From Friend to Fake Fiancé (4 page)

“Tell me we're going to have a huge lunch after this flower thing because I'm starving.”

Jenna laughed and swatted Mac on the chest as they walked toward the lobby of the resort. She'd received a call that the flowers she'd custom ordered had arrived and were in the walk-in refrigerator in the kitchen. Jenna was so excited to see all the buds and blooms in various colors. Her sister had wanted a variety because she hadn't been able to narrow down her colors to just a few.

Being able to work with fresh flowers for a wedding was always a joy for Jenna, but to be doing it for her sister was even more thrilling.

Jenna passed through the open entryway to the lobby and glanced to Mac. “You're always hungry. How do you not weigh five hundred pounds?” Damn men and their flawless metabolism.

“If I'd had more than yogurt and fruit for breakfast I wouldn't be so hungry.”

“You're hangry. It's okay. I get that way myself.”

His brow lifted behind his dark shades. “Excuse me?”

“Hangry. When you're hungry and angry,” she explained with a shrug as she reached the counter. “I forgive you and I promise to get you a nice meal when we're done here.”

She patted his cheek with her free hand and directed her attention to the lady waiting to assist them. After they were escorted toward the kitchen, the woman directed them to the tubs of flowers that had been set outside the back doors for Jenna to sort through. The manager had made sure a workspace was set up for Jenna, and the employees were told to let her in and out as often as she needed while she crafted the various arrangements and bouquets.

The next hour flew by in a whirlwind of buds, greenery and tissue wrappings. Jenna meticulously sorted each bundle, leaving the lilacs off to the side. She'd be taking those back to her bungalow, along with a few other bundles, to start working on the smaller bouquets. Those would fit in the refrigerator in her own kitchen and that way she wouldn't be scrambling to do so much the day before the wedding.

Jenna glanced at Mac who was enthralled by something on his phone. With his dark eyes drawn in, the muscle ticking in his jaw and the death grip with which he held his phone, Jenna knew something was wrong.

She laid the flowers down and reached across to touch his forearm. “What's going on?”

Blinking, he looked up. “Just reading an email. I need to make a call.”

Jenna removed her hand as he came to his feet and headed out toward the breathtaking garden area and gazebo, probably where the employees took their breaks. As she watched Mac's shoulders tighten and tense beneath his blue T-shirt, Jenna wondered what could be so pressing. He glanced to the sky and shook his head as if frustrated with the person on the other end of the line. Whatever it was, she had no doubt this call was work related.

Mac's work was definitely something she knew very little about. Oh, sure, everyone knew the O'Sheas of Boston—the family, with their auction houses around the globe, was infamous. Mac had actually just opened two more US-based locations in Atlanta and Miami—she may have asked him to open one in Miami so she could see him more often. She'd had no idea he would actually do it and move down there to oversee the office.

But as successful as his family was, Jenna still didn't know what all the secrets were about and Mac would never betray his family's trust. She'd never known a man to be so loyal.

Her father certainly hadn't been. Jenna knew people were responsible for their own actions, but she couldn't help but blame the man for running out and leaving her mother to turn to the bottle. Those years were pure hell, but with love and the unshakeable bond between a mother and her daughters, Jenna and Amy were able to turn their mother around.

Mac shoved his cell into his pocket and headed back her way.

“You okay?” she asked, bundling up the flower assortment she needed to take back to the bungalow.

“Just work.” He caught a cluster of tissue-wrapped greenery that had started to slide off the table. “We hired a new manager at the main office in Boston. I just needed to get her into Miami to handle some issues concerning the upcoming auction.”

Guilt slid through her. “If you need to go, it's fine, really.”

Mac reached for her hand and squeezed. “I'm not going anywhere. This is nothing I can't fix with a couple of phone calls. Now, tell me where to take these so you can feed me that promised lunch.”

Rolling her eyes, Jenna came to her feet and pointed to a pile of flowers. “Be careful with those or you'll get yogurt and fruit again.”

He picked up the bundle and laughed. “Not many things scare me, but I know if I lose one petal you'll torture me.”

Jenna carried her own stack and headed out. She informed the staff that they could put the rest away and she'd be back tomorrow to get more. With the flowers in hand, Jenna led Mac back toward their bungalow. The sun was already bright and it was still early. This would be a perfect day to lounge on her deck, fiddle with arrangements and continue working on her tan. Though she knew she wouldn't be more beautiful than the bride, Jenna wanted to be at her best when she had to walk next to her cheating jerk ex.

