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

  But then he’d come in, taken one look at her in that alluring emerald green dress, and he’d felt something kick him in the guts.

  I can’t deny it; I want her badly, Jordan decided. Their gazes kept locking and he wondered if she knew exactly what she was doing to him. How she was making him ready to forget all his codes, his principles – his sane judgment, just to see where all this would lead.

  You could just tell her the truth, a voice told him simply. Let her know that this was all a massive mix-up, and then confess that you are attracted to her anyway. And who knew? It could still end well for both of them. She could laugh it all off with him and say, what the hell, let’s carry on regardless.

  But no...this way was far more fun.

  Thrilling, even.

  Having her seated beside him, thinking to herself that here was a man who was ready to do her will, to please her in every way she desired – on her terms – stopped Jordan from coming out with the truth.

  He looked into her big, startling brown eyes, and he knew that he’d face the consequences, whatever they were, much later. Tonight, he was her paid escort. And he was going to make every second, every dime worth it.

  Chapter Seven: Tia

  “Are you allowed to tell me about yourself?” Tia whispered, her tone half-teasing.

  Their first course had arrived at the reception, and she was sipping on her wine glass as she waited for him to reply. She’d spoken to Alyssa about it and while her friend had advised Tia not to say anything about other women or his past clients, Alyssa had still sounded thrilled that Tia had taken the plunge and also, that she’d picked Jordan.

  “Make sure you enjoy yourself and save all the juicy details for me later,” Alyssa had said, giggling with glee.

  Tia had thankfully taken the time to do some reading up on escort etiquette, and understood that, as Alyssa had advised, there were some questions that were bad taste and off limits. Like why was he doing this, getting paid to provide companionship to unknown women? Especially when he looked like someone from a designer cologne ad – like a guy who could easily be found on one of those Forbes’ top ten CEO lists or something. Come to think of it, his pastime as a high-priced escort probably bought him a better lifestyle than she could boast of as a PR rep. Whatever the case, he suited her needs just fine.

  Damn.

  It was hard taking her eyes off him even for a second. He looked early to mid-thirties, and seemed much like a guy who’d be as comfortable in a high-powered suit than in surf-boarding gear. He certainly seemed fit enough for it. His looks were clean-cut, chiseled. His hair was raven-black and sleekly trimmed. His clothes appeared very expensive, tasteful and well-fitting.

  She glanced at his hands, wrapped around his wine glass and shivered. They certainly looked capable of providing pleasure, if one could tell just by looking. They were nice, blunt-tipped, man’s hands; well-manicured, with a nice dusting of dark, silky hair on the surface, trailing up past the band of his expensive-looking watch and into the sleeve of his shirt and jacket. Tia was intrigued. He really was superbly kept – but then, being a “gigolo”, a male escort or whatever it was proper to call him, must pay well in his case.

  He seemed to take his good time before replying to her question, as he wiped at his lips with his napkin.

  “Of course,” he said at last, smiling easily. “What would you like to know?”

  She glanced around at the other couples seated at their table to make sure they were absorbed in their own conversations. “Oh, just normal things,” she said, shrugging. “The things you find interesting, your pursuits. I simply want to know what you’re like.”

  He chuckled softly, tipping his glass at her. “I was made to believe that this evening is about what you like.” His eyes held hers over the rim as he took a long sip. And then he added meaningfully, “This is meant to be all about you, Tia. Your needs, your desires. Your wish, as they say, is my command.”

  She rolled her eyes, even as she went a little pink. “No seriously. I’m curious. I mean, no offence, but you do come across as really educated and refined. The guy in that profile...” She shook her head suddenly, sitting back when she saw his expression. “Look, I’ve offended you. I’m sorry. It’s not my business to pry. I’m sure it’s rude or disrespectful in some way trying to find out why a man like you would...?”

  “And why a woman like you would...?” he returned in the same tone, smiling playfully.

  Tia exhaled on a laugh, returning his smile while inclining her head slightly in acknowledgement. “Touché. Alright, Jordan, personal questions are off-limits, on both sides. So, what exactly would you be able to tell me about yourself? It has to be something I’d be interested in knowing, of course.”

  “Of course,” he said smoothly. “I could tell you about my hobbies, and how I enjoy having a nice meal. Or, I can just talk about our plans later tonight.”

  Tia gulped, her throat suddenly going dry. His direct-sounding words reminded her exactly why they were here. This, the wedding, the reception, the whole evening, had been her idea. This wasn’t some flowery evening out; they were two fully grown, red-blooded individuals who knew the score. She was paying him for his time and attention. Truthfully she didn’t know how the evening would end since she hadn’t thought past dinner and a little dancing.

  “Forget the way I came across in my profile,” he continued, when she didn’t reply. “I mean, I could try to impress you with my great sense of humor, my career or education, even my athletic body or any other cliché out there. No; that’s crap and tonight is going to be far more than that.”

  “Someone told me this a long time ago. He was supposed to be some kind of expert on the ladies. My grandfather. He said to me, a woman is not made to figure out. She’s like those modern paintings you see in the art galleries. They don’t have to mean anything. All that matters is the beauty it has when you look at it. So, just like you enjoy that beautiful painting, enjoy your woman.”

