“Audrey, no. The only mistake was made by your ex. Only a monster would mistreat someone in this manner. Especially someone as wonderful as you.”
He thought she was wonderful?
Logan met her gaze. “Do you realize you don’t deserve to be treated like that?”
Audrey blinked her tears away, and they trailed down her face. “Of course I do. That’s why I left him and told him to leave me alone. But he won’t listen.”
“Which is exactly why we need to press charges and get a restraining order. I’ll help you every step of the way.”
She took a deep breath. “You’re not going to stop until I agree, are you?”
He shook his head slowly. “Not a chance. You shouldn’t have to deal with that jerk.”
Audrey just stared at his gorgeous face. He was so perfect, and he actually cared about her. It had to be a dream.
“Will you let me help you?” he asked.
The thought of going to the police sent a cold chill through her, but if Logan was with her everything would be all right. “Okay.”
He reached across the table and held her hand. “Thank you.”
“No. Thank you.”
Eight
Logan’s mind spun out of control. He smiled at Audrey and continued eating his meal as though it were just a normal date, but he wanted to hunt down her ex and pummel him. Not that it was the legal thing to do, but in his imagination, there were no laws against beating the crap out of a guy who mistreated a woman.
“Would you two like dessert?” Emilio held out two dessert menus.
Logan turned to Audrey. “It’s up to the lady.”
She gave a shy smile. “I wouldn’t mind a little something.”
The waiter grinned. “Two desserts it is.” Emilio handed them both a menu. “Can I get you anything else while you look those over?”
Audrey shook her head.
“We’re good. Thanks.”
“I’ll give you a few minutes.” Emilio headed to another table.
Logan already knew what he wanted, so he watched Audrey as she flipped through the menu. His attention kept going back to the bruises. Not because they took away from her beauty, but because he couldn’t believe anyone would even think of treating her so terribly, much less actually do it.
A thought struck him, and before he knew it, the words just flew out of his mouth. “Is your ex the reason you brought up the marriage pact?”
She frowned, then met his gaze. “Yes.”
“Do you think being engaged would encourage him to leave you alone?”
Her eyes widened. “It might.”
That was actually an interesting idea. Audrey was right that most abusive guys weren’t deterred by a restraining order. In some cases, it only fueled their destruction.
He reached across the table and ran his fingertip across her palm. “I have an idea, but don’t laugh.”
She arched an eyebrow. “What is it?”
“What if we fake an engagement?”
Her mouth gaped. “What?”
“We pretend to be getting married. Then he leaves. If not, I have some words with him. Then he finally leaves your life forever.”
“You… you’d do that?”
“Why not? It might be fun, don’t you think?”
Plus, it wasn’t like he was ever going to have a real engagement since his job was his wife. It might be fun to go through the motions while on vacation. And best of all, he could help send Audrey’s ex running.
“Um…” She bit her lower lip.
“You don’t think it’s a good idea?”
“I just… Well, I don’t want to impose.”
“You’re not. It was my idea.”
She blinked a few times. “If you don’t mind, then okay. We can try it.”
“Great.” He grinned. “We’ll get fake-engaged.”
She stared at him with a cocked eyebrow. “So, you won’t make me file that paperwork?”
“Oh, we’re still pressing charges and getting a restraining order. Don’t worry about that. But I think our engagement will be what really convinces him to leave you alone.”
“You mean our fake engagement.”
“Right. Isn’t that what I said?”
Emilio returned. “Have you decided on desserts yet?”
They ordered, and then Logan requested two glasses of champagne.
“Of course, Mr. Hunter. Is there cause for celebration?”
Logan turned to Audrey and winked. “There sure is.”
He and Audrey enjoyed the decadent sweets and champagne before heading out into the warm summer sun. Logan took her hand in his and laced his fingers through hers.
Her hand was so soft, and she smelled so good—like a tropical island. How had he not noticed that before?
The valet brought his car around, and Logan held open the passenger door for his fiancée. His fake fiancée.
On the way to the police station, he stopped at the jeweler’s.
Audrey turned to him, her eyes wide. “What are we doing here?”
“We need a ring if we’re engaged.”
Her hand covered her mouth. “For real?”
“Your ex won’t believe us without it, right? We may as well do this right.”
“But an actual diamond ring?”
“Only the best for my fake fiancée.” Logan held the door open before she could protest and linked his arm through hers as they walked into the building. They found the engagement section. It was like a sparkling wonderland. An overwhelming sparkling wonderland.
“What kind of ring do you want?”
“I… I don’t know.”
He tilted his head and threw her a playful glance. “Oh, come on. You have to know. I have two sisters, so I know girls start thinking about this before kindergarten.”
She turned toward the rings and looked at the ones with platinum bands.
He stepped closer and slid his arm around her waist. “You like platinum?”
Audrey shrugged.
“I’ll take that as a yes.” He called over the jeweler, and a couple minutes later, Audrey was trying on rings.
She seemed to especially like one that was a round solitaire but with a few smaller diamonds around the main stone.
