by Leah Atwood
Gian shrugged, but returned the bill to his wallet. “Have a good evening.”
The dismissal rang loud and clear. No sense sticking around where he wasn’t wanted. “Same to you.” He tipped his chin and left.
As he drove away, crushing disappointment weighed him down. He’d never felt so belittled, not even on that horrid date from several years ago. The entire encounter highlighted the differences between him and Madison. From all appearances, her family had money. The neighborhood Anna lived in was the ritziest in all Maryville. All the vehicles in the driveway except his and Madison’s were luxury models from expensive makers.
And Gian. His obvious disdain for the working class made him feel lower than pond scum. Insecurity wasn’t typically an issue for him, except when it came to money. He didn’t mind that he wasn’t wealthy, and was proud of the work he did, but he hated when anyone made him feel less of a person because of his career. Just when he’d gotten over it with Madison, tonight’s fiasco occurred.
He shouldn’t have left without telling her bye, but he couldn’t stand to stick around and hear her half-hearted, piteous pleas to stay. Being the fifth wheel didn’t invoke much fun for him, and he’d rather spend the evening with Gran and Landon than sit by his wife during a dinner at which no one knew they were married and expected her to show interest toward another man.
A fake fiancé was the second dumbest idea he’d ever had. The first was entering a marriage of convenience. Four months was a long time to continue this sham marriage. He’d call Madison tomorrow and ask for the annulment now. He’d tell Gran she’d been called away on business and would be gone a minimum of a month. That would buy him time to think of something else to tell her.
As soon as the annulment was finalized, he wouldn’t have to see Madison again. The hollowness in his heart grew. The ache in his chest spoke too loudly to ignore. This wasn’t what he wanted, but it was for the best. They came from different worlds. He’d never be able to offer her all that Gian could. Not that he thought Gian deserved her—she was much too humble and kind hearted for an arrogant man like him.
In a funk, he drove home instead of to the hospital. Gran needed optimism and good cheer, and he didn’t think he’d be able to muster any tonight. If she’d been alone, he would have gone, but Landon was there.
He went inside to an empty house. I should get a dog. Too bad he wasn’t home often enough to take care of one. He tossed his keys on the counter and grabbed the box of leftover pizza from the refrigerator. Lifting a slice to his mouth, he took a bite. Cold pizza was his ultimate comfort food.
Three slices and a full stomach later he crushed the empty box and threw it in the dumpster outside. Needing mindless activity, he threw a load of laundry in the wash and escaped into the weight room. He was adding five pounds to the bar when the doorbell rang.
At the front door, he held an eye to the peephole. Madison? Why was she here? A fierce scowl sharpened the lines of her face.
He opened the door.
“You have a lot of nerve,” she spat.
“Good to see you too.” Sarcasm may have laced his tone. “Please, come in.”
She stood rooted to the doorstep, her fists clenched into balls. “You abandoned me, left me all alone to deal with that vile man.”
“You were hardly alone. Your sister, brother-in-law, and presumably niece were there.”
“Did you ever think that maybe I wanted my husband?” The decibel level of her screech could be heard by his neighbors.
He knew because he saw Mrs. Johnson across the street poke her head through the blinds, already on a cell phone, likely spreading the word that a young woman shouted outside his house.
Grabbing Madison’s arm, he pulled her inside and closed the door, shutting out their audience.
The glare she shot him wasn’t pretty. “I’m really getting sick of being yanked around today.”
“Sorry, but the neighbors were watching.” He dug his fingers into the rear of his neck. “Why are you here?”
“To find out why you abandoned me.”
“I wasn’t going to be a fifth wheel at your dinner party, and again, I didn’t abandon you. There were plenty of people there.”
“You weren’t the odd one out. Gian, the arrogant, pompous pig was.”
He cracked a smile. “No love match there?”
