A Deal Made In Texas
Michelle Major
Fourteen Karat Fortune!When Christine Briscoe finds herself dancing with Gavin Fortunado at his sister’s wedding its like a scene from her dreams. But there is nothing make-believe about the sparks between her and the sexy Fortune scion…
FOURTEEN-CARAT FORTUNE
It’s like a page ripped from her diary when Christine Briscoe finds herself dancing with Gavin Fortunado at his sister’s wedding. It’s like a scene from her dreams when the flirtatious attorney asks her to be his—pretend—girlfriend. But there is nothing make-believe about the sparks between the quiet office manager and the sexy Fortune scion. Considering Gavin’s reputation, she might be heading for heartbreak. Or maybe, just maybe, straight down the aisle!
MICHELLE MAJOR grew up in Ohio but dreamed of living in the mountains. Soon after graduating with a degree in journalism, she pointed her car west and settled in Colo-rado. Her life and house are filled with one great hus-band, two beautiful kids, a few furry pets and several well-behaved reptiles. She’s grateful to have found her passion writing stories with happy endings. Michelle loves to hear from her readers at michellemajor.com (http://www.michellemajor.com).
Also by Michelle Major (#u1e7bb055-e440-53b1-babf-2b6c42211a0f)
Falling for the Wrong BrotherSecond Chance in StonecreekA Stonecreek Christmas Reunion
Christmas on Crimson MountainRomancing the WallflowerSleigh Bells in CrimsonComing Home to CrimsonFortune’s Special DeliveryA Fortune in WaitingHer Soldier of Fortune
Discover more at millsandboon.co.uk (http://www.millsandboon.co.uk)
A Deal Made in Texas
Michelle Major
www.millsandboon.co.uk (http://www.millsandboon.co.uk)
ISBN: 978-1-474-09054-4
A DEAL MADE IN TEXAS
© 2019 Harlequin Books S.A.
Published in Great Britain 2018
by Mills & Boon, an imprint of HarperCollinsPublishers 1 London Bridge Street, London, SE1 9GF
All rights reserved including the right of reproduction in whole or in part in any form. This edition is published by arrangement with Harlequin Books S.A.
This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, locations and incidents are purely fictional and bear no relationship to any real life individuals, living or dead, or to any actual places, business establishments, locations, events or incidents. Any resemblance is entirely coincidental.
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www.millsandboon.co.uk (http://www.millsandboon.co.uk)
To the Fortunes of Texas team of editors—
thank you for helping me make this story shine.
Contents
Cover (#ud5e8327c-3879-531d-80db-abdf4d41db0b)
Back Cover Text (#u4c35477a-b61b-5a6e-9e63-a1f792a969b5)
About the Author (#u17df31b3-971a-5d09-9e0b-e099620e1384)
Booklist (#u271ca756-bf5d-5afd-9917-9a6e9865def6)
Title Page (#ued3f89c1-e9bc-55b9-aff0-7d3229b3737c)
Copyright (#u2518c8d3-bc61-59da-a5a4-d121561d3cd4)
Dedication (#u37f34cdc-75b0-5fe4-80dd-abeb1471dded)
Chapter One (#u77eefa7d-834f-5d3f-8ac3-361040da5173)
Chapter Two (#u2be26863-a17d-5f0d-ad75-e23c5287d88a)
Chapter Three (#u6adc195a-c430-5fc1-8ff3-1fd2023ac31c)
Chapter Four (#u4fd8fca9-3245-5bf3-af1a-f9853926807b)
Chapter Five (#litres_trial_promo)
Chapter Six (#litres_trial_promo)
Chapter Seven (#litres_trial_promo)
Chapter Eight (#litres_trial_promo)
Chapter Nine (#litres_trial_promo)
Chapter Ten (#litres_trial_promo)
Chapter Eleven (#litres_trial_promo)
Chapter Twelve (#litres_trial_promo)
Chapter Thirteen (#litres_trial_promo)
Chapter Fourteen (#litres_trial_promo)
Chapter Fifteen (#litres_trial_promo)
Chapter Sixteen (#litres_trial_promo)
Epilogue (#litres_trial_promo)
Extract (#litres_trial_promo)
About the Publisher (#litres_trial_promo)
Chapter One (#u1e7bb055-e440-53b1-babf-2b6c42211a0f)
“I love weddings.”
Gavin Fortunado glanced at his sister Schuyler, who stood next to him in the ballroom of the Driskill Hotel in downtown Austin, her long blond hair pulled into an elaborate braided updo. The understated opulence and elegant decor of the historic venue only made the starched collar of the tuxedo he wore feel even stuffier.
“I know you do.” Gavin drained the glass of bubbly champagne he’d raised after his father’s toast to another sister, Maddie, and her new husband, Zach McCarter. The fizzy liquid churned in his stomach, and he looked toward the crowded bar, mentally calculating how long it would take to get to the front of the line and order a whiskey neat. He had a feeling he’d need something more substantial than champagne to make it through this evening.
He placed his empty glass on a nearby table as Schuyler wrapped her elegant fingers around his arm. “Maddie is a beautiful bride,” she said as she leaned against him, dabbing at the corner of one eye with her free hand.
“Yep.” He patted his sister’s hand. “You were, too.” Schuyler had married Carlo Mendoza, vice president of Mendoza Winery, last spring in the sculpture garden at the winery in the Texas Hill Country outside the city. Just as he had this weekend, Gavin had flown in from Denver for Schuyler’s big day. He loved his three sisters and appreciated that two of them, who were now married, had picked great guys. He liked and respected both of his brothers-in-law. Any guy who was man enough to take on Schuyler or Maddie was definitely ready to join the family.
Speaking of Schuyler’s husband, where was Carlo now? Gavin could use a diversion before Schuyler started in on him.
Too late.
“I’m sure you’ll find a beautiful bride, as well.” Schuyler gave his arm a squeeze. The touch was gentle, but somehow Gavin felt like an animal caught in a steel trap. Sweat beaded between his shoulder blades and rolled down his back. He groaned inwardly as he noticed the line at the bar had gotten longer.
“You did a great job with all the wedding planning,” he said, ignoring his sister’s comment. “I know Maddie appreciated it since she’s so wrapped up in the Fortunado Real Estate Austin office right now. I don’t know how you convinced Mom to allow another wedding to take place here instead of in Houston. I thought she’d pressure Maddie and Zach to get married closer to home.”
“It’s only a couple hours’ drive from Mom and Dad’s house, but Maddie couldn’t spare any extra time. She and Zach are burning the real estate candle at both ends these days.”
Gavin loved all his sisters and brothers, but he and Maddie were only nine months apart in age, so they’d always been especially close. Her relationship with Zach had gotten off to a rocky start last year, as both of them had been vying to be named the new president of Fortunado Real Estate, the company Kenneth Fortunado had founded and devoted his life to for years.
Of the six Fortunado children, Maddie was the one most invested in the family business, although the baby of the family, Valene, was quickly coming into her own as a real estate agent. Their oldest brother, Everett, was a successful doctor. Connor worked as an executive at a corporate search firm in Denver so Gavin hung out with him on a regular basis. Ever since coming to Austin last year, Schuyler had joined the staff of the Mendoza Winery, heading up branding for the company. Gavin had spent his entire career with a corporate law firm headquartered in Denver. He knew his parents were proud of all of them, but Maddie had the same passion for real estate as Kenneth, and she’d gone toe-to-toe with Zach until they’d fallen in love.
It made Gavin smile to see his practical, pragmatic sister head over heels, especially since Zach was the perfect partner for her, as driven and dedicated to the business as Maddie.
“Maybe you’ll be the one to tie the knot in Houston,” Schuyler suggested cheerily. “I could see it at—”
“Stop.” Gavin managed to extricate himself from his sister’s grip without having to resort to chewing off his own arm. “I’m not getting married. What is it with everyone and this obsession with weddings? Mom and Dad have been dropping not-so-subtle hints since I stepped off the plane.”
