“I can’t, Tamara. I can’t tell him.” She buried her face into the comforter. However she looked at the situation, she came out brokenhearted.
“Lil, you have to. You can’t marry the man and keep this a secret. I know you think that you’re going to lose this baby, but what if you don’t? How are you going to explain the tiny human that suddenly appears a few months from now?”
Lillian shook her head. Tamara didn’t understand. The time she’s spent with Reed had been the best she’d ever experienced. Was she really going to be able to walk away?
Her stomach flipped. She was going to vomit. Rolling off the bed, she dropped the phone and sprinted to the bathroom. After all of Jackson’s hard work was in the toilet, she sat back. Tears brimmed her lids as she cradled her head in her hands. Everything was a mess. A gigantic mess.
Tamara had hung up by the time she got back to the phone. Not feeling rushed to call her back, Lillian took the time to get a grip on her emotions. She made her way back into the bathroom where she washed her face and patted it dry.
Once she felt more human and less like she was going have a complete breakdown, she picked up her phone and dialed Tamara’s number and she picked up on the first ring.
“Did you throw up?” she asked instead of greeting Lillian.
Lillian sighed. “Yes.”
“See? The baby is telling you that you need to fess up. Tell Reed what’s going on.”
Lillian shook her head as she dabbed the underneath of her eyes. “No. I can’t.” She let out the breath she’d been holding. “The pregnancy won’t last so it wouldn’t matter anyway. I can’t risk tell him just to lose the baby.” She felt tears brim her lids again so took a moment she pushed her feelings down. She could do this.
Tamara was silent for a moment before she sighed. “Okay. Do whatever you want to do. I don’t agree with it, but I’ll support you.”
A weight felt as if it was lifted off her chest. That was what she needed. Her best friend. “Thanks. And I understand. I’ll think about telling Reed, but right now, I need to focus on marrying him.” She was actually grateful that she didn’t have a choice there. She had to marry him whether she wanted to or not. It was nice to have that decision made. It gave her a goal to work toward.
“Sounds good. What do you need me to do?”
After giving Tamara the details of the evening, Tamara agreed to meet her at Reed’s grandfather’s house, dressed in a maid of honor gown and a smile. They hung up just as a knock sounded on Lillian’s door. She glanced at the clock. She was late. Bert must be here, and she wasn’t even ready.
She walked over to the door and pulled it open. Reed was standing on the other side with his arm propped up on the frame, staring down at her. He had a strong, sexy man vibe to his stance. She swallowed as she tried not to let her gaze linger on him for too long. Why did guys stand like that? Did they know it drove women crazy? Forcing down her hormones, she smiled up at him.
A concerned expression passed over his face. “Are you okay? Were you crying?”
She turned, discreetly blotting her eyes and took in a deep breath. “No. I wasn’t crying. I’m just tired. I think the sun really zapped me of energy.”
Reed pushed off the door frame and entered the room. “Are you sure? I could ask Mom to push the wedding off a day.”
Lillian took a deep breath and turned. “No. No worries. I’ll be fine. I’m sure your mother went to quite a lot of work for this. I would hate to disappoint her.”
Reed studied her and then nodded. “You’re right. It’s probably better that we do this tonight. Before anyone changes their mind.”
Lillian walked over to the closet and pulled out the dress. After she gathered her other things she turned only to find Reed standing right behind her with his arms outstretched.
“Can I help?” he asked.
Lillian glanced down at his hands. She hesitated and then nodded. He could help her. It wouldn’t kill her to let him do that.
He draped the dress across his arm and clutched her bag in his hand. He looked grateful that she allowed him to help. He smiled at her. “Are you ready?”
“Yes,” Lillian said. Although every part of her told her that was a lie. She wasn’t ready for any of this. She had so many concerns and they some of them stemmed from the fear of what this relationship might do to her. Others were worries about what she might do to Reed. He was entering into a marriage thinking he knew her. When the truth was, there was so much about her that he didn’t know.
