A Fake Marriage Romance Collection

by Victorine E. Lieske

  Rick hesitated, a look on his face telling her there was something else.

  “What?” she asked him.

  “Phil thinks we should go to the screening for the new Bradly Cooper film, then be seen together at the celebrity bash afterward.”

  She still didn’t understand the look on his face. “Okay.”

  “It’s in Las Vegas.”

  Nice. Just what she wanted to do. Run off to Vegas and leave Kylee with the sitter for who knows how long. “When do we need to leave, and when will we be back?”

  “We’ll take my jet. We’ll probably need to get ready to go now. The party will last well after midnight. We’ll get a hotel so we can get some sleep and fly back tomorrow.”

  Tara stroked Kylee’s hair. She’d never been away from Kylee overnight before. Would she have trouble falling asleep? Would she cry? Tara steeled herself and slowly nodded. “Alright. I’ll get ready.”

  Tara’s heels clicked on the concrete as she walked with Rick toward his plane. Heat rose off the pavement and stung her eyes, blurring her vision. Or maybe it wasn’t the heat. Maybe it was the fact that she was leaving Kylee with a babysitter she barely knew for an overnight excursion. Whatever the cause, she blinked the moisture back.

  Rick glanced at her. “You okay?”

  “Fine.” She ran a hand down her little black dress. It was one she’d bought back before Bobby had made it big. They hadn’t had a lot of money, but she’d splurged so she could look nice for the shindigs Bobby wanted to take her to.

  The closet in Rick’s guest room had magically been filled with designer outfits. Some of them came from the photo shoot. Others Rick had his assistant pick up. She swallowed her annoyance and just wore what she was comfortable in. Rick was only trying to be helpful. He couldn’t understand that she didn’t want anything to do with the lifestyle Bobby left her for.

  Rick slid his hand down her back, sending involuntary shivers through her. “Kylee will be fine.”

  How did he know what she was thinking? She nodded and took a calming breath. “I’m sure you’re right.”

  He stopped at the steps and held out his hand. She grasped it and he helped her up the stairs. The plane looked small on the outside, but she was amazed at how much room there was when she boarded. Two leather couches faced each other along the sides, a coffee table in the middle. A bar with three mounted barstools took up the back wall, and a small hallway lead further back, where she supposed the bathroom was situated. Rick motioned to a couch. “Have a seat.”

  She slid onto the chair and almost moaned at the way the soft leather conformed to her body. Rick sat next to her, his arm on the back of the seat behind her. “You look tense. Want a drink?”

  “No.” She gave him a flat look, which he ignored.

  “The screening starts at six. There will be a red carpet outside the theater. Don’t worry about it, just stop and smile for the cameras before heading in the door.”

  Cameras. Lights. Glamour. Shallow people. All things she despised. She focused on a mental image of Kylee and pushed the rest out of her head. Kylee was the reason she was doing all of this. Nothing else mattered. “Sounds good.”

  Rick eyed her. “Is being with me really that terrible?”

  His voice was soft. Almost raw. She looked into his eyes and her world tilted. She needed to remember not to do that. She couldn’t fall for Rick. “Of course not. I’m just worried about Kylee. That’s all.”

  He squinted at her. “It’s more than that.”

  How did he do that? She brushed a strand of hair back from her face, trying to decide if she wanted to spill her guts to him. “You wouldn’t understand.”

  “Try me.”

  She picked at her fingernail. “Nothing against you or whatever, but I can’t stand the Hollywood glitz. The putting on a show for others. The shallowness of it all. I really hate it.”

  He nodded. “I get it.”

  “Do you? Because you sure seem to love it all.”

  Rick looked down at the carpet. The engines on the plane came to life, and surprisingly they were quieter than she expected. Rick’s fingers grazed her shoulder and he looked into her eyes. “I don’t think it’s the glamour as much as it’s the memories it brings you.”

  “What does that mean?”

  “Your husband left you for the Hollywood life.” He spoke so quietly she almost couldn’t hear him. “That had to hurt you deeply. You loved him.” He stared at her, his gaze penetrating. “With all your heart.”

