Make-Believe Fiancé Read online

  “Oh, and Gwen?”

  “Yeah?”

  “The rent is due Wednesday, so if you could get your first month’s to me before then, I’d really appreciate it.”

  Gwen swallowed hard. “Yeah, of course. Thanks, Diana. I’ll be home late tonight, so if you’re asleep I’ll see you in the morning.”

  She ended the call and laid still, her hands over her eyes. At least she had her rent covered, as soon as they got back to Billings and Heath paid her. She could manage rent, but things would be tight until her first paycheck from the school. Now if only Ed would get off her case – and preferably get a life. She sat up with a groan and reached for her swimsuit. Maybe a dip would help clear her head.

  Downstairs at the pool, she dove into the cold water, letting the shock of it against her warm skin distract her from her whirling thoughts.

  The feelings growing deep inside were ones she recognized, and they scared her. She was getting too attached to Heath – even now her mind strayed to him. She pictured him dressed in that tux, then in the cowboy hat and jeans he’d worn that first day, and her heart seized. She couldn’t let herself feel things for him – it would only lead to heartbreak for her. She’d fallen for Ed too quickly and look how that had turned out. He hadn’t been the man she’d thought he was.

  But Heath was different, wasn’t he?

  She shook her head, clearing the water from her ears, and rested her arms on the side of the pool, kicking gently in the water. She was there for a reason – to get her rent paid and the recommendation letter. That was all. She’d already decided she would stay away from men. Yet now here she was mooning over someone who didn’t think of her as a girlfriend, just as a convenient way to fool his family. Did she really want to get involved with someone like that?

  Gwen’s mind answered with no. But convincing her heart was another matter.

  Later, stretched out on a poolside lounge, she skimmed a book on her Kindle but couldn’t focus on the words. Normally she’d be immersed into the story, but today she couldn’t concentrate.

  The pool gate opened and Heath walked in, casually handsome in chinos, a button-down blue shirt, and a Stetson in contrast to the preppy clothes. She couldn’t help smiling. “Good morning,” she said, setting her Kindle down on the towel beside her.

  He removed his sunglasses and looked her over. She was suddenly very aware that she was dressed only in a skimpy bikini. “Almost afternoon,” he teased with a half-smile. “Enjoying yourself?”

  She nodded and pulled a dress over her head. “I am, actually. It’s been nice to relax for a little while.”

  “I thought you might like to come to lunch.”

  She stood and reached for her purse. “That sounds great – I’m starved, actually. Being lazy really works up an appetite.” She chuckled and fell into step beside him as they headed for the elevator.

  “I wish you could’ve come with me this morning. It was pretty spectacular.”

  “Oh?”

  “Yeah, Oregon is really beautiful.”

  She nodded. “So’s Montana.”

  He grinned. “You think you could settle there?”

  “Where, in Montana?” A wave of butterflies jetted through her stomach.

  “Yeah, in Montana.”

  “I guess so. I’m starting my new job tomorrow, so I’d say I’m pretty settled.”

  They stopped in front of the elevator doors and he pressed the button, then met her eyes. “I mean long-term.”

  “Oh, I don’t know. Maybe.”

  “But your family is in California, right? You wouldn’t mind being away from them?”

  Where was he going with this? Her head buzzed and grew light. “Mom’s in Arizona with my stepdad. Dad’s passed. I’ve been away from Long Beach for years now and don’t have any plans to move back there. I miss it sometimes, of course, but I think a visit is about all I could manage these days.” She couldn’t imagine moving back – it would be tantamount to giving up.

  He nodded, looking pleased.

  They stepped into the elevator, and she used her towel to dry her dripping hair so it wouldn’t soak the floor. When the doors closed, he took her hands. “Gwen, I’ve been thinking ….”

  She interrupted him, her heart racing. “Look, Heath – everything’s going the way you planned, right?”

  He nodded, his brow furrowed.

  “So let’s just stick to the plan. You get the promotion, I get my money, we break up and go on with our lives. Okay?”