Schuyler sighed. “We want you to be happy.”
“I am happy,” Gavin insisted.
She arched one delicate brow in response. “You could be really happy.”
Gavin rolled his eyes. He wasn’t about to get into an argument about his level of contentment. Of course he was happy. Why wouldn’t he be? He had a great job working with a prestigious law firm and was on track to be named partner within a year. He owned a fantastic loft in the bustling Lower Downtown neighborhood. The city was a perfect mix of urban and outdoorsy, with enough cowboy left to appeal to his Texas heart. Plus, Colorado offered almost limitless opportunities for the adrenaline-pumping adventures Gavin couldn’t seem to get enough of during his downtime. He rock-climbed, mountain-biked and skied every weekend throughout the winter. Well, not this January weekend since he was at his sister’s wedding, being subjected to the third degree by his well-intentioned family.
“Look at Everett,” Schuyler continued, pointing across the room to where their brother stood talking to a friend of their parents’. His wife, Lila, was at his side, Everett’s hand on her back. “He’s happy.”
As if on cue, Everett glanced down at Lila, and the tenderness in his gaze made Gavin’s chest ache the tiniest bit. Lila smiled up at him, practically glowing, and he drew her in closer. Gavin studied the couple, high school sweethearts who’d reunited last spring after years apart. There was something different about them tonight, a new kind of energy to their already strong connection.
Schuyler nudged him, drawing his attention back to her. “Don’t you want a woman to look at you like that?”
“What I want is a drink,” he told her. “And for you to drop the subject of my love life.”
“When was the last time you had a serious girlfriend?”
Never, Gavin thought to himself. He only dated women who wanted the same things he did: fun, adventure and a good time. “Would you like a glass of wine?”
“You didn’t answer my question.” Schuyler placed her hands on her slim hips. As Maddie’s matron of honor, she wore a burgundy-colored cocktail dress and matching heels that gave her a few extra inches of height. At six feet two inches tall, Gavin still towered over his petite sister. Her classic features and tiny frame made her look like any other beautiful young woman, but Gavin knew underneath the subtle makeup and coiffed hair beat the heart of a tenacious fighter. Once Schuyler latched on to a cause, she gave “dog with a bone” new meaning. It had been that determination that had led the Fortunados to the discovery that they were actually part of the famous Fortune family.
Schuyler loved a challenge and a quest, and Gavin didn’t relish being her next one.
“Who says I don’t have a serious girlfriend?” he countered, willing to say just about anything to make her drop the subject. “Maybe I just didn’t want to subject her to my crazy family.”
“I don’t believe you.”
“Doesn’t make it less true. If you all weren’t such true-love tyrants, I would have told you about it before.” Gavin smiled to himself. That should be enough to keep her occupied for a while.
He realized his mistake as her eyes lit with excitement. “Who is she? How long have you been dating? Why didn’t you bring her to the wedding?”
“I’m heading to the bar,” he said, invoking his big-brother selective hearing. “I’ll get you a glass of Chardonnay. Oh, and it looks like Maddie is having trouble with her train. You have work to do, sis.”
“Gavin, I want to hear about your lady.”
“Maddie needs you. Gotta go.” He moved around her, dodging like he was back on the high school football team when she reached for him.
“Valene can help. Wait... Gavin.”
He waved over his shoulder and called, “Back in a sec,” having no intention of returning to his sister. She’d regroup soon enough, anyway. Another glance over his shoulder showed Schuyler following him.
He tugged at his collar and glanced around, catching the eye of the slim redhead standing near the corner of the bar. Not exactly catching her eye, as he got the impression that she’d been watching him approach. Either way, she was a friendly face and he’d take it.
“Christine,” he called, not daring to check on Schuyler’s approach. He wrapped an arm around Christine Briscoe’s shoulders. “Great to see you. How have you been? You look lovely. Shall we dance?”
“Um...” Christine, who’d worked for his father’s real estate agency in Houston for close to a decade, seemed at a loss for words. That was fine. Gavin didn’t need her to speak. As long as she came with him.
The man standing next to her, average height with dark hair and the start of a paunch that indicated he’d done too many keg stands back in college, frowned and made to step forward. Gavin took an immediate dislike to the guy but flashed a grin and held up one finger. “You don’t mind if I steal Christine for a dance, right?”
He didn’t wait for an answer. He grabbed Christine’s hand—soft skin and fine-boned, he noticed—and tugged her toward the dance floor, breathing a sigh of relief as he saw that Schuyler had been waylaid by a distant cousin on their mother’s side of the family.
The music changed from an up-tempo dance number to a slow ballad. Automatically, he wrapped his arms around Christine’s waist, careful to be respectful of her personal space since he’d basically hijacked her for this dance.
She lifted her hands to his shoulders and glanced up at him.
“Hi, there,” he said with his most charming smile.
“Hi,” she breathed. “You, too. Well. Thanks. Yes.”
He felt his mouth drop open and closed it again. “I think I missed part of the conversation.”
She tugged her bottom lip between her teeth and his mouth went dry. He’d known Christine for years, but how had he never noticed the way her mouth was shaped like a perfect Cupid’s bow, the lower lip slightly fuller and damned kissable, if he had the inclination?
Which he didn’t. He couldn’t. She was a cover to save him from his sister’s meddling in his private life. Clearly, Schuyler had messed with his head because he’d never thought of Christine as anything more than a casual friend before this moment—never gave her much thought at all if he had to admit the truth.
“I’m responding to your comments,” she answered, somewhat primly. “It’s great to see you, too. I’m well. Thanks for the compliment. Yes, I’d like to dance.”
“Ah.” He felt one side of his mouth curve. This time the smile was natural. Why did it feel so unfamiliar? “You’re precise.”
She frowned. “Oh, you weren’t looking for a response? The questions were rhetorical.” Color flooded her cheeks and it fascinated him to watch the freckles that dotted her skin almost disappear against the blush. “I should have figured.”
“No... I...” He shook his head. “I’m a little bit off my game tonight.”
“Your game,” she murmured.
“Not that this is a game,” he amended quickly. “It’s a wedding.”
“Your sister’s wedding,” Christine agreed, sounding amused.
“The Fortunados are dropping like flies,” he said, glancing around for Schuyler, whom he thankfully didn’t see in the vicinity. “Schuyler seems to think I’m next. Can you keep a secret?”
Christine nodded solemnly.
“I told her I have a girlfriend.”
“But you don’t?”
“No, and that’s how I like it.” He pulled her closer to avoid a couple trying some sort of complicated spin and tried not to notice the feel of her soft curves pressing against the front of his tux. This dance was about avoiding Schuyler. Nothing more. “For some reason, my sister can’t seem to accept that. It was easier to lie, although I’m not sure she believed me.”
“I’m sure you could find a girlfriend if you wanted one.”
He grimaced. “But I don’t want one. Not even a little bit.”
“Oh.”
He had the strange sensation that he’d disappointed her and didn’t like the feeling.
“How’s Denver?” Christine asked quietly after a moment of awkward silence between them.
“Good,” he answered and struggled to come up with something better to say. Something interesting. Charming. Gavin was well-known for his charm. He had an easy way with women that made him popular, even with his ex-girlfriends. Where was that legendary charm now?
He couldn’t figure out what the hell was wrong with him. Had he allowed Schuyler to rattle him that much? Hell, he came from a family of six kids. Good-natured teasing was nothing new.
“Did you cut your ski trip short to come to the wedding?”
He blinked. “I did, actually. How did you know?”
“Your sisters talk about you a lot,” she said. She stiffened in his arms, making him regret questioning her. He liked dancing with Christine. She was just the right height and her body fit against his perfectly. She smelled clean and fresh, like strawberries or springtime or sunshine. Okay, that was stupid. Sunshine didn’t have a scent.