“It’s in the contract, right?” she asked, hoping to dispel the guilt she felt about lying to him.
He glanced down at her. “Contract?”
“Yeah. I have to marry you because it’s in the contract.” All she wanted was for him to tell her that it was her duty. That she was in breach of her word if she backed out. Then she had to stay. There was no other option.
He hesitated as they walked through the living toward the sliding doors that led to the back gardens where Bert was parked, waiting for them. She could see his silhouette moving in the distance. When she glanced up at Reed, he was watching her.
“If you don’t want—”
“Reed, just tell me I have to. That’s all I need to hear.”
He looked confused for a moment, then a stony expression replaced it. It was as if he had suddenly realized what she was asking him. That if he said she didn’t have to there was a good chance that she would walk out the door, taking all his hopes about owning the company with her. That there was no other reason for her to stay.
He took a deep breath and glanced out the window. “Yes. You are contractually obligated to marry me and stay married until my grandfather passes away or signs the company over to me. If you leave, you will be in breach of that agreement and Williamson Industries will have no other choice but to exercise our rights as they pertain to the contract.” He sounded like a lawyer recording. His grip tightened on her things. “Is that what you needed to hear?” He hesitated. “Is that the only reason you’re here? Why you’re staying?”
Lillian fought back the tears that clung to her lids. She couldn’t show Reed that everything he’d just said to her was breaking her heart. It wasn’t fair to involve him in her mess. So, she mustered a confident look and turned to him. “Of course. Why else would I be here?”
Not waiting for his answer, she took off down the lawn toward the helicopter. Thankfully, they had a fifteen-minute ride inside the noisy cockpit. Hopefully, Reed would get the hint and stay away. Right now, she was pretty sure her heart was crumbling from her own words.
Bert readied the helicopter as Reed climbed in. Lillian’s stomach flipped from Reed’s tense brow and clenched jaw. She’d hurt him. Bad. Hopefully, this meant that he was pulling away from her. That he’d keep his distance and fall in love with her. Because right now, she was moments away from falling for him.
The ride to Reed’s grandfather’s house was quiet and uncomfortable. Lillian kept her gaze trained out the window to the scenery that passed by underneath them. Her mind was racing, and she tried to calm it. Reed’s reaction was good. It was what she wanted.
Bert mumbled something about him landing in a few minutes, so Lillian glanced outside as they passed by the island. The house looked different up in the air. She could see that it was situated in the middle of a huge lot with trees lining the outside. A helicopter pad sat on the outskirts of the property with a limo parked next to it.
The sun was low in the sky, casting long shadows from the trees across the grass. As soon as Bert landed, Reed unbuckled and pulled his helmet from his head. He glanced over in Lillian’s direction, and she tried to ignore the hurt in his gaze as he waited for her to do the same.
When she was ready, he jumped from the helicopter and extended his hand to help her down. Her heart squeezed from the fact that even though she’d rejected him over and over again, he was still a gentleman, putting her needs above his own.
She took his hand, trying to
ignore the feelings that raced across her skin from his touch. She tried to ignore just how good it felt to be held by him. How everything in her life seemed to fit into place when he was around.
Get a grip, Lillian. She scolded herself.
This wasn’t keeping her distance. This wasn’t protecting her heart. This was jumping into a situation with two feet, just like she’d done so many times in the past. How else had she gotten to the situation she was currently in?
Once she was on the ground, she dropped his hand and took her items from Bert as he pulled them down. She gave Bert a smile and then headed toward the house. Anywhere was better than right next to Reed.
When she climbed the back stairs and walked across the large deck that led up to the house, she heard the thudding of footsteps. She turned around to see Reed racing to catch up with her. His had a clothing bag draped over one arm and it flapped from the impact.
“You’re fast,” he breathed out. He hunched over and took in a few gulps of air. “From what you said earlier, I figured that I’m might have to drag you in there.” He glanced up at her as if he wasn’t sure how she was going to react to what he said.
