The Playboy's Princess

by Joy Fulcher

  “Aww, you guys are so cute.” Clare gazed at them as if she were staring at a basket of puppies.

  “Okay, let’s order food. I’m starving!” Jade said.

  Drew lay in bed, listening to the cicadas chirping outside. There weren’t cicadas at his parents’ place. His first night in his own house hadn’t turned out the way he’d planned. An awkward dinner with his fake wife and her best friend wasn’t in the cards when he’d dreamed of having his own place.

  His eyes flew open when he heard a door creak and footsteps pad past his door.

  He climbed out of bed and went out into the hall. It was empty. A creak on the stairs let him know that he hadn’t imagined it. He followed the noise and blinked when a light flooded the stairwell.

  “Jade?” he called out.

  He walked into the kitchen and saw her drinking a glass of water. She put the cup down on the sink and turned around. “Sorry. I didn’t mean to wake you.”

  She wore a camisole and boxer shorts. It was a warm night, and the cami clung to her body in all the right ways, showing the curve of her breasts and the flat plain of her stomach. Drew forced himself to look at her face, but that was no better. Her hair was tied back, but a few curls had come loose and hung around her face, and her cheeks were flushed from the warm air.

  “Drew? Are you sleepwalking?” she asked.

  He realized he’d just been standing there staring at her, not saying a word.

  “Sorry.” He shook his head. “Don’t worry about it. I was awake. I couldn’t sleep.”

  “Me either.”

  “We could sit and chat,” he offered.

  “I don’t think so. I have my last day of work tomorrow so I should at least try and go to bed.”

  “Oh. All right.”

  He watched as she left the room, and he could hear her bedroom door close. He went back up to his own room and saw that she wasn’t trying to sleep at all. Her light was on. She was just avoiding him. He wasn’t going to have any of that. He knocked on her door.

  “Come in.”

  He opened the door and saw her sitting on the floor, an open box in front of her, piling books into the bookcase under the window.

  “There’s something I need to say.” He folded his arms across his chest.

  “All right.”

  He walked into the room and sat on the foot of her bed.

  “I know you want to keep what we have professional, and that’s fine, but we were friends at the beginning of this. I’d hate to think we’ve lost that. This is your home for the next few months, and I want you to feel comfortable here. You don’t have to hide in your room.”

  “Thank you for saying that, Drew.”

  “And if you happen to leave your door open when you change, that’s okay because I’ve already seen you naked.”

  He waited, hoping his joke had its desired effect of making her laugh and it didn’t backfire and make things worse.

  She threw a book at him and then dove up onto the bed, tackling him. “You jerk!”

  She laughed as she play-hit him, and he struggled against her. He rolled so he was pinning her to the bed and held her wrists tightly above her head. Having her beneath him sent flashes of their night together though his memory. He could still see her naked, writhing around him, breathing his name. His breath caught in this throat, and he felt her pulse in her wrists beating quickly.

  They looked into each other’s eyes, and he wanted to kiss her, badly. Tingles ran up his spine and over his scalp, an odd sensation against the heat of the night.

  “This is more like it,” he whispered.

  She smiled the prettiest smile he’d ever seen. Innocent and playful with a blush rising over her cheeks.

  “Friendly enough for you?” she asked.

  “Almost.” He leaned forward, following his urge to kiss her, but then pulled back.

  He saw the flash of panic that filled her eyes. She didn’t want him to kiss her, and he wasn’t going to force it. He rolled off and lay on his side, watching her reaction. Her chest rose and fell as she let out a sigh. He wasn’t sure if she was relieved or disappointed, but what he did know was that he was confused.

  “Thanks, Drew. I think I can sleep now.”

  “Yeah, I should get some sleep too.”

  He lay on her bed a second longer, hoping she’d ask him to sleep there, but she didn’t. When the silence started to feel awkward, he leaned over and kissed her forehead.

  “Good night, Ariel.”

  “Good night, Drew.”

  She climbed under the covers and watched him walk to the door.