He needed to get a hold of himself, but all he could manage was hoping she’d relax into him again. The song ended and another ballad began. Gavin would have to tip the bandleader later for his sense of timing.
“Do you ski?” he asked, tightening his hold on her ever so slightly, splaying his hand across her lower back.
She laughed, low and husky, and his stomach flipped wildly. He hadn’t expected that kind of laugh from straitlaced Christine Briscoe. “No skiing for me. I’ve never even been to Colorado.”
“You’ll have to visit,” he told her. The way her eyes widened in shock was like he’d invited her to have wild monkey sex on the hood of his car. The image did crazy things to his breathing, and he pushed it out of his mind.
“Th-things are b-busy,” she stammered, “at the office right now.”
“That’s right. You moved to Austin to manage the new branch. My dad mentioned that.”
“I’m originally from Austin, and it was a great opportunity,” she confirmed. “Of course, I loved working for your dad in Houston, too.”
“Of course.” He felt the sensation of someone staring at him and glanced toward the bar. The man Christine had been standing next to was still there, shooting daggers in Gavin’s direction.
“Did I steal you from your boyfriend?” Even though it was no business of his, he didn’t like the idea of this woman belonging to another man.
She shook her head, her full mouth pursing into a thin line. “Maddie and Zach invited everyone from the Austin office to the wedding. Bobby and I work together, but that’s all, despite his best efforts. He’s a good real estate agent but can’t seem to understand that I’m not interested in dating him. In fact, you kind of rescued me.”
“So then I’m your hero?”
Christine blushed again, and Gavin couldn’t help but wonder what it would take to make her whole body flush that lovely shade of pink.
“I don’t know about that,” she murmured, her gaze focused on the knot of his bow tie.
He forced a chuckle, ignoring the pang of disappointment that lanced his chest at her words. What was going on with him tonight? He didn’t want or need to be anyone’s hero. “Already you know me too well,” he said as the song ended.
Her eyes darted to his like she’d been caught with her hand in the cookie jar. “I should get back to...um...the bar.” She squeezed shut her eyes then opened them again and offered him a lopsided smile. The first strains of a popular country line dance song started. “I’m not much for this kind of dancing.”
“We have that in common,” he told her then led her through the crowd. “Thanks for helping me out,” he said as they stopped at the end of the bar. At least the guy from earlier was nowhere to be seen. He waited for her to say something, oddly reluctant to have this strange interlude come to an end.
She crossed her arms over her chest and nodded, barely making eye contact. “Enjoy the rest of your night.”
“You, too,” he said and took a step away, to be almost immediately stopped by an old family friend.
He glanced over his shoulder to see that Christine had already turned toward the bar. She was well and truly done with him.
Gavin didn’t have much experience with being blown off by a woman, but he recognized the signs just the same. Christine Briscoe obviously wasn’t having the same reaction to him as he was to her. He was more disappointed than he would have imagined.
Chapter Two (#u1e7bb055-e440-53b1-babf-2b6c42211a0f)
Christine picked up the glass of wine the bartender placed in front of her and drained half of it in one long gulp.
She’d just had her heart’s desire handed to her on a silver platter and she’d made a mess of the whole thing. Gavin Fortunado might not be a hero, but he’d been her secret crush since the moment she’d set eyes on him almost ten years ago.
For ten years she’d harbored fantasies about her boss’s adventurous, drop-dead-gorgeous youngest son. Then tonight, out of nowhere, he’d taken her into his arms, like a scene from every Hallmark movie she’d ever watched. And she loved a good romance.
Unfortunately, Christine hadn’t even been able to put together a decent sentence. He’d actually flirted with her. Of course, Gavin flirted with everyone. Not that she knew him well, other than adoring him from afar, but he’d come into the Fortunado Real Estate Agency office in Houston often enough over the years.
She’d watched his easy banter with his sisters as well as the women who worked in the office. He was always charming but respectful and had a knack for remembering names and details. Half the women she knew in Houston had a crush on him, and she imagined it was much the same in Denver.
At first, when his gaze had met hers as he strode toward the bar, she’d thought he might call her out for staring. She’d been trying to ignore Bobby, who seemed to think he was God’s gift to women. He was harmless but annoying, and Christine wasn’t sure why he wouldn’t give up on her. Maybe because she had very little social life to speak of so he assumed she should be grateful for his attention.
Irritated was more like it.
He’d been blathering on about some property he couldn’t close, and Christine had been watching Gavin talk to Schuyler. Or rather argue. She was used to seeing Gavin smiling and jovial and hadn’t understood the tension that made his broad shoulders appear stiff. Unlike her own, the Fortunado family was tight-knit so it bothered her to see the brother and sister at odds.
She’d been shocked when Gavin had approached the bar and taken her hand. It might have been a simple dance to him. For Christine, having Gavin pull her close, her body pressed against his, was the culmination of all her secret desires come to life. Of all the single women at the reception, he’d picked her. Did that mean something?
Probably not, but a girl could dream. Sadly, all she’d be left with was her dreams since she’d been so discombobulated that she hadn’t been able to truly enjoy the moment. Or relax. Or hold up her end of the conversation.
What was the point, anyway? Gavin lived life in the fast lane. She could barely get out of first gear. Normally, her boring routine didn’t bother her. She was good at her job, had a cute apartment and a sweet rescue dog that adored her. She owned her own car and one designer purse she’d splurged on last year. The barista at her neighborhood coffee shop sometimes remembered her order, which never failed to make her feel special. She had a good life.
Only occasionally did she think about what it would be like to have more. To be fun and sporty like her sister, Aimee, or confident in the way of the Fortunado sisters. To be the kind of woman who could attract a man like Gavin.
She took another drink of wine and turned back toward the reception. The dance floor was filled with wedding guests, all of them laughing and swaying whether they had rhythm or not. Christine should join the crowd. Despite her two left feet, she loved to dance. But the thought of drawing attention to herself made her cheeks flame. Drat her pale Irish complexion. She had no ability to hide her feelings when her blush gave them away every time.
She had a travel-size powder compact in her purse. Maybe a little freshening of her makeup would help her feel more confident. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Bobby heading in her direction. She grabbed the glass of wine and slipped into the hallway, turning the corner toward the bathroom, only to find her way blocked by Gavin and Schuyler. Immediately, she slipped behind a potted palm, curiosity about the Fortunados getting the best of her despite the fact that it was wrong to eavesdrop.
“Come on,” Schuyler urged. “At least tell me her name. A name and then I’ll leave you alone.”
“You don’t fool me for a second,” Gavin said, amusement and irritation warring in his tone. “I’m not telling you anything.”
Schuyler threw up her hands. “Because this mystery woman doesn’t exist. Admit it, you aren’t dating anyone.”
Gavin opened his mouth, but Schuyler held up a finger. “At least not anyone serious.”
“Oh, it’s serious. It’s also none of your business.”
“Tell me something about her. One thing, Gavin.”
“She has blue eyes,” he answered without hesitation then added, “And fiery red hair.”
“A ginger.” Schuyler rubbed her hands together. “I need more details.”
Gavin shook his head. “You said one thing. I gave you two.”
“Where did you meet? Why didn’t you bring her? How long have you been dating?”
“Schuyler, stop.”
“I can’t,” she admitted with a laugh. “I need a new project now that Maddie’s wedding is over. You’re it.”
“I’m not,” Gavin insisted, running a hand through his thick hair.
He looked so uncomfortable and unaccustomedly vulnerable that Christine’s heart stuttered. Tonight was the first time she’d seen this side of Gavin. He seemed almost human...not so picture-perfect, and it made her like him all the more. Which was dangerous, because she already liked him way more than was wise.
