Fake Fiancé, Real Love: Fake Fiance Accidental Marriage Box Set

by Dez Burke

  “Hey, did you say you were supposed to be with her for a charity thing on Thursday?” Tommy asked thoughtfully. “Could it be that fund-raising dinner you're meant to attend for the Beecroft Foundation?”

  Jordan’s eyebrows rose. “I’m not sure. I’ll have to ask my secretary. You’re sure the Beecroft thing’s on Thursday?”

  “Yeah,” Tommy said. “We both got invites last month, remember? But I’m going to be out of town by then on business and will miss the whole shindig. What are the chances it might be the same event Tia expects you to attend with her?”

  “She hasn’t emailed me yet with the details, but there’s a possibility,” Jordan said, somewhat worriedly. He was meant to deliver a brief speech at that function. He was a major sponsor of that charity and always used his links with the big corporations to gather support for its cause. Imagining that he might just have to attend the event as Tia’s male escort made him break out inexplicably in a sweat.

  Tommy was looking at him interestedly. “I think you should wait to hear from her before you start to feel concerned. It could be two different events and you’ll just have to cancel with her. But what if it’s one and the same? She’d definitely find out who you are when you give your speech. How are you going to explain that a big-time city financier mastermind is doubling as a gigolo in his spare time? Somehow, I don’t think she’ll buy it.”

  Jordan placed fingers to his throbbing temples. Shit. Shit. Shit.

  “Looks like you may just have to come clean after all,” Tommy said with a grunt as he sat back, looking far more pleased than the situation warranted. Jordan didn’t expect his friend to feel sorry for him but he needn’t look so smug.

  Chapter Twenty-Two: Tia

  Tia could confide in Josie the way she couldn’t with Alyssa. Josie had been living next door to Tia for the past year and both women got along so well you’d think they’d known each other for ages. Ever since they found out they came from the same hometown in the South, they’d gotten closer and spent a lot of time visiting each other’s apartments. They led different lifestyles; Tia had a career in the corporate environment while Josie turned her hobby into her trade; she was a successful artist who sold her portraits in upscale art galleries and also did private commissions which fetched a pretty sum.

  She’d let Tia into her studio within her apartment and Tia sat in a comfy chair nursing a coffee mug while Josie worked on a painting for a client’s young child.

  “You don’t think I’m too much of a degenerate for hiring a male escort, do you?” Tia blurted. She’d told Josie everything and her friend and neighbor hadn’t batted a single eyelid. Though Josie did look back from her canvas in surprise at Tia’s blunt choice of words.

  “It’s not something I’d ever do but there’s no doubt I admire your guts,” Josie said, pushing up her trendy glasses higher on her rounded nose. She was very slender and petite. Tia had always openly envied Josie’s girlishly slight figure while Josie complained that she’d give anything to be able to put on some padding to match Tia’s gifts in the curves department.

  “I know it’s far from common,” Tia said glumly, staring into her dark brew. “I was just so desperate for a date and then I got in way over my head. I don’t know what I’ve been thinking.”

  “But you did say this Jordan fellow came highly recommended from a friend’s friend,” Josie pointed out as she went on with her painting.

  Deep within, she told herself how she hated being reminded that Jordan had been with other women in his capacity as a gigolo. She tried to convince herself it was similar to meeting someone who just happened to have a lot of ex-girlfriends or past lovers. But Tia knew this was entirely different. She had men in her past too and most probably in her future but she didn’t indulge in casual sex with them. That’s what Jordan did and though she couldn’t judge him for it she still felt tortured that she was so drawn to him despite his way of life.

  “So we can definitely say you’re not the only one who’s tried it,” continued Josie with a sensible tone. “It’s probably not as popular a market as men using female escorts or call girls but the market exists all the same.”

  “I know that; of course.” Tia sighed heavily, turning to look out of the window at the bright lights over the city showing from the high-rise apartment.