  “I’ll be just across the hall,” he said.

  She laughed. “I know.”

  He flicked off her light and pulled the door closed behind him.

  Jade grabbed a beer from the cooler and sat down on the sand. Drew and his friends were throwing a football down by the water. She watched them for a while, and when she got bored, she lay back on the hot sand and closed her eyes, allowing her legs to tan.

  “Damn, you look good laying there.”

  Her eyes flew open, and she stared up at Sam’s smiling face.

  “Er, thanks.” She closed her eyes again and hoped he’d go away. She felt the sand under her shift, and she groaned internally. He’d sat down next to her.

  “How’s married life?” he asked.

  “It’s great.”

  “Really? I heard it’s not all it’s cracked up to be.”

  Jade sat up and stared at Drew’s friend.

  “And what’s that supposed to mean? Has Drew said something?” Her mind raced as she tried to think of something he could have said. True, she’d been distant since they’d gotten back from Australia, but she didn’t think they were fighting. She was just trying to be professional. Unless he was starting the breakdown of their relationship already? She made a mental note to ask him when they got home.

  Sam smiled and leaned in close. “I know.”

  “You know what?”

  “I know.”

  “Okay, you’re a freak.” She laughed, trying to play it off as a joke, but she looked over at Drew, hoping he’d come rescue her from the conversation. But he was oblivious to her discomfort, still throwing the ball.

  “Don’t play games, Jade. I’m telling you that I know. I was the one who placed the ad in the first place.”

  Realization suddenly clicked, and Jade understood. Sam had placed the ad in the newspaper that she’d originally written to. He knew the marriage was fake. Why hadn’t Drew told her that his friends knew?

  “Oh.” She didn’t know what else to say.

  “I wish I’d met you first, but the reality is that you’re still actually available, aren’t you?”

  Her stomach clenched, unsure what her reaction should be. “I’m married to your best friend.”

  Sam laughed. “If you say so.”

  “You were at the ceremony, Sam.”

  “Yeah. Yeah. Just keep it in mind that I’m interested. And when Drew sets his eyes on a new girl, which he will before you know it, I’ll be waiting.”

  Sam got up, winked at her, and then ran off to play with his friends. Jade sat in the sand by herself, watching them play until the sun started to set, and they decided to go back to Drew and Jade’s house for a BBQ.

  “Did you get a nice tan?” Drew asked in the car as they drove home.

  “Yeah.” She wondered if she should tell Drew about what Sam had said. But the truth was, Sam’s words had hit a little too close to home. She was free to see other people, and undoubtedly, another girl would catch Drew’s eye soon enough.

  When they arrived home, she feigned a headache from the sun and went up to her bedroom while the boys drank beer and cooked meat in the backyard.

  Jade put on some soft music and curled up in her armchair with a book she’d been meaning to read for months. The smell of the food was enticing as it drifted up through her open window, but she resisted her grumbling stomach. She didn’t wan
t to get caught down there with Sam.

  Instead, she closed the window and went back to her book. A knock at her door brought her out of her imagination. It was probably Drew checking if she wanted some food.

  “Come in,” she called.

  Sam’s face appeared around the door as it opened.

  “Hey, I just wanted to see how you’re feeling. We’re all going for a swim. Why don’t you join us? The cool water will help your headache.”

  Jade rested the paperback on her lap, her finger acting as a bookmark. “Thanks, but I’m fine up here.”

  She thought that was the end of it and looked back down at her book, but the door didn’t close. Instead, Sam walked across the room and sat on the foot of her bed, facing her.

  “In that case, I’d rather stay up here with you.”

  “Why?”

  “You’re better company than those idiots.”

  “Those idiots are your friends.”

  “True. But they’re still idiots. Why would any of them want to be downstairs when they could be up here in your lovely company?”

  Jade knew it was a line, but she felt a blush rise on her cheeks. She hated herself for falling for his smooth ways.

  “You’re welcome to a book, if you want to read,” Jade offered, knowing that wasn’t what Sam meant.