Without thinking, she took a step forward, away from her spot behind the fake plant. Gavin glanced up for one instant, and he looked so darn happy to see her. She wanted that look in his eyes to last. So instead of retreating, as her brain instructed, she moved toward them.
Schuyler glanced over her shoulder. “Hey, Christine. Are you having fun?”
Christine swallowed against the ball of nerves stuck in her throat. “It was a beautiful wedding, and Maddie and Zach look really happy. You did an amazing job with the planning.”
“Thanks.” Schuyler’s smile was so genuine, Christine almost let the conversation end there. She was an honest person who valued her job and the relationships she’d forged with each of the Fortunados. But dancing with Gavin had been like eating a bite of cake after dieting for years. One taste wasn’t nearly enough. She wanted the whole piece. “Please don’t be upset with Gavin,” she said, working hard to ensure her voice didn’t waver.
Schuyler frowned. “Do you mean our argument out here?” She laughed softly. “Don’t worry. It’s a friendly brother and sister thing. I have to convince him to give up the name of the woman—”
“I asked him not to say anything.” Christine wrapped an arm around Gavin’s waist and leaned in close. “I wasn’t sure if your dad would approve of us.” She glanced up at Gavin and smiled. He was staring at her like she’d just sprouted a second head. Not exactly catching on to her plan, which made sense because she didn’t actually have one.
“Wait.” Schuyler gasped, her gaze ricocheting between the two of them. “What?”
Christine looked at Schuyler once more. “I hope you can understand...we wanted to keep things private. It was never my intention to deceive you, but—”
“Are you saying that you’re Gavin’s ghost girlfriend?”
“I know it probably comes as a surprise.”
“Understatement of the century,” Schuyler muttered. “You can’t expect me to believe—”
“It doesn’t matter what you believe.” Gavin looped an arm around Christine, dropping a kiss on the top of her head that she felt all the way to her toes. “Christine isn’t a ghost, but think about how you were giving me the third degree. I didn’t want her to have to deal with that, not when I wasn’t here to protect her.”
Christine resisted the urge to whimper. Maybe it was the wine, but the thought of Gavin protecting her made funny things happen to her insides.
Schuyler’s mouth dropped open. She stared at them for several long seconds. Christine tried to act normal and not like she might spontaneously combust at any moment. She rested her head against Gavin’s chest, and as great as dancing with him had been, this took things to a new level. Without having to concentrate on the steps, she could enjoy his warmth and the feel of his rock-solid muscle. Not to mention the way he smelled, a mix of expensive cologne and soap. Would it be weird if she reached up on tiptoe, buried her face against his neck and just sniffed? Yeah, definitely weird.
She waited for Schuyler to call them out on the lie. No way would anyone, let alone Gavin’s perceptive sister, believe that they were a couple.
“Well...okay, then,” Schuyler said slowly. “I’ll admit I’m at a loss for words.”
“Thank heavens for small favors,” Gavin muttered.
“I still can’t believe... I mean how long have you two been an item?”
“A while,” Gavin said before Christine could answer. A good thing, too, because the reality of what she’d done was suddenly crashing over her.
“Don’t tell your dad,” she blurted, earning a frown from Schuyler and a gentle squeeze from Gavin.
“He loves you like you’re part of the family,” Schuyler told her. “You know that.”
“He loves me working for the family,” Christine clarified. “This is different.”
“Gavin, tell her she has nothing to worry about from Dad or Mom.”
“I have already, but you still need to honor Christine’s feelings.” He lifted a hand to Christine’s chin, tipping it up until she was forced to meet his green eyes. This close she could see the gold flecks around the edges. She half expected to see anger or frustration for what she’d done, but he looked totally relaxed.
That made one of them.
“Christine makes the rules,” he murmured and before she could react to that novel concept, he brushed his lips over hers.
The kiss started innocently enough. She had the mental wherewithal to register that his mouth was both soft and firm. He tasted of mint gum and whiskey, a combination that had her senses reeling.
She felt him begin to pull away and some small, brave, underused part of her rebelled at the thought. She wound her arms around his neck and deepened the kiss, sensation skittering down her spine when their tongues mingled. A low moan erupted from her...or did the sound come from Gavin? The sound jolted her out of her lust-filled stupor and she jerked back. She’d had a couple glasses of wine, but not enough to excuse her basically mauling this man in front of his sister.
“I guess you guys are the real thing,” Schuyler said with a laugh. “No one can fake that kind of chemistry.”
“Right,” Gavin murmured.
Christine kept her gaze on Schuyler. She had no idea what Gavin was thinking at the moment and was almost afraid to find out.
Schuyler wagged a finger at her brother. “Take care, big brother. Christine isn’t like your usual girlfriends. She’s special. Dad will kill you if you hurt her.”
“I’m not going to hurt her,” he said tightly, and Christine felt the arm still holding her go taut.
“He won’t,” she confirmed. She didn’t need Schuyler reminding Gavin that she had nothing in common with the gorgeous, sexy women he usually dated. “He’s amazing.”
Schuyler laughed again. “If you say so. Shall we head back inside? I need a drink after this little bombshell.”
“We’ll meet you in there,” Gavin said, and Christine wanted to argue. She wasn’t quite ready to face his reaction to what she’d just done.
“Don’t take too long,” Schuyler told them, grinning at Christine. “Maddie should be throwing the bouquet soon. We need to position you front and center.”
Christine tried to laugh, but it came out more like a croak. “Sure,” she managed and waved as Schuyler walked away.
When they were alone, she forced herself to turn to Gavin again. “I’m so—”
Her words were cut off as he fused his mouth to hers.
Gavin hadn’t meant to kiss Christine again. He was still in shock from her announcement to Schuyler. He appreciated what she’d done. He’d been quickly running out of options when it came to distracting his sister from her obsession with his nonexistent girlfriend.
He owed her his thanks, but all he could think of was tasting her sweetness. His hands skimmed along the silky material of her dress, then over her hips, which held just the right amount of curve. And her reaction to him was a revelation. Straitlaced Christine Briscoe could kiss. She met him stroke for stroke, nipping at his bottom lip as if asking for more. Gavin lost himself in her, pulling her tight until her breasts pressed against his chest. As she had when they were dancing, she fit against him perfectly.
She was perfect.
How the hell had this happened?
Voices drifted from around the corner, and he took a step back, knowing the dazed look in her eyes probably mirrored the one in his.
“Hey, ladies,” he called as a group of his mother’s friends passed, several of them craning their necks to get a better look at Gavin and Christine.
He shifted so that he was shielding her from the curious gazes.
“We need to talk,” he whispered when the women had passed.
Christine nodded, staring at the floor.
Gavin drew in a breath. Was she terrified of him now? She’d tried to save him from his sister, and he’d all but shoved his tongue down her throat. She’d seemed a willing participant at the time but now...
Another group of people turned the corner toward them, and Gavin automatically laced his fingers with Christine’s and led her down the hall toward the hotel lobby. Her heels clicked against the pristine marble floors as they passed the stately columns that, along with the beautiful stained-glass dome, was the hallmark of the Driskill’s famous lobby.
“Hey, Christine.” The man she’d been standing with at the bar earlier, Bobby, waved from where he stood in front of the concierge desk. “A few of us are going to bail on the dancing and head to an Irish pub around the corner. Want to—”
“Oh, no,” Christine whispered, her lips barely moving.
“She’s busy,” Gavin called and headed for the elevators along the far wall. She followed him in without protest but tugged her hand away as he hit the button for the fifth floor.
“Are you staying here, too?” he asked, not sure how to broach the subject of what had just happened between them. His wildly successful legal career had made Gavin believe he could talk his way out of any situation. Not so, apparently.
She shook her head, a lock of fiery hair falling forward to cover her cheek. Had he run his hands through her hair, loosening the elegant chignon? He couldn’t remember but suddenly he wanted nothing more than to see the bright strands cascading over her shoulders. He’d told his sister he was dating a woman with blue eyes and auburn hair. Maybe he’d been unconsciously thinking of Christine after their dance.
