Fake Summer Wife

Things seemed to be working out absolutely perfectly so far with Claudia, as smoothly if we were following blueprints. Although this was definitely the most unconventional way I’d ever started dating a woman, the forced closeness of having to get to know each other quickly actually seemed helpful.

The more I got to know Claudia, the more I knew that she was absolutely the one. From the way she took such tentative first bites to be sure her food wasn’t too hot, to the way she paused to think before she spoke, everything about her was enchanting. I loved that she was thoughtful, and seemed mature for her age, while at the same time being so fresh and vibrant.

Holding her in my arms and dancing around was both silly and a great way to tell that she enjoyed my touch. Yet I didn’t want to overwhelm her too soon.

Reluctantly letting her go, I took her hand so that we could walk across the rocks and down to the sand.

The poster for the upcoming Mayoral election reminded me of something important.

“Claudia, there are going to be a lot of politicians and prominent business people at the event on Saturday.”

I had no idea why she instantly looked so nervous.

“Most of them are pretty boring, and we don’t necessarily have to talk to them very much,” I continued, “but a lot of them think I’m some sort of young upstart because I haven’t been in the business for fifty years, and I’d like to change that opinion.”

Her eyebrow raised as she looked at me. “I don’t think you’re anywhere near fifty, are you?”

“I’m thirty-eight. But even though I’ve been working for my dad and learning about the business since I was sixteen, I’ve only been in charge of the company for a short time. Also, some of these guys have known me since I was much younger. Once they see me with a beautiful wife on my arm, it might reinforce the fact that I’m actually all grown up and the one in charge.”

“I see what you mean,” she said. “So as well as shutting up Jessica once and for all, this could be good for your business?”

“Exactly. It’s an accidental bonus, but I wanted to be up front about it.”

Her beautiful blue eyes blazed up at me. “Anything in particular I should say to them?”

“No, just be your charming self. Plus the usual small talk about how brilliant the hospital wing is, and how it’s the best construction job you’ve ever seen in your entire life.”

“Oh, of course,” she said quickly. “I haven’t even seen it, yet it’s the sturdiest thing ever built. I’m sure of it.”

We laughed together, walking along the edge of the water. The sun was just beginning to set, sending warm ripples of light through her dark hair. As cute as she was in a ponytail at work, her hair looked stunning flowing loosely around her shoulders.

I stopped to pull her against me. “I know this is a strange first date, Claudia. Saturday is going to be even odder. But I really like you, and when this is over, I hope that we can go out on a ton of regular dates, and just hang out.”

“Just without the fake wife part,” she said. “Yeah, I’d like that too.”

My hand slid around her waist as her lips tipped up to mine so perfectly, so naturally that I had no doubt that we were thinking the exact same thing.

The gentle kiss was slow and soft. Full of promise and possibility. When she didn’t pull away, my arm tightened around her, tasting those beautiful lips as the kiss deepened. Her hand slipped around my neck, our hips pressing together, everything happening so smoothly that it felt like a perfect dream.

When Claudia pulled away, she looked up at me with a shy smile. It was as if she wanted to say something, but we were both speechless.

“Excuse me.”

We turned to see a young man in baggy shorts and sandals with a rather large, expensive looking camera. “Hey, sorry to interrupt. But I couldn’t resist taking a couple of pictures of you guys just now. With the sunset behind you it was just incredible. Look.”

He came closer to show us the view screen. Claudia and I were almost in silhouette against the vivid pink and orange sunset, our very first kiss captured just as the waves missed our feet by inches.

“I can send this to you if you like,” he said.

Digging in my pocket, I pulled out my wallet to hand him my business card and two fifties. “May I officially hire you for a super quick photo shoot right now? And can you send me the highlights tomorrow?”

“Sure, thanks!” he said, as his eyes lit up.

Claudia’s grin was so beautiful that I felt it as much as I saw it . “Great idea. You’ll post a few of these online over the next few days, right?”

“Yes. And it can’t hurt to have them on hand.” I leaned down to whisper in her ear, “Plus you’re so beautiful I’m going to miss you every time we’re apart.” I adored the way her eyes blazed at that.

The photographer introduced himself as Evan and we got to work. Over the next five to ten minutes, he directed us in a variety of classic couples poses.