“My goodness, Kade,” Jillian said with a light laugh. “It’s not like we haven’t kissed before.” She tipped her head back and pointed to the greenery hanging from one of the beams. “Besides, we’re under mistletoe, so we had to kiss. It’s tradition.”
Ah, so this was Jillian. She was fully clothed so that’s why Presley didn’t recognize her right away.
Kade looked up at the mistletoe and then settled his gaze on Presley. “Hey, I want you to meet someone,” he said, making a wide arc around Jillian to reach Presley’s side.
Jillian whirled around, her chocolate colored eyes tracking Kade as he took Presley’s hand and made the introductions.
“Jillian, I’d like you to meet my fiancée, Presley Windsor.”
“Fiancée?” Jillian asked as two perfectly sculpted eyebrows shot up with disbelief. “Why, Kade, I had no idea, or I wouldn’t have kissed you like that.”
Presley tamped down the urge to laugh out loud because this girl was fully aware of the situation thanks to modern technology and her ally, Marilyn Miles. “Hello,” Presley said, wondering what the etiquette was on meeting an ex-girlfriend. She better not have to hug her. She was liable to squeeze too hard and make her pass out. “It’s nice to meet you,” she said, deciding it was better not to initiate any contact at this time.
Jillian didn’t speak for several awkward moments as she scanned the length of Presley, starting from the top of her head all the way down to her stocking feet. Presley felt stupid while this girl blatantly sized her up. It didn’t help that Kade’s mother, sisters, and their spouses had formed a semi-circle around them, watching with rapt attention. Mr. Miles was playing it smart and had herded the grandkids back into the family room to finish watching the movie.
“You look so familiar to me,” Jillian finally said in a low, raspy voice that was probably sexy to most men, including Kade. “What did you say your name is again?”
“Presley Windsor,” Kade interjected. “Or maybe you know her as the Princess Warrior from American Ninja Champions?”
“No,” Jillian said, tapping a finger against her lower lip. “That doesn’t sound familiar. But then I’m not a Ninja Champion fan, either.”
Good. Presley wasn’t exactly a fan of ex-girlfriends, especially the conniving kind.
“I’m a fan,” Stacie chimed in. “Presley was amazing last season when she beat out Poison Ivy.”
Presley shot Stacie an appreciative smile. Kade’s sister had clearly taken a side. She made a mental note to get her another bag of chocolate covered cinnamon bears the next time she and Kade went out.
“Yeah,” Cody said. “Too bad you got knocked out of the next tier.”
Devon and Greg both started talking about that episode while their wives stayed quiet. They were either remaining neutral or siding with their mother.
“So what happened?” Greg asked. “It looked like you had a hold of the ledge and then you fell.”
“I know,” Presley said, shaking her head. “It surprised me too, but looking back, I could see I landed at a bad angle.”
The men asked a few more questions as if Kade’s ex-girlfriend wasn’t standing there glaring at her. “Are you ready for the new season?” Devon asked.
“Yeah,” Kade answered for her. “In fact, Presley has been chosen by the network to be on their season kick-off New Year’s special.” He squeezed her hand and addressed his mother. “Mom, we haven’t had a chance to talk to you, but the network is sending out a camera crew to the cabin to film me proposing to Presley.”
“We’re going to be on television?” Marilyn asked, sounding excited for the first time since Presley and Kade had arrived.
“Wait a minute,” Jillian said. “Are you saying that you haven’t actually asked her to marry you?”
“Of course he’s asked her,” Stacie said. “They’re only doing it for the viewers.”
“When are they coming?” Marilyn asked. “There’s so much to do, and I have no idea what to wear.”
“Mother,” Stacie said. “They’re coming to film Presley and Kade, not our family.”
Disappointment dulled Marilyn’s eyes. Presley knew this was her only chance to get on Marilyn’s good side. She wasn’t about to let this opportunity slip by her. “I’m sure they’ll want to get footage of Kade’s family. I can ask my agent about it tonight.”
For the first time, Marilyn offered a genuine smile at Presley. “How kind of you, dear,” she said in a voice that was far different from the tone she’d used earlier.