“Gavin, I—”
The door opened, cutting off whatever she was going to say to him. An older couple got in.
“Going down?” the man asked.
Gavin shook his head. “Up.”
“We’ll ride along,” the woman offered. “You two look fancy.”
“Wedding reception,” Christine said quietly.
“I love weddings.” The woman sighed. “Always so romantic.”
Her husband snorted. “Except when your brother got sloshed and threw up on the dance floor at ours.”
“He had food poisoning,” the wife said, her tone clipped.
“Forty years.” The man lifted his hands. “She still can’t admit that her no-good brother’s a drunk.”
“At least he still shows up for holidays,” the woman shot back. “Unlike your rude sister and her—”
“Our floor,” Gavin interrupted when the elevator dinged. The door slid open, and he placed a hand on Christine’s back. “I’m at the end of the hall,” he told her when the door closed behind them with a snick.
His hand stilled as he realized her shoulders were shaking. Oh, God. Not tears. He could handle an angry jury or a recalcitrant witness. But tears killed him, especially the thought that he’d caused them.
“Don’t cry,” he whispered. “It will be—”
A sob broke from her throat. No, not a sob. Laughter.
She lifted her face, and he realized her tears weren’t from anxiety, but amusement. “I know our relationship is five minutes long and a complete lie,” she said, wiping her cheeks as she laughed, “but promise we’ll never fight about your drunk brother.”
He grinned and looped an arm around her shoulder as they started down the hall. “Fortunados can handle their liquor,” he promised. “Do you have a sibling? I don’t even know.”
“A sister. Aimee is a year younger than me and perfect in every way.”
“Perfection must run in the family.”
As lines went, Gavin thought it was a pretty good one. Both subtle and charming. Christine only burst into another round of laughter. He was definitely losing his touch, although it was somewhat refreshing to be with a woman who didn’t melt in a puddle at his feet. Gavin liked a challenge.
He wouldn’t have pegged Christine as one, but this woman surprised him at every turn.
“I’m sorry,” she whispered, clasping a hand over her mouth when a snort escaped.
He unlocked the hotel room door and gestured for her to enter.
“I hate to be indelicate,” he said when they were both inside, “but are you drunk?”
She shook her head and drew in a shuddery breath. “It’s just been a crazy night, you know?”
“I do. Would you like a drink now? I have a bottle of Mendoza red that was left in the welcome bag for wedding guests. Or water?”
“No, thanks.” Now that her laughter had stopped, Gavin could almost see the wheels turning in Christine’s brain as she became aware that she was alone with him in his hotel room.
“Would you feel more comfortable if I propped open the door?” He shrugged out of his jacket, tossing it onto the edge of the bed.
“I trust you,” she whispered.
He blew out a breath, surprised at how happy the simple statement made him. He loosened his bow tie then undid the top button of his tailored shirt.
“Christine, I want to—”
“I’m sorry,” she blurted. All the amusement from minutes ago had vanished from her features. “I shouldn’t have butted into your conversation with Schuyler. You don’t need my help to handle your sister and—”
“On the contrary. I want to thank you. You rescued me.”
She wrapped her arms around her waist, and he could see her knuckles turning white from pressing her fingers against her rib cage. “I’m not sure what possessed me to get involved,” she admitted. “I guess because you helped me with Bobby earlier.”
“Bobby is a putz.”
One side of her mouth curved, not a true smile but a step in the right direction. “That’s true, which makes our situations different. Schuyler is your sister and she cares about you.”
“She’s also relentless.” He took a step toward her, slowly, like he was approaching an animal that might spook at any moment. He didn’t want to spook her. “Would you like to sit down?” He inclined his head toward the couch positioned in front of the room’s large window. “We can talk about next steps.”
Her cornflower-blue eyes widened. “Next steps. Okay.”
He grabbed two bottles of water from the mini-fridge and set them both on the coffee table before taking a seat next to her. “In case you get thirsty.”
“You’re really not mad?” She leaned forward and slipped off the heels she wore, revealing the most adorable painted pink toes Gavin had ever seen.
Hell, when was the last time he’d been with a woman? Granted, he’d been busy with work so his personal life had taken a back seat. But he was too far gone if a glimpse of toenail polish could mess with him like this.
“Christine, I’m grateful. I’d already made up a girlfriend. You made her a reality.”
She tucked her legs underneath her. “And the kiss?”
“You’ll never hear me complain about a beautiful woman kissing me.”
She rolled her eyes. “I took it too far.”
“You were convincing.”
Color stained her cheeks. “Maybe I missed my calling. I should have been an actress.”
“Hmm.” Gavin didn’t like the sound of that. It bothered him more than it should to think she’d been faking the kiss, even though that was what this whole thing was. A fake. He forced a smile, unwilling to let her see his reaction. Best to keep things light and casual, and he could do that better than almost anyone he knew. “I’m hoping you’ll be interested in a repeat performance.”
Christine made a sound that was somewhere between a yelp and whimper. “Of the kiss?”
Hell, yes.
“Actually, I was talking about you acting as my girlfriend.” He ran a hand through his hair. “While I’m in Austin for the next few weeks.”
“Weeks?” She uncurled her legs and dropped her feet to the thick carpet. For a moment he thought she was going to bolt. Then she placed her elbows on her legs and rested her head in her hands. “Weeks,” she repeated on a slow exhalation.
“I’ll make it worth your while.”
Her head snapped up. “Like I’m a hooker?”
“Of course not.” He shifted closer. “What I meant to say was it will be easy for you.”
“You think I’m easy?”
“No. God, no.” He leaned back, raised his gaze to the ceiling, hoping for some way to salvage this conversation. When he found no inspiration from above, he looked at Christine again, only to find her grinning at him. “That was a joke?”
She nodded. “You’re different than I thought you’d be,” she said quietly. “Not quite as perfect as you look at first glance.”
“Is that a compliment or a criticism?”
She bit down on that full lower lip, and his insides clenched. “A compliment. It’s good to know you’re human.”
“I don’t usually like it when people tease me,” he admitted.
“Oh.”
“I like it with you.”
“I’m glad.” Another smile, this one almost shy. “I know you don’t think I’m an easy hooker. You want me to pretend to be your girlfriend so your family leaves you alone. We’d have a fake relationship. That sounds simple.”
Did it? Gavin wasn’t sure what to make of his feelings for Christine, but they definitely weren’t simple.
“Right,” he agreed anyway. “One of the law firm’s larger clients is based in Austin and we’re finalizing a merger with another financial institution. Everything should be complete by the end of the month. It makes sense that we’d be together now, and then when I go back to Denver, you can break up with me.”
“Like anyone is going to believe that,” she said with a harsh laugh.
“Long distance relationships are tough. I don’t think it will come as a huge surprise.”
“The part where I break up with you is going to be the surprise.” She sat back on the sofa, so close that he could feel the warmth of her body. “Your family knows you’re a bit of a playboy.”
“Am not.”
She rolled her eyes. “How many women have you dated?”
He thought about that, grimaced. “Since when?”
“I rest my case,” she told him.
“But this is different.” He took her hand, laced their fingers together and looked directly into her eyes. “You’ve changed me.”
Chapter Three (#u1e7bb055-e440-53b1-babf-2b6c42211a0f)
Christine felt her mouth go dry at his words. She’d changed him?
“At least that’s what my family needs to believe,” he clarified.
“Schuyler agreed not to tell anyone,” Christine argued, although the thought of how she’d go about convincing people that she and Gavin were really a thing made goose bumps dance along her skin. Talk about the adventure of a lifetime.
“We told her not to tell anyone.” He traced his thumb in circles against the sensitive skin on the inside of her wrist. “But there’s no way she’s going to be able to resist.”