  “Your grandfather said that?” Tia said in a breathy tone, mesmerized by his voice, his stirring play on the words. “I would have liked to meet him.”

  Jordan chuckled. “He was a bit of a devil, I’m afraid. After my grandmother died he really let loose. Like he was trying to sow his wild oats after he was widowed.” He heard her laugh softly, and then he added in a sober tone, “So, what I’m trying to tell you, is that it’s going to be just about you and me. Nothing else matters.”

  “Okay,” Tia heard herself say on a squeak, and then she cleared her throat. “Of course. I wouldn’t expect it any other way. Strictly business. Exactly.”

  He grinned, shook his head at her like she’d missed the point, and then he reached out and covered her hand with his. “Would you like to dance? I seem to remember that being part of the total package.”

  Tia stiffened instantly; she hadn’t expected the gesture; she wasn’t much for public displays, and she wasn’t so good at the “touching” aspects of relating with people, especially strangers. But then Jordan’s touch was different. It sent erotic waves rolling through her skin and down to that treacherous juncture between her thighs. It made her look at him, and want him. Need him. It was frightening, really. Like from the moment she’d glimpsed his photo on that website, she’d been hooked on him, spellbound. And she couldn’t seem to break herself out of it, and keep things level.

  She allowed herself to be coaxed onto the dance floor and pulled close to him. She drew in a deep breath, smelling the musky scent of his aftershave.

  “Do you desire me?” he asked softly, gazing into her eyes. “I mean, do you find me attractive sexually?”

  Tia swallowed imperceptibly. There was no lying about this, or beating round the bush. “You know I do. You’re a very handsome man as I’m sure you’re well aware.”

  He smiled, pleased. “Good. Because I feel the same. And it’s not always like that. For many, it’s just a job. But it’s not that way with you. I can sense that.”

  �
��Thanks...I think,” she said with a nervous laugh, trying not to squirm as his thumb began to brush caressingly over the sensitized skin of her knuckles. Oh my God, I think I’m getting wet just with him stroking my hand, she thought with an inner wail. She really needed to get a serious grip. He was a professional, Tia had to remind herself. It was part of his skill-set to know how to thrill a woman with his touch, his voice, his words. That was his stock in trade. To make a woman feel wanted.

  And yet, here he was telling her it wasn’t just business as usual with her. He was telling her this was different, special.

  But then he probably said that to all his clients, that inner voice told her. So Tia valiantly warned herself to be on her guard, and keep her emotions locked safely away. Tonight was almost over.

  Her boss had gone big-eyed in the receiving line when Tia had introduced Jordan as her new fiance so overall the night had been a raging success. Jordan had been worth every cent.

  Mission completed.

  Chapter Eight: Jordan

  Jordan could feel her going cold on him.

  Had he come on too strong? Maybe he’d overdone things with his intense attitude. He wasn’t sure. But he knew one thing: he was slowly losing the plot here, and he had to step back and ask if he really, really wanted to go through with this.

  Tia was a beautiful, smart woman. And young too, which made it all a great surprise that she was doing this, paying for male companionship. One of the first things she’d done soon after he arrived was to slip an envelope across to him. Inside had been the steep amount of dollars it was costing her for his company for the evening. That had been his chance, he knew, to tell her the truth. And there were many more opportunities after that. But he didn’t; he took the money. He sat there, he flirted with her, and tried to get into her mind without really showing it.

  Jordan was insanely attracted to her, intrigued, and at the same time, confounded. He wasn’t sure now what he was getting himself into. It would be over in a few hours, and they would never see each other again. He’d go home, and soon get to the bottom of who did this and why, and his photo and details would be deleted from that escort website. Tia would have gotten her night of pleasure, and he...well, he would have done a really, really bad thing.

  No, maybe not bad: just dishonest. Because, it didn’t really matter if it was him or some other guy; Tia had intended to hire a male escort for the evening, hadn’t she? And well, here he was, fulfilling that role. He considered himself as articulate, accomplished and good-looking as any she could have picked to be her companion and sexual partner that night. She had shown some surprise at him being so refined as she’d called it. Had she expected someone with a bit more rough edges? For some reason, Jordan hated to disappoint.

  “DO YOU WANT TO GO DANCING somewhere else after the reception is over?” he asked suddenly.

  Tia looked up in surprise.

  “You really want to ask me that?” she replied with a playful smile, then added with a shrug, “Yes. Sure. Why?”

  “Well, I know a good club not too far from here. Has a cool vibe plus fantastic cocktails and the best DJ mixes this side of the coast. Interested?”

  “Well...um...” Tia wasn’t half bad on her feet.

  “It’s all part of the package, Tia. You’re getting what you paid for; a fantastic evening out. And that’s not going to be complete without some ass-shaking on a hot, crowded dance floor. Bright lights, great music to get the blood pumping just enough to take us to the next level. What do you say?”

  Damn, this guy’s good, Tia thought with appreciation. He could charm a bird off a tree. He could talk her into anything with that deep, sexy voice of his as well as his infectious smile. And he was right. She had paid for it, so why not take advantage?

