Rent a Millionaire Groom

by Judy Christenberry

  He parked in front of the condominiums where Elise lived. Mesa Blue. It actually had a front lawn, an unusual feature in Phoenix. Elise had said it got its name from the swimming pool, the center of the complex. Its tile bottom was a deep blue.

  He approved of the well-lit area. It looked safe to him. Funny, he’d never evaluated the security of his dates’ homes before. It was probably because he’d been thinking about MaryBelle’s safety. Yeah, that was it.

  He found her apartment on the second floor, apartment 2D, and knocked. His heart rate sped up as he heard footsteps approaching.

  When the door opened, he caught his breath.

  Gone was the staid suit, the prim hairdo. Elise was dressed in jeans, as he was, topped by a green short-sleeved sweater with a modest V-neck. Her light brown hair was down, curving around her face, and she looked like a college student herself.

  He found himself leaning forward, as if to kiss her hello, and stepped back. “Ready?” he asked hastily.

  “Yes. Do you want to come in for a drink?”

  “If you don’t mind, no. I’m starving.”

  She immediately stepped out of her apartment and locked the door behind her. “Of course. Where shall we go?”

  “I’ve found a place I think you’ll like. I wanted somewhere quiet so we can talk. Some of these places have the music turned up so loud you can’t hear yourself think.”

  Some of the tension he’d noted on her face eased. “I know what you mean. I thought you might prefer those kinds of places. You’re—you’re younger, I suppose.”

  “Actually, I’m not as young as you might think,” he admitted, avoiding her gaze. “I came back to ASU after trying my luck on the job market. I discovered I’m more interested in creating drama than I am in acting.” At least, that’s what his brother Bobby had told him when Bobby had made the decision to return to college after a couple of years in Los Angeles.

  “Really? Do you write plays?”

  “I’m working on a couple. Nothing that’s been bought yet.”

  “That’s wonderful, James,” she said eagerly.

  He wasn’t sure why that news pleased her so, but he had no objection to making her happy. She was practically beaming at him.

  “You prefer a playwright to an actor?”

  Her cheeks flushed and she looked away. “It just seems more—more interesting, actually. One of my friends is creative. She has a gallery nearby called Native Art. But her greatest happiness comes when she creates her own art.”

  “Hey, I’ve been in that store. She has some nice stuff. And she’s done some of it?” He put his hand on her back to guide her down the stairs, liking the warmth of her, a soft floral scent drifting to his nostrils.

  “Actually, no. She creates pottery for her friends, but she won’t put her own work in the store. She doesn’t think it’s good enough.”

  “Creative people are often unsure of themselves.” He dealt with employees like Elise’s friend. Brilliant people, but their mood swings sometimes made them difficult to work with.

  “Are you?”

  It took him a minute to figure out what she was asking. “Uh, I suppose we all are unsure of ourselves sometimes.”

  When he and Sylvia had divorced, the anger in him had fueled his first few years, leaving him no room for self-doubt. By the time the anger had dissipated, he’d risen so high in the business, he had a history to fall back on. He hadn’t thought of his past like that. Maybe he owed Sylvia, after all.

  He chuckled, amused by his thoughts.

  “What’s funny?” Elise asked, as they reached the bottom of the stairs.

  “Sorry. Your question reminded me of some of my early struggles.”

  “It’s good that you can laugh at them.”

  “Yeah, it is.” He hadn’t laughed at them before. Elise was good for him.

  “I hope you don’t mind my car. It’s not exactly elegant,” he said, directing her to MaryBelle’s car. He’d rather be driving his Mercedes.

  “Of course, I don’t mind. In fact, we can drive mine if you want.”

  “No, we’ll take—mine. But what kind of car do you drive? I hope it’s safe.”

  “Oh, yes. I’ve never had any trouble with it.”

  “Good,” he agreed, and held open the door for her.

