Bachelor's Bought Bride

by Jennifer Lewis

  “Careful. This dish is hot.” She tried to wriggle away from him, hating the way her stomach tingled under his fingers.

  “Then don’t look so irresistible. It’s not fair to wear a dress like that and then not let me touch you.”

  Arousal rippled inside Bree at the touch of his hand on her hip. Curse him and this stupid dress. Another of the ones Elle had talked her into buying. Dark blue with a swirly skirt of clingy jersey.

  “I just don’t want to burn myself.” I’ve already been badly burned today.

  “All right, I’ll set the table.”

  “I already did.” She had everything planned and organized to perfection. She’d had plenty of time on her hands, after all, because the idea of photographing couples had quickly lost its charm. “Why don’t you sit down? It’s almost ready.” She managed to keep her voice calm and even bright. Who knew she had such powers of deception?

  She served the food with a smile. Gavin’s admiring gaze took in her hard work primping this afternoon. She’d wanted to look good so he wouldn’t know that inside she was in tiny pieces. “Why are you leaving Maddox Communications?”

  Gavin’s smile broadened, and took on a conspiratorial air. “To start my own company.”

  Bree swallowed as she sat down hard. Everything was becoming crystal clear. She called on an inner strength she hoped was in there somewhere. “What kind of company?”

  “My own advertising shop. Boutique, top-notch creative, specializing in cutting-edge brands.” The confident sparkle in his eye both aroused and infuriated her.

  “Isn’t that a risky endeavor? It must be hard to raise the money for a venture like that.” She cocked her head, maintaining her placid demeanor.

  Gavin’s smile faded slightly, which gave her a moment of grim satisfaction. “Yes, no doubt it is, but I have years of experience now and I’m confident in my ability to make this endeavor succeed.” He reached across the table and she let him take her hand and squeeze it. “With you by my side, there’s no way I can fail.”

  His words rang hollow in the still air. Words that—if spoken yesterday—would have filled her with giddy pride. Today they sounded phony. A cliché. A lie.

  Of course, in a way, he spoke the truth. It’s hard to fail if the endeavor is underwritten by one of the most successful investors in San Francisco—who’d handed over the money as a reward for taking his daughter off his hands.

  “So, are you bringing clients with you from Maddox?”

  Gavin paused, fork hovering above his plate. “Much as I’d love to, I don’t think that would be ethical.”

  “You wouldn’t want to do anything unethical.” Like, say, marry for money. “Much better to do things the honest, old-fashioned way.” Like, say, marry for money. In the grand scheme of things, what he’d done wasn’t all that outrageous. She’d bet nearly every single one of her ancestors had married for money. That would explain why there was so darn much of it in her bank account. Wait, was she trying to make excuses for him?

  “Where do you plan to look for clients?”

  “There are a couple who moved away from Maddox that I intend to pursue. And since I’ve put out the word I’m going out on my own, I’ve had some serious interest.”

  “Oh. How long have you been telling people you’re starting your own company?” Hope bloomed in her chest. Perhaps this was something he’d been working on for some time that had nothing to do with her and her money. Maybe he was independently wealthy.

  Maybe he really did love her.

  Pathetic how she still shamelessly hoped for that.

  “Just the last couple of days. I’ve been planning it for a long time but I was waiting for some things to come together.”

  “Oh.” She stuck her fork into an innocent lettuce leaf. So much for her pathetic hopes. “How nice that they finally came together.” She shot him a somewhat steely glance.

  He didn’t even notice—he just beamed at her. “It’s the culmination of a lifelong dream. I’ve wanted my own company since I was a boy. At the time I had no idea it would be advertising, but that’s what really gets my juices flowing.”

  Much to her chagrin, Gavin still got hers flowing. His excitement and enthusiasm were infectious. She almost wanted his company to be a big success just so she could enjoy that winning smile that lit up his chiseled features.

  But she couldn’t resist needling him a bit more.

  “Juices are fun, but what about cash flow? Will things be tight while you get it off the ground?”