As soon as she saw a familiar figure heading her way, Jenna froze. It was as though she'd conjured up the devil himself. She knew the moment was coming, but she was hoping her ex would avoid her for the sake of saving face. Apparently his ego had gotten the best of him.

“Martin's here,” she muttered, clutching the stems of her bundles even tighter. “Let's turn around.”

“Like hell.”

Before she knew what was happening, Mac shifted his stash of flowers in the crook of one arm and wrapped his other arm around her. In the same instant, his lips crushed hers, forcing her to hold on to him with her free hand and enjoy the ride. Mac's mouth demanded more and she was all too willing to give it. This kiss, if something so powerful could have such a simple term, didn't feel like an act at all. This felt more like a stepping stone to something more private and intimate. And it certainly wasn't like the one from the other day. This kiss held...promise.

Jenna's entire body heated. Tingling started low in her belly and she had aches in places she'd never ached before. Mac's hold on her tightened and Jenna couldn't prevent the moan that slipped from her lips.

Martin cleared his throat and Mac pulled away. His lopsided grin and a naughty gleam in his eye told Jenna he was enjoying this. Just another reason she couldn't let her heart tumble into this charade. Mac was a professional player. This game was well within his comfort zone. That made one of them.

Once Mac stepped to her side, his free arm still draped around her shoulders, Jenna got a good look at her ex...and he was fuming.

“What the hell are you doing?” he demanded, staring at Jenna. “I told you I'd be here so we could talk and you're with this guy? He's more of a liar and a cheater than I ever thought of being.”

Before she could respond, Mac spoke up. “Apologize to her now.”

Martin's narrowed gaze darted to Mac. “Who the hell are you to tell me anything? Jenna belongs with me.”

Mac pulled his arm away and stepped between her and Martin. “Not anymore. I'm her fiancé.”

Four

“I
cannot believe you just did that.”

Mac watched as Jenna stormed through their bungalow. She'd carefully set the flowers on the kitchen island and then took off pacing, throwing her arms in the air and muttering words that would make his Irish mother, God rest her soul, blush.

“I only wanted you to pretend to be my boyfriend,” she yelled as she turned to pace in the other direction. “Then you go and tell me you want to be my lover, you have my mother and sister thinking we're quite serious and you tell my ex we're engaged.”

Finally, she turned to face him, her hands propped on her hips, her chest heaving. “Are you going to say anything?”

Mac shrugged and placed his flowers next to hers. “That guy is an ass. I'm not sorry for what I said.”

“Are you sorry for the position you put me in?”

Maybe a little, but Mac hadn't liked this ex. He'd had
possessive
written all over him and nobody laid a claim on Jenna. Well, this week Mac did, but there was no way in hell Mac would let a guy like Martin have another chance with Jenna. Mac knew the type Martin was—a wealthy playboy who got whatever he wanted...damn it. Mac had just described himself.

But still, Mac worked hard for everything he had and he'd work just as hard to make sure Jenna never had to deal with that jerk again. The fact that Martin knew of the O'Sheas was helpful. Mac didn't purposely hide behind his name, but clearly Jenna had spoken of him and that only made Mac feel even more protective of her.

“You called me here to help.” Slowly he closed the space between them and rested his hands on her shoulders, bending his knees so he could look her in the eyes. “The whole
engaged
thing slipped out, but now that it has, we'll deal with it the same way as before. Once this week is over, we just explain to your family that we decided we're better off as friends.”

Jenna let out a heavy sigh. “You make this sound so easy.”

He stared down into her mesmerizing eyes. She had a way of drawing him in before he even knew what was happening. Jenna was one of the most important people in his life and he wouldn't let her down.

“Trust me?” he asked, tipping his head to hold her gaze.

Her features softened as her shoulders relaxed beneath his touch. “You know I do. And it's not just my family I'm worried about. I've dragged you into this—”

“Do I look like I mind?” he asked, offering her a smile.

“You look like you're having the time of your life.” She laughed. “Don't get so caught up that you forget we're just acting.”

Oh, no worries there. No matter how amazing Jenna was, he didn't want to be tied down to anyone for a lifetime commitment. And that was exactly how he viewed marriage.

“I think I can handle kissing you in public and still remember that we're just friends,” he told her.

Something flashed across her face, but before he could analyze what it was, the emotion was gone. He wanted inside that head of hers, wanted to know what she truly thought about this entire arrangement...about him. But perhaps it was better to be in the dark. Maybe the truth would have him running in the other direction. Emotions were one area he tried not to venture into.