  He smiled and leaned forward so their knees were almost touching.

  “Why don’t you come sit here by me?” he asked, patting the bed.

  Jade knew it was a bad idea, but she couldn’t think of a reason to say no without sounding like a rude bitch. She put the book down and moved onto the end of the bed.

  Sam looked into her eyes, and she had to admit he was attractive. He had a strong jaw with just the right amount of stubble, and his brown eyes were just a shade lighter than his hair, giving him that classic tall, dark, and handsome look.

  “Jade, I like you, and before you protest, I know the rules. I know you have a contract with Drew, and I know there are going to be boundaries. I can keep a secret. I can be discreet. But I like do you, and I’d like to get to know you better.”

  “Sam…”

  “Just don’t say no without giving me a chance. One kiss is all I ask. If you feel no chemistry, I’ll leave you alone and never bring it up again.”

  She chewed her lip. What could one kiss hurt, really? She knew for a fact that Drew had slept with at least one girl since they’d been together, and her failed attempt with Rick was basically a joke. If the kiss sucked, no harm done. But, what if the kiss was good? Should she pass up the opportunity to be with someone who might actually like her?

  “All right. One kiss,” she said.

  She expected Sam to jump on her right away, but he didn’t. He smiled, blushing softly, and he looked at her as if she were a wonder. His reached out a hand and stroked her cheek. His touch was gentle, doting. She’d always been attracted to fair guys. Blond hair, with blue or green eyes, but while staring at Sam, she had to admit there was something comforting about the warmth of Sam’s big brown eyes.

  She felt like she was melting into them. He leaned forward without breaking eye contact, his lips still curled up in a smile. When he finally moved close enough for her to feel his breath on her skin, she reached for him, twining her fingers into his hair. He crushed his lips to hers and wrapped her in a tight embrace.

  He hummed against her mouth, urging her lips apart. She opened to him and breathed in as his tongue met hers. The kiss was nice. Her heart didn’t go into overdrive like when Drew kissed her, but it was nice nonetheless. She was about to pull away, needing to take a breath, when Sam pushed forward, rocking her backward onto the mattress. Her back hit the comforter, and he balanced himself over her.

  “Hey, Ariel, I brought you a…What the fuck?”

  Sam rolled away instantly, and Jade sat up, wiping her mouth with the back of her hand. Drew stood in her doorway with a burger on a plastic plate in his hand.

  She opened her mouth to explain, but he wasn’t looking at her. Drew’s gaze was focused squarely on Sam.

  “That’s my wife!” he roared.

  Sam put his hands up in a reassuring gesture. “We both know—”

  “No, you don’t know anything. Get the fuck away from her.”

  Sam tried to protest, but Drew’s hands balled into fists and his eyes flashed. Jade could see he was dangerously angry and jumped in before Sam said something to get himself pummeled.

  “Sam, you better go.”

  He glanced at over his shoulder at her and then back at Drew. “Yeah. Uh, can I call you, Jade?”

  “No, you can’t call her. Get out!” Drew took a step forward.

  Sam took the hint and ducked around him, headed for the stairs. Drew turned, looking at her for the first time since entering the room.

  “Drew, look…”

  “Don’t. We have an agreement. You can fuck whoever you want. Just not my friends, okay? Here.” He handed her the burger and left the room.

  Jade held the plastic plate with a shaking hand. His voice had been so cold, so detached. She’d never heard him talk to her like that before.

  Chapter Sixteen

  Play Acting

  A WEEK AFTER THE KISS with Sam, Jade was lying in bed, unable to sleep. Drew had been distant all week, leaving rooms when she entered them, avoiding eye contact when they did speak to each other. A creak on the stairs made her sit up. She looked at the clock and saw it was close to midnight. She threw the covers off and crept out into the hallway.

  “Drew?” she called.

  She heard keys jingle downstairs, and she followed the noise. He stood in the kitchen, dressed to go out in worn jeans and a button-up shirt. He glanced up when she appeared in the doorway.

