Mister Fake Fiance

Now I wish I hadn’t left the two men together. Something must’ve happened.

David lets out the sigh he always lets out when he’s mildly annoyed. “Five hundred.”

I almost do a double take. Half a million dollars? That’s a fortune!

David turns to look in Warren’s direction. Warren stays silent, and the painting goes to David. Relaxing, he leans back in his seat and sips his wine with a smile.

“Don’t you think you overpaid?” I ask. He might’ve done it to win against Warren. And I would hate it if that were the case. Unless I’m mistaken, the hostility between the two has to have something to do with me. Maybe Dad told Warren about the career-advancing potential I present, and Warren thought he could just dazzle me and get me back with promises, since I never told him the real reason I left him and Saintsville two years ago. And since I’m here as David’s date, he sees my boss as an obstacle.

David shakes his head. “It’s going to double in value in the next couple of years.”

My jaw slackens. “Double… Like it’s going to be worth a million?”

“At least.” David pushes my chin back up into place. “It’s an investment as well as a gift. Do you want to…” He trails off as another item comes on the stage.

I glance at what’s on offer now, wondering what could’ve snagged his attention.

It’s an oil painting of a silver-haired woman dancing with a handsome man in a European plaza with a water fountain behind them. Orange, purple and gold saturate the sunset, and the whole thing is simply gorgeous.

David bids on it instantly. Warren competes. I glance at him over my shoulder. He’s staring at me while throwing out numbers. Uncomfortable with the intensity in his gaze, I turn around then lean into David. “Who are you getting this for?” I whisper, wondering if we could just leave if it isn’t anything important.

“For my mom. I want her to know there are things she can look forward to and enjoy other than bouncing a baby on her knees.”

Ah. Guess he has to win this, then.

I can sense Warren staring at me, but I do my best to ignore him and finish the last item on my plate—a chocolate and cream parfait—and wash it down with the champagne. I’m here as David’s date. I shouldn’t care about Warren’s reaction.

David outbids Warren again. Not surprising, since I doubt Warren’s won the lottery in the last two years. His family is quite well off, but not well off enough to pay the kind of money David and some of the others in the room are throwing around.

After he’s declared the winner, David texts for a second, then puts his phone away. “You want to watch the rest or bail?”

“Are you sure? What if you want to get something else?” I ask, even though I do want to leave now. Warren’s stare has made me uneasy.

“I got two, and that’s enough. I already texted Elizabeth’s team to let them know I’ll wire the money early next week and arrange for delivery.”

I steal a glance Warren’s way. He’s studying whatever’s on the stage, his eyes narrowed. Hopefully

he wants to win this next item and won’t follow us out. “Okay, then. Let’s go.”

I start to stand with my plate.

“Just leave that there.” David gestures with his chin.

I put the plate and almost empty flute on my seat. David wraps his warm, strong hand around mine. My pulse goes a little wonky, and I bite my lower lip. I shouldn’t let this get to me. He’s just playacting, and holding hands is one of the things people do when they’re on a date.

Except the feel of his palm against mine is making my neck a bit too warm.

Maybe it’s just the ballroom that’s too hot. Too many people around.

We go out into the hall. It’s much cooler, although that doesn’t seem to have any effect on my neck. David and I walk to the lobby, my shoes clacking on the hard marble. A uniformed man at the main entrance opens the door for us.

David hands his ticket to a valet, who moves with efficient alacrity. “We’ll get going as soon as my car’s brought out.”

“Thanks.” Then I ask, “Is Shelly going to be a problem again?” If so, I want to be ready. Maybe even buy a very plain black dress that doesn’t stand out too much.

Annoyance crosses David’s handsome face. “She better not be. Why? Did something happen when I wasn’t around?”

“We had a little encounter in the bathroom. She wanted me to know you’re a first-come, first-served love-life kind of guy.”