Gianna leaned way back in her chair and rubbed her tummy. “I’m gonna bust right out of this dress if I take one more bite.”
Gage’s brows rose. “I’d pay good money to see it.”
“Funny, Gage.”
His eyes shadowed. A deep sigh escaped his throat. Was he imagining her minus her dress? “Is it?”
Okay, maybe not so funny. Awareness struck like a match whenever he teased her this way. She blamed it on the smoky surroundings, the hum of the crowd, the sultry ballad the singer crooned. She wouldn’t fall victim to it, to him. She had to remember why she was doing this. She had to remember another man with charm to spare. Another man, like Gage, who’d broken hearts. “Yes, it’s ridiculous.”
Not a minute later, Red called attention to Gage from the stage. “Everybody, in case you didn’t notice, we’ve got our own Gage Tremaine in the house. And if you’re inclined, I think he’ll come up here to sing for us.”
Whistles and shouts broke out, and the place erupted in applause. Gage rose from his seat, in the limelight once again. But that wasn’t enough for him. Oh, no. “Come with me,” he said, extending his hand.
“What? No,” she blurted out quietly. “They don’t want to see me.”
“Not true. They want to see us. Together.” He winked. “C’mon.”
Given little choice, she put her hand in his and followed in his footsteps. The crowd parted, some slapping Gage on the back, others happy to eye him or take cell-phone photos. And once they stepped onstage, he held on tight, keeping one arm around her waist.
He said a few words to the band and turned, facing the crowd from behind the mic. “Thanks for the warm welcome,” he said. “I appreciate the support. Truth is, I haven’t sung in public since a broken beer bottle flew into my neck and slashed my throat. Yeah, that was unfortunate. Some of you might have heard a little something about that.”
Chuckles rang out. Gage could be charming when he had to be.
“But then,” he said, turning his blue-eyed gaze on her, “I wouldn’t have met up with this pretty lady again. Everyone, I’m proud to have you meet Miss Gianna Marino. My fiancée.”
Cheers went up, and Gianna smiled and waved.
“And yes, folks, she is a professor and one smart lady.” He winked at her again. “’Cause she’s marrying me.”
The patrons ate it up. Gage was a good actor. The very best.
He took up the mic and sang to her, a fun song about fishing and baseball. Everyone in the place knew the words and sang to their hearts’ content.
The music was contagious, the song so full of joy that she moved along with the crowd, clapping her hands, tapping her feet. The song ended, and a band member handed Gage a guitar. He grabbed two bar stools and gestured for her to take a seat.
Darn, the entire crowd watched her lumber up onto it. Grace not her strong suit, she managed to finally make herself comfortable on the thing.
Gage strummed a few notes, and the room quieted. He began to sing again, this time a soulful ballad, a love song that caressed the ears, a sweepingly beautiful tune about finding love for the very first time. Gage kept his eyes on her, and she forced herself to keep her gaze steady on him, but as the song went on, moving her, stroking her and touching her in ways she couldn’t logically explain, she was captured by his deep, rich tone and his beautiful blue eyes.
It was a rare moment, to be caught up so fully in one man.
When the song ended, Gianna gazed out to the audience. Many starry-eyed women stared at her, envy in their eyes. A battalion of goose bumps rose up her arms. Was Gage getting to her? Was she falling victim to his charisma, his charm?
Gage’s mouth lifted, satisfaction written on his face. He cupped her neck, drew her close and pressed a solid kiss to her lips.
Wow. Really, wow. Her heart sped wildly.
Was she a gooey-eyed woman now, too, mesmerized by a compelling voice and deadly good looks? Wasn’t that Gage’s intent? To convince people they were madly in love? And judging by the applause breaking out, it was working.
“Thank you, folks. But I’m afraid I have to say good-night now. It’s time for me to take my lady home.”
Her feminist side should be up in arms. She wasn’t anyone’s lady, but Gage’s tone indicated something far different. He was hers and she was his, in a way that delighted both women and men alike. Gage obviously knew how to enchant the crowd. And confuse the heck out of her.
She was coming to her senses after his display. And she wasn’t happy.
He led her offstage, both waving, Gage also tipping his hat. They stopped by the bar and found the owner vigorously wiping down the countertop.
“Good night, Red,” Gage said. “Nice seeing you again.” The men shook hands.
“Same. You’re always welcome here. And don’t forget me when you’re handing out wedding invites.”
Gage put his hand to his heart. “You got it.”
“Nice meeting you, miss.”
“Thanks for your hospitality.” He really was a lovable, kind of rough-around-the-edges ole guy.
“As I said, anytime.” He gave her a wink.
They stepped outside, and her shoulders dropped down. Tension oozed out of her. She’d been put on display and that wasn’t something she enjoyed. Gage reached for her hand, and instead of giving it to him, she fidgeted with the straps of her purse. She needed breathing room from him. All his touching and kissing was confusing her. He’d warned her they’d have to show affection, but there’d been no clear warning she’d actually respond to it—to him. And enjoy it.
She strode quietly down the street, picking up the pace, getting a few steps away from him. Breathing room.
He caught up in just a few strides. “Hey, what’s wrong?” he asked.