  Josie glanced at Tia and then placed her brush down, wiped off her hands and came to sit on the arm of Tia’s chair, her expression kind. “You aren’t really bothered about the hiring a gigolo part, are you? You’re more cut up about falling for one. So now what are you going to do?”

  Josie had hit the nail on the head, Tia felt as she shook her head in confusion. “I don’t know if it’s really so much about falling for him but being so struck by him I find it hard to back away. I’m supposed to be attending a function with him next week and yet I’m itching with the thought that I shouldn’t be seeing him again knowing I’m not as immune to him as I should be.”

  “He’s really that hot?” Josie asked with interest.

  Tia had to smile, though ruefully. “Even you couldn’t resist him.”

  Josie drew back with eyebrows raised high. “Really?”

  Tia elbowed her playfully. “Absolutely. Jordan’s just so...he’s different. I keep saying that to myself even though I can’t really explain how.” She sobered as she wrapped her hands around her mug. She closed her eyes briefly and pictured him the way she remembered; charming and self-assured with loads of class but not in an over-smooth way. And his touch – dear heaven, his touch...melted her down like a Dali painting.

  Tia only had to close her eyes and she could see his face; lean-jawed and cleanly cut with slashes in his jaw when he smiled. His eyes were a blazing dark grey that could cut through her belly with just one look; his black hair so thick her fingers twanged in need to run through it again. His chiseled nose; finely outlined and just as kissable as his lips. Damn, those lips. The things he did with them be it on her mouth above or below. Tia felt a hidden tremor course through her veins at the memories.

  “I’ve never believed great sex should be a foundation for true emotion,” Tia said softly, eyes downcast. “A man’s expertise in bed didn’t automatically buy him a place in a woman’s heart. I’m not saying I’m totally sure, but I feel in my heart that it’s more than just his hot bedroom skills that makes Jordan so captivating to me. I really wish I had the chance to explore where it could lead. But I can’t.”

  Josie regarded Tia thoughtfully for some moments, before saying gaily, “Why don’t we go out tonight? Check out my new favorite bar and grill. Just picture it: monster burgers – I’m talking plate size here, plus cream cheese mashed potatoes -”

  “’m not really hungry,” Tia began doubtfully but Josie held up her hand.

  “Now now, Tia Cole, hold up and let me finish. They have at least twenty prime beers on tap – and it’s playoff season so you’ll absolutely love the big screens. And oh, best of all it’s very dude-friendly. We’re bound to make some new friends.”

  She wriggled her eyebrows meaningfully, a grin splitting her pretty face. Tia still felt tentative about socializing especially in her mood but she figured going out beat sitting around in her old sweats going on and on about Jordan. Josie was genuinely fun to be with when they went out. She got along with anyone and had no problem at all meeting people, especially guys. Besides they were both young and single so there really wasn’t anything to stop them hanging out in a bar and having fun.

  Just the effort of dressing up and leaving the house gave Tia something to look forward to though she wasn’t so sure about the making new friends part – new friends meaning the male variety, of course. Tia had been unattached for more than a half-year now but she still wasn’t enthusiastic about diving into the dating pool just yet.

  Giving Josie a smile, Tia let herself get dragged to her feet. Looking sheepish, she said gamely, “Sorry if I sounded so needy – and I promise not to be a wet-blanket tonight. Let’s do this.”r />
  “Alright!” Josie hurrahed, patting Tia’s shoulder firmly. “We’ll have you over your Jordan crush in no time!”

  It sure as hell felt like more than a crush – how about a full-on obsession what with daydreaming about him all day and then fantasizing about him all night. But Tia let Josie’s comment slide and went over to her place to get ready for their impromptu outing.

  Chapter Twenty-Three: Jordan

  Jordan felt the blood course straight from his brain down to his groin at the sound of Tia’s voice. She’d barely spoken five words, “Hello Jordan. It’s me, Tia.” And already he got hard as a plank. Her cultured, smooth-lined voice did things to his senses no woman ever could. Just hearing her speak brought the stimulating visual of Tia saying his name breathlessly as he’d fucked her face to face, bringing her to a headboard-banging climax.