  Gavin hesitated and looked at her as if surprised by her question. And really, why would an heiress ask the man she loved about money? Couldn’t she just haul out some bags of gold bullion?

  Then he leaned back in his chair, a satisfied look on his face. “I’ve got good start-up funds. Enough to rent a nice office space, pay good people and keep things going for at least six months even if it takes that long to land a client.”

  “Wow. You do have it well planned.”

  “It helps that I’ve got one of the best art directors in the country ready to come on board. Wait until you meet Tom, I know you’ll like him. He does fine-art photography, too—collage mostly—and you’ll recognize his work as soon as you see it. He’s going to bring a couple of key people from the agency he’s at now.”

  “I bet they won’t be too happy.”

  Gavin shrugged. “Advertising is a bit of a dog-eat-dog world. Agencies form, merge, gain clients, lose clients. It’s all part of the business. You’re only as good as your biggest client.”

  “And who do you hope to snag as your biggest client?”

  Gavin cocked his head and gave her a cheeky glance that tickled her insides. “You’ll laugh if I tell you.”

  “I could use a good laugh.”

  He hesitated a moment. “No. Let me surprise you when I really do win them.”

  “Great. I love surprises.” He didn’t seem to notice the slight edge of sarcasm that crept into her voice. How could he string her along like this? How could he sit there and eat dinner so casually, when their whole marriage was a farce? Did he really intend to spend the rest of his life with her, or was she a temporary fundraising measure until he got his company off the ground?

  Then he’d probably kick her to the curb and bring in a slender blonde who’d look better on his arm at the awards ceremonies.

  No doubt that’s exactly what he had in mind. He wasn’t going to spend the rest of his life saddled with a dumpy nobody. Not once he really had his own money and didn’t need hers.

  She shoved a bite of lasagna into her mouth, to stem the flood of angry words to her tongue. Part of her wanted to let him have it—tell him she knew and how disgusted she was that he’d tricked her into marrying him. For a single sharp instant she fantasized about standing up now and yelling right at him. Ending everything, right now, and watching his startled reaction.

  But common sense got the better of her. She couldn’t bear to spew out all her hurt and shame. That would only give him power over her. He’d probably tell her she was all wrong and that he truly loved her and, sucker that she was, she’d probably believe him.

  No. She had a better plan. Play him at his own game.

  She’d make him think everything was working out perfectly. His happy little wife was sitting at home tinkering with her photos while he took the world by storm. She’d play along, encourage and support him, pretend to love and adore him the way he obviously expected.

  Then, just when he was least prepared, she’d tell him she knew the truth and boot him out of her life.

  “Great lasagna, Bree.”

  “Thanks.” She forced a wide smile. “I like it with béchamel sauce instead of ricotta. More authentic, I think.”

  “I can’t believe that on top of everything else you’re an amazing cook, too.”

  “It’s nothing. I enjoy cooking. You should tell me all your favorite meals so I can make them for you.” Maybe that would make him truly fall in love with her.
Food was supposed to be the way to a man’s heart. After money, of course.

  Revenge would be sweet if he did actually fall for her before she revealed her secret.

  “I love seafood.” Gavin’s gray eyes sparkled. “And barbecue. We’ll have to set a grill up on the balcony. I scorch some mean shrimp.”

  “Sounds delicious. Perhaps when we buy our house we can set up an outdoor dining room.” She smiled sweetly.

  “I love that idea. I’ve been too lazy to entertain living here on my own. I usually go out. But when we have a real home, we’ll have to have friends over often.” He leaned forward, obviously enjoying his vision of their future.

  It did sound fun. Friends gathered for a casual, outdoor meal. What a shame none of it was real. They were both just playing along, pretending, maintaining a charade.

  “This salad dressing is sensational.” He sucked a trace of the rich concoction off his fork, a gesture that caused an unpleasant sizzle deep inside her.

  How could you still be attracted to him?

  “It’s the olive oil. I buy it fresh in Sonoma from an old guy there who has the most amazing orchard. Nothing tastes like it.”