  He got behind the wheel, glad he’d already adjusted the seat and the mirrors for his height. He backed out of the parking lot. “I like your condos. They look nice.”

  “Yes, they are. The people who live here are wonderful. My two best friends are here, but everyone’s friendly.”

  He couldn’t imagine anyone being unfriendly to Elise, especially men. “Any single men live here?”

  “Well, there’s Jeff and Bill.”

  He assured himself it was curiosity that had him asking, “Why didn’t you ask one of them to be your pretend fiancé?”

  She smiled at him. “Because Jeff is the same age as my students and Bill is almost old enough to be my father. Neither of them would be able to convince my sisters we were serious.”

  He nodded, accepting the implied compliment with a smile. “Well, I’ll do my best to be convincing.”

  “I’m sure you will.”

  James saw the sign for the place he’d found earlier, having decided it would be perfect for a casual meal and conversation. Someplace where he wouldn’t be recognized.

  “Here we are,” he said as he parked the car.

  He turned to Elise, only to find her staring at the restaurant, her face pale.

  Chapter Three

  Elise stared at the familiar sign: The Prickly Pear. Out of all the restaurants in Phoenix, he’d chosen her favorite hangout? Where her friends were dining?

  “Is something wrong? Don’t you like this place?”

  “Oh…yes, I love it. I come here often.”

  “Is that it? You’re afraid you’ll be seen with me?”

  She heard the annoyance in his voice. With a smile, she said, “Are you kidding? Being seen with you will do wonders for my reputation.”

  Her words must’ve pleased him because he gave her that devastating smile and squeezed her hand.

  “Good. I was afraid you had a boyfriend stashed away somewhere and didn’t want him to see us out together.”

  He got out of the car and came around to open her door before she could pull herself together to get out. “A boyfriend?” she repeated. “If I had a boyfriend, why would I hire you?”

  He was still smiling as he took her by the hand. “I guess you wouldn’t.”

  “Um, Jeff, the guy who cleans the pool, might be bartending tonight. That’s his part-time job. And—and my friends Phoebe and Daisy were coming here for dinner. But there’s no one else. I mean, I’m not hiding anyone.”

  James held the door open for her, and she walked in. The hostess who normally worked there wasn’t in sight. George, their usual waiter, saw her pausing by the door and came sailing by, a tray in his hands. He stooped and kissed her cheek.

  “Hi, love. Just pick a table anywhere. You know the routine.” Then he headed off to deliver the food on his tray.

  Elise swallowed and turned to look at James. He had a curiously suspicious look on his face. “That’s George. He usually waits on us.”

  “Yeah, I can tell you know him. Why didn’t you ask him?”

  Lowering her voice so no one could hear her, she said, “Because George is already married. He and his wife are attending school and working part time.”

  James took a deep breath. “Okay. Where do you want to sit.”

  Phoebe and Daisy had discovered them by that time and were waving from across the room. “Uh, my friends are here. Do you mind if we say hello?”

  “Of course not. But I’d rather not join them tonight. We need to talk, to get to know each other.”

  “Yes, of course.” She led the way to their table, glad they weren’t going to have dinner with Phoebe and Daisy. James would only have eyes for her friends. They were so alive
, so beautiful.

  “Hi, Phoebe and Daisy. This is James Dillon. James, these are my two best friends, Phoebe Lane and Daisy Redford.”

  “Evening, ladies.”

  Elise could tell how impressed her friends were with James. Which only reinforced her confidence in her excellent choice. Her sisters would be overwhelmed.

  She smiled at her friends, pleased at their approval.

  James’s arm came around her shoulders, surprising her. His warmth, the scent of his aftershave, the thrill she experienced when he touched her, distracted her. And filled her with concern. She didn’t want to become too interested in James Dillon.

  “You know, Elise, why don’t we join Phoebe and Daisy for dinner. Unless you two ladies object? Your food hasn’t arrived yet?”

  “No, we haven’t even ordered,” Daisy said. “George is rushed off his feet tonight.”