  His words pierced through her, causing her throat to constrict. She blinked back tears. He was right. She’d been so mad at Bobby for what he’d done, she hadn’t stopped to really process it. “I gave him everything I had. My heart. My soul.”

  “And he ripped them away.”

  The plane began taxiing down the runway. Tara gripped the leather seat, her throat dry. “I supported Bobby through all the hard times. I scrubbed toilets so he could go to school. I took care of Kylee, did all the housework, and budgeted every penny so he could live his dream. And what thanks did I get? He ran around behind my back. The media knew about his affair before I did. I only found out because my friend . . .” Her voice broke, the memory of that phone conversation crushing her once again.

  Rick slipped his arm around her shoulders and pulled her to his chest. “He didn’t deserve your love.”

  A choking sob escaped before Tara could rein in her feelings. Rick reached behind her and procured a tissue from somewhere hidden to her view. She grabbed it and dabbed at her eyes. She didn’t want to smear makeup all over his white shirt and tie.

  Rick rubbed her back, his warm hands making her feel things she didn’t want to feel. Why did she have to have a crush on her employer? Their stupid plan would be so much easier if she could distance herself from him. But no. She had to erupt in tingles every time he touched her. And he had to go and turn into a nice guy who listened to her.

  She leaned her head on his shoulder and let him comfort her, even though it wasn’t a good idea. But it felt too good not to allow the one small luxury.

  “Not everyone is like your ex,” he whispered in her ear.

  Pain stabbed through her at his words. What was he implying? That he wouldn’t cheat on her with their fake marriage? That he wouldn’t have left her had he been in Bobby’s place? Or was he simply trying to console her?

  She pulled away from him and blew her nose. “Thanks,” she said, no other words coming to her.

  He gazed at her, and the depth of emotion in his blue eyes made her catch her breath. He looked like he was going to say something else, but leaned back and broke eye contact instead.

  The intercom system clicked on and the pilot told them they’d be taking off soon. Rick motioned for her to buckle her seatbelt. She hadn’t even noticed the couch was equipped with them.

  She drew in a deep breath and let it out slowly. Well. Now what should she say after that sorry display? Maybe keeping her mouth shut from now on would be a good idea.

  Rick ran a hand through his hair. “Do you want a bottle of water?” He motioned to the cabinet behind them. “There’s soda, too, if you prefer.”

  Glad for the change in subject, she nodded. “I’ll have a water.”

  He opened the cabinet and scanned the contents. “Huh,” he said, as he pulled out a water bottle for her.

  “What?”

  “Phil must have called the staff. The booze is gone.”

  Tara shrugged, hoping she appeared like she didn’t care either way, when really, she was relieved. They certainly didn’t need another drunken display like Friday night.

  Chapter 12

  Rick unabashedly stared at Tara as the plane took off, studying her face and the way a few tendrils of hair curled down by her ears. He wanted to pull the silver clip out of the back and let her hair spill down around her shoulders. Actually, what he really wanted to do was kiss her again, but that was a bad idea. He didn’t want to get all tangled up in a relationship wi
th her. She wasn’t like the other girls. Tara’s heart ran deeper.

  Tara shot him a questioning glance, and he turned his gaze away. It was for the best, anyway. He shouldn’t be thinking about her. He should be focusing on his career and how to get it back on track. He’d make small talk to pass the time. “Have you ever been to a special preview screening before?”

  “Yes.” She twisted her hands in her lap. “Bobby’s film.”

  Of course. Why did he ask her that? Stupid. Should he ignore her stricken look or apologize? He decided to move on. “Would you like to Facetime with Kylee when we land?”

  Her eyebrows shot up. “I’d love that.”

  “We should have enough time before we need to be at the theater.”

  She smiled at him, and he marveled at the way it made her eyes light up. They chatted about nothing important for the rest of the flight, Rick keeping to subjects he figured wouldn’t have Bobby memories attached to them.

  After they landed he pulled out his cell and called Amanda. When they had Kylee on Facetime, Rick put his arm around Tara so Kylee could see them both.

  “Rick!” Kylee squealed. “Manda and I made cookies!”