“So we’ll need to convince your family this is real,” she whispered. “Your parents will be upset they didn’t know.”
“They’ll understand,” he assured her. “I’ll make sure they do.”
“I hate lying to your father...to anyone in your family. They’ve been so good to me.”
“This isn’t going to change anything,” he promised.
But Christine knew nothing would ever be the same. She should stop this charade right now, march downstairs and explain to Schuyler that it was all a big misunderstanding. Although she was sober, maybe she could pretend to be drunk. Blaming her crazy behavior on alcohol might give her a decent excuse.
Gavin’s jacket began to ring. He stood and moved toward the bed, pulling his phone out of the pocket of the discarded tuxedo coat.
“Hey, sis,” he said into the device. “No, I’m not coming back down.” Pause. “Yes, she’s with me.” Pause. “I don’t think she’s going to care about the bouquet.” Pause with an added eye roll. “Don’t go there, Schuyler. I told you this is special. She’s special. Let me enjoy it, okay?” Pause. “I understand and appreciate it. I love you, too.” Pause. “Okay, I’ll see you at the brunch in the morning.”
He punched the screen to end the call then tossed the phone on the bed again.
“You missed the bouquet.”
Christine stood. “I’m okay with that. You shouldn’t be annoyed with Schuyler for calling. I don’t want this to complicate things with you and your family.”
He moved toward her. “My family is always complicated, especially now that the Fortunes are involved. My only concern is you. As much as I appreciate what you did earlier, if you aren’t okay with this arrangement, we’ll end it.”
Here was her chance. A dance, a few kisses and she’d go back to her normal life before the clock struck midnight, like some sort of Fortune-inspired Cinderella.
But she couldn’t force her mouth to form the words. Despite this whole thing being fake, she wasn’t going to miss her chance at getting to know Gavin. Under what other circumstances would a man like him choose to date someone like her?
Not that she was down on herself. Christine liked her life and felt comfortable with who she was. Usually. But she wasn’t the type of woman who could catch Gavin Fortunado’s attention. Until now.
“I don’t want it to end,” she said, embarrassed that she sounded breathless.
Gavin didn’t seem to notice. He cupped her cheeks in his hands. “Me neither,” he whispered and kissed her. Once again it felt like fireworks exploding through her body. The kiss was sweet and passionate at the same time. He seemed in no hurry to speed things along, content to take his time as he explored her lips.
Then his mouth trailed over her jaw and along her throat, her skin igniting from the touch. He tugged on the strap of her dress, and it fell down her shoulder. He kissed his way from the base of her neck to her collarbone. Her body was all heat and need. She wanted so much from this moment that she couldn’t even put it all into words.
“You’re so beautiful,” he whispered.
The compliment was like a bucket of ice water dumped over her head. She wrenched away, yanking her dress strap back into place.
“Don’t say that,” she told him, shaking her head. “You don’t have to say that.”
Confusion clouded his vivid green eyes. “In my experience, women like to hear those words.”
She swallowed. How was she supposed to respond without sounding like she was fishing for something more? That wasn’t the case at all. In fact, she felt the opposite. She didn’t want or need him to tell her she was beautiful because it simply wasn’t true.
Christine prided herself on being pragmatic about her appearance. Growing up, she’d been a chubby girl with thick glasses and bright red hair that was more frizz than curls. Her mom had forced her to keep it in frizzy Annie-style curls that were anything but flattering. Christine had spent years enduring teasing, much of it led by her younger sister, until she’d become an expert at not being seen.
Aimee, with her larger-than-life personality and classic beauty, had been happy to step into the spotlight. She went to parties and on dates, while Christine spent most of her high school years in her room reading or listening to music. No one in her family seemed to notice or care as she slipped further into the periphery of their lives.
She’d decided to change things when she went away to college. She’d gotten contacts and started running, shedding the excess pounds that had plagued her for years. A bevy of expensive hair products helped her tame her wild mane, and the color had mellowed from the bright orange of her childhood. Her dad had called her “baby carrot” as a kid, and her sister had amended the nickname to “jumbo carrot” due to Christine’s size. Even though she thankfully hadn’t heard the nickname in years, it was how she still thought of herself.
She took pains with her appearance and she knew she wasn’t ugly. She was decent-looking, in fact. But beautiful? No, not to someone like Gavin.
“This is not real,” she said, both for his sake and to remind herself.
Gavin’s thick brows furrowed. “That doesn’t mean—”
“What’s your favorite color?”
“Um...blue.”
“Mine’s purple.” She crossed her arms over her chest, aware he was still staring at her like he couldn’t quite follow the direction of her thoughts. Join the club. Her mind and heart felt like they’d survived an emotional tornado, hurricane and maybe a tsunami thrown in for good measure, all in one night. “Favorite food?”
“Pizza.”
“I like burgers and fries.”
His mouth quirked. “That’s kind of cute.”
“Burgers aren’t cute.”
“You’re admitting you like them as opposed to giving me some line about loving salmon and kale. That’s cute.”
“I take yoga classes and run before work. What do you do to work out?”
One brow arched. “So you’re flexible?”
With a groan, she stepped around him toward the hotel room desk. “Do you want me to write all this down?” She picked up a pen and the small pad of paper with the hotel’s logo.
“The ways you’re flexible?”
“Gavin, be serious. You were the one who said your family would find out about us. We need to have our stories straight.” Christine clutched the pen and paper to her chest and fought the urge to whimper as Gavin ran a hand through his hair. She could see the muscles of his arm flexing under his white shirt. “When did we meet?”
“We’ve known each other for years.”
“Right. I mean when did we—”
“It was Thanksgiving break my senior year of college. I was getting ready to retake the LSAT after my not-so-stellar performance the first time around.”
Christine inclined her head, surprised and charmed he’d remember the very first time they met. “You were studying in the conference room at the Fortunado Real Estate office. It was quiet because of the holiday.”
“And I was bitter because my buddies had flown to Aspen for the weekend.” He started undoing the buttons of his shirt, casually, as if it wasn’t a big deal for him to be undressing in front of her. Of course, he wore a white T-shirt under the formal shirt, so it wasn’t a true striptease.
Christine’s heart stammered just the same.
“You were the only one in the office,” he continued. “You kept bringing me coffee and takeout.”
She shrugged. “It was my first week working for your father and I wanted to be helpful in any way I could.”
“Do you remember what you told me after I’d complained to you for the millionth time about life being unfair?”
She shook her head. She hadn’t remembered speaking to him at all. She’d graduated college a semester early and had felt lucky to be hired by Kenneth right away. It had taken almost a year on the job before she believed her boss wouldn’t walk into the office and tell her he’d made a horrible mistake taking a chance on her. Having Gavin in the office during the quiet lull of the Thanksgiving holiday had made her so nervous. All she’d been able to do was refill his mug and send out for sandwiches.
“You told me to channel my inner Elle Woods.”
Christine gave a soft chuckle. “I loved Legally Blonde.”
“Clearly. You gushed about the movie. I didn’t know what you were talking about,” Gavin said with a grin. “I went back to my parents’ house and rented it.”
“You watched Legally Blonde?”
“Oh, yeah. I not only watched it, I was also inspired. I mean, if Elle Woods could get into law school, what excuse did I have?”
She snorted a laugh then pressed her hand to her mouth. “Tell me you didn’t use scented pink paper for your admissions application.”
“Not exactly.” Gavin draped the crisp white shirt over the back of the desk chair then held up his hands, palms out. “If you tell anyone I said I was inspired by that movie, I’ll deny it. But I might have Reese Witherspoon to thank for my law career.” His smile softened. “And you.”
Christine felt her mouth drop open. “I...had no idea.”
“It seemed like a stupid thing to admit at the time. But I’ve never forgotten. You helped me then, and now you’re saving my bacon once again. I owe you, Christine.”