  He released her hands and stepped away, his face drawn. “Sure, Gwen. That’s fine with me.”

  Pain ripped through her heart. “I’m sorry, Heath …”

  He smiled palely. “Nothing to be sorry about. That’s what we agreed to.”

  Gwen stepped off the elevator first and hurried toward her hotel room, Heath close behind. Everything was working out just the way they’d wanted it to. She’d be able to pay her rent, and with her new job starting the next day her life was on track for the new beginning she’d longed for. So why did it hurt so much?

  “Everyone should wear red lipstick at some time in their life, or they’re just missing out on all the fun.” Nana leaned forward in her salon chair and peered at her reflection in the mirror as she smeared lipstick in a wobbly line across her thin lips.

  Gwen smiled. “Can I help you with that, Nana?”

  Nana nodded and handed her the tube. Carefully Gwen finished the application, then moved aside so Nana could see the end result. “Much better, thank you, dear. Now where are my glasses?”

  Gwen chuckled as Arlene reached over and slid Nana’s spectacles off the top of her head and back onto her nose.

  “Oh dear, there they are. Don’t worry, my darling, you’ll be forgetting everything yourself before too much longer.”

  Arlene huffed. “Graham’s already that way.”

  Nana’s eyebrows arched. “Really? Hmmm … must take after his father. I was still sharp as a tack at his age. So, Gwen dear, do tell – when are you and Heath going to hold your engagement party?”

  Her heart plummeted. “Engagement party?”

  Arlene pulled her chair closer to Gwen’s. Her hair was curled tightly on rollers beneath a scarf to hold them in place. “You must have an engagement party. Everyone will be expecting it and we’d just love to celebrate the two of you.”

  Gwen’s eyes widened. “Well, we haven’t talked about it …”

  “Oh please, just say yes. I’ll arrange the whole thing – you won’t have to lift a finger. I’ve been waiting so long for Heath to find someone. Well, for any of my children to, but Heath is the oldest. And now that he’s found you, we have to cherish every single moment of this special time.”

  Gwen swallowed and tugged at the collar of her dress, which suddenly seemed too tight. “Yes?” she whispered hesitantly.

  Arlene clapped her hands and grinned. “Oh, wonderful! I’m so happy!”

  Nana smiled and reached for a magazine to flip through. “Don’t burst a blood vessel, Arlene dear.” She winked at Gwen.

  Arlene’s smiled faded. “I won’t, Nana. It’s just a happy occasion and I’m excited about it.”

  Nana’s eyes rolled. “It is wonderful, my dear. And of course, you’re welcome to hold it at my place as long as I don’t have to clean up. I’m getting too old for that sort of thing.”

  Arlene frowned. “I was thinking of our place, actually. What do you say, Gwen?”

  “That would be lovely. Where do you and Graham live?”

  “Over near Butte. It’s not so far from Billings – I’m sure your friends won’t mind making the trip. We have a big ranch outside of town, perfect for events like this.”

  Gwen nodded. She felt as though things were spinning out of control. Just when she’d begun to think life might land and she could make sense of it all, here it went again. And this time, she suspected that it might end in a crash landing.

  The sea-blue dress shone in the sunlight slanting through the
hotel room blinds. Gwen took a long slow breath and reached for a matching clutch she’d bought with the dress. This time she wore flats – less danger of toppling over when she walked. It was time for the wedding, the event the entire weekend had been building toward. She couldn’t be more nervous.

  She heard a knock at the door and hurried over, fixing her earrings into place as she went. Heath was standing there in a black tuxedo with a white vest, shirt and bowtie. His eyes sparkled and he held up an arm for her to take. “You look stunning once again,” he said, leaning close.

  Gwen could feel his breath on her cheek. Her heart pounded. “Thank you.”

  In the dressing room, Heath glanced at his watch again. It was time for the wedding to start, but where was the groom? He’d spent the morning with Newton and the other groomsmen, but now that the moment for him to pledge his life to another had finally arrived, he was absent. And no one else seemed to notice. The rest of the groomsmen were sipping whisky, chatting away, generally oblivious to the roomful of people waiting next door in the resort’s wedding chapel.