  “We’ll have to go there together.”

  “Absolutely.”

  “Still, it’s not just the oil, it’s the blend of spices. You have a real talent.”

  “Oh, I have all kinds of hidden talents.” She tossed the curls she’d nurtured into shiny ringlets and smiled coyly. “You have no idea.” She certainly was surprised that she’d managed to keep her cool so far. Maybe she did have undiscovered facets that this whole disastrous misadventure would polish to a shine.

  Like a capacity to exact the perfect revenge on the man who’d made her worst nightmare come true.

  That night, when Gavin’s hands found her body under the covers, she yielded to his touch. It wasn’t hard. In fact, it would have been almost impossible not to. Desire still throbbed inside her like an incurable ache. A day ago she might have called it love, or something foolish like that, but now she recognized it for the pure physical urge it was.

  She wrapped her arms around his sturdy torso and let herself enjoy the sweet warmth of his skin against hers. She’d been so very lonely today. Would it hurt to enjoy sex before she went back to hating him?

  As they moved together she let herself enjoy the sensation as a dance—pleasure that crept through every inch of her. Didn’t people do this all the time and mean nothing by it?

  He’d have been suspicious if she pushed him away. Not that she even had the willpower to do that.

  When he kissed her on the mouth, she found herself kissing back with passion, unable to stop. Her climax pounded through her, making her clutch him tighter.

  It doesn’t mean anything, her mind protested, over the louder drumbeat of her blood. You’ll forget him.

  She would try, anyway.

  Gavin donned his best power suit for a day of key meetings. For some reason, being married gave him an extra edge of stability—almost like a foundation—that made it easy to go out and take on the world. He’d noticed Bree seemed a little nervous lately—on edge, even. Perhaps she was worried about him stepping out on his own. Hopefully he’d soon be able to reassure her by obtaining clients.

  Of course he could reassure her right now by mentioning that he had ample start-up funds, but he wasn’t quite sure how she’d react to his deal with her father.

  Guilt trickled through him like acid. He wished he could have pulled this off without the money, but you couldn’t start a business without capital.

  He’d make it up to her by being a devoted husband.

  He kissed Bree after eating the delicious breakfast of bacon, eggs and fresh rolls that she’d made him. For some reason, she was dressed to the nines, in a pretty green dress that accentuated her curves. “You look beautiful, as always. I’ll see you at the party tonight.”

  She cocked her head, her curls falling over one shoulder. “What party?”

  “I thought I told you. There’s a big shindig tonight to celebrate winning the new Reynolds Automotive account.”

  A shadow crossed her face. “No, you didn’t say a word.”

  “Hmm. I wasn’t sure quite how Brock would react to the news of me leaving. Maybe I half thought he’d have tossed me out on my ear by now.”

  “I’m surprised he hasn’t.” She cocked a brow.

  “He said he trusts me. They’ve had some strange things going on at the agency lately, a mole of sorts, leaking information to a rival agency, and I’ve been helping him try to solve the problems it’s caused. I also helped to win the Reynolds account, so he wants me to do some more work on that before I go.”

  “Nice to have a boss who thinks so highly of you.” Gavin glanced up. He almost thought he heard a note of sarcasm in Bree’s voice. No. It couldn’t be. Her lovely smile lit up the room.

  “Yeah. I’m sure some people think I’m crazy to leave, but everything reaches its natural limit eventually.”

  “Even a marriage?” She looked him directly in the eye in a way that spiked his blood pressure slightly. Maybe all the changes were making her feel insecure.

  He quirked a smile. “‘Till death us do part.’ That’s the only natural limit I can see.” He kissed her soft cheek. Did she stiffen slightly as he hugged her?

  It was a shame he had to leave right away. He had a breakfast meeting with the marketing director of Argos Shoes, an account he’d give almost anything to win. He was even prepared to eat breakfast again, since he hadn’t wanted to disappoint Bree by turning down the fantastic meal she’d prepared to surprise him.