“It’s not a big deal,” she said automatically. But it was. It was that time he’d spent in the office poring over law books that had given her an initial glimpse of who Gavin truly was on the inside. Through the years she’d remained convinced he was more than the rakish attorney who was always scaling mountains or hurling himself down ski slopes in his off time. Back then he’d been nervous, vulnerable, and she hadn’t been able to resist him. Just like she couldn’t now.
She lifted the paper and pen. “We should still go over some more details if we’re going to make this relationship believable.” Not that it would be difficult on her part. One look at her face and it would be clear to everyone that she was already half in love with Gavin.
“How about we watch a movie while we talk?” He winked. “Elle Woods for old times’ sake?”
“Sure,” she whispered.
He picked up his jacket then patted the bed. “Make yourself comfortable. I’m going to order something from late-night room service. Can I tempt you with a hamburger?”
Christine started to shake her head but her stomach rumbled. “No cheese and medium-well, please.”
He nodded. “Got it.”
She placed the paper and pen on the nightstand and climbed onto the bed, butterflies racing across her stomach. She was in Gavin’s bed. Or on it. Close enough.
He used the room’s landline to place the order then clicked the remote to turn on the TV, searching until he found Legally Blonde. “I haven’t watched this movie in years,” he told her.
“It holds up,” she said, choosing not to share that the movie was on her regular rotation of Saturday night rom-coms. It struck her that tonight was Saturday and here she sat watching a movie, as had become her weekly routine. Only tonight instead of curling up with her black lab, Diana, she was in one of the most beautiful hotels in Austin with Gavin.
She loved her dog, but this was way better.
Her nerves disappeared as soon as the movie started. She and Gavin talked and laughed, and then ate when the food arrived. He cleared the empty plates when the movie ended, placing the tray outside the hotel room door.
“I think you should stay a bit longer,” he said, checking his watch. “The reception isn’t scheduled to end until midnight, and knowing my family, they’ll be closing down the place.”
“I don’t want to keep you from going to sleep,” she said, stifling a yawn.
“Apparently, I’m not the one who’s tired.”
“It’s been a kind of crazy night for me,” she admitted.
“If you want to go I can—”
“We could watch another movie?” She smiled. “Something with lots of action to keep us awake.”
“Good idea.” He returned to the bed and flipped through channels until he found an old James Bond flick.
“Who’s your favorite Bond?” she asked.
“Sean Connery.” He moved to the center of the mattress. “In case you’re interested, I make a pretty good pillow.”
Her girl parts went wild. She scooted closer, and he lifted one arm, tucking her against his chest.
“I bet you’re a Daniel Craig fan,” he said, resting his chin on the top of her head.
“Every woman with a pulse is a fan of Daniel Craig.”
She felt his chuckle against her ear, and the rhythmic up and down of his chest. As bizarre as the night had been, it was the stuff of her fantasies to be cuddling with Gavin. If only the night never had to end.
Chapter Four (#u1e7bb055-e440-53b1-babf-2b6c42211a0f)
Christine blinked awake, disoriented for a moment at the unfamiliar surroundings. The something—someone—moved next to her and the previous night came flooding back.
She turned to find Gavin asleep next to her, lying chest down with his hair rumpled and a shadow of stubble covering his jaw. Somehow they’d both ended up under the covers. He still wore his white T-shirt, and she was in her dress. The last thing she remembered was James Bond being served a shaken-not-stirred martini.
Now pale light spilled in from the room’s picture window. She glanced at the clock on the nightstand. Seven in the morning.
Well, she’d successfully missed the end of the reception, but if she didn’t leave quickly, she might run into the Fortunado family heading to breakfast.
With as little movement as possible, she slipped out of the bed. Gavin made a snuffling sound but didn’t wake. Christine grabbed her shoes and purse. Without bothering to look in the mirror, she let herself out of the room.
She didn’t need to see her reflection to know that she wasn’t a pretty sight. She had no intention of allowing Gavin to see her this way, either.
The door closed with a soft snick, and she turned, only to come face-to-face with Valene, the baby of the Fortunado clan.
Her brown eyes widened. “Hey, Christine.”
Christine smoothed a hand over her tumbling hair. “Hi, Val. Going to work out?”
Valene wore athletic shorts and a fitted tank top. Earbuds dangled from either side of her head. Her wavy blond hair was pulled back in a high ponytail. “Yeah. How about you?” One delicate brow rose. “That’s Gavin’s room, right?”
“Is it?” Christine’s voice was a croak.
“And you’re wearing the same dress from the wedding last night,” Valene pointed out, none too helpfully as far as Christine was concerned. “Schuyler said Gavin left the reception early because he wasn’t feeling well.”
“I think he’s okay now,” Christine answered, purposely ignoring the question in the other woman’s dark eyes. “Well, I should be going. Have a great day.”
Without waiting for a response, she hurried down the hall, only taking a few steps before realizing that she’d be waiting for the elevator with Valene. Why did decisions made late at night rarely hold up to the light of day?
She breathed a sigh of relief when she noticed the sign for the stairs, pushing open the door and racing down four flights. The stairwell led out to the parking garage. She shoved her feet back into the heels and made it to her Subaru hatchback and then away from the hotel without seeing anyone else she knew.
Thank heaven for small favors.
Quite small since she understood that although Valene had been shocked enough to allow Christine to escape this morning, there would be no avoiding the Fortunado sisters for long. Valene worked out of the real estate agency’s Houston office but visited Austin regularly to help with establishing a new client base. Even if she didn’t see Valene right away, the sisters would talk. Gavin seemed sure they didn’t have anything to worry about, but Christine remained unconvinced.
Walking into her condo, she was greeted with an enthusiastic bark. Diana trotted toward her, tail wagging and ears pricked up. Christine smiled despite her tumbling emotions. Nothing like unconditional love to work as a distraction.
“Hey, girl.” Christine crouched down to love on the dog. “Did Jackson take good care of you last night?” At ten years old, Diana was fairly mellow and low maintenance. As she did on nights when she worked late, Christine had asked her neighbor’s preteen son to dog-sit Diana.
The dog pressed her head against Christine and gave a soft snort, making the tension in her shoulders lessen slightly. “Let me shower and change, and we’ll go for a walk.”
The dog turned in a happy circle at the mention of her favorite word.
“You would not believe the night I had,” Christine said as she placed her purse on the counter and headed for the bathroom, Diana following close on her heels. The dog had been her roommate and companion for so long, she thought nothing of carrying on a one-sided conversation.
She told Diana about Gavin and their arrangement. The dog inclined her head, as if truly listening. Christine was grateful for the sympathetic canine ear. Most of her girlfriends were in the real estate industry or knew the Fortunados, so she couldn’t share the arrangement with any of them.
Her sister would have a field day giving Christine grief about only being able to find a fake boyfriend. Even as adults, their relationship was fraught with teasing, all one-sided. Christine had never allowed herself to think much of it, although it was strange that they couldn’t seem to shake their childhood roles.
Aimee was beautiful, popular and funny. She worked as a hairdresser in a busy salon in one of Austin’s tonier suburbs. She had tons of friends, a steady stream of rich boyfriends and remained the apple of their father’s eye. Yet she never seemed to tire of pointing out Christine’s shortcomings.
It had been easier when Christine lived in Houston. She’d come up with plenty of excuses over the years as to why she could only return to Austin once or twice a year for family functions.
But now that she’d moved back to her hometown, her mother made it clear she expected to see more of her.
After her shower, she dressed in a sweatshirt and loose jeans, laced up her sneakers and headed out the door with Diana. As always, the dog was thrilled to check out the scents along the walking trail situated about a block from the condo.
Christine waved to neighbors and tried to keep her thoughts from straying to Gavin. Why had she agreed to be his pretend girlfriend?
She had no answer, other than the fact that it was her best—and possibly only—chance of ever spending time with him.