“Now, what are we doing for lunch?” he asked.

Jenna grunted as she laid her hands flat on his chest and gave him a shove. “You have a one-track mind.”

He raked his eyes over her body, then threw her a wink and a grin. “I actually have a couple tracks, but I'm a whiz at multitasking.”

“Let me put these flowers in the fridge and then we can go get a bite.” She maneuvered around Mac and grabbed the flowers, carefully placing them on the shelf she'd emptied just for this reason. “While we're out we need to be holding hands. Maybe you can brush my hair back from my shoulders and look at me when I pretend not to notice. You know, do whatever people in love are supposed to do.”

Silently, he closed the gap between them and came within a breath of her. She jumped at his nearness. “And what will you be doing?”

The cool air from the refrigerator did nothing to control the heat inside her. As she straightened and turned, he was literally right there.

“Um...” What was the question? Oh, right. “I guess I'll be smiling and nodding and hanging on your every word.”

Mac brushed her hair over her shoulders, his fingertips trailing over her bare skin there, then up her neck to her jaw as he framed her face. “No, you're not that type of woman, Jenna.”

Why was he looking at her like that? Did he give off that “I want to devour you” vibe to his other lovers?

“I'm not?” she whispered.

His thumb brushed along her bottom lip. “No. You're in control. You don't even realize it, but any man worth having you would fall under your spell. He'd hang on your every word and you would hold the power.”

Jenna's breath caught in her throat. She held power? Over whom? Because she might not be experienced in relationships, but she knew she'd never held control over anyone.

“When we go out, I will be the one spellbound. We'll show this ex exactly what he threw away, because you are worth hanging on to.”

Right. The ex. That's what all of this was about...right? Why was she having such a difficult time focusing? Oh, yeah. Because Mac had her backed up against an appliance. His body was practically molded against hers and he was looking at her as if she was the main course and dessert all wrapped up in one delectable package.

Jenna couldn't afford to get tangled up in her emotions. Mac wasn't good for her; they wanted two very different things in life. But now they were each playing a role and she had to remember it was only for a few more days. Getting swept away by the act of being Mac O'Shea's lover was only asking for heartache...no matter how much her heart clenched when he looked at her with desire in his eyes.

Reaching up to grip his wrists, Jenna eased his hands away from her face. “There's a great restaurant here at the resort and normally you need a reservation, but our wedding party has been given full run of the place. They have some amazing local dishes. Let me change and we'll head out.”

As she stepped aside, the fridge door shut. Just as soon as she moved, Mac blocked her path.

“Am I making you nervous, Jenna?”

Nervous? No. Achy, needy and ready to rip his clothes off? Yes.

“Not at all,” she replied with a wide smile. “I'm worried about pulling this off, especially considering how angry Martin was earlier. He doesn't like to be told no.”

“Yeah, well, I don't like the way he talked to you.” Mac looked as if he wanted to say more, but he finally stepped aside and motioned toward the bedroom. “Go get ready. I'll wait on the deck.”

Jenna rushed to the bedroom and closed the door at her back. They were on the second day of this charade and she only prayed she could make it the final five. Surely this would get easier...it had to, for the sake of her sanity and her heart.

* * *

Lunch was amazing and there were no additional run-ins with Martin the Jerk. Mac hadn't met the man before today, but just one look was enough to know he wasn't good enough for Jenna. Mac was actually looking forward to another encounter with him. He'd prefer the next one to be away from Jenna, but whenever the opportunity presented itself, Mac would be prepared. Martin seemed too full of himself to just let Jenna go and be happy. Mac would see to it that Martin would never be able to hurt her again.

“You're scowling,” she muttered as she looped her arm through his. “People are going to think we're fighting.”

He patted her hand as he led her down the narrow path toward the beach. “Then we'll have to kiss and make up in public. I'm fine with that.”

“You just like to kiss.”

Shrugging, he threw her a glance. “You have a great set of lips. Who wouldn't like to kiss them?”

Jenna reached out to push aside a tropical plant hanging over the walkway. “We're pretending, no need to start laying on the charm.”

“I wouldn't lie about something like that,” he replied. As they hit the edge of the sand, he turned to her. “You do believe me, right? I may have to keep secrets from you to protect you and my family but when it comes to other things between us, you'll only get the full truth from me.”

Jenna stared at him as if he were crazy. “Yeah, sure.”

Before he could stop himself, he snaked his arms around her and pulled her flush against his body. He captured her squeal when he covered her mouth with his.