And it fit perfectly as it was—on her finger now. It wouldn’t need to be sized.
Logan cleared his throat. “Can I see that one?”
Audrey handed it to him, and he studied it. He wiped it on his shirt to make sure it was as shiny as possible, then he knelt down on one knee.
Audrey’s mouth dropped and she looked around. “What are you doing?”
“Giving you a proper proposal.” He took her hand in his. “Audrey Hughes, you are beautiful inside and out. You deserve nothing other than the best, and I want to help give that to you. Will you marry me?”
Her hands shook, but she didn’t say anything.
The jeweler cleared his throat.
Audrey’s eyes widened. “Yes, I’ll marry you.”
Logan grinned. “You had me worried for a second.” He slid the ring on her finger, rose, and pressed his lips on hers. Her mouth was soft and smooth, and she smelled even sweeter this close. To his surprise, she kissed him back.
He pulled away. She smiled at him sweetly. He struggled to catch his breath.
It’s just a fake engagement.
“Congratulations!” The jeweler grinned. “I assume you’ll take that ring?”
“That’s the one.” For a fake engagement, his heart was beating a little too quickly.
Nine
Audrey threw herself onto the futon and closed her eyes. Charlie’s claws tapped on the fake wood floors as he trotted over. Then the licking began. First her arm, then her cheek.
“Charlie!” She blocked her face and rubbed his head. He still managed to lick her wrist. “You’re crazy, you know that?”
He just continued giving doggie kisses.
“Do you ever stop?” She laughed.
Maybe what she needed was to get him into obedience school. She’d seen a flier at the doggie hotel. Sure, he could sit on command, but he needed to stop licking when told.
After what seemed like forever, the pup finally gave up. He climbed over Audrey and flopped down against her.
She rubbed his back and let her mind replay the events of the day. It still didn’t feel real that Logan had proposed a fake engagement. And that kiss… It had been quick and sweet, but wow.
Audrey held up the enormous, sparkling ring. It was crazy that Logan had actually purchased it for her. Didn’t he realize he couldn’t return it for the original price? Or did he not mind? She couldn’t have that much money to burn.
Guilt stung her for not asking him about it, but everything had happened so quickly and there was no turning back now.
It was too bad she didn’t have anyone to show it to. It’d have been fun to show a girlfriend, and they could gush together. But what friends she did have before Bryson were out of her life now. He’d been so sly in pushing everyone away from her, she hadn’t even noticed until it was too late.
Thinking about him sent a cold chill through her. What would he do once he received the restraining order and found out that she’d pressed charges? It had taken Logan only a few minutes to figure out that Bryson was staying in town with a friend.
Bryson may have already received the papers. In the commotion, the one thing she didn’t think to ask was if Bryson would be arrested or if the assault would just be in his file.
If Bryson actually went to jail and had the assault on his record, he would be more than furious. Without a doubt, he’d come after her.
What if that didn’t happen until after the fake engagement was long over? Even though she had Charlie, that might not be enough to protect her. What if Bryson came with a weapon or some of his friends?
Her stomach twisted in a tight knot. Why had she ever agreed to file the assault charges and the restraining order? She’d gotten caught up in Logan’s dazzling amber eyes and agreed to something that could ultimately hurt her.
If she’d known Logan was an attorney, she never would have said anything. She’d have made up a story about being clumsy like she always had in the past when other people asked about the bruises.
Could she go to the police station and un-file the charges? Was there a time limit for her to change her mind? The restraining order was one thing—he could ignore it. But the possibility of being arrested? He wouldn’t forget that.
Charlie licked her hand.
“Can you sense my mood, boy?” She rubbed his back for a moment before sitting up and Googling her options. If the search engine was right, Bryson could face anywhere from a couple months to years in jail.
She had to find a way to undo the charges. Prison would only give him more reason to hurt her, more time to plan. And if he got out on bail before she could go into hiding, he might seriously injure her.
On the other hand, Logan had resources, so maybe he could help her get a new identity.
That might be her answer. Her mistake had been not changing her name. Despite the new cell phone and not using credit cards, Bryson had still tracked her down to Enchantment Bay.
Or might the fake engagement be enough? Logan was tall and muscular, not to mention a lawyer. Maybe if they could convince Bryson they were getting married, that would be enough to send him running. Maybe.
Exhaustion swept over her. She closed her eyes, and eventually Charlie’s snoring lulled her to sleep.
His whining woke her. She fought the sleep fog and opened her eyes. The sun was dimmer and coming in from a different angle through the windows.
Charlie stood by the door, pressing his nose against it. He whined again.
“Better get you outside.” She stretched and forced herself off the futon. “Hold on, buddy.”
He whined again.
Audrey found her shoes and grabbed his leash. She smiled at neighbors as they passed in the hall. Charlie tried to give kisses to the women, but only sniffed the men.
Maybe Cassidy had been right about him not trusting men, except that he had really liked Logan.
Once outside, she headed for the beach. She thought she’d seen a dog area a little past the trail she’d taken with Logan the day before.
