The Unintended Fiancé (Captured by Love Book 4)

by Miranda P. Charles

  “Our?”

  “If she’s to work the same hours per week, she’ll need to look after you too. This place is much smaller than my house. As it is, she’d have plenty of time on her hands, but I still won’t mind paying her the usual amount.”

  Erin pursed her lips. She didn’t mind housework or cooking, but they weren’t her favourite things to do. The thought of having some help with the cleaning was tempting, especially since it was something she’d considered for herself before. It just seemed like such an indulgence that she’d never acted on it. Well, this was her chance.

  “Okay,” she said. “How much will be my share for Elsa’s pay?”

  “Nothing,” Brad said. “I don’t expect you to put in for it since I’m the one who insists on getting her to work here.”

  She opened her mouth to argue, but Brad pressed a finger to her lips, shaking his head at her.

  She sighed. There was no point arguing about these kinds of things with Brad. She might as well give in graciously. “Okay, thank you. But I’ll pay for our groceries then, if that’s the case.”

  “Fine,” Brad conceded unenthusiastically.

  “So I get to be spoiled while you’re living with me?” she asked, grinning.

  “Well, you’re my girlfriend, aren’t you?” Brad said with a cute lopsided smile. “I’ll have you know that I treat my woman like a queen.”

  She laughed, warmth spreading within her with unexpected speed.

  Brad’s girlfriend.

  That had a nice ring to it.

  “So how did you go with the moron today?” Brad asked. “Is he still being a pest?”

  She made a face. “He said he wants to get back with me. Apparently, he’s separated from his wife.”

  Brad’s expression hardened. “You’re not considering it, are you?”

  “No, of course not.”

  “Good. You can do much better than him.”

  “Yeah,” she answered, the memory of Kevin’s words deflating her.

  “What?” Brad asked, noticing her changed expression.

  She couldn’t help her blush. Should she tell him? It was a bit embarrassing. But his concerned look made her open her mouth. “I think the reason why Kevin cheated on me and got married to someone else was because he thinks I’m boring in bed. He even suggested I should seek help to improve my... um... sexual performance.”

  Brad scowled. “He made you think it was your fault? That man is more than an asshole!”

  “I know, but I think there’s some truth to what he said,” she said with a grimace.

  Brad effortlessly lifted the stool she was sitting on, shifting it so she was fully facing him, before sitting down in front of her. My, he was really strong. She stared at him as her heart pounded hard in her chest. Damn, sometimes Brad affected her in ways that still surprised her.

  “Erin, sex is a two-way thing,” Brad said quietly. “If he thinks that you’re lacking in bed, that must mean he’s not good at lighting your fire.”

  “Hey, that’s exactly what I said to him!”

  Brad grinned. “Way to go. He’s just justifying himself. You shouldn’t give weight to his words.”

  She smiled. Brad really was such a sweet friend. “Thanks. I think you’re right.”

  “Good. Now I can report to Lexie that I set you straight on something regarding Kevin. She ordered me to make sure the moron doesn’t mess with you.”

  She laughed. “Oh, I do miss living with your sister. But I think you’re a good replacement.”

  “So did you tell Mr. Moron you’re now living with your boyfriend?” he asked cheekily.

  “Oh! I keep forgetting!”

  “Well, you should tell him.”

  “Are you free tomorrow night to join us for drinks at the pub?”

  “I’ll make time. Can’t wait to see the moron’s face. Should be fun.”

  She nodded enthusiastically, already looking forward to it. Not the part where she’d show Kevin she was “taken”, but the part where she’d act as Brad’s girlfriend.

  CHAPTER THREE

  “Hello, Brad.”

  “Hello,” Brad replied, trying to identify the owner of the sultry female voice on the other end of the line. She sounded familiar, and he sure as hell wished it wasn’t—

  “It’s Valerie, handsome. How are you?”

  Ah, damn it.

  “I’m well, thanks, Valerie. How are you?”

  “I’m wonderful,” Valerie answered in a breathy tone. “I’ve been wondering when you’d call me again. So when I got your message, I was very glad.”

  “I beg your pardon?”

  “You’re message for me to call you so we can catch up, silly.”

  He frowned. “I never left you a message, Valerie.”

  Valerie gave a sexy laugh. “Are you with someone right now?” she asked in a whisper? “Do you want to call me back when you’re free to talk?”

  “No. I’m alone in my office. But, Valerie, I really didn’t leave you a message.”

  “Oh. So who did?”

  “I don’t know. Who took it?”

  “James’s PA. She said that you called the office, asking for me because you wanted to talk to me about some private fashion show by an international designer that you thought I’d be interested in.”

  “It wasn’t me,” he reiterated. “Besides, why would I call and talk to your husband’s PA when I know that your husband doesn’t want me hanging around you?”

  “Because you—or whoever it was—said you couldn’t reach me on my mobile. That’s not surprising, because I changed numbers to make James happy. He didn’t like it that old male friends still kept on ringing me.”

  Brad drummed his fingers on his desk. If this was Warren’s doing, the man was clearly pushing it further and further so James Coyte wouldn’t give Brad the contract. How juvenile! And incredibly damaging.