“None whatsoever.” She relaxed her scowl. “And I’m not looking for a romance. In case you forgot, we’re married. Even if only for your grandmother’s sake, I have a moral obligation to stay faithful.”
“About that…” He gestured toward the living room. “We should sit.”
Her eyes narrowed, one brow barely rose. “What’s going on?”
Taking her hand, he walked to the living room. His pulse pounded. He sat next to her on the loveseat, their knees touching. “I’ve given it some thought, and I think it would be best if we get the annulment now.”
Other than a tight line on her lips, her expression became unreadable. “What changed?”
“The lines are too blurry.” He scrubbed a hand over his forehead. “This was supposed to be a simple arrangement, and it’s become anything but that.”
She moved her head side to side in a slow motion. “The lines were blurred last week, and you were fine an hour ago. What happened tonight?”
“We’re from different lives.” He didn’t want to say more, expose his raw feelings more than he already had, but Madison’s eyes pressed him to explain. “You have a fancy job title, but I’m just a mechanic. Your family comes from money. Just look at your sister’s house. I’ll never be able to provide for you that way.”
A smile was the last reaction he’d expected from her. “So what you’re saying, is that you’ve thought of a real future for us?”
“How could I not?” His eyes met with the flecks of gold in hers. “If I were looking for a wife, you’re everything I would want. Beautiful, kind, humble, smart, generous, selfless.”
“If you believe those attributes about me, do you think I would care what you do for a living, or love you for what you could provide?” She stared at him, waiting.
“Well, no.”
“Then what’s the problem?”
“A man has his pride, wants to give the woman he cares for the best.” How else could he make her understand? He didn’t want to disappoint her with his meager lifestyle.
“If you’d let pride and a misguided sense of what I want come between us, then you’re not the man I thought you were.”
“Did you know Gian offered me twenty dollars, as a tip of sorts for bringing you there safely?” His fists curled. “Here I was, your guest for the evening, being treated like nothing more than medial help.”
Understanding lit her face. “I had no idea he did that. I’m sorry.”
“It’s not your fault. I’ll admit, it didn’t make me feel so great, but it also highlighted what we’d face if we pursued a real relationship.”
“None of that matters to me. I wish you could see that.”
His eyes opened to the truth. If Madison didn’t have a problem why should he? She’d known from the beginning what he did, and never once looked down on him. “I’m sorry. For being self-absorbed and judging you.”
She let out a relieved sigh. “Now that we’re passed that, let’s clear up a few issues. I don’t know where you got the impression that my family is wealthy. We’re middle class, always have been. My job, contrary to what you think, pays the bills with some extra. I can’t complain because my salary is decent, and I have great benefits, but it’s not the lucrative position you seem to think.” Her eyes never left his as she gave her speech. “I don’t even own my home. It’s a rental I got cheap through a family friend. As far as Anna, yes, she has money, but she married into it. And not all wealthy people are like Gian. Paul comes from old money and is one of the humblest men I’ve ever known. He would never look down on someone based on income or financial status.”
“Now I feel l
ike the world’s biggest jerk.” He’d been an idiot. Almost let his pride ruin a great thing before it even started.
“Good. You should.” At the drop of his mouth, she nudged him and laughed. “I’m kidding, but seriously, I think that title is reserved for Gian.”
“I plead the fifth.” He flashed an innocent smile. “I’ve already gotten myself in enough trouble today.”
Sobering, Madison implored him with her eyes. “Where do we go from here? Is the annulment what you really want?”
“I want to date you and have a real relationship.” His hand linked with hers. “What I feel for you is too strong to run away from.”
“I feel that same way.” She leaned into him. “Does that mean we get the annulment and start over, or continue as is?”
“Maybe I spoke too soon about the annulment, but we can’t continue as is.” When her face fell, he rushed to finish his thought. “I want to go forward as a couple, not two strangers who happened to be married.”
“To be clear, we’re not moving forward as a married couple, but as a dating couple, right?”