  He was at his desk, and the moment he heard her voice on the line, he dismissed his secretary who’d been taking notes on some correspondence he wanted sent out to clients. Once the door shut behind her, Jordan rose and held the phone to his ear, looking out the window at the cityscape.

  “Hi, Tia. Great to hear from you.”

  “Thank you.” She paused, and he waited, willing his cock to stop going crazy and diminish from its bulge that had his pants feeling too damned tight.

  “I know I was supposed to email you details about the event on Thursday,” she continued.

  Again she paused and Jordan felt like running his fingers through his hair in a state of disturbance. How the hell had he let this female get to him so bad? What was it about her? She wasn’t like any woman he’d ever been with but she already knew that. She’d called him on Monday, just days after their first encounter, and he hadn’t hesitated to meet her for a few hours of sex. Paid for, no less. He remembered slipping the money he didn’t want or need into his pocket and feeling like an absolute shit yet telling himself at least, he was giving her what she craved.

  Yeah, sure. Jordan the Good Samaritan to sex-deprived women. How noble, he mocked himself. And the worst part was that if she suggested they meet up again, he knew he’d agree. He’d drop everything again and show up wherever she wanted, to be whatever she wanted just to have her one more time. Even though it was all a farce; with him pretending to be what he wasn’t. But then was that so corrupt? He’d become what she wanted him to be for her. No one else. Wasn’t that enough to show he wasn’t a bad guy?

  “Tia,” he probed when the silence went on and on. “Are you okay?”

  He was worried now. Was she about to call off the arrangement to join her for the charity event? He knew he should be relieved if she did. He still hadn’t figured out how the hell he was going to handle that improbable situation.

  “Yes. I’m fine. It’s just that...well, I didn’t have your email so I went back to the Gents4Ladies site and then couldn’t find your profile there anymore,” she explained in a sudden rush that made him stiffen. “You took it down. Why?”

  Jordan’s brain was trying to work on overdrive. What could he tell her? That he was retiring, getting out of the game? Or why not the truth? That whoever had his details registered on that site had apparently got bored with the prank and deleted the profile they’d set up? Would she believe him? Would she forgive him for whatever slight she might feel?

  Jordan wasn’t ready to admit to himself why it mattered what Tia thought. “I had it taken down. I didn’t need an online presence anymore.”

  He decided to break it to her gently. And not on the phone. But then she started speaking again.

  “Oh I see. I guess you’ve been getting so many referrals you wouldn’t need to advertise your services as much as before. After all I heard about you from a friend so...”

  Jordan’s eyes narrowed. So Tia hadn’t just stumbled on his profile and picked him. Someone had told her about him. Jordan was sure he could get to the bottom of this whole fiasco if he could find out more.

  “A friend? Could you tell me who it is? Someone I might know?” He gritted his teeth holding in his impatience for the facts. Dammit he wanted to shake someone! Why would anyone have thought this was a good joke? It was fucking up his life. He’d met this amazing woman he’d have loved to get to know better but it was all messed up because she believed he was a paid male prostitute!

  “I’m sorry. She distinctly asked that I not mention her name. But you can at least know that she’s not a past client of yours,” Tia said reluctantly. “Although she did hear glowing recommendations about you from others.”

  Jordan stifled a groan. Great, just great! He had a bunch of women out there claiming they knew him as a commendable gigolo. That was doing a lot for his self-esteem right now. Not. Someone was having fun at his expense and he didn’t like it. One bit.

  “I wish you could just give me a name,” Jordan pressed, his fingertips jabbing into his eyes as he winced. “Give me anything.”

  “I don’t know what to tell you. Does it matter whom I heard about you from? Perhaps the women would prefer to hold on to their privacy the same way as you would.”