“That is kind,” Jillian said, sidling up to Kade’s mom and winding her arm through hers. “I’m sure you’ll look stunning on camera, Marilyn. Are you using a new cream because I swear you look ten years younger.”
Jillian’s flattery was enough to remind Marilyn whose side she was on. “Thank you, sweetheart,” Marilyn said, giving Jillian a quick hug. “My dermatologist created her own skincare line, and it is simply a miracle worker.”
“Suck up,” Stacie murmured just loud enough for only Presley to hear.
Presley really wanted to hug Stacie, but Jillian was moving in with a predatory gleam in her eyes. “I’m dying to see your ring,” she said, reaching out and grabbing Presley’s left hand. “Oh,” she said, not feigning how unimpressed she was. “How lovely.”
Presley wanted to snatch her hand away but the rest of the women had all moved in to get a good look at the ring.
Kade’s sisters were kinder, pointing out different things like how delicate the setting was and how good the white gold looked with Presley’s skin tone.
“Kade,” Marilyn said when it was her turn to look at the diamond ring, “that’s not Grandma Hunter’s ring.”
Presley felt Kade’s body go rigid. She had no idea what the significance was about his grandmother’s ring, but one look at him told her he was upset. He visibly swallowed and licked his lips.
“It’s my mother’s wedding ring,” Presley said truthfully. “She passed away when I was young, and I asked Kade if he was okay with me wearing her ring.”
“That is very sweet,” Marilyn said with unexpected tenderness. “And I’m so sorry for your loss.”
“Thank you.” Tears stung the back of Presley’s eyes, and her throat felt thick as if she’d stuck a spoonful of peanut butter in her mouth. It was silly to want to win Kade’s mother over. After all, she wasn’t really marrying her son.
“That is sweet,” Allison said just as one of the kids started crying from the other room.
“That sounds like Blake,” Jamie said, glancing at her watch. “It’s almost bedtime for him. Once I put him down, we can start the gingerbread house competition.”
“I just love that tradition,” Jillian said as Jamie and her husband went to get their son. “Kade, remember when we collaborated and made the two-story house that won the grand prize?”
Presley could tell Kade was still recovering from the Grandma Hunter ring comment and didn’t answer Jillian. His mother, on the other hand, jumped right in and continued reminiscing.
“I remember that house,” Marilyn said as Ben came into the room carrying Stacie’s daughter. She was sound asleep on her grandpa’s shoulder. “I have a picture of it in the Christmas photo album. We’ll have to look at it later.”
Jealousy sliced through Presley like a newly sharpened knife, cutting her deeply. She didn’t have the kind of history Jillian had with this family. The Christmas photo album would be filled with photos of Jillian and Kade over the past years.
“Let me take her, Dad,” Greg said, transferring the sleeping angel from his father-in-law to his arms.
The other children had migrated back into the room. Kade let go of Presley’s hand to pick up Brooklyn. Marilyn directed the older children toward the kitchen with the promise of a snack, and Ben went with his wife. Allie held out her arms for Brooklyn, but the little girl shook her head. “I want Uncle Kade to carry me.”
“Be right back,” Kade said before following his sister
to the kitchen, leaving Presley with Cody and Jillian.
“Sorry, ladies,” Cody said with a smile. “I need a snack too.”
That left Presley all alone with Jillian. Before she could come up with an excuse to find Kade, Jillian plastered on a smile. “Well, it’s just us girls.”
“Yep.”
“I’m anxious to hear how you and Kade met each other.” Jillian must like invading people’s personal space. She wound her arm through Presley’s like they were besties catching up. “So, how long have you known Kade?”
“For the past seven years,” Presley said, eyeing the path to the kitchen. What was taking Kade so long?
“Really?” Jillian arched a questioning brow. “I don’t recall him ever mentioning your name,” she said in an overly sweet voice.
“I don’t recall him mentioning you, either,” Presley said just as sweetly.
The corner of Jillian’s eyes twitched as her smile widened, revealing perfectly straight teeth. “Have you and Kade set a wedding date?” Her voice was as tight as a piano string.
“Not yet.” Presley’s gaze darted toward the kitchen. Where in the heck was Kade? “We’re not in any hurry.”
“Well, I guess that means you aren’t pregnant,” Kade’s ex said with a tinkling laugh that was as fake as Jillian’s boobs.
“Hey,” Kade said, rescuing Jillian from getting her eyes scratched out. Presley had never understood that term until now. “Let’s go get our luggage, and I’ll show you to your room.”
Presley was a breath away from declaring she and Kade would be sharing a room but kept her mouth shut. No need to get any further on Marilyn’s bad side. While she was getting settled, Presley would have to brush up on her flattery skills. It seemed to be one of the only ways to get Kade’s mother to smile.
“I’ll come with you,” Jillian said as if being the third wheel wasn’t awkward or anything. “I need to get my stuff too.”
The trip outside was as uncomfortable as a poorly fitted bra. Presley chafed at Jillian’s happy chatter, but Kade bought right into it, laughing at the cute little stories Jillian had in her arsenal. Like the time they teamed up for the annual Christmas talent show and sang a duet. Presley had no idea Kade could sing. She wondered what else she didn’t know about this man she was pretending to be engaged to.
By the time they made it to their perspective rooms, Presley was ready to shove Kade out her window. Didn’t he see what Jillian was doing?
“Kade, do you mind if I take this room?” Jillian asked when Kade set his bag by the door of the room next to Presley’s. “I don’t mind sharing the bathroom with Presley, and then you can have a bathroom all to yourself.”
“Uh, sure,” Kade said, picking up his duffel. He glanced at Presley. “I’ll just be on the other side.”
“Sounds good,” Presley said, forcing her lips into a cheesy smile, so she didn’t stick her tongue out at Jillian. “I’m going to change, and then I’ll meet you downstairs.”
Kade’s dark eyebrows bunched together. Presley needed to cool down before she said or did something stupid. She slipped inside her room and firmly closed the door before Kade had a chance to say anything.
Her anger was temporarily disabled as she took a good look at her luxurious accommodations. Most people only decorated one or two rooms for Christmas, but Marilyn was not most people. The entire room was tastefully adorned with beautiful Christmas décor of silver, white, and red. There was even a small Christmas tree in the corner with red and white twinkling lights and mini glass ornaments. The best part was the Christmas village on top of the dresser.
Presley skimmed her palm over the handmade Christmas quilt covering the queen-sized bed as she crossed the room to look more closely at the miniature houses. There were only four but each one had a magical Christmas scene depicted in the window, backlit by a small light. Presley wished she could shrink down and go into each house.
A clanking noise sounded through the door of the Jack and Jill bathroom connected to the room next door. Irritation at Jillian put a damper on Presley’s cheerful mood like someone had snuffed out a candle. She wanted to throw something at the door when Jillian started singing a lovely rendition of “I’m Dreaming of a White Christmas” while she showered. Her crystal clear voice floated on the air and drifted inside Presley’s room through the crack underneath the door.
The immature side of her wanted to roll up a towel to close off the gap. She was searching for a towel when her phone pinged an incoming text.
Thinking it might be Kade, she ignored the message for all of twenty seconds. Digging her phone from her front pocket, she saw Brynlee’s name on the screen.
Brynlee: Just checking in with you to see how it’s going.
Presley: Kade’s mother doesn’t like me, and his ex-girlfriend showed up and is staying in the room next to mine.
Brynlee’s reply was a video call. Presley didn’t want to be overheard, so she opened the closet doors and climbed inside before answering the phone.
“Shut up,” Brynlee said, her eyes wide with shock. “I didn’t even know Kade had an ex-girlfriend.”
“Well, he does,” Presley said, leaning back against the closet wall. “Her name’s Jillian Hastings. Oh, and get this. Not only is she his ex, but she’s also a close family friend and BFF’s with Kade’s mom.”
“No way.” Brynlee squinted at the camera. “Where are you?”
“In the closet.” Presley turned her phone around to show Brynlee the room and the adjoining door to the bathroom. “Jillian and I are sharing a bathroom.”
“Nice digs,” Brynlee said when Presley turned the phone back around.
“I know.” Presley wished she could take Brynlee on a virtual tour of the house but figured it would be too tacky for someone like Marilyn Miles. “This house is not a cabin. It has twelve bedrooms.”
“Wow, the network is going to love filming there.”
“They will.” Presley wrinkled her nose. “I wonder if they’ll do a nice little segment on my fiancé’s ex-girlfriend spending Christmas with his family.”
“Wait,” Brynlee said. “Are you telling me she’s staying for Christmas?”
“Uh-huh,” Presley said, noticing that Jillian was now singing, “All I Want for Christmas is You.” Ignoring the melodious voice, she told Brynlee everything, including the mistletoe kiss Jillian and Kade shared.
“Sounds like she’s desperate.” A mischievous glint danced in Brynlee’s eyes. “Speaking of kissing…have you and Kade broken any rules yet?”
“No, but there were a couple of close calls where I thought Kade wanted to kiss me.” Presley shook her head. “It was probably just my imagination.”
“Girl, Kade has wanted you for a long time. Travis is too blind to see it, and you and Kade do a nice little dance around the sizzling chemistry as if ignoring it will make it go away.”
Presley’s heart skipped a couple of beats as she considered Brynlee’s words. There were times over the past couple of years that she sensed Kade was attracted to her, but he never acted on it. “Maybe I should drag him underneath the mistletoe and kiss him as a test. If he responds, then I’ll know he’s into me.”
“Do it!” Brynlee said. “Do it even if there isn’t mistletoe. You all are engaged and are allowed to kiss.”
“I should probably wait until we aren’t surrounded by his family,” Presley said. She smiled, thinking about Kade interacting with his sisters’ children. “You should see Kade with his nieces and nephews.” She launched into a narrative, describing each child and how cute Kade was with them.
“Oh, sweetie,” Brynlee said. “I knew you liked Kade, but I didn’t know you’re in love with him.”
Presley thought about denying it, but the way she felt about Kade was the one honest thing in this whole fake fiancé gig. “Ugh, unrequited love sucks,” Presley said.
“I don’t think it’s as hopeless as that,” Brynlee said softly. “Kade just needs to open his eyes.”
<
br /> The shower had stopped, but Presley’s semi-roommate was singing “Baby It’s Cold Outside.” It was the song she and Kade sang together a few years earlier. Was Jillian practicing for an encore with Kade?
“Oh, I forgot to tell you that Jillian has spent many Christmas’s here and participated in their annual family talent show.” She went on to explain how Jillian and Kade sang a duet together. “Kade already told his sisters that we are planning on doing something for the talent show but I don’t know what to do unless throat-punching Jillian counts as a talent.”
“Not sure that would win over Mommy Dearest,” Brynlee said with a snicker. “But I’m sure we can come up with something for you to do.”
“Like what?”
“Well, you’re an amazing athlete.”
“Thanks, but I doubt they have an obstacle course nearby.” Presley tapped the back of her head against the wall. “Seriously, I feel like Sandra Bullock’s character in Miss Congeniality, trying to come up with a decent talent, only I don’t have Michael Caine to help me.”
“I’ll be your Michael Caine and will think of a talent for you,” Brynlee said. “That reminds me, have you unpacked yet?”
“Not yet,” Presley said, knowing she needed to do it sooner than later, so her clothes didn’t get too wrinkled. “What does that have to do with Michael Caine?”
“Nothing, but I remembered that I packed that little red dress for you just in case you need to go formal.” Brynlee gave her an exaggerated wink. “Or need to dazzle Kade with a sexy dress.”
Brynlee was the one who made Presley buy the little red dress, which Travis wasn’t too keen on her wearing out in public. Her older brother was funny. Presley wore sports bras and shorts to workout in all the time, but according to him, the red dress showed off too much of her assets.
A knock on the door made Presley yelp. “I gotta go.” Scooting out of the closet, she stood up and whispered, “I’ll call you later.”
“Kiss him,” Brynlee said before Presley ended the video call.
“Yes?” Presley asked when another knock sounded on her door.
“Hey, it’s Kade. Are you ready to head downstairs?”
Her Stand-In Fake Fiancé Page 8