“Yes, of course.” However, for the first time in his life, he could see himself settling down with someone. Time would tell, but his heart told him Madison was the one.
“In that case, I have a confession.”
He arched a brow. “Haven’t we had enough of those today?”
“Just one more. It had to do with what happened after you left.”
Intrigued, he sat back so he could see her face clearly as she spoke. “What did happen? You obviously didn’t stay too long.”
“I was steamed at Anna, furious she’d trapped me into a blind date. We’ve argued about it before, and last time she promised she wouldn’t do it again.” Madison rolled her eyes. “Yeah, right.”
“What did you say to her?”
“That she had no right to do that and had created an awkward situation. She reminded me that I’d brought a guest without mentioning it, so I guess proper etiquette went out the window for both of us.”
“Next time I’ll follow my instinct and leave.”
“No. There won’t be a next time of her setting me up.” She tucked her chin to her chest. “I kind of told her you were my boyfriend.”
Both brows shot up, and he couldn’t stop a grin from forming. “Oh really?”
“I could take the easy way out, and say it was to get Anna off my back and make her feel worse, but that would be a lie.” Her eyes wouldn’t meet his.
He released her hand and crooked a finger under her chin, tilted it up until their eyes met. “We’ve done too much lying.”
“I prefer the truth,” she whispered, breathless.
“Then let me be your truth.” He rested his forehead against hers. “Let me be your boyfriend and make right the lie to Anna.”
“All right.”
Chapter Eleven
Madison paced the length of her living room, her stomach twisted into an array of knots tied around jumping beans. Who knew a birthday party for her niece, who turned four today, could be so nerve-wracking.
This was the big day. She’d officially introduce Archer as her boyfriend to her family. She’d inadvertently switched dates around when she initially sent Archer the information on the different upcoming events, which meant he couldn’t make the vow renewal last weekend but could come to Elise’s party.
For all their talk about telling the truth, they still lived a lie. Sure, in the two weeks since they’d had the conversation, they’d been completely honest with each other, but to the outside world… that was a different story. His family thought they were blissful newlyweds. Her family had no idea they were married.
The deception didn’t sit well with either of them, but they couldn’t find a peaceful way out of their lies without hurting anyone, especially Gran. In the three weeks since Archer and Madison married, Gran’s health had experienced a significant rebound. What would happen if they told the truth now?
Anna’s reaction was iffy. She took the news of them dating better than Madison had expected, but Anna also believed engagements should be at least a year. And if her parents found out Archer was actually her husband? They’d probably get into an argument and find a way to blame it on each other.
Lord, please let my parents get along today. Elise deserves to have a special day without Mom and Dad ruining it, and I don’t want Archer to witness their turmoil. Not yet, at least.
Archer’s Mustang pulled into the driveway. She’d learned to tell the sound of the truck and car apart. Giving the skirt of her sundress a smoothing pat, she ran down the stairs, and then adjusted her bolero before opening the door.
Dressed in his standard jeans, but up-scaling his normal T-shirt to a polo, Archer stepped out of his car and grinned when their gazes met. He rushed to her, greeted her with a kiss. His eyes briefly roamed over her. “That dress looks great on you.”
“Thank you.” She reached for the wrapped present, positioned on an occasional table by the door. “Ready?”
“Sort of.”
She quirked a brow. “Sort of?”
“I’m meeting your parents for the first time.” He winked, letting her know he wasn’t that bothered by the upcoming introductions.
“All I’m going to say is that I can’t be held responsible for anything they say or do.”
“They can’t be that bad.”
“You don’t know them.” And I’d love it if we could keep it that way.
“That’s the point of meeting them.” He escorted her to the car, holding her elbow.
“You think I’m exaggerating, but I’m not.” When she sighed, a curl fell and tickled her nose. She tucked it behind her ear. “They fight over anything and everything.”
Archer opened her door. “Nothing they say or do will change how I feel about you.”