  “Sounds delicious. What kind?” he asked.

  “Chocolate chip! And tonight we’re having a sleepover party. I’ve never had a sleepover before!” Kylee’s little cheeks were pink with pleasure.

  Tara smiled. “I’m so glad you’re having fun with Amanda.”

  “We’re going to the park.”

  “Nice. You be good and listen to Amanda, okay?”

  “Okay, Mommy. When are you coming home?”

  “Tomorrow. Amanda will be with you until I get there.”

  “Okay. Bye.” Kylee handed the phone back to Amanda and Rick hung up.

  “Feel better?” Rick squeezed her shoulder.

  “Yes. Thanks.” Tara gave him a smile that made his heart beat a little faster in his chest.

  Rick stood and helped Tara off the plane. A chauffer opened the door to a limo and Rick motioned for Tara to slide in first. He joined her and they took off for the theater. Thirty minutes later they arrived.

  The chauffer drove slowly, waiting in a line. When it was their turn to get out, the driver hopped out and opened the door. Rick stepped onto the sidewalk and reached out to Tara.

  He slid his arm around her as they walked along the red carpet, cameras flashing and reporters calling out questions.

  “Rick, when is the wedding?”

  “Can we see the ring?”

  “Where are you going to get married?”

  Rick smiled and pulled Tara closer. “We haven’t picked a date yet. Everything is still in the planning stages. I’m just happy she was sober enough to say yes.”

  He’d meant it as a joke, but Tara’s face drained of color, and her smile turned stiff.

  He waved at the crowd. “Thank you for your well wishes.” He ushered Tara into the building.

  She turned to look up at him, a frown pinching her lips together. “Classy.”

  “I was joking.”

  “With the way the proposal went down, we probably shouldn’t bring attention to it.” She pulled away from him and walked into the second set of doors.

  She was right. He rushed to catch up to her. “I’m sorry,” he whispered. She nodded politely and kept going.

  Nice. Now she was mad. He should have kept his big mouth shut. Rick tried to catch up to her and act like nothing was wrong as they made their way into the pre-screening gathering. He put his hand on her back and she gave him a frosty nod.

  “Well, look who’s here.”

  Rick knew that voice, and he cringed before he turned around to smile at Vikki Castle. Her platinum blonde hair fell to her shoulders. Ruby red lips pouted at him. Rick braced himself. “Hello, Vikki.”

  Tara turned to see who he was talking to.

  Vikki grinned and grabbed his arm, practically purring. “I didn’t know you were going to be here. What a treat. We should do something after this. What hotel are you staying at?”

  A startled look came over Tara’s face.

  Rick wiggled out of Vikki’s grasp. “I’m sorry, Vikki, you must not have heard. I’m getting married. This is my fiancée, Tara McDermott. Tara, Vikki Castle. We worked on a film together.”

  Tara stuck out her hand, and Vikki stared at it like it was covered in pig’s blood. Vikki didn’t say anything to Tara, just turned back to Rick. “You’re not seriously marrying the maid, are you?”

  So she had heard about his engagement. Rick wanted to strangle her. He desperately wanted to put her in her place, but he knew the rules of the game. You gritted your teeth and didn’t tick off people who had influence, like Vikki Castle. “Tara and I are in love.”

  Vikki’s grin turned vicious. “How . . . sweet.” She looked down her nose at Tara. “You’re so daring, wearing that. I wouldn’t be caught dead wearing retail to an event like this.”

  Tara’s cheeks flushed pink and Rick took a protective step toward Tara. “Why don’t you go harass someone else?”

  “Let’s just cut through the bull. I know something’s up. You and this . . .” Vikki sneered at Tara, “thing . . . you’re not really dating. You don’t go for the hometown girls. You’re not the relationship type. And when I find out what’s up, I’m going to tell all the newspapers.”

  Rick swallowed hard and tugged at his collar. How could Vikki know they were a fake couple? Was it that obvious? What if she really did find out it was a farce and told the media? He hid the fact that she’d gotten under his skin with sarcasm. “What is this, 1985? Who reads newspapers anymore?”

  Vikki’s face turned red. “You don’t want to mess with me, Rick. That’s career suicide.”