  The door flew open and Newton burst in, his eyes wide. “Okay, let’s do this thing.”

  Heath sighed in relief and hurried over to fix Newton’s crooked tie and tidy his disheveled hair. “Where have you been?” he hissed, studying his cousin’s face.

  “What, am I late or something?”

  Heath raised an eyebrow. “Don’t worry about it. But let’s just try to get through this without any incid … wait. Have you been drinking?”

  Newton giggled. “Mmmmaybe. Am I in trouble, Mr. Montgomery?”

  Heath set his hands on his hips and growled. “Just … hold it together. Do you think you can do that?”

  Newton threw his arms around Heath and pulled him into an embrace that squeezed the breath from his lungs. “I love you, cousin. You’ve always been like a brother to me.”

  Heath chuckled and patted his back. “You too, Newt. I’m real happy for you. Congratulations.”

  “You’re always there for me …”

  Heath coughed. “You too, buddy. I can’t breathe.”

  “Oh.” Newton released him.

  Heath took a deep breath. “Okay, come on. I just hope your bride isn’t ticked. We’re supposed to be in there waiting for her.”

  “You think she’s mad?” asked Newton, his eyes widening.

  “Hopefully she’s still fixing her hair. You know how ladies are.”

  Newton laughed and threw his arm around Heath’s shoulders as they walked toward the chapel. “She’s sooo beautiful, man. I don’t deserve her, y’know?”

  Heath nodded. “I know what you mean.”

  At the reception, Heath watched Gwen weave through the crowd to the head table. The speeches were done and the wedding party had dispersed, mostly to the dance floor. Her eyes shone as she smiled at him and he swallowed, crossing his arms to keep from reaching out for her. “Beautiful wedding,” she said with a laugh. “You were a very handsome groomsman, Heath.”

  His heart skipped a beat. She’d said his name instead of calling him boss, or sir, or something equally obnoxious. It was no good. He’d tried to convince himself against starting something with her. When he’d broached the subject, she’d shut him down so fast his head was still spinning. But he couldn’t help how he felt. They were flying home right after the reception, and he wouldn’t have to see her again. That was the key, since being with her only made him want her more. “Thank you. I’m just glad it’s over, to be honest.”

  She arched an eyebrow. “Not a fan of weddings?”

  “They’re fine. But there’s a lot going on back at the office and I should be there.”

  “Oh.” She stared at her hands.

  “And Dad and I had an argument this morning.”

  “I’m sorry.”

  He frowned and ran his fingers through his hair. “It’s fine – I won the argument. He’s announcing this week that he’s making me CEO. I tried to tell you earlier by the pool …”

  Her eyes widened. “Oh, that’s great news – congratulations!”

  He nodded. But he found he couldn’t feel good about it. “So let me know when you’re ready to go. The jet is at the airport waiting and we’ll be home this evening.” He chewed on his lower lip.

  “Thanks.” She didn’t sound thrilled either. Probably because she’d been having such a good time, and tomorrow she’d be at work. He’d noticed she’d taken advantage of the pool and spa, and she sure got along well with the women in his family. It didn’t have anything to do with him … did it?

  “I’ll make sure to get the money and the letter to you as soon as I can.” He wanted to reassure her. Or maybe reassure himself that he’d see her again, if only once. But she didn’t look reassured, just nodded and turned away. “Though, um, I don’t think we should head off until we’ve at least had a dance,” he added on impulse.

  Her eyes widened and her smile reappeared. “That would be great.”

  He took her hand and led her to the dance floor, where the band was playing a quiet instrumental rendition of Jewel’s “You Were Meant for Me.” He pulled her close and tucked their joined hands under his chin as his other arm encircled her back. She looked up at him, her eyes clouded. What was holding her back? She seemed to feel the connection they had. Perhaps she figured they didn’t know each other well enough. Or maybe it was the divorce – did she still have feelings for her ex? Or was she too wounded to trust her heart?

  “This is nice,” she murmured.

