Page 35 of Heartless

“I assume she would calm down a little if you were in a steady, healthy relationship with a, how did you put it, wealthy and successful man?” He offered me the rose, and I took it. “It will be our little secret. No one else would know.”

“Know what?”

“That we are faking it.”

“You want to pretend to be my boyfriend?”

“Yes. I need a hobby. I tried fishing. It was a disaster.”

“What?” I asked, staring at him in disbelief.

Pretend to be in a relationship with Parker? The idea seemed absurd, but then again, it might just be crazy enough to work. If my mother thought I was happily involved with someone like Parker, she would finally back off and let me live my life on my own terms. At least I hoped so.

Parker stood there, his gaze steady and expectant, waiting for my response.

After a moment of internal debate, I let out a nervous laugh. “You’re serious about this?”

He nodded, a mischievous glint in his eyes. “Completely serious. Think about it - no more blind dates, no more pressure from your mother.”

“It won’t be enough for my mother to hear we’re together. You’ll have to make the occasional appearance.”

“I assumed as much,” he nodded, his voice oozing with confidence. “I can handle a few public appearances.”

His alpha male attitude would appeal to my mother, but could I stomach it long enough for her to believe we were an item? My mother’s constant nagging about marriage and kids had become unbearable. But what would Parker gain out of this charade? Did he have some ulterior motive behind his proposal?

“What’s in it for you?” I asked, needing to understand.

Parker’s smirk widened into a full-fledged grin. “Apart from the thrill of spending more time with you?” he teased. “I told you. I need a distraction. Fishing is not my thing. And I don’t want to own a fucking boat or play golf. And you hate me. I hate you. There is no risk of falling for each other.” Despite his charming façade, there was a complexity to Parker that intrigued me and set off warning bells simultaneously. “Just imagine a world where your mother doesn’t ambush you with dudes like George. You could be here for a while. Five weddings, remember?”

The possibility of this evening with George happening again with every single man my mother found eligible made me extend my hand in Parker’s direction. He took it, his hand engulfing mine in a firm, yet surprisingly gentle grip. I was acutely aware of the heat that transferred from his palm to mine. My heart raced, but I played it off with a nonchalant smile.

“Fine. Let’s do it,” I agreed, surprising even myself with the decision. “But remember, this is just another deal.”

“Of course,” Parker replied smoothly, his intense gaze locking with mine. “Strictly business.” But there was a glint in his eyes that hinted at a deeper understanding between us. One that could end up in a friendship. Then he let loose a charming smile. “Should I hang the rose from the ceiling?”

Chapter Twelve

Parker

Iwoke up feeling things I hadn’t felt in a long time. Anticipation. Excitement.

Last night was weird on so many levels. If someone had told me a few hours earlier that I would not only help Madison get away from a creep that couldn’t take a hint but also offer her to fake date me, I would have laughed in his face.

It still felt weird for the level of contempt we had for each other, but the thrill I woke up with this morning? Playing pretend with Madison would be way more fun than the stupid fishing.

She had always gotten my mind off things. Maybe experiencing the fake dating thing with her would help me move on. I would be reminded of the appeal of really committing to someone and by theend of her stay in The Gem, I would be ready to date someone I would have a real future with.

Or the entire charade wouldn’t make a difference, but at least I wouldn’t lose anything while trying.

There was just one problem. I had only two friends. Now I had to fool one and keep the other in the dark. I wouldn’t break my promise to Madison and tell the truth about our arrangement to her brother, but I also didn’t want Ryan finding out I was dating and telling Jessica about it.

I had to tell Tyler I was dating his sister and that he should keep his mouth shut in front of Ryan. The good thing was that Tyler already knew about my fucked up relationship with the Montgomerys, so he would understand. Or so I hoped.

There was only one way to find out. I took my phone from my nightstand and shot Tyler a message.

Me: What would you say if I told you I was interested in your sister?

His answer surprised me.

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