It was a good thing Charlie was so responsive to the command to sit, because he wanted to drown so many people in kisses along the way.
They eventually made it to the dog run and Charlie ran free, jumping and bouncing around other dogs. She had to laugh at the sight because as intimidating as he looked, Charlie was the furthest thing from it.
She made small talk with some of the other dog owners, enjoying how friendly everyone was in Enchantment Bay. It would sure be easy to make it home.
“Congratulations,” said a friendly brunette.
“Pardon?”
She glanced at Audrey’s hand. “The engagement ring.”
“Oh, right. Sorry.” She laughed and held up the ring. “Thank you.”
“Who’s the lucky guy?” The brunette held her hand and admired the diamond.
Audrey’s stomach flip-flopped. If only the engagement were real. “Logan Hunter.”
Her mouth dropped open. “Logan?”
Audrey nodded, her stomach sinking. With Enchantment Bay being a small town, she should’ve known the lady would know Logan.
“That stinker!”
“What do you mean?” Audrey asked.
“My brother didn’t even tell me he was dating anyone, and I find out like this that he’s engaged?”
Brother?
What had she just done?
The gorgeous brunette looked lost in thought. Audrey studied her, trying to see a resemblance. They did have a similar profile and coloring.
She smiled at Audrey. “That ring does look like something he’d pick out. Nothing but the best for Logan.”
Audrey’s face heated. “I’m sorry he didn’t tell you. He just proposed today, actually. It’s been a bit of a whirlwind romance. He, uh, it might not last.” That sounded dumb.
“Not last? Don’t say that, sweetie. Oh, and by the way, I’m Freya. One of your future sisters-in-law.” She held out a hand.
“Audrey.” Shaking, she took Freya’s hand.
“Well, it was really nice to meet you, Audrey.” Freya flashed her a genuine smile. “I do hope Logan introduces you to the family soon.”
Audrey nodded. “When he’s ready, I’m sure he will.”
They said their goodbyes, and then Freya called over a chihuahua.
Audrey stared as they left. Hopefully, Logan wouldn’t be mad that she’d told Freya. If Audrey’d had any idea she was talking to his sister, she would’ve made a point to hide the ring.
It was only to show Bryson, then she’d have to return it once he went back home.
Ten
Logan reached for his parents’ front door, but it opened before he touched the knob. Freya stood there with a funny expression.
“What’s going on?” Logan stepped inside.
“That’s what I want to know.”
He arched a brow. “What do you mean?”
“Are you keeping a secret from your family?” She tilted her head.
“Did I not mention my vacation? I have the whole summer off. Anytime you and Nico want to get together, just say the word.”
“For a double date?” Freya’s mouth slowly formed into a grin.
“A date?” Logan studied his baby sister.
She pulled him down the hall toward the bedrooms and into one of them, closing the door behind them. “Yeah, a double date with your fiancée.”
The bedroom-turned-sewing-room spun around him. He just stared at her.
“I ran into Audrey at the dog park and complimented that giant boulder on her finger. I asked who the lucky guy was, and imagine my surprise when she said my brother’s name.”
Logan’s pulse raced. “Have you told anyone else?”
&nb
sp; “No, but I should have. What’s going on? I thought single for life was your motto.”
He took a deep breath. His family finding out about the fake engagement hadn’t been in the plans.
The door opened, and their other sister Dakota walked in. Her eyes widened. “What are you two doing in here?”
“Logan’s engaged!” Freya covered her mouth. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean for it to slip out.”
Dakota’s mouth dropped. “Engaged? Logan? Really?”
“You should see the rock he gave her.” Freya glanced at Logan. “Sorry.” She didn’t look the least bit apologetic.
He opened his mouth, but for once, he was without words. In a courtroom, he could speak with eloquence no matter what was thrown at him, but in a room with his two sisters, he was speechless.
Dakota closed the door behind her and shoved Logan. “I can’t believe you didn’t at least tell me. Did you forget I’m a wedding planner?”
“It… well…”
“Audrey said it’s been a whirlwind romance,” Freya said. “Can you imagine our Logan? A whirlwind romance. I want to hear everything.”
Dakota ran her hands through her red hair. “You and me both. Do Mom and Dad know?”
“No! Don’t tell them. At least let me introduce her to everyone first.” That would buy him some time to figure out what to tell his family. It was bad enough that his sisters knew.
Freya grinned at him. “You sly dog, you.”
Logan wanted to crawl under the sewing desk and stay there until the family dinner was over.
Dakota put her hand on his shoulder. “Did you hear about the wedding expo going on all week?”
Logan shook his head.
“I’m glad you didn’t already buy tickets. I have a few extras to get you two in free. You really should go, and don’t forget to stop by my booth so I can meet her.”
“She’s so sweet and pretty,” Freya said. “And seriously, you have to see that ring.”
“Yeah, I do.” She pulled out her phone and slid her finger around the screen. “Okay, I just emailed you the two tickets. The address and everything else is on them. You have to go, Logan. There are so many vendors with huge discounts.”
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