Fake Marriage (Contemporary Romance Box Set)

He set me down and planted a big kiss on my cheek. “You look sexy, as usual.”

I laughed, missing Tucker’s flirting. A movement behind him caught my eye. Mo stopped on the sidewalk behind Tucker and stared at us. He let out a breath and then started up the steps to the building. There was a part of me that felt like I’d been caught doing something wrong. But that was stupid. Even if I was into Tucker, one, Mo and I agreed we’d be faithful during this fake marriage, and two, Mo was the one who didn’t want to be with me. He’d have some nerve being put out because another man liked me. Of course, Tucker and I were only friends.

“So, how was the drive?” I asked him, pushing thoughts of Mo away.

“Long and straight when I hit Nebraska. I did meet a trucker at a truck stop who thought I was too attractive to move to N

ebraska and invited me to stay with him instead.”

I laughed. “Did you consider it?”

“There’s a certain appeal to life on the road, but he has all the wrong bits if you know what I mean,” he said, waggling his brows. “I’m a breast man.”

“Some men have man-boobs.”

He feigned to think about that and then shook his head. “Not the same.” He looked up at the building. “So, this is where you wheel and deal, huh?”

“Yep. Want to come in? You can meet the mayor. That was him that just walked by.”

“You mean your husband.”

I looked around to make sure no one heard that. “That’s on the down-low. No one except my dad and Mo’s lawyer knows. And you, but you can’t tell him you know. He’s already put out as it is.”

Tucker frowned. “Put out? Is that why he walked by and didn’t say hello?”

“It’s a long story.”

“You’re okay, though, right?” He studied me.

I tried to smile, but I was sure I failed. “It’s complicated. I’ve got to get to work, but we can meet for lunch. I can bring you some to your room.”

He nodded. “Sounds good. I have an appointment later today to see an apartment. Can you come?”

“Yes.” I grabbed him and hugged him again. “I’m so glad you’re here, Tucker.” I felt tears coming to my eyes but willed them away.

“Me too. I’ll see you at lunch.”

I watched him saunter off, feeling happy to have a friend in town. I made a beeline for my office, avoiding looking at Trina and whatever annoyed expression she might have directed at me. I pulled out my paperwork and focused on completing this report so I could take time to visit Tucker. I realized that I’d probably need more than my lunch break to eat and see his apartment, which meant I’d need to ask Mo for time off. I waited until I had something that I needed his signature on before going to see him.

Still trying to avoid eye contact with Trina, I went to his office and knocked on the door.

“Come in,” he called.

I opened the door, and immediately my heart twisted to see him so handsome and powerful in his suit behind the desk. I wondered if that reaction would ever wear off.

“I’ve got the RFP letter for you to sign,” I said when I entered his office.

He was his usual, formal, stiff self as he reached for it and signed it.

“Who were you talking to outside earlier?” he asked as he handed it back. His tone was nonchalant, but I couldn’t help but wonder if he cared more than he was letting on.

“That’s my college friend, Tucker. I think I told you. He’s moving to Salvation. He has a teaching job lined up.” I couldn’t stop the smile. I so needed a friend to confide in, and I knew I could trust Tucker with all my worries and secrets.

Mo’s jaw tightened.

“What’s wrong?” I asked.

He pushed a paper aside. “It’s not professional to be acting like a silly schoolgirl when you work for the mayor.”