  “You’re right,” Jordan said, calmly. He had to cool the fuck down. He could still get to the bottom of this but that was second place right now to what was between him and Tia. That was all he could really focus on for the moment. “So what do you want, Tia?”

  “I was wondering if you were still free for Thursday. The charity dinner is at the Ursula Beecroft center. It’ll be for a few hours and it’s black tie. The event’s to begin at seven pm and is billed to end before ten.”

  Jordan’s head flung back and he stared up at the ceiling. Moment of truth. What could he say? He paused a few moments and tried to think. Think, think, Jordan. You’re smart; you help your clients make billions of dollars every year on well-picked investments. You’ve got a foot-long list of clients to prove how smart and successful you are. What could be hard about thinking up a way to get through this mess you got yourself into?

  Chapter Twenty-Four: Tia

  Tia held her breath as she told herself she knew what was coming. Jordan was going to say no; she could feel it. Had he sensed something the last time? Could he tell she was getting too personally attached to him already? She must have let something slip; something she must have said gave her away. Now he was having second thoughts, reluctant to continue any interaction with her since this was meant to be just business. He couldn’t have clients getting too romantically attached to him. That would complicate everything.

  Tia knew firsthand how complicated it had become. She had proof enough of that - considering she’d called to cancel the appointment. She’d planned to go alone after all, to end her dealings with the dashing, enigmatic gigolo that had managed to get under her skin. But then he’d answered the phone and another thing entirely had come out of her mouth. Pathetic. And damned complicated.

  “Tia. About the charity dinner on Thursday,” Jordan began, and the pen Tia had been doodling with on her notepad grew more agitated as she waited.

  “It’s going to be pretty hard to explain,” he said with obvious reluctance. “I do want to attend this thing with you – but it’s not something I can possibly do as your escort.”

  “I understand,” Tia said calmly, not really listening.

  She’d put up a self-defense mechanism the moment she’d heard the finalistic note in his voice. She’d known something was up from the moment she’d found his profile gone from the escort website. And now obviously he was done with her and she should be glad he was coming right out and saying it.

  She’d screwed up one way or another and being the astute man he was, he had been able to decipher that her feelings were getting involved. He wasn’t a fool; he was probably used to this kind of situation. A client acting too clingy and entitled – becoming too attached. He was wise for backing out and she had to respect him for that.

  “Look, it’s fine,” she cut in when he started to speak again. “It would have felt weird anyway. I’ll just move on to plan B.”


  “Plan B?”

  She could hear the sharp ring of curiosity in his voice. Tia hadn’t really had any plan B but her pride was at stake here and she found herself saying airily, “Oh, I just meant about someone I met two nights ago. It’s been fun messing about with a paid companion but maybe I should try getting myself some real dates for a change. You know, one that could turn out to mean something.”

  There was a silence and Tia wondered why the hell she was going there. What would Jordan care? She was just being silly talking trash but the truth was she had met someone that night she’d gone out with Josie and he’d make a perfect date for Thursday. And he was well interested and kept calling her up to meet again. She hadn’t wanted to give him a second thought but now she was considering the possibilities.

  Tia didn’t expect Jordan to reply but then he was saying, “That’s good. I’m happy our brief time together has been enjoyable and I hope you feel you got your money’s worth. And I’m sorry you think it would have felt weird to continue.”

  “Yeah well,” Tia said, pen gripped tightly and scribbling gibberish on her pad. “I guess I felt like a gorgeous guy playing my fake fiance would really put my boss in her place – and I never thought it would go past the first night. Well, whatever the case it was fun, Jordan. I’m happy I had the experience. I wish you the best and nice knowing you.”

  Tia hung up with her face burning and her heart pounding sickeningly. She’d never acted like such an ass in her life! It was petty and unworthy of her and she wanted to ring up and apologize – maybe even explain.

  She was grown up enough to face her emotions and it would have cost her nothing to tell Jordan the truth: that she was getting way too attracted to him and she’d understand why he didn’t want anything more to do with her for professional reasons.