  He took a step back and put his arm around Tara, forcing a smile. “Nice to see you again, Vikki. Tara and I hope you find the happiness we have.” He ushered Tara in the other direction.

  When they were out of earshot, Tara gripped his arm tightly. “She knows. How can that be?” Her face turned white.

  He patted her hand, trying to calm her down. “She knows nothing. Vikki’s been trying to get her hooks in me. Maybe she thinks it would help her reputation, or get her a better role, I don’t know.” He glanced behind them to make sure Vikki hadn’t followed them. “But honestly, she’s just a big wind bag. Ignore her.”

  Tara clenched his arm tighter. “Are you sure?”

  He wasn’t, but he didn’t want to admit it. “Yes. She’s nothing to worry about.”

  “Hey, there you two are.” Phil clapped him on the back. “How was the flight?”

  “Fine,” Tara said, biting her lip, her gaze breaking to look over at Vikki.

  “What’s wrong?” Phil asked.

  Great. Now he had to tell Phil about Vikki. That was the last thing he wanted to do. Phil would freak.

  Tara leaned closer. “Vikki Castle is stirring up trouble.”

  “What kind of trouble?”

  A waiter in a tux stopped by Phil. He lowered a tray with meats, cheeses, and olives. “Would you care for some?”

  Phil picked up a toothpick with a roll of meat coiled on it. “Thanks.”

  After the server left, Rick stepped closer to answer Phil’s question. “She’s threatening to tell the press we’re not in a real relationship.”

  Phil choked. “What?” He coughed and pounded on his chest with his fist. “How did she find out?”

  “She didn’t,” Rick said. “She’s just digging for something to hang me with.”

  Phil frowned and Rick could see the thoughts swirling around in his head.

  Tara shot a worried glance toward Vikki, who was now chatting with the cast of the movie. “What proof could Vikki dig up? Is it possible she could find the contracts?”

  “They’re under lock and key at the house,” Rick said. “She can’t prove anything.”

  “No.” Phil scrubbed a hand over his chin. “But she can make waves and we don’t want that. It’s good
you’re here. Mingle, but I also want you to spend time looking completely in love. Make out in front of everyone if you have to. People here need to see that you’re crazy about each other.”

  Tara’s eyes widened for a brief moment before she nodded. Rick cleared his throat. “Alright. I’ll make it look good.”

  Phil squeezed his shoulder. “The more people who see you two together, the more it will just become commonplace. Sorry, but you might have to be seen out in public more than we originally thought.”

  Rick looked to Tara, who was now staring at the floor. She met his gaze and he could see the hesitation in her eyes.

  “Only if Tara is okay with it,” Rick said.

  Tara straightened her back. “Of course.”

  Phil plucked a glass of wine from a server passing by. Rick reached up and Phil shot him a warning frown. He put his hand down. Maybe when Phil wasn’t looking he’d sneak one. A glass of wine wasn’t going to make him drunk.

  “Catch you two love birds later,” Phil said as the crowd of people pressed closer.

  After Phil left, Rick put his arm around Tara and pulled her off to the side of the room. He gazed into her eyes, and she smiled tentatively at him.

  “Guess we need to make out.” He ran his fingers up her arm.

  She looked to the floor, but a smile formed on her lips. “It’s part of the job.”

  He hooked his finger under her chin and raised it until she looked into his eyes. “But I don’t want to force you to do anything you’re uncomfortable with.”

  She took his hand and ran her thumb over his fingers. “Just kiss me,” she said, her smile widening.

  He grinned. “Bossy, aren’t you?”

  Before she could respond, he leaned down and covered her lips with his. The kiss was slow and thorough, and his heart began to race in his chest. He slid his hands around her waist and pulled her closer. Her skin was soft and warm, and he deepened the kiss.

  He allowed himself to get lost in the pleasure her lips brought him. She was a different kind of woman than he’d dated in the past. She cared so deeply for her daughter. Maybe that’s what made her feel like she had more substance. Deeper feelings than others. He wasn’t sure, but he was severely attracted to her, and kissing her was only making it worse.