  “Did I wake you up?” he asked.

  “No, I was awake. Are you going somewhere?”

  He glanced at his phone. “Yeah. There’s an after party from a premiere. Some of my friends are going, and I haven’t been out for a while.”

  “Sounds fun.” She tapped her hand on her thigh, hoping he’d invite her to come along.

  She was sick of their silent breakfasts, their grunts of acknowledgment, and their fake smiles. She missed her friend Drew.

  “It’ll be okay.” He moved toward the door.

  Jade panicked. “I could use a drink,” she blurted out.

  He froze, his back to her. He was silent for several seconds and then spun, an accusing look on his face.

  “Wanting an excuse to see Sam again?” he spat.

  “What? How would I even know if he was going to be there?” She put her hands on her hips.

  “Aren’t you two speaking?”

  “No. Why would we?”

  “Oh come on.” He threw his hands up in frustration. “We’re all adults. You don’t have to be coy.”

  “I’m telling the truth, Drew. There was never anything going on between me and Sam.”

  “Yeah, it sure looked like nothing was going on when he was lying on top of you with his tongue in your mouth.”

  Jade sighed. She didn’t want to fight with Drew. But she had to admit that it was better than the cold shoulder he’d given her the past week.

  “It was one kiss. He’s a tricky talker, and he confused me. And you said not to date your friends, so that’s the end of it. I haven’t spoken to him.”

  “Well, he’s going to be there tonight.” The hardness in his eyes was gone, but his voice was still full of attitude.

  “Then it will give him the opportunity to see that I’m yours.”

  Drew cocked an eyebrow. He thought for a moment, and Jade held her breath, hoping he’d take the bait. Drew was territorial. She hadn’t realized that at the beginning, but she’d guessed that the main reason he’d been upset about Sam kissing her wasn’t jealousy, it was pride.

  “All right. Put on something sexy and meet me in the car.”

  Jade smiled and ran up the stairs. Finally, she’d seen a hint of the old Drew.

 
She grabbed a short dress out of her closet and threw it on the bed along with her sexiest pair of heels. If she was going to be Drew’s wife, she’d have to play the part right. There were sure to be photographers there.

  She pulled her hair back into a tight ponytail and straightened the ends. She applied more makeup than was comfortable and changed into the dress. After a quick once-over in the mirror and assuring herself that Clare would approve of the look, she ran down the stairs and out to the convertible.

  Drew whistled when she climbed into the low seat of the car and smiled.

  “You clean up nice,” he said.

  “Oh, I just threw this together.” She shrugged a shoulder and smiled. She literally had thrown it together.

  Jade was glad she’d tied her hair up because with the car’s top down, it would have been a disaster if she’d left it out. She looked up into the sky and frowned. All she could see was gray smog.

  “Remember how many stars were in the sky in Australia?” she asked.

  Drew smiled and rubbed her bare thigh. “They’re up there. We just can’t see them.”

  Jade nodded. His hand was warm on her bare skin. A part of her thought about dragging his fingers up just a little higher under her skirt, but before she could reach for him, he put his hand back on the steering wheel. She let out a breath. She’d almost given in.

  A throng of photographers hugged the entrance of a large property, and security pushed them back as Drew drove up to the gate.

  “Mr. Malik,” one of the guards said, waving him through.

  Drew drove to the house and parked in the circular driveway. He climbed out of the car, tossed his keys to the valet, and opened Jade’s door. She stood, adjusting her short skirt, and looked up at the mansion. Ivy climbed up the cream bricks by the front door and followed a drainpipe up three levels. The air smelled of smoke and midnight, and the deep thumping base of the music from inside vibrated in her chest.

  A group of people huddled by the double front doors in a cloud of smoke. Drew went and shook hands with one of the men. Jade covered her mouth to cough.

  “Ah, the newlyweds. We haven’t seen you out, Drew. Guess you’ve been keeping yourself busy with the little woman,” the man said. He winked at Jade.