Fake Marriage (Contemporary Romance Box Set)

She jammed her finger on the article again.

I looked again, noting the subheadline. “And Stark is backing him.” I shrugged, still failing to see why she was hot and bothered. She knew she wasn’t going to run for mayor uncontested. Supporting her rival seemed right up Stark’s alley, so I don’t know why that bothered her, except maybe he was funneling a lot of money into his campaign.

“Look at the picture,” she said tightly.

I studied the grainy black and white newspaper photo showing a tent and lots of hoity toity dressed up people.

“He’s got rich people backing him. I still don’t see—”

“That’s Ryder!”

I jumped at her voice but looked where her finger was pointed. Sure enough, Ryder was standing on a platform playing his guitar. I studied it further noting that he was alone. His bandmates weren’t there. That didn’t seem right. I frowned. And then I realized what Sinclair had accused me of.

“You think I made him do that? Why? I don’t like Stark. He doesn’t like Stark.” I was baffled.

“Maybe you told him he was a loser and needed money.”

The comment hurt, even though I knew why she’d think it. “I’d never ask him to do—”

“You were chummy with Stark the other week. Maybe you manipulated him.”

I wasn’t sure if she meant I manipulated Stark to hire Ryder, or Ryder to play for Stark, but it didn’t matter, I resented the implication. I could feel myself getting hot, physically and emotionally, but I did my damnedest to hold it in.

“I don’t know what you think you saw Stark say to me, but he and I weren’t chummy, although he had more manners than you right now.” I pushed the newspaper back toward her.

“My brother betrayed me. The one who all of a sudden is worried about money.”

“He’s having a baby,” I said. “Maybe he is concerned about that.”

“Yes, I wonder why?” Again, her tone was accusatory.

“Look Sinclair, I haven’t seen nor talked to Ryder in over a week.” Jesus, had it been that long? No wonder I missed him. “If you have questions about this, maybe you should talk to him, because his playing for Stark wasn’t my idea. I didn’t even know it was happening.” I looked at the picture again, shocked that he’d have agreed to play for Stark. “I’m sure there’s an explanation.” I looked up at her again. “Ryder loves you and I think maybe this picture isn’t telling the whole story. You shouldn’t assume the worst.”

“That’s a funny thing to hear from the person who’s always thinking the worst of people,” she sniped.

I sighed. She wasn’t wrong about that either. I remembered accusing Ryder of moving on with Erica Edmonds because of the business card. In retrospect, I mishandled that. I shouldn’t have acted jealous because I knew where we stood. Hell, I was eager to get home and on with my own life alone. I ignored the voice in my head that called me a liar.

Then, speaking of the devil, Erica walked into the office.

“Oh good, you’re here,” she said walking up to Sinclair. “I was wondering if I could get a statement from you on the fact that Simon Stark is backing your rival for the mayor’s position.”

Sinclair’s eyes narrowed. “I’ve got a comment—”

I shot up from my chair. “The deputy mayor will send her comments to you in writing, Ms. Edmonds.” Sinclair and I might be on the outs at the moment, but I wasn’t going to let this man-stealing viper hurt my friend. And Sinclair, with her own temper snapping about was likely to say something that could hurt her campaign.

Sinclair’s mouth snapped shut. I hoped that meant she understood I was trying to protect her.

“But I’m here right now,” Erica said.

“Mr. Jones is on the phone for you,” I said to Sinclair. Of course, Wyatt wasn’t on the phone, but thankfully, Sinclair took my meaning.

“Yes, I’ll take it in my office.” She turned to leave without a word to Erica.

Erica started to call after her, but I interrupted. “Listen, I get that gossip sells especially if it hurts people—”

She recoiled. “I resent that.”

“Then you understand that the deputy mayor doesn’t need you in her face demanding a statement before she’s prepared to make one.”