Fake Engagement, Real Temptation

“I’m sorry I kissed you, I just—”

“Don’t be sorry about that,” he said quickly. “I mean, what the hell is up with that douche? You were going to marry him? Is he a fuckin’ moron?”

She gave a light smile.

“And how are you not screaming shit at him right now? He left you! And now he shows up here with that woman—”

“I know,” she said curtly.

Of course she knew. Hell, how could she not? And he’d just thrown it in her face by accident. That wasn’t his goal. But he couldn’t stand the prick, and she was being so calm. Carrie was all class, and way stronger than he wanted her to be. Which made him want to punch that Kevin douche right in the coconuts.

She took a deep breath, which made certain parts of her rise. That damn bikini was going to be the death of him.

He had to refocus on what had happened. All the details were flooding at once. First, if that prick ever called her Care Bear again, Blake would deck him. Second…

“Did he say you two still have to work together?”

Carrie waved off his question. “I run a gallery, and he hangs his crap in the gallery. It is what it is. I can’t deal with that now,” she said. And Blake believed her. She looked like her head was going to explode.

“I need your help,” she said.

And there it was. Blake wouldn’t say no. Didn’t matter what came next. He was already shaking his head yes. Because if she needed him, he’d be there. Like he was supposed to be. To protect her. He’d just have to get the rest of his feelings under control.

But he already had an idea of what he could do to help and offered it.

“I can get you out of here, Carrie. I can get you on a plane tonight.”

“What? No! I don’t want to leave. This is my dream vacation, and I saved up for a long time for it.”

“But you can’t honestly want to stay here with Kevin.”

“I’m not with Kevin; I’m with you,” she said slowly.

“I can take you home. Cover whatever money you’re out from this place.”

“That’s not the point,” she said softly. He could feel her confidence wavering—

And then it hit him. She’d come here for herself. To start fresh, have an adventure, get over Kevin, and return home happier. Stronger. Not defeated.

He ran a hand through his hair, feeling stuck. How could he make this better? It was only day one of his job to protect Carrie and already he was failing miserably.

“I need…”

Blake took a deep breath. “What do you need, little girl?”

She swallowed hard. “I want the fake relationship between us this week. I don’t know what came over me, but when I saw Kevin with her, I just…”

“I understand,” Blake said. And he did.

“You do?” she asked, as if surprised and grateful at the same time. Which made his heart ache. Those big brown eyes were glossy, pleading. And Blake wouldn’t let her down.

“But can I offer a counter option?”

She raised an eyebrow. “Does it involve you inflicting physical harm to him?”

“Yes.”

“Then no,” she said, with another light smile. “I can’t allow myself to feel hurt, Blake. I can’t let him think for a second that he wrecked me.”