  “Death, yes, I suppose you’re right.” Her green eyes surveyed him with a slightly unsettling look. “Hopefully that’s a ways off, but I suppose you never know.”

  “You’re in a rather grim mood this morning.”

  She shrugged, which had the dangerous effect of pulling the green fabric tighter over her spectacular breasts. Gavin shoved down a surge of desire welling inside him. “I’d better get out of here before I get distracted and miss my meetings. Bye, my love.”

  He kissed her and headed for the elevator. If things went well today, his new agency would be off to a flying start, and he’d be able to put Bree’s fears to rest.

  Bree sagged against the door after it closed behind Gavin. She hadn’t hidden her emotions too well this morning. She’d donned the full makeup and the fancy dress, preparing a good breakfast and smiling like a store mannequin, but she couldn’t seem to hide the hurt and fear roiling just below her manicured surface.

  Making love—no, having sex—last night hadn’t helped. The intimacy only reminded her of everything she’d lose when she pushed Gavin out of her life. She’d been happy alone because she’d never known anything different. Now she’d be agonizingly aware of all the pleasures of couplehood she’d be missing out on.

  Ali brushed up against her legs. “I know, Princess, it’s time for your shot. You’re still my first love. I shouldn’t have asked for more.” Her stately fifteen-year-old cat paused, as if agreeing. “And at least I’ll still have you and Faith when he’s gone.” She reached down and stroked Ali’s soft back. “That will be more than enough.”

  She kicked off the stupid heels she’d put on to clack around the apartment as Little Mrs. Perfect. How had she let herself get duped into this? And now she had to put on the “perfect wife” act at a party with all his friends and coworkers? She wanted to cry.

  Heck, maybe she would go ahead and have a cry. It couldn’t hurt. That way she could get it out of her system and grin like a loon all night on the arm of the lying Gavin Spencer.

  After Bree’s odd behavior that morning, Gavin decided to go home and pick her up so they could arrive at the party together. He worried that she felt overwhelmed by her new life, and he felt guilty for announcing his dramatic career change so soon after their wedding. He probably should have given her a bit more time to get comfortable. And given that some of his coworkers were
a bit testy about his announcement, he decided it might be better if they went to the party together so she didn’t show up and get grilled by anyone before he got there.

  “You look gorgeous, as usual.” He had to pause for a moment, just to take in the vision of Bree standing in their apartment door. Her ankle-length dress, covered in tiny black-and-white stripes, flowed over her curves like water down a waterfall.

  “Thanks. I did some shopping today.” Her green eyes glittered hard as she gazed at him. Or possibly he was just imagining it. All the upheaval in his professional life must be making him testy. Bree seemed taller than usual, and a glance down confirmed that she wore sleek black-and-white pumps that added about three inches to her already impressive height. “Lucky I’m over six feet or I’d be standing in your shadow.” He grinned.

  She smiled tightly. “Now that I’m married, I don’t have to worry that no one will dance with me because I’m too tall.”

  “An excellent point.” She did look gorgeous. Her height served only to emphasize her Greek-goddess good looks, especially with her magnificent ringlets cascading over her shoulders. She must have spent hours getting ready.

  Now that he thought about it, she’d been dressed to the nines even for their dinner at home last night. “You don’t have to look breathtaking every minute, you know. It’s okay to relax and wear whatever feels comfortable.”

  She cocked her head, which sent her curls tumbling over one breast. “Do you think I should wear that dress I had on when we met?”

  He grinned. “Okay, maybe not that one. But I don’t want you thinking you have to dress up all the time.”

  “Not a problem. I just dress how I like.” She lifted her chin, tall and proud.

  “As long as it’s for your own pleasure, it’s all good with me.” Who wouldn’t want a woman who looked as fantastic as this? He couldn’t understand why no one had snatched her up before him. Her father must be nuts to think she needed his help in finding a husband.

  He’d transferred the money, though. Gavin had seen it in the new account he’d opened just for this purpose. One million dollars—seven fat figures—right there on the screen of the computer under his name. Could life get any better than this?