  “Good, then how about it, Elise?” James said, pulling out the nearest empty chair.

  Her heart fell. He was attracted to her friends. Maybe it was Daisy who drew him. Then they wouldn’t have to worry about finding a man for her. Or maybe it was Phoebe, with her starlet looks. James was probably used to starlets.

  “Elise?”

  “Oh, oh, yes, of course. That would be delightful.”

  And she fell into the chair he held out for her.

  JAMES THOUGHT ELISE had seemed very tense, until she smiled at her friends. So he’d decided Elise might be more forthcoming if she was relaxed.

  Now he knew he’d miscalculated. She was more tense than ever. What had gone wrong?

  He sat down next to her, trying to figure out how to get out of his decision.

  George rushed up. “The usual, darlin’s?”

  Elise frowned. “James hasn’t been here before. I don’t know—”

  “What’s the usual?” he asked, not much caring what he ate. He was more interested in Elise.

  “A chicken Caesar salad,” Phoebe explained. “But their burgers are really good.”

  “I’ll have a burger,” he said at once.

  George nodded in his direction. Then, after the three women said they’d have the usual, he moved on.

  “So, you three must eat here a lot,” he commented, hoping to see Elise relax.

  “Several times a week,” Daisy said. “After working all day, it doesn’t seem worth the effort to cook for one when we can come here and have a healthy salad.”

  “I know what you mean. If I didn’t have—” He broke off, reminding himself a struggling teaching assistant didn’t have a housekeeper. “Uh, if I didn’t have my mom nearby, I’d exist on hamburgers.”

  Phoebe chuckled. “I don’t think a man ever outgrows his need to go home to be fed.”

  “Which one of you has the art gallery?” he asked.

  Daisy looked at Elise, then back at James. “That’s me.”

  “I’ve been to it. I was impressed with your inventory.”

  “Oh, thank you. You’re interested in art?”

  “Depends—but I liked what you had,” he said.

  The other two grinned in response to his flattery, but Elise did not.

  It suddenly occurred to him that he didn’t know just how much Elise had told her friends. Did she want them to think he was a serious suitor? “Uh, Elise and I just met. I thought if we joined you two, you could tell me secrets about her.” He nudged Elise with his elbow, hoping to draw some response.

  “They know,” she said, not looking at him.

  James cocked an eyebrow at the other two women. “You do?”

  They nodded. Daisy added, “Elise told us because we’re searching for a man for me, and she used the book to find you.”

  James sat back in his chair and stared at the three women. What was wrong with the men these three knew? They were all beautiful. Why did they have to search for men?

  “Maybe you know more than I do. What book? And why are you searching for a man?” he finished, looking at Daisy.

  Phoebe fielded the first question. “2001 WAYS TO WED.”

  When he stared at her blankly, she added, “That’s the book.”

  James turned to Elise, whose cheeks were rosy red. “You found me in a book?”

  “No, not exactly,” Elise said. “It said to look at your neighbors. I told you there weren’t any neighbors who would do, but when I thought about work, I remembered the Drama Department. It sounded like the perfect place to find someone who could—pretend.”

  “Makes sense,” he agreed. Then he turned to Daisy. “I know it’s none of my business, but why are you looking for a man? I mean, why do you have to look? I would think any of you could have your choice of men.”

  “That’s sweet of you,” Phoebe said with a smile, “but Daisy is the only one looking.”

  “And it’s because my biological clock is ticking,” Daisy hurriedly added. “I’m ready to have a child.”

  James’s eyes widened. “I think I’m glad I’m helping out Elise and not you.”

  “I’m not looking for anything temporary,” Daisy said, squaring her jaw. “I was raised without a father. I won’t do that to my child.”

  “Good for you,” he agreed. Then he reached over and picked up Elise’s hand. “How’s your biological clock, sweetheart?”

  Elise snatched her hand away. “Just fine, thank you. Remember all those sisters? Who do you think took care of them?”