  “I’m assuming James know about my supposed message?” he said, his jaw tense.

  “I didn’t tell him. And I don’t think his PA would either. But why on earth would anyone pretend to be you?”

  “I don’t know. Anyway, Valerie, I better let you go. I’m sorry you thought I rang.”

  “It’s really strange,” Valerie said, her tone indicating she wasn’t ready to drop the subject. “Why would someone do that?”

  He sighed. “Perhaps whoever it was wanted me to get in trouble with your husband.”

  “You think? Why? Because you’re after a big contract with James’s company? Do you think it’s one of your competitors?”

  “Maybe it was just a misunderstanding,” he said, not wanting Valerie to butt her nose in this messy business. “Or perhaps the person didn’t say ‘Brad’, and James’s PA just made a mistake.”

  “Maybe. If so, who could it be, then?”

  “Maybe he’ll call again.”

  “I hope so. If it’s true that it’s about a private event of an international fashion designer, then I don’t want to miss out on it.”

  Brad rolled his eyes.

  “I’m still keen to catch up with you, though,” Valerie continued, her tone reverting to flirty.

  “I don’t want to be on your husband’s bad side, Valerie,” he said lightly. “I’m staying away from you from now on.”

  “You can’t see me right now, but I’m pouting,” Valerie said, whining.

  He forced a laugh. “You wouldn’t want James to be mad at you, would you? He might put restrictions on your spending or something,” he added dryly.

  “He’s such a jealous man,” Valerie said with a loud sigh. “If he weren’t so nice to me, I’d ditch him.”

  “I really need to go, Valerie,” he said, injecting some urgency in his tone. He was getting bored with this conversation.

  “Okay, handsome. I’ll see you around.”

  “Bye.”

  He sat back on his chair and stared out the window of his modern office. His company was one of the top corporate and commercial interior design
firms in the country, and that was the product of his blood, sweat and tears. Now, he was reaping the rewards. He had even been profiled as the rising star of the industry a few months ago in International Designs Magazine, a highly respected publication, which had sung his praises for being the youngest among an elite group of world-class commercial interior designers in Australia.

  He snickered. According to a mutual acquaintance, Warren had been incensed at the exposure Brad had gotten from that article. With Brad being only three months younger, Warren had resented the fact that only Mead Commercial and Corporate Designs had been given the extra publicity.

  Unlike the other successful men and women in their field, Warren seemed to be the only one whose competitive streak bordered on a personal vendetta towards him. He was used to it, though, having been Warren’s main competitor for so long. But for Warren to engage once again in deliberate sabotage, that was just going too far.

  What could he do to bring Warren’s actions out into the open? To accuse Warren of wrongdoing without concrete proof could backfire spectacularly, so he wouldn’t even utter his suspicions without hard evidence. But he couldn’t let Warren keep doing this.

  A loud knock on his door startled him.

  “Yes?” he called out.

  Harry, the second most senior designer in the company after Brad, poked his blond head inside. “Ready for our meeting?”

  “Yes. Come on in, Harry,” he said, tapping his keyboard to call up the email that Harry had sent him yesterday.

  They spent the next few minutes discussing the project Harry had been leading, and Brad was again reminded how lucky he was to have this guy as his employee. Apart from his technical design skills, Harry had logistical talents that complemented Brad’s creative vision.

  Harry could have been one of his competitors right now if Harry hadn’t closed up his business. But he had run into financial difficulties and was forced to go into employment. Thankfully, Harry had chosen to work for him.

  “I heard some magazine is interested in doing an article on you,” Harry said in that soft-spoken tone of his as they wrapped up their meeting.

  His brows rose. “Who? International Designs?”

  “No. One of those women’s magazines.”

  “What?” he asked with a snort. “Where did you hear that from?”

  “From the girls,” Harry said, motioning towards the door. “Apparently, someone walked in a few minutes ago and said she wants to interview you. Isabel told her you’re in a very important meeting and couldn’t be disturbed for at least another four hours.”

  “Really? I wonder why a women’s magazine would want to interview me,” he said, making a mental note to thank his efficient and reliable PA for not bothering him with it.

  “Well, I imagine they’d want you on the cover, posing without your shirt on,” Harry teased.

  “If that exposure could get me the James Coyte contract, I’d do it,” he joked.

  “Really?” Harry asked.

  “No,” he said with a laugh. “I don’t see how that would enhance the company’s credibility in the industry. But how about I nominate you to be my spokesperson if they do want to write an article about us?”

  “No way,” Harry said with exaggerated horror.

  They were interrupted by his ringing phone.

  “Bradley Mead,” he answered.

  “Bradley, this is James Coyte.”

  “James,” he said, putting a smile on his voice. “How are you?”

  “I didn’t call for a chit-chat,” James said, his tone icy. “I called to tell you to stay away from my wife.”

  He sucked in a breath. “James, I can assure you—”

  “Assure me what?” James interrupted. “That you’re not chasing after her? Of course you’d say that.”

  “James,” he said calmly, “The only time I’ve seen Valerie since you guys met was at that function the two of you attended. As I’ve said before, I didn’t even know she was already married to you—”

  “Spare me the explanations, Bradley. I know you want to win the contract, so I’m not surprised by your denial. But you sneaking around trying to get my wife to meet with you is reprehensible. What kind of person are you?”

