at the wrong price.
Azure quickly decided the shoes were worth it. She had to get them. And if she raised the hem of her dress and dyed the heels ivory, she’d have the look she envisioned in her head. A chic, sophisticated ensemble she felt not only ridiculously sexy in but graceful, as well. The way Mrs. Harper Hamilton should.
Floating through the boutique, clutching her dream gown and shoes in her hands, Azure prayed she had enough money in her account to cover her purchases. Holding her breath, she watched as the salesclerk rang up each item, and when the total came up on the screen, Azure felt her body go numb. Two thousand, five hundred and twenty-nine dollars!
Azure opened her mouth to ask the thin, middle-aged clerk to cancel the transaction, then remembered Harper had given her an envelope when they were chatting outside the Fountain. “If it’s not enough, then just send me a text with your bank info and I’ll deposit more money into your account,” he’d said as they parted ways.
Rooting around in her purse, she searched frantically for the envelope. When she found it buried underneath her makeup case, she ripped it open. Azure gasped so loud the salesclerk flinched. Azure shook her head, unable to believe what her eyes were seeing. The envelope was filled with dozens of crisp, one-hundred dollar bills. All this money for a dress and a pair of shoes? After she paid for her outfit, she’d have enough left over to get her makeup, hair and nails professionally done for tomorrow night, and it was all thanks to Harper.
Ten minutes later, Azure sailed out of the boutique, shopping bags in hand and pep in her step. The clear night sky was a vivid array of deep, breathtaking blues and the air held a sweet, pomaceous aroma that made Azure hanker for a slice of apple pie. As she strode down the street, she made up her mind not to let anything ruin her day. Not her looming deadline, her self-doubts or the gridlocked traffic that stretched as far back as the expressway.
Hearing her ring tone, Azure stopped at a taxi stand and pulled her cell phone out of her purse. “Hello?”
“Hi, Azure. It’s me, Harper.”
Hearing Harper’s voice made Azure feel light on her feet, made her insides turn to mush every time. To hear him above the noise on the traffic-congested road, she plugged her ear and turned away from the busy street.
“How did things go this afternoon? Did you find what you were looking for?”
“Yes, thanks to you.”
“I’m just glad the money was enough.”
“I bought the perfect dress!” Azure gushed, unable to contain her excitement. “It’s long, and fitted, and makes me look ten pounds thinner!”
“I bet it looks incredible on you. Everything does.”
A girly smile exploded across her face.
“I’m just calling to make sure tomorrow night is still a go.”
“Why, are you having second thoughts?”
“About marrying you? Never.”
Beaming brighter than a beacon, she sighed and rested a hand on her chest. Azure had never met a man who was so inherently sweet. Just imagining the scene in her mind—she and Harper gazing at each other as they exchanged vows in front of his family and their friends—made her feel downright giddy. Playing Harper’s wife was going to be fun, the chance of a lifetime, and Azure planned to use her fifteen minutes of fame to boost her career. It’s time I quit covering news stories and be a news story, she decided. That’s the only way I’m going to keep my job and make my mom proud.
“I picked up the marriage license this afternoon and confirmed the time and location with the officiant,” Harper explained. “I’ll pick you up at your condo at five o’clock sharp—”
“We’re going to the Fountain together?”
“Yes, why, is that a problem?”
Azure grew so flushed she couldn’t string together a coherent sentence. “Well, um, no…it’s just that it’s bad luck for the groom to see the bride before the wedding,” she blurted out.
“You’re right, it is. I forgot.”
“It’s not a big deal. Forget I said anything.”
“I’ll have a town car pick you up instead.”
“No, Harper, I don’t want to put you out.”
“You’re not,” he assured her.
“Are you sure?”
“Positive. I want everything to be perfect, and it will be. Trust me.”
Azure heard the smile in his voice, heard how relaxed he sounded. “Oh,” she said, struck by a thought, “don’t forget to bring the prenup tomorrow. I can sign it before the ceremony, and the minister can witness it for us.”
“A prenup?” Harper repeated, his voice filled with surprise. “We don’t need one. When you get an annulment, neither spouse is entitled to any money or compensation once the union is dissolved.”
“I know, but I’d feel better if we had one. I don’t want people to call me a gold digger, and if I don’t sign a prenup, those catty bloggers from Black, Rich and Fly will crucify me!”
“Are you sure about this?”
“Positive. Draft the agreement and bring it with you to tomorrow night.”
“Yes, ma’am. I’m on it!”
His tone lightened the mood, relieved the tension Azure was feeling inside. All day she’d been wrestling with her conscience, weighing the pros and cons of marry
ing for publicity, but speaking to Harper had a calming effect on her. “This is probably the last time we’ll speak before tomorrow night, huh?”
“If anything changes just give me a ring on my cell phone.”
Azure nodded, promised she would. “Sleep well.”
“Good night. I’ll see you at the altar.”
Azure disconnected the call. Feeling lighthearted and free, she dropped her cell phone in her purse, scooped up her purchases and strode confidently down Madison Avenue. She smiled at the couples strolling hand in hand, the families lined up outside the movie theater and the homeless man dancing to the music streaming out of the Irish pub. Azure felt like doing a little jig of her own. Imagine, she—a former klutz who never had a single friend in high school—was marrying a Hamilton!
Azure couldn’t wait to tell her mother the news. She’d probably faint. And not just because she was on a strict five-hundred-calorie diet, either. Her mother would be stunned, so tongue-tied she wouldn’t be able to speak. And for some strange reason that thought caused a big, fat smile to cover Azure’s face. One that she couldn’t wipe away no matter how hard she tried.
Chapter 9
“Azure, it’s time.” Harper waited, listened for a moment, then knocked on the washroom door. Standing in the private staff wing of the Fountain five minutes before the wedding was supposed to start was making Harper nervous. And it wasn’t on the schedule he’d drawn up last night, either. He should be downstairs, in the banquet hall, going over the ceremony with the officiant, not searching for his runaway bride. “Hello? Azure? Are you in there?”
Nothing.
Harper scratched his head. Had she come out of the ladies’ room without him noticing her? He’d been on his phone, reading all the frantic texts from his parents and brothers, and had lost track of time. His family was downstairs, seated in the banquet hall, probably wondering what the hell was going on. By now, they’d seen the elaborate flower displays, the rose-scattered aisle and the chocolate cupcake tower. No doubt they’d put two and two together and figured out he’d invited them to his surprise wedding and not a family business meeting. And now it was showtime. Everyone was there. Everything was in place. All he had to do now was find Azure.