The Pretend Fiancé

They toasted, clanked glasses, and she took a long sip.

“I feel like I’m in a fairytale with you.”

His lips covered her mouth in a gentle, soft kiss.

“I need you,” he said. “Because you make me laugh more than anyone else. You make me laugh when I don’t even want to smile. You’re pretty special.” His lips pressed into grim lines. “I don’t deserve this. Why are you doing this for me?”

“Because I happen to think you’re special too, and I want you to have a second chance. Because I think you deserve it.”

They grabbed each other’s hands and, per instruction, ran and jumped into the pool together, creating a terrific splash in a show of carefree romance and joy.

“I’m crazy about you,” Harvey said, pushing a stray strand of wet hair behind her ear. “There is no one else I think of more than you.”

“I seriously can’t stop thinking about you.”

And she seriