Fake Engagement, Nashville Style

by Jules Bennett

  “You’re practically on my lap,” she muttered as she glanced between them and then up to his face.

  Luke smiled. “I feel like you’re not taking your role as doting fiancée seriously.”

  “I feel like you’re purposely being difficult.”

  He shrugged. “Too late to back out. We had an agreement.”

  Her eyes narrowed and Luke ignored her anger. There was a fine line between anger and arousal, and right now, he was on one side and she was on the other. He knew just where to touch her, just what to say, to pull her over to his side...or, at the very least, to meet him in the middle.

  Yet here he was, trying to play all noble, as if he didn’t want to strip her down and see if they were just as good together as they’d been before. There wasn’t a doubt in Luke’s mind that they would be just as hot, if not hotter.

  Damn, he could use a physical release, but he wasn’t going to go that far...not with Cassandra. He wasn’t a masochist. He wouldn’t be hurt by her again. And despite how they’d ended, he still respected women and would never be such a jerk.

  Cassandra turned her focus back to the table. “So what are we having? I’m starving.”

  That was one thing he remembered. She’d always had a hearty appetite, and he had really loved that about her. She wasn’t one to shy away from what she wanted, or worry about carbs and all that. Cassandra had so much confidence, she had such a love for life... He’d naively thought they could have some grand dynasty with his businesses.

  Looking back, maybe he had been selfish, maybe he hadn’t seen how important her own goals had been because he’d been so busy with his own. He hadn’t thought she would just up and leave him, though. That harsh action on her part had proven they weren’t meant to be together. If they were, she would have stayed, or they would have found a way back to each other...and not in some warped fake manner.

  “I had them prepare bacon-wrapped sliders, some crab cakes and there is some grilled asparagus.”

  She started removing the domed lids and she literally moaned right there. Moaned. As if he needed another reaction from her to turn him on.

  “Eat as much as you want. I had a late lunch and I’m fine with beer.”

  She reached for a slider and set it on her plate. “What beers do you have on tap? Local ones, I presume.”

  “I try to support local as much as possible, but I also keep up with the demand of more well-known brands, too. There is a demographic that doesn’t like the IPA or craft beers and prefers the more traditional.”

  “Give me your favorite local draft,” she told him with a smile.

  Luke jerked slightly. “I didn’t think you liked beer.”

  Cassandra shrugged and her smile widened. “There’s quite a bit you don’t know about me now. I’m not the same girl I used to be.”

  Clearly, she wasn’t. With that revelation, a part of him wanted to uncover all the ways she’d changed. First off, she drank beer, which was surprising. She’d never liked any type of alcohol before, always saying it tasted bitter.

  “Do you prefer a fruity beer or something stout?” he asked.

  “Surprise me,” she countered with that saucy, flirty grin.

  Now that was the old Cassandra he knew. She used to love surprises and he had always enjoyed giving them. Spontaneity had been one of the main components of their relationship. They’d been happy once. Hell, he’d been happy up until the moment she’d left. He hadn’t seen that coming and the bitterness had consumed him for much too long after she’d gone.

  Now she was back and he hadn’t even realized he wanted the chance to prove he was over her, but he was getting the opportunity. He’d prove that he’d been just fine without her, and would continue to be fine without her. And if he got a sliver of payback at the same time, then so be it.

  Luke glanced to his VIP-room bartender and that’s all it took for Miles to come over and promptly take their orders. After deciding on a couple of flights for Cassandra to try, Luke ordered his favorite pilsner.

  Just as the drinks arrived, Cassandra let out a gasp and grabbed her cell. Luke glanced over to see her fingers flying over the screen, and she kept muttering.

  Intrigued, Luke curled his hands around his chilled stein and watched her. She continued to talk to herself, something about catering and seating charts.

  After several minutes, she slid her phone back into her purse and turned toward him.

  “So, tell me what we have here,” she said as she gestured toward the flights.

  Luke laughed. “What was all that about?”

  “What?”

  “The phone, the self-chatter. Do you do that often?”

  “Oh, um, yes.” She shrugged and turned back to survey the flights. She chose the palest first. “When I think of something for work, I need to get it into my notes or I’ll completely forget it. There’s too much swirling around in my mind for me to possibly remember everything I have going on.”

  “And something inspired you from being here and ordering beer?” he asked.

  Cassandra threw him a glance. “I get inspiration from everywhere.”

  Interesting. He wanted to dig deeper into that mind of hers. He wanted to know what made her think of his brother’s wedding while they were on a pretend date. Did she ever insert elements into others’ weddings that she wanted in her own? Did she even want to get married anymore?

  Why was his mind even wandering to those questions? He didn’t care about her personal life. The only reason he’d come up with this fake engagement was to get some relief from the women bombarding him since he’d been named the most eligible bachelor in the area. Working had become difficult when all he’d been able to do was pose for selfies, have phone numbers slipped into his pockets, and get propositioned. While that was all great as an ego boost, he really did need to focus on work, and he sure as hell wasn’t looking to add a Mrs. to his Mr.

  A flash of red hair and a tight dress caught the corner of his eye and Luke glanced around for a split second before dread settled in his gut. Quickly, he slid his arm along the back of the booth behind Cassandra. She turned to him, her eyes darting to his mouth as he leaned in closer.

  “What—?”

  His lips covered hers, and once again, she seemed to fall right in tune with him as she met his kiss with a demand of her own. The passion was instant and strong, which was why he knew if they attempted a temporary fling, it might be dangerous, but they would both thoroughly enjoy themselves.

  Cassandra’s hand slid along his thigh as she eased closer and opened her lips for him. She might tell him that she’d changed over the years, but this was still the same passionate woman he’d enjoyed years ago.

  Luke tipped his head and reached up, cupping her jaw and seeking more. Damn, the woman could kiss, and there wasn’t a thing in this world that could make him stop...

  “She’s gone, sir.”

  Except the sound of his bodyguard.

  Luke broke the kiss and turned his focus to Jake, who merely nodded and then slipped away.

  “What—what was that?” Cassandra panted.

  “A woman was walking this way with her eyes on me,” Luke murmured, still trying to catch his own breath.

  Cassandra smoothed her hair away from her face. “Oh, right. Our relationship.”

  Yeah, exactly. She’d forgotten about the ruse and for a brief moment, so had he. Those kisses, all two that they’d shared so far, were already getting to him...

  How in the hell was he supposed to keep pretending? Every single part of him wanted her, wanted more than this farce. True, he’d set the terms, but he needed a redo and he needed to add in a hell of a lot more than kisses here and there.

  “I’m going to need a heads-up before you come in for the attack next time,” she murmured.

  With his arm still behind her back, Luke
shifted his body to angle more toward her.

  “Attack?” he whispered. “You were more than a willing participant, in both instances.”

  Cassandra pursed her lips. “So what? You’re a good kisser. That doesn’t mean I don’t need a second to process before it happens.”

  “Fine,” he conceded. “What word do you want me to say before I kiss you?”

  She seemed to think for a half second before a grin spread across her face. That grin should’ve scared the hell out of him because the woman looked like she was about to make him regret that question.

  “Sorry.”

  Luke blinked. “Excuse me.”

  “I’d like you to say ‘sorry’ before you kiss me next time.”

  Of all the things he thought she’d say, “sorry” certainly wasn’t one of them.

  “Why would I do that?” he asked.

  “Because you asked what I wanted and that’s it.” She scooted away just a fraction and took a drink of the next beer in her sample lineup. “This is delicious. I definitely love this one the best so far. It’s smooth, but still full of flavor.”

  As he sat and listened to her discuss her beer, he realized that he’d lost control here—she’d just successfully laid down another rule. Damn it. He really wasn’t sure he was going to come out the other side of this unscathed.

  Unless he set a few rules of his own.

  Four

  Cassandra maneuvered through her computer-generated layout, still not happy with the arrangement of the decor. Even though this was Plan B, in case of inclement weather, it had to be just as perfect as the main plan.

  She stood up from the desk in her penthouse and stretched her arms over her head. She’d gotten in late last night after spending several hours at The Cheshire with Luke. She couldn’t deny that she’d had a great time and had seen him in his element. People loved him, especially the ladies.

  Cassandra also couldn’t deny the surge of jealousy that had stayed with her all night. Too many women had tried to slip Luke their numbers or get their picture with the Most Eligible Bachelor. No way did Cassandra dare walk away from him, or she’d never hear the end of how she hadn’t kept up her side of the bargain. She’d stuck by his side all night, just like any devoted fiancée would have.

  Luke had kept his arm around her waist most of the night and one time even slid his hand into hers, but there had been no more kisses. Maybe because he didn’t want to use the code word, but she smiled every time she thought about him having to apologize before kissing her next time.

  Cassandra went to the minibar and poured a glass of pinot, then turned back to the balcony doors and stared out at the sunset. This was such a gorgeous view and she felt comfortable here, even though this was all temporary. For the next few months, this was going to be her home.

  She wasn’t sure if she’d settled in so easily because she’d grown up in Beaumont Bay, or if seeing Luke and Will had pulled her back to the good times in her past. She wasn’t sure what would happen once she saw the entire Sutherland crew. They’d been like family to her, but she had to expect the flood of memories—she just hoped she didn’t get too swept up in the ambiance of the wedding and the tight bond of the brothers and their parents.

  Travis and Dana Sutherland were the quintessential couple who worked hard to show their children how to make their way through life. Travis was the most popular real-estate mogul in Beaumont Bay and the surrounding area. He’d hoped one of his sons would take him up on the idea of joining the family business, but all four boys had loved music in one way or another. Cassandra knew they each had gone in that direction in their own way.

  Cassandra took a sip of her wine and reminded herself once again that she was only back here on business...and those kisses were just business, too. All part of the temporary arrangement to get the boost she needed as she set off on her own in a high-profile industry.