Maybe that was a good enough reason.
Diana whined softly as they got to the open meadow that bordered the trail. Christine unclipped the dog’s leash, and Diana sped off to investigate the nearby trees.
Christine’s phone dinged, and she pulled it out of her pocket, drawing in a quick breath at the text message.
I missed you this morning. Talk soon?
She and Gavin had exchanged numbers in his hotel room, but it still shocked her to see his name on the screen.
How to respond?
Last night had been one of the best of her life, even though nothing had happened between them. Okay, she was disappointed nothing had happened. She’d spent the night in a man’s bed and all he’d done was snuggle her. Did that say more about Gavin or her? She was afraid the answer was the latter.
Yes, she knew he respected her and she’d heard him tell his sister that Christine was special. Now, that felt like an excuse for keeping things basically platonic between them.
But he missed her.
That was a good sign, right?
She tapped in the start of several responses and almost immediately deleted each of them. Too sweet. Too trite. Trying too hard.
Finally, she sent a smiley-face emoji.
And immediately regretted it. Her mother sent smiley-face emojis about everything. All Christine needed was to add an “LOL” along with several exclamation points and she’d officially become the fuddy-duddy she was afraid might be her destiny.
Diana barked at a squirrel, and Christine pocketed the phone with a sigh. She wasn’t sure what she’d gotten herself into with Gavin Fortunado, but there was no doubt she was in over her head.
“Where’s Christine?”
Gavin made a show of checking his watch as Schuyler dropped into the chair next to him. For the morning-after brunch she’d traded her bridesmaid dress for a pair of slim trousers and a pale pink sweater, her blond hair in a low ponytail. He had the sudden urge to tug on it, as he had to annoy her when they were kids. “It’s ten o’clock. Isn’t that too early for an interrogation?”
“One question does not an interrogation make,” she countered, forking up a piece of pineapple and popping it into her mouth.
“Hey, you two.” His youngest sister, Valene, slipped into the chair on his other side. She wore a gray sheath dress and an understated pendant necklace around her neck. When had the baby of the family grown up so much? “What’s the deal with you and Christine?” she asked Gavin.
He glared at Schuyler. “So much for keeping things on the down low.”
“I didn’t say anything,” she told him, arching a brow at Valene.
“She didn’t need to.” Val sipped her glass of orange juice. “I caught Christine doing the walk of shame from your room this morning on my way to work out.”
“Seriously?” Schuyler demanded, eyes narrowing. But to Gavin’s utter shock, her stare was focused on Valene and not him. “You worked out already? Stop making me feel like a slacker, Val.”
Val rolled her eyes and winked at Gavin. “So...”
“She wasn’t doing the walk of shame,” Gavin said through clenched teeth, wishing for something stronger than coffee in his china cup.
“Don’t get me wrong,” Valene told him, ignoring Schuyler’s continued glare. “I approve. She’s a definite improvement over that bimbo you were dating when I came to Denver last year.”
“She’s probably too good for you,” Schuyler added absently. “How did you get her to take you on in the first place?”
“Feels like an interrogation,” Gavin muttered under his breath.
Schuyler chuckled. “You know I’m joking. You’re a catch, Gavin.”
“It’s just a surprise that you’ve let yourself be caught.” Valene bit into a slice of bagel slathered with cream cheese.
“I don’t want to talk about this with either of you.” He inclined his head toward the rest of the family, who were gathered around Maddie and Zach on the other side of the room. “Especially not here.”
“You need our expertise,” Schuyler told him. “Christine is amazing. She’s the kind of woman...”
“I’d want at my side for always,” Gavin whispered, unaware that he’d spoken aloud until both of his sisters gasped.
Schuyler grabbed his arm. “Are you saying...”
“Did you ask her to marry you?” Valene leaned closer. “Are you and Christine engaged?”
Gavin felt his Adam’s apple bob in his throat as he swallowed hard. “I didn’t say that.”
“It’s true, though. I can tell by the look in your eyes.” Valene let out a little squeal of delight then lifted her bagel and smiled blandly at the group sitting at the next table. “Try the blueberry cream cheese. It’s amazing.”
“Can you two be more obvious?” Gavin tugged his arm out of Schuyler’s grasp.
“You’re getting married,” Schuyler told him, and he didn’t dare contradict her. “You can’t keep it a secret.”
Fake dating to fake engaged in twenty-four hours. His stomach pitched as he thought about Christine’s reaction to this new development.
“And there’s no reason to.” Valene dabbed at the corner of her mouth with a napkin. “Everyone loves Christine.”
“She’s a private person,” he said, realizing the excuse sounded lame.
Schuyler nodded just the same. “I get that, but she’s like one of the family to us. She’s going to be one of the family soon. How soon? Have you set a date?”
He shook his head, trying to reel in his thoughts. What was he doing here? “Not yet. We didn’t want to take any attention from Maddie and Zach.”
Both of his sisters nodded in agreement.
“I’m sure that was Christine’s idea,” Valene said. “She’s so thoughtful. We’ll make sure she knows how welcome she is.” She looked past him, her eyes widening. “Oh, they brought out a fresh tray of pastries. I need to get to them before Everett and Connor snag the best ones.” She pushed back from the table. “I’ll be right back. Who wants a donut?”
“Me.” Schuyler raised her hand. “Bring one for Gavin, too. He’s probably hangry and hungover.”
“I’m neither,” he said, although his head was starting to ache. Was it too early for a shot? “But I’ll take a Bloody Mary, please.”
Valene laughed as she walked away.
Schuyler wasted no time. She turned to Gavin and started in on him again. “Christine is going to get the wrong impression if you try to keep her a secret much longer, especially since you’re in Austin for the rest of the month. She needs to start wedding planning, and I can help. Think about it, Gavin. She’s going to be your wife. I get the business about being private, but if you make her feel like everything’s okay, she’ll believe it.”
“Do you think I haven’t?”
“I think you don’t have much experience with a woman who you can be proud to bring home to Mom and Dad.”
“That’s not—” Gavin stopped, ran a hand through his hair. It was exactly the truth. Even though his relationship with Christine was a complete fake, he hadn’t dated anyone with her amount of class and elegance in years. Christine was the kind of woman a man thought of spending his life with, and Gavin’s stomach pitched at the realization.
“Bring her to the family reunion,” Schuyler told him, breaking into his tumbling thoughts.
“What family reunion?”
“The one I’m planning to introduce everyone to the new Fortunes.”
He shook his head. “I thought we were the new Fortunes.”
She leaned forward, her eyes dancing with excitement. “There are more, Gavin. Dad has a half brother, Miles. He lives in New Orleans and has seven kids. Ben and Keaton put me in touch with the youngest son, Nolan. He’s recently moved to Austin.”
Ben Fortune Robinson had spearheaded the search for his illegitimate siblings after discovering that his tech mogul father was really Jerome Fortune, who’d faked his death years earlier. Jerome reinvented himself as Gerald Robinson and built his tech empire, but in recent years the family’s focus had been on their new siblings. Keaton Whitfield, a British architect who was now living in Austin, had been the first of the secret illegitimate Fortunes Ben had tracked down. Together, the two of them had worked to uncover Gerald’s other grown children and bring them into the fold.
Schuyler was the Fortune expert as far as Gavin was concerned, so he knew from her that Gerald’s estranged wife, Charlotte, had actually known about his other children for the duration of their marriage and hidden the information from everyone. To learn there were even more previously unknown Fortunes out there... Gavin didn’t know what to think.
“Schuyler, last year you were the one who wasn’t sure if the Fortunes could be trusted. That was the whole basis for you infiltrating the family through the Mendozas.”
She smiled wistfully. “Thank heavens for that brilliant idea. Otherwise, I never would have met Carlo.”
“Can we keep on topic?” Gavin asked. Once again he wondered what it would have felt like to grow up an only child.
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