  He rubbed his face. How was he going to explain himself out of a situation he wasn’t responsible for? “James, I’m denying that I’m after your wife because that’s the truth! I didn’t call Valerie. I didn’t ask to meet her. I don’t even want to. Someone out there is trying to make me look bad in your eyes. I don’t have proof of it, but why else would someone pretend to be me and leave a message for your wife?”

  James laughed bitterly, obviously not believing him.

  “It’s true, James. Besides, I’m in a committed relationship now,” he said, hoping that this lie wouldn’t bite him in the butt later on. “Her name’s Erin. I can even introduce her to you, if you like.”

  “Last time I heard, you change girlfriends like you change your shirts. Introducing me to a woman you’re likely to discard in a week doesn’t mean a thing.”

  “Even if that woman has an engagement ring on her finger?” Heck, even he surprised himself with those words. But... it was a great idea.

  “You’re engaged?” James asked incredulously.

  Even Harry was shocked.

  “Yes. I proposed to her last weekend. We’re only announcing it to our family in person this Sunday. That’s why we haven’t told anyone else yet.”

  “So if you are, why the hell are you still calling my wife?” James asked, almost shouting.

  “For the last time, James. I. Am. Not. After. Your. Wife. Why would I do that to a very important business partner such as you, especially when I’m desperate to win your latest contract? That doesn’t make sense, does it?”

  James exhaled loudly. “You say someone else is doing this?”

  “It looks like it, James. But I don’t have any proof.”

  “That’s a crazy assumption.”

  “So is the fact that I’m chasing after your wife,” he said gently.

  “That’s not an assumption. You left a message for her. My PA even took it.”

  “I didn’t. Besides, if I’m after your wife—which, again, I’m not—why would I call her through your office and leave a message with your PA?”

  “But why would anyone pretend to be you?”

  “Perhaps to ensure you don’t offer me the contract.”

  There was a long pause and Brad waited patiently.

  “Are you saying one of your competitors is behind this?” James finally said.

  “Without any solid proof, I’d rather not say who I suspect at this point.”

  There was silence.

  “And when do I meet this fiancée of yours?”

  Brad exhaled in relief. “Anytime you want.”

  “Okay. Why don’t we have a lunch meeting to further discuss your bid, and you can bring her with you? I’ll ask my assistant to organise a meeting time with your PA.”

  “Sounds great. Thanks, James. I’m looking forward to it.”

  He was much more relaxed as he hung up, and laughed when he noticed Harry still looking at him with the most shocked look he’d ever seen on this quiet man.

  “You can close your mouth now, Harry,” he quipped.

  Harry shook his head as if to clear it. “You’re engaged? I didn’t even know you had a girlfriend!”

  “She’s a girl I’ve known for years. One of my sister’s best friends, actually. We hooked up one night a few months ago and didn’t expect it to go anywhere. To our surprise, we fell in love and, well, I proposed.”

  “It’s so... sudden,” Harry said.

  “When you know, you know. Look at James. He got married within five weeks of meeting Valerie. At least I’ve known Erin for years.”

  Another phone call saved him from explaining any more to Harry. And luckily, it was his mother. He needed to borrow an engagement ring.

  CHAPTER FOUR

  Erin eyed
Kevin surreptitiously as he went back to his desk.

  Instead of retreating after her rejection during lunch yesterday, he seemed to have redoubled his efforts into getting her to soften up to him. But even though a small part of her was flattered by Kevin’s attention, she truly didn’t want to have anything to do with him again. Gosh, he’d only just separated from his wife and he was already hitting on her!

  She grabbed her phone and tapped Brad’s number. It was time to drive home to Kevin that she wasn’t open to his advances—because she already had a boyfriend.

  “Hi, honey. Are you almost here?” she said, loud enough for Kevin to hear. Unfortunately, their other officemates were within hearing distance too, but that couldn’t be helped. They’d be meeting Brad today for after-work drinks anyway.

  Brad chuckled. “I’m assuming Kevin’s around. Yes, I’m already walking towards your building. Do you want me to come up to reception?”

  “Yes. I’ll meet you out there.”

  “By the way, I hope you don’t mind, but our relationship status has just changed,” Brad said.

  “What do you mean?”

  “We’re now engaged.”

  Her jaw dropped. “Why?”

  Brad told her about his conversation with James. “Sorry about this, Erin. But it shouldn’t change anything, except that you’ll need to wear an engagement ring when we see James. Mum’s happy for us to borrow hers. She doesn’t mind. She recently had it reset into a nice platinum band so it looks new and modern.”

  Erin gulped, her heart pounding from nervous excitement with this new development.

  “There’s probably no reason to tell your officemates that we’re engaged, though,” Brad said. “That’s just for James’s benefit. To everyone else, we’re just dating.”

  “Okay, that makes sense.”

  “Great. And my mother’s clear that this is a fake engagement. She won’t be hassling us about it. At least, I hope she won’t.”

  She chuckled dryly. “Knowing your mum...”