  This would all work out and the sacrifice to her sanity would be worth it. Besides, it wasn’t like she didn’t enjoy kissing Luke. The man was impossible to ignore and she couldn’t deny her attraction to him. But attraction didn’t mean she had to take action. She could kiss him, hold hands, even snuggle a little, and still remain emotionally detached.

  Right? She just couldn’t get too wrapped up in the Sutherland family because they had been so damn difficult to leave the first time. She’d missed them so much and had felt like she’d broken many relationships, not just the one with Luke.

  With another sip of wine, Cassandra turned to the piano next to the wall of windows overlooking the city. She couldn’t believe it when she’d come into the penthouse and spotted this beauty. About seven years ago she’d taken up the hobby of playing, needing something to occupy her time when she wasn’t working. Coming home to an empty space after being in a relationship for so long had been way too quiet, way too lonely. It had started taking a mental toll on her, so she’d taken up the piano and fallen in love.

  It had taken her a long time to get over the heartache of Luke Sutherland. Learning the piano had been so relaxing, giving her a creative outlet that only she knew about. That way there was no criticism, no right or wrong way. She just enjoyed herself, and over the years she’d actually gotten pretty good.

  Cassandra set her glass of wine on the top of the piano and took a seat at the white bench. She lifted the piano lid and stared down at the ebony and ivory keys before delicately placing her fingertips over them. Instantly, she closed her eyes as her hands traveled, a familiar tune filling the open space, immediately soothing her soul.

  When she finished with one song, she eased right into another, humming along as she allowed the music to whisk her away. Cassandra didn’t know how long she played—all she knew was she needed the mental break and nothing relaxed her like the piano.

  She played the final note of the song, then pulled in a deep breath and opened her eyes. Movement from her peripheral vision had her jerking around on the bench.

  “Sorry, just me.”

  Cassandra came to her feet, her heart beating fast. “What the hell are you doing in here? How did you get in?”

  “I buzzed for you to let me in,” Luke explained. “I heard the piano, so I guess you didn’t hear me. When did you learn to play? That was amazing.”

  Crossing her arms over her chest, Cassandra narrowed her eyes. “Answer my question first. How did you get in here?”

  He just stared at her like she was silly for asking. He might be powerful and own the bar space and be chummy with the owners and managers of The Beaumont, but that didn’t mean he could do whatever he wanted.

  This nonchalant manner of his had to go...and so did his line of thinking.

  “You can’t just let yourself in,” she scolded. “What if I’d just gotten out of the shower?”

  His eyes traveled over her body and she realized she’d said the exact wrong thing. No doubt that would have made him even more excited.

  “I’ve seen all you have,” he reminded her. “And I didn’t mean to creep you out by letting myself in. I just assumed you couldn’t hear me.”

  “Well, I still deserve respect and privacy,” she retorted. “We’re just pretending, remember? I need my own space, Luke. What are you doing here, anyway?”

  He shook his head. “I answered your question, now answer mine. When did you learn to play like that?”

  “When you crushed my heart and I moved away. I needed something to occupy my time so I picked up a hobby.”

  Luke’s lips thinned as the muscles in his jaw ticked. He took a step toward her, and then another, until all that was between them was the piano bench.

  Cassandra held her ground and never looked away from that expressive stare that had her pinned and mesmerized. She’d always loved his dark eyes, which were framed by even darker lashes. Now he also had a close-cropped beard that only added to his sexy, rugged allure. He looke
d nothing like the billionaire he’d come to be and maybe that’s why she was having such a difficult time focusing. She kept seeing the young man he used to be, but she was also fascinated by the man he’d become.

  “Crushed your heart?” he repeated. “Maybe you don’t remember exactly how things went down.”

  Seriously? Was he honestly trying to play the victim here?

  Cassandra reached for her glass of wine and took a sip, realizing it had gotten warm. She was definitely going to need to refresh her glass.

  “I’m not rehashing the past.” She turned and headed toward the bar in the corner, putting some much-needed distance between them. “That’s not why I came back to town and what’s done is done.”

  She refilled her glass and turned back to face him. Thankfully, the bar top now separated them. “Now, what are you doing here?” she asked again.

  “I wanted to know if you would like to come up tonight,” he told her. “I have a new band that sounds amazing and I think they’re really going to hit it big. They have some interest from Nashville and I invited Will tonight to listen to them and hopefully offer them a deal.”

  Luke seemed pretty excited about this group, which made her smile. Despite how they’d parted years ago, and their current turmoil, Luke had really grown something remarkable with his businesses. She had to admit a sliver of her was jealous, but that was ridiculous. How could she be jealous of a thing? Of course, he was proud of all he’d accomplished, and he should be. Being jealous at this stage in the game was both childish and unreasonable.

  Besides, she’d moved on, as well, so anything she felt now was just residual and had no place in the present.

  “That sounds like fun, but I really need to work so I can be prepared when I meet with Hannah again.”

  Luke leaned against the glossy bar top, flattening his palms on the marble. “You were so damn prepared when we were there last, you were all but ordained to do the ceremony yourself.”