  “It is nice. I’m glad we did this … Don’t get me wrong, I feel bad we fooled everyone. But I’m not sorry I asked you to come along this weekend. It’s been great.”

  She nodded. “It has. Surprisingly great.”

  “Why surprising?”

  She laughed. “You’re very curious, aren’t you Heath Montgomery?”

  “True. I want to know everything. Or at least as much as possible.”

  She laughed harder. “Okay, okay … the reason it’s surprising is that I really didn’t think we had a lot in common when I agreed to this. So …” Her cheeks flushed.

  “And now you think we do have things in common?” He grinned and pressed his body against hers.

  Her lips pursed, but her eyes twinkled. “I guess you could say that.”

  “I think so too.”

  There was a tap on his shoulder. Dan stood behind him, hands deep in his pockets. “Can I cut in?”

  Heath stepped aside and tried to swallow his annoyance. “Sure.”

  Dan took Gwen in his arms and expertly led her around the dance floor. She laughed as he dipped her backward, and when he held her close they spoke in hushed tones. Heath stood at the dance floor’s edge, arms crossed. What was with Dan? Couldn’t he see Heath was finally connecting with Gwen? Or maybe he had – butting in and taking over was what he’d done since they were kids.

  He scowled and took a deep breath. No need to get upset about it, he’d just go back to the head table and have a drink with Newton and his new bride. But when he got there, it looked as if Newton had already drunk enough for the evening. “Newt, can I get you a cup of coffee? Some water, maybe?”

  “Gin ‘n tonic,” slurred Newton, his smile crooked.

  “Uh- huh.” Heath glanced back at the dance floor and watched his brother spin Gwen out and back. She threw her head back and laughed, a hearty laugh he hadn’t heard from her before. His nostrils flared.

  Newton chuckled. “You’re jealoush.”

  Heath frowned. “What are you talking about?”

  “Dan’s dancin’ with your fiancée and you’re jealous. I don’t know why, since she said she’ll marry you. But sometimes that just isn’t enough, I guessh.” He spun a glass in front of him, staring at it morosely.

  “Are you okay?”

  Newton grinned. “I’m fan-tashtic.”

  “Where’s Heather?”

  He turned his head from side to side. “I dunno. Hm … guessh I should go find her.
” He stood and stumbled off across the room.

  Heath rolled his eyes before returning them to his brother and fiancée. He didn’t have to stand for it – after all, she was his date. He strode to the dance floor and tapped his brother on the shoulder. “My turn.”

  Dan glanced back in surprise. “Sure …” But before he could finish, Heath had Gwen in his arms and had whisked her away.

  Gwen caught her breath, then chuckled. “What was that about?”

  “I’m sure I don’t know what you mean –” Heath felt another tap on his shoulder and scowled. “What?”

  Daniel stood there, cell phone in hand. “You feeling all right, Heath? Adam’s on the phone for you.”

  “Sorry. Thanks.” He grabbed the phone, gave Gwen an apologetic shrug, and headed off the dance floor and out to the patio, leaning against the railing. “Adam, this is Heath. Is something wrong?”

  “Hey, Heath. Sorry for interrupting your weekend – again – but I thought you’d want to know I figured out what the issues were with the financial reports. I’m not sure of all the details yet, but I know where the errors are. We can talk more about it when you get back to the office.”

  “Thanks, Adam. I’ll be in tomorrow – we can discuss it then. But I’m glad we’re getting to the bottom of it. Some of those figures just don’t make sense.”

  “I know. I’ve got when and how – now I just need to find out why and who. There’s some money missing, but I can’t say any more just yet.”

  Heath concluded the call and looked out over the golf course. There was a chill in the air, but it wasn’t cold enough to be uncomfortable. A few dim lights lit the course, and couples strolled hand in hand beneath the porch along a footpath that led to the resort’s small nightclub. He sighed and rubbed his eyes. He was anxious to get back to Billings, but at the same time, he didn’t want to leave. Leaving would mean his pretend engagement would end. And he wasn’t ready for them to break up. Not just yet.