  “As soon as we can slip out unnoticed, let’s get out of here!” Tia replied, already grinning.

  Chapter Nine: Tia

  Dancing always made Tia lose a lot of her inhibitions. The atmosphere at the club was just right, and the crowd was so alive she was drawn in before she knew it. What made it all more exciting was having Jordan there, jamming right in with the club scene as he moved with her to the pumping sounds.

  It was a blend of everything; all the top hits sampled with all the popular dance beats. Once the music started to really get into her, plus the glasses of well mixed cocktails, Tia allowed herself to let go for the first time in months. Grinding up against Jordan, feeling his hands on her hips or waist as he danced right along with her gave her the most exhilarating feeling.

  He felt comfortable with the music and the scene, making Tia realize he was indeed a man with many talents. He’d discarded his jacket and looked even more gorgeously laid back as he swayed along with her to the slow jam the DJ had just spun. With her back against his chest, Tia turned her head to the side and felt Jordan nuzzle his face in her neck. His grip tightened on her waist as he tugged her even more snugly up against him, leaving her in no doubt of his masculinity as she felt something thrillingly solid stir within the grove of her ass.

  Tension building, arousal deepening...Tia lost all sense of time and place for the moment as she reveled in the sensation of being this close to a virile man like Jordan. It still amazed her how at ease she felt around him, and how well they flowed together not just dancing, but when they talked.

  The more time she spent with him, the happier she was that she’d been able to do this. When they said their goodbyes at the end of the night, she’d still go away with the knowledge that she’d had the best time since, what felt like forever. Being in the company of a charming, handsome and exciting male certainly did a lot of things for a girl’s ego.

  And sometimes, like now, when he growled deep in his throat as she rocked her rump just so against the burgeoning bulge in his groin, she almost forgot that she was paying for every second of his time.

  But even that did nothing to sour her mood, not when she sensed he was as attracted to her as she was to him. They would never see each other after tonight, but it was clear they had something between them that overrode the fact that he was simply a male escort hired for one evening of companionship.

  “I NEEDED A LAST MINUTE date to show my boss that I can still find a good man,” she blurted out suddenly, surprising him as she turned round in the circle of his arms to face him

  “What?” Jordan asked, a startled grin crossing his lips.

  “I’m answering your question. The one you asked earlier at dinner, about why I’m doing this. Well, I mean, I know I asked you first, but...”

  “Tia...”

  “No, I’d like to finish. That woman has always put me down for one reason or another, her latest being that I can’t find a decent man. So I came up with this bright idea to bring a gorgeous, sexy man as my date to her wedding. The only problem was none of my male friends would go with me! And I’d seen the Gents 4 Ladies website on a morning talk show so I figured, why not? And the fact that you’re gorgeous made it even better.” She giggled as she stumbled against him.

  Jordan caught her to him, wrapping an arm around her waist with a lop-sided smile on his face. “Are you having a good time?” Jordan asked, his voice light and a little teasing.

  “Can’t you tell?” she asked, laughing gaily as she flung her arms around his neck. She giggled again, feeling silly but unable to help herself especially after the champagne at the wedding and cocktails here at the club.

  She slowly stopped laughing, her eyes serious as they held his for a moment. “Can I ask you something?”

  “No,” he said promptly, but he was smiling. So she asked him anyway.

  “It doesn’t matter either way, but I guess I’m really curious,” Tia went on, “Would I be someone you’d be interested in physically, on a good day? I mean, if you weren’t being hired for the evening.”

  “You mean, would I sleep with you for free?” he asked humorously. “Yes, definitely.”

  She slapped his chest in mock-anger, and he re-phrased, “Not t
rying to flatter you, Tia, and this is just hypothetical, but – yes, you are certainly someone I’d be attracted to and would want to, I don’t know, even try out a relationship with.”

  “You’re so sweet,” Tia purred, leaning into him, tipping her head back, their lips almost brushing as her gaze grew hooded, sultry as his words sent a thrill of irrepressible pleasure through her.

  Chapter Ten: Jordan

  Jordan felt his body tense as Tia’s lips drew close. He was losing his cool here, forgetting to play Mr. Suave and instead of doing the enticing, was getting highly enticed himself. Her body so close against him, her feminine, sweet-hot scent, was very, very distracting. He couldn’t think straight, or remember what he was supposed to say next. Something cool, confident, charming? His mind was a white, lust-filled blank.

  “What time do you turn back into a pumpkin?” she mumbled, her hands clutching his shirt front, her eyes smoky.

  “Not until the sun comes up in the morning,” he replied huskily, not recognizing his own voice which was no more than a rasp. “Can I take you home?”

  Tia smiled, bit on her bottom lip, and nodded.

  Chapter Eleven: Tia

  “Oh my God, Alyssa, he’s amazing! He’s everything I’d have hoped he’d be. Very handsome, fun to be with, and cool. Oh, and sexy as hell.”

  Tia was in the ladies’ room of the club, fulfilling her promise to call Alyssa to let her know if the evening turned out well with Jordan. Alone in the plush rest room, she could talk freely on the phone with her friend.

  “So what’s happened so far?” Alyssa asked with obvious excitement for her.