  “Your brother?” he teased, knowing the answer.

  “Not hardly.”

  “I can’t wait to meet this brother, raised with seven sisters. He’s either overwhelmingly masculine, in self-defense, or he learned to play with dolls.”

  “Definitely the first,” Elise said without hesitation.

  James looked at the other two.

  “We couldn’t tell you,” Phoebe said. “We’ve never met him. He doesn’t come around often.”

  “He’s an attorney and has long hours,” Elise said. “I talk to him on the phone, but he doesn’t have a lot of spare time.”

  “I guess his job is the reason you said he wouldn’t be marching down the aisle anytime soon.”

  Elise nodded.

  James knew most people would classify him in the same group. And they’d be right. Which explained why he’d questioned Elise’s motives early on. But somehow he just didn’t see deceit being her strong point.

  “So, do you think Elise and I will be able to pull this thing off?”

  He read the doubt on her friends’ faces.

  “Well, you have three weeks,” Phoebe said. “And you’re an actor. But I don’t know about Elise.”

  “Hey! I can pretend,” Elise protested.

  Daisy chuckled. “You can’t even pay an insincere compliment, Elise. She blushes a bright red when she tries,” she added to James. “If we really want to know if we’ve bought something we shouldn’t have, we ask Elise.”

  Elise scowled at Daisy, but James saw the concern in her gaze. “Don’t worry, honey. I’ll teach you method acting. You’ll do fine.” He knew that much from Bobby.

  Phoebe chuckled. “Is that your style of acting?”

  James knew she understood what he meant, but Elise still didn’t have a clue. “It works best, especially for beginners.”

  Their dinners arrived at that moment. The food was good, the conversation even better.

  James decided he’d learned more about Elise than he would have on their own. In particular, he noted her friends’ remarks about her honesty.

  Sylvia had been an expert liar.

  Several hours later, the two friends excused themselves, both claiming chores that had to be done that evening before bedtime.

  “I enjoyed meeting your friends, but they don’t seem practical types—especially Phoebe,” James said after they’d left.

  “She’s very beautiful.”

  “None of you are going to be used on wanted posters, sweetheart,” he said with a chuckle. “But she seems more the movie-star type. Like maybe she’s an actress,
too.”

  “She was at one time, but her heart wasn’t in it. She’s…got other plans now.”

  “Interesting friends.”

  Elise said thanks, but she looked away.

  “Are you upset that we joined them?”

  “No, of course not,” she hurriedly said, and smiled at him.

  But it wasn’t her best smile.

  “I figured once you met them, you’d want to get to know them better,” she said.

  He stared at her. “Are you implying I’m more interested in them than I am in you?” He couldn’t believe she’d think that.

  “It doesn’t matter. We’re pretending, remember? I need to excuse myself. I’ll be back in a minute.”

  James stared after her, confused.

  “YOU IDIOT!” Elise addressed herself in the mirror. “You’re the one who keeps forgetting. How could you let him know that you’re jealous.”

  She powdered her nose and tried to get up the courage to return to the table. It had been an enlightening evening. For her. She’d discovered James had an infinite capacity for charm. And that she was way too interested in him.

  What was she going to do now? Start over?

  “Oh, yeah, I can see me telling James he won’t do.”

  “I beg your pardon?” said a young woman who’d just come out of one of the stalls.

  “Sorry, I was talking to myself.” She rushed from the ladies’ room, embarrassed by her foolishness.

  No, she couldn’t back out now. Besides, James was perfect for the role. And she didn’t really have any interest in him. All the reasons for not choosing him for Daisy applied to Elise, too.

  If she ever did consider marriage, it would be to a man who centered his world around her. Not the opposite. Actors were notoriously egotistical.

  Which had been Richard’s strong suit, too.

  She reached the table, but she didn’t bother to sit down. “Are you ready? I need to get home. I have some papers to grade.”