“I know, but it’s embarrassing.”
“You’re forgetting my parents essentially abandoned me. If your parents get into an argument, it’s not going to faze me.” He shut the door and circled to his side.
“Do you know how to get to Anna’s from here?”
An impish grin turned one corner of his mouth. “I run a wrecker service and have lived here my whole life. I think I can find my way.”
“Okay, okay.” She shot him a faux scowl. “I won’t be nice anymore.”
“I appreciate the thought.” His hand squeezed hers before they took off for the party.
Madison spotted her parents’ car parked next to Paul’s. Of course she knew they’d be there, but had hoped to have a little peace before their arrival. A low growl tumbled from her. She switched her attention to the decorations outside. It was impossible to be irritable while looking at brightly colored balloons and a tiara-shaped banner announcing Elise’s birthday.
“It’s going to be all right.” Archer gave her a reassuring smile before exiting the car.
Not waiting for him to come to her side, she slid out and met him in front of the vehicle. “As much as I hope today’s calm, I fully expect to give you a big I told you so when we leave.”
“For everyone’s sake, I hope you’re wrong.”
She adjusted the present under one arm and rolled her shoulders to relieve the tensions. “Something is seriously wrong when I’m this stressed out over an afternoon with my parents.”
Archer squeezed her shoulders, rubbed circles into them for a brief massage. “Any way I can help, let me know.”
Leaning back, she relished the feel of his fingers working her tense muscles. “Just your presence helps.”
Unfortunately, they couldn’t stand out front all day. Archer rang the doorbell.
Anna met them with a harried smile. “Welcome. Good to see you again, Archer.”
He craned his neck. “No dates for Madison hiding in there?”
“No, I learned my lesson.” Her hand extended as an olive branch. “Had I known about you, I never would have invited Gian.”
“I’m only giving yo
u a hard time.” Archer shook Anna’s hand.
“Come in and meet Paul.” The hostess in Anna shone through. “He’s looking forward to meeting you.”
“How are Mom and Dad acting?” Madison whispered in Anna’s ear as they walked through the marble tiled foyer.
Anna grimaced. “How do you think? Paul already had to tell them once to be quiet because they upset Elise.”
“Can’t they just get along for two hours?”
“Apparently not.” Anna leaned in close. “Archer’s quite the handsome man. His presence last time surprised me too much to get a good look at him.”
Madison laughed. “No arguments from me on that account.”
Archer cleared his throat. “When a man hears his name followed by laughter, he gets a little paranoid.”
One look at his amused smirk told her he’d heard every word. Heat dotted her cheeks, but the embarrassment soon faded. Who cared if he’d heard? He knew she found him attractive—that was no secret.
Smiling coyly, she looped an arm through his. “Methinks you’re fishing for a compliment.”
He shrugged. “Maybe. Maybe not.”
Paul came out of the kitchen and looked straight at Archer with a knowing grin. “Need a rescue from my wife and sister-in-law?”
“Too late for that,” Archer quipped.
A full belly laugh came from Paul. “The Nichols women are known for sucking you in quick.” He stuck out a hand. “Paul Winters.”
“Archer Reeves. Nice to meet you.”
“Sorry I didn’t get to meet you when you were here last.” Paul shot a pointed glance to Anna. “I warned her over and over that her meddling would cause trouble one day.”
“No harm done.” Archer cast a wink Madison’s way. Only they knew the good which that day had brought.
“Care to join me outside? Elise requested hot dogs for her birthday lunch, so I’m on grill duty.”
“Sure, as long as Madison doesn’t mind.” He looked her way again.
“Go ahead. I’ll help Anna in here.” Relief settled over her as she watched Archer and Paul leave the house, laughing and joking. She’d never known Paul to be intentionally exclusive, but the invitation to the grill was a good sign. She wanted her family, including her brother-in-law who was a brother figure to her, to not only accept, but like, Archer. So far, so good.