She hesitated. What was she supposed to say to that? Of course she was going to follow through with her word. “I—that’s not who I am. I said I’ll marry you, and I will.”
Reed studied her and then a sheepish look passed over his face. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to imply that you wouldn’t. Of course you are a woman of your word.” He steadied his gaze as he met hers. It was as if he were trying to tell her that he trusted her. Despite all she did, he still cared for her.
She couldn’t handle the heartbreak that squeezed her chest. “Let’s get up there and do this,” she said, nodding toward the house.
Reed ducked down as he walked past her. “Of course.”
Once they got to the large, double doors, he reached out and turned the handle. Just as she passed by him, he reached out and pressed his hand onto her lower back and guided her in. Shivers raced across her skin from the heat of his touch. This was not good. Oh, this was not good.
Reed followed after her, shutting door behind him. Two steps into the house and a squeal sounded. Lillian glanced up to see Cassie racing up to her. She wrapped her arms around Lillian and pulled her close.
“I’m so happy you guys are finally here!” she said, placing a kiss on each cheek before pulling back. “It took you two long enough.” She raised her eyebrows suggestively.
Reed made a disgruntled sound. “Is everyone here?” he asked, reaching out and hugging Cassie.
“If you mean Mason and that snake, Hannah, then no, they’re not here. And mom thinks that they aren’t going to come so we should be in the clear.”
Lillian watched as Reed nodded but then his tanned complexion paled. Before she knew what she was doing, she reached out and rested her hand on his forearm. “It’s okay. We are going to do this. He will not win.” She gave him a reassuring smile.
Reed’s gaze dropped to her hand and then back up to her. It seemed that her gesture had its intended affect. A wave of confidence passed over his face. “Thanks,” he said.
Lillian nodded, keeping her hand on his arm. Butterflies erupted in her stomach. She swallowed, hoping that would calm them.
“Okay, you two love birds, save the touching for tonight,” Cassie said as she pulled on Lillian’s arm.
Reed shot her an annoyed look. “Come on, Cas,” he said.
Cassie shrugged as she pulled Lillian away. “I gotta go dress up your bride!” she called.
Lillian allowed her to lead her through the house. Dark wood covered the walls, banisters, and floors. A deep red rug ran then length of the hallway that Cassie led her down. Their footsteps were muted by the plush material.
Cassie stopped at a door and turned the handle. “Let’s get you ready,” she exclaimed and pushed the door open.
Chapter Sixteen
Cassie ushered Lillian into the room and then shut the door behind her. After a quick scan, she pronounced that Lillian was a mess and she was going to have to start from scratch.
“Shower,” she commanded, pointing to the door along the far wall.
Lillian nodded and headed in the direction she motioned. Cassie had on a no-nonsense expression so Lillian thought it was probably best to do as she was told.
When she was clean, she stepped out of the shower and wrapped a towel around her body and her hair. She opened the door, letting all the steam escape in heavy wisps.
Cassie was waiting a few steps away with her arms crossed. “That took forever,” she said.
Before Lillian could respond, Cassie had grabbed her elbow and pulled her over to the chair that was in front of a lighted vanity. After drying, curling, and tugging her hair, Cassie managed to wrangle Lillian’s hair into soft ringlets around her face. Then Cassie moved onto Lillian’s face.
Ten minutes later, Lillian almost didn’t recognize the woman staring back at her. She looked sophisticated and elegant. Everything that Lillian had never believed she could ever be.
“Cas, you did an amazing job,” she said, turning to see Cassie’s beaming face.
Cassie shoved her shoulder. “It helps when I have a beautiful canvas to work on.”
Lillian’s heart swelled for her. Cassie had been nothing but nice to her. And yet, Lillian had kept the truth about the baby from her. What kind of friend did that to another? Pushing the thoughts of her betrayal from her mind, Lillian turned, forcing herself to focus on getting married.