“Nothing,” she snapped. “Thanks for introducing me to Red. But the show’s over now. And I’m super tired.”
“Cranky is a better word.”
“Okay, so I’m cranky. Sue me.”
“Wow.” Noisy air pushed out of his chest. “You’re not kiddin’.”
“No, I’m not kidding. Are you forgetting about the interview tomorrow? I’m going to have to do this all over again.”
“Didn’t seem like you minded all that very much. You were getting all moony-eyed and sweet on me.”
“I was not sweet on you.” She wasn’t going to go there with him. “Do you like lying to your friend?”
“No, I...uh. Actually, I don’t. But it’s a white lie. Not meant to hurt anybody.”
“A lie is a lie, Gage.”
“Well, then.” He crossed his arms over his chest and leaned back on his boot heels. “Why don’t you quit lying to yourself?”
Her eyes squeezed shut. “I don’t lie to myself.”
“You like it when I kiss you.”
“Geesh, Gage.” She would admit no such thing. Even if it was a little bit true. It would serve no purpose to swell his ego that way. “Don’t be ridiculous.”
“Okay...but just so you know, for me, kissing you is the very best thing that’s come out of this charade. And I’m not lying.”
“TMI, Gage.” The frustrated woman in her wanted to cover her ears. “I don’t want to hear it.”
She hastened her steps, leaving him in the dust, and this time, he didn’t try to catch up.
Six
He rode in the back of the limo, Gianna in the seat beside him, on the way to the television station. The morning show started at 8:00 a.m., and they were just about to arrive. As quiet as a mouse, Gianna sat staring at notes on her tablet. He had no doubt she would deliver. She was smart, sharp and didn’t give an inch. Maybe she wore her conservative clothes this morning, a beige dress and matching blazer, to remind herself of who she really was, Professor Gianna Marino, and not some smitten fangirl who’d captured his heart. Her dark ha
ir was up, as tight as her expression, and her shoes were sensible heels.
But she couldn’t fool him. They had chemistry; whether it was convenient or not, it was there. No sense denying it. She wasn’t faking her response to his kisses. Electricity filled the air when they were in the same room, or the same car. Was it her resistance to him that intrigued him most about her? Was it the challenge she posed? Or the fact that she was forbidden fruit?
His mother’s warning came to mind.
Gianna’s vulnerable. Don’t take advantage of her.
His promises had seemed easy to keep at the time.
Now, not so much.
The limo stopped in front of the WKN building, and the driver opened Gianna’s door. Her head up, she exited the limo, taking the chauffeur’s helpful hand. Gage got out right after her and immediately entwined their fingers, forming a united front. “Are you ready for this?”
“I always study for an exam.”
“Good.” The lady came prepared. Gage was more the fly-by-the-seat-of-your-pants kind of guy. That’s why he sang for a living and she was an intellect.
“It’s normal to be nervous,” he assured her. Even though her smile was wide, the expression in her pretty green eyes wavered. “Took me quite a few before I got comfortable answering questions on live TV.”
“Then I’m very normal. And this is the one and only one, Gage.”
“I know. I appreciate it.”
Half an hour later, he and Gianna sat on a couch facing Johnny O’Flannery on the live stage. Gage kept his arm around Gianna’s shoulder, partly for show, but mostly to give her support. Hell, he’d practically forced her into doing this.
“Welcome back,” the host said after the commercial break. “And we have a real treat for you this morning. We’re joined by country superstar Gage Tremaine and his lovely brand-new fiancée, Professor Gianna Marino. Hi, you two.”
“Good to see you, Johnny,” Gage said.
“Nice to be here.” Gianna smiled at the famous host.
“Well, can I start out by saying you two make a great couple?”
“Thanks.” Gage tightened his hold on Gianna, bringing her shoulders closer to him.
“Gianna, congratulations on your engagement. It came as quite a surprise. Where has Gage been hiding you all this time? Is there any news you want to share with our viewers?”
“News?” Gianna said. “I think I can end the speculation right now. We’re not ready to start a family just yet. We want to spend time together first as a married couple.” Gianna shot him a warm, loving glance. “One day, maybe. Right, sweetheart?”
Gage cleared his throat. He wasn’t prepared for that question right out of the gate. But there must’ve been some speculation that he’d gotten Gianna pregnant and that was the reason for the quick engagement. Little did they know, aside from a few kisses, he hadn’t touched Gianna that way. Yet, man oh man, lately, he’d been imagining it. “Yeah, of course we want kids. But we want to enjoy some time alone. Gianna and I have just reconnected. I want her all to myself first for a little bit.”
“Gianna, you’ve known Gage most of your life. Why now, people are asking?” Johnny asked.
She sat up straighter and leaned forward slightly. Her body language skills were top-notch. “Yes, that’s right. Our families are close. Gage and I tiptoed around each other for years, but when he was injured recently in an unfortunate brawl, I realized my true feelings for him. I guess you could say it was mutual, and long overdue. And we didn’t have to take time to get to know one another like other couples do.” Gianna set her warm, sweet gaze on him. “So our love came naturally, growing over the years.”