Mac gripped the back of her dress, fighting the urge to lift it up and whisk it over her head. They were in public, but she was seriously doing a number on his emotions. Mac had originally set out to seduce her, but now he also wanted to dismantle any insecurities she had, so when she moved on to the next guy, she would know her self-worth.

Damn. The next guy. Mac didn't think any guy would be good enough for Jenna.

When she moaned, Mac lifted his head slightly, nipping at her lips a few more times before pulling back. He'd always been able stay detached from any woman, but Jenna was becoming his drug of choice and he saw no way to break the addiction until he got her into his bed.

“Did you see someone?” she asked, her lids fluttering open.

“I thought I saw your mom down the way.” Okay, so that was a lie and he'd just told her he wouldn't lie to her, but he wasn't sorry—he was selfish. Pretending to squint and look in the distance, Mac shrugged. “My mistake.”

Lacing his fingers through hers, Mac guided her down the beach. Jenna leaned against his side and he wondered if she was as turned on as he was from that kiss. Each time he tasted her he wanted more, he wanted to take it to another level. Did she even have those thoughts? She couldn't moan like that, couldn't lean so perfectly against his body and not want more. His ego swelled, but more than that, hope filled him because now he knew she would reciprocate his need, this ache that kept bouncing between them.

“My sister asked if you and I were free to have dinner with her and Nathan.”

Water lapping at their bare feet, they strolled down the shoreline. Mac decided he really didn't want to share his Jenna time with anyone else. This week was about seducing his best friend, finally getting her where he'd wanted her since propositioning her years ago at a party. She'd never let herself respond to him before.

“When did they want to get together?” he asked, stroking the delicate area between her thumb and index finger.

“Well, the only free night is tonight. We have a dinner tomorrow, a party the following night, Friday is the rehearsal and Saturday is the wedding.”

Damn. He'd been warned of all the “outings” this week, but he didn't realize his time would be so monopolized by wedding events. On the other hand, he could totally play this to his advantage. If they were in public he would have to be in lover mode. Maybe there were some perks to these evening activities, after all. After making Jenna moan, who knew what else he could pull out of her during their remaining time on the island?

“I'll do whatever you want,” he told her.

A mother and a father were splashing around at the edge of the water with their toddler son. Mac didn't miss the way Jenna stared at the family, the way her breath caught before a soft smile spread across her face. He'd bet she hadn't even noticed that she'd squeezed his hand a bit tighter. Mac knew this is what she wanted, a family, children. Everything he couldn't offer, yet everything she deserved. One of the many reasons this arrangement had to be a temporary thing only. After she was out of his system, he'd have to step aside and allow another man to come into her life.

Best friends. That was the highest relationship status he had to give. Jenna would meet the right man and start the family she wanted. The thought conjured up a whole host of images Mac didn't appreciate. No man would ever measure up, but that wasn't his decision to make. Shame, that.

Still, when she found a man and things started getting serious, Mac would do a complete background check and make sure the guy was squeaky clean because Jenna deserved a man on the right side of the law, a man with no secrets.

A man totally the opposite of Mac.

Not that Mac wanted that settled-down family lifestyle. The whole marriage thing was working for Braden and Zara, but Mac was just fine focusing on work, partying when he could and hooking up with women who were on the same playing field as he was. Life was good, so why mess it up?

Mac tugged on Jenna's hand to keep her moving. “Maybe going out tonight would be the best option,” he told her. “That way Nathan can see us together as well and pass along to his best man that you're officially off the market and not interested in a reunion.”

Jenna shoved her sunglasses up onto her head, pushing her dark strands back from her face. “Good idea. I'll let Amy know. You're too good to me, Mac.”

With a laugh, he shook his head. “Nah. Remember, if you mess this act up, I get to cash in a favor at any time.”

Jenna playfully nudged his side with her elbow. “I'm pulling this whole thing off beautifully so far, which means I'll get another favor. Don't get so cocky.”

Up ahead, Mac caught sight of Martin talking with Nathan. Perfect opportunity to work this lover's angle and shove it right into Martin's face. Mac didn't just want to convince the guy that Jenna had moved on, Mac wanted to torture the man with what he'd let go.

“You ready to put those acting skills to the test again?” he asked, nodding straight ahead.

Her gaze followed his and she drew in a deep breath. “I'd rather just avoid him.”

“You're not a coward.”

Before she could protest further, he trudged forward. He told her a joke to get her laughing. Mission accomplished. Jenna's rich laughter had Martin's head whipping around in no time.