“Let’s get the dress on. We’re wanted in ten minutes,” Cassie said as she walked over to the bed and lifted the dress cover.
Lillian nodded, taking the hanger from her and heading back into the bathroom.
After discarding her towel she started to slip on her bra and underwear. There was a knock on the bathroom door.
“I forgot something,” Cassie called.
Grabbing her towel, she wrapped it around her body and opened the door. Cassie was standing on the other side with an incredulous expression. In her outstretched hand was a white bag. “Something a little fun and maybe scandalous,” she said.
Lillian shot her a look as she grabbed the bag and shut the bathroom door again. Flashbacks of the swimsuit raced back to her. “What did you do?” she called through the door as she pulled out a pair of black undies and a matching bra.
“Just something for the wedding night,” Cassie called back.
Lillian choked as she pulled out a garter belt and thigh-highs. “Seriously?”
Cassie laughed. “Just having fun.”
Lillian’s heart picked up speed as she imagined what Reed would do if he saw her in this. Emotions raced through her that she was not ready for. Stuffing the lingerie back into the bag, she set it on the vanity—as far away from her as possible. There was no way she could wear that. Not with the way she was feeling.
There was a knock followed by muffled voices that carried from the bedroom. Lillian dressed in her own undergarments and turned to the dress hanging on the back of the door. She flipped it around so the back faced her and she unzipped it. Shaking it out, she slipped into it and pulled it up.
Once her arms were through the sleeves, she turned and caught a glimpse of herself in the full-length mirror. Her breath caught in her throat as inspected her reflection. It was a mermaid-cut dress completely covered in lace. The heart-shaped neckline could be seen underneath the lace that covered her shoulders and made tiny capped sleeves. It had an elegant and classy look to it.
Just her style. Cassie had done an amazing job.
She pulled the zipper up as high as she could and then turned to the door. Just as she twisted the handle, a knock sounded.
“Lil, are you okay?” Tamara asked.
Relief flooded Lillian’s chest. Her best friend was here. She pulled open the door and wrapped her up into a hug. It felt so good to see someone she knew.
Tamara let out a whoosh of air when Lillian’s squeeze
d her.
“Wow,” Tamara said, pulling back and looking over at Lillian. “You’re never been this excited to see me.” She smiled at Lillian. “You look amazing,” she said, stepping back and inspecting her.
“Thanks,” Lillian said.
Cassie approached from behind and slid the zipper up the rest of the way. “You’re going to knock Reed’s socks off,” she said, wrapping her arm around Lillian’s shoulders.
That was the last thing she wanted to do. Maybe she should go back into the bathroom and refuse to leave until they had a black garbage bag for her to wear. But the Reed’s disappointed expression entered her mind. No matter how scared she was about any of this, she couldn’t let him down. Not after all he’d done for her.
So she smiled over at Cassie and Tamara. “Where are my shoes?”
Reed stood in one of his grandfather’s guest’s room, feeding his cufflinks into his shirt. He was standing in front of the mirror, but he wasn’t looking at anything in particular. Instead, his thoughts kept returning to Lillian. How close they’d gotten just to have her pull back.
Was he being a fool? Did she really not care about him? There were moments when he thought that perhaps, she felt something, too. But then those moments would only last for a few fleeting seconds before she’d throw up a wall and push him away.
It was all so confusing. Especially, when all he wanted to do was take her into his arms and make her his.
“Nervous?” Johnson, his business partner and best man, asked. He was sitting on the bed, rolling a lint brush against his tux.
Reed glanced at him through the mirror and then back at his own reflection. Why wasn’t he nervous? He knew he should be, but he wasn’t. He had begun to care for Lillian, and if marrying her meant he could spend more time with her, then so be it. He was ready for this. More ready then he’d ever felt about anything else in his life.
Marrying a Billionaire (A Fake Marriage Series Book 3) Page 12