Gianna spoke with such conviction, her words hitting home, and his heart lurched. He almost believed her, and it didn’t scare him or make him flinch. Instead, warmth spread through him like golden honey. Gage took her hand and lifted it to his lips. Her skin was so dang soft, her hand delicate in his, and every time he touched her in any way, even under camera lights, his heart bumped into high gear. He placed a kiss on her hand. Oohs and aahs rang out in the studio audience.
“And very long overdue,” he added.
“Gianna, would you say opposites attract? A university professor, who, I heard, doesn’t even like country music, marrying a bad boy superstar?”
A sweet smile graced Gianna’s expression. “Perhaps they do. But Gage is far from a bad person. I stand behind him completely and believe in his innocence. I have faith in him, in us. And I’m gaining a fine appreciation for country music now. Gage’s voice, in my opinion, is unequaled. He’s got a gift.”
“Can’t argue with that,” Johnny replied. “But his fans might disagree about his back-to-back scandals lately.”
“They’re smart people. They know the real Gage Tremaine. He’s not a cheater. He’s a true gentleman. His fans know that.”
Lately, he’d had a series of unfortunate incidents. He couldn’t figure his string of bad luck. Sometimes, fame and fortune wasn’t all it was cracked up to be. But now he was fighting back, Gianna helping him in his quest.
“So tell us a few things about yourself, Professor,” Johnny asked. “The entertainment world wants to get to know you better.”
“Well, I was raised by a loving single mother, Tonette Marino,” she began. “My father...uh, my father’s been gone a long while. Life wasn’t always easy for the two of us, but I knew I had Mama’s support no matter what I tried to accomplish. I was a scholarship student and achieved my professorship three years ago. I teach communication and family relationships, and my pet project is Learning and Literacy, a special foundation for children. We’re always looking for volunteers and donations, for those of your viewers who may be interested in lending a helping hand.”
“Is that what inspires you?”
“Everything about learning inspires me, but children who struggle to read are at a great disadvantage.”
“I have to say I’m impressed by your dedication. But this must be a difficult time for you. Your mother passed away recently.”
Gianna put her head down.
“It’s still painful for her,” Gage interjected, “so we don’t talk about it in public.” Gianna shouldn’t have to speak about her grief. Some things needed to stay private.
“No, it’s okay, sweetheart.” Gianna focused on the host, her eyes a little watery. “He’s always trying to protect me. Let’s just say I miss my mother every second of the day.”
“Terribly sorry for your loss, Gianna.” Johnny’s eyes softened.
Hearing her put it that way softened him up, too. Gianna was in pain every damn day. She wasn’t a wilting flower about it, though. She’d done a good job of convincing the world they were a match made in heaven. Hell, he’d even interrupted the interviewer to protect her, and while she might’ve thought that was all for show, it wasn’t. He wouldn’t allow anyone to hurt her. Not ever. Where in hell did all this protectiveness come from? Usually, he liked to get under her skin, but lately...
Johnny turned to him, breaking into his thoughts, and thank goodness for that. He asked about his plans for the rest of the year. Marriage plans. It was easy enough to be noncommittal and hint at a future date next year. And tour plans, which were up in the air until he knew whether or not he’d win the starring role in Sunday in Montana. They were safe enough subjects and ones he didn’t mind answering questions about. All the while, Gianna sat beside him, nodding and agreeing and being a pillar of support.
The interview lasted twenty minutes, an eternity on national morning shows. But it ended on a high note, with well wishes for the newly engaged couple and a plug for Gage’s latest album.
On their way to the limo, Gage put his arm around her shoulder and whispered, “You did amazing. I couldn’t have asked for a better interview. Mission accomplished.”
Gianna had been the picture of grace an
d refinement. She gave the world a clear look at her life, and all that meant good press for him. She’d been a rock, impressing the hell out of him. So the arm around her shoulder wasn’t just for show, but she’d never acknowledge that. She didn’t want it there, if not for their little charade. It burned him a little to know she wouldn’t give him the time of day otherwise.
“I was terrified,” she admitted.
“You didn’t seem like it. If your nerves were rattled, I couldn’t tell. And that meant that viewers were eating it up.”
“I’m just glad it’s over with now.”
They reached the limo, and the chauffeur opened the door. Gianna slipped in first, and then Gage followed, taking his seat and buckling up.
“Oh, boy. I can’t wait to get these shoes off. They’re too tight.”
She pried them off immediately and sighed, massaging her ankles. How any woman could stand wearing those things always baffled him.
“Back to the hotel now, I’ve got research to do.”
“Not just yet,” Gage said. “I have a surprise for you.”
“My feet hurt. I can’t put those torture devices back on.”
“No problem. We’ll stop along the way and get you some comfortable shoes.”
“I don’t feel like shoe shopping.”
“You’re being difficult. It’ll only take a minute. We’ll get you some comfy tennis shoes. You’re really going to like this surprise.”
Gianna plopped back against the seat, her head cushioned by soft leather, and closed her eyes. “I don’t like surprises,” she mumbled, all her vim and vigor taking a break.
“You’ll like this one. I guarantee it.”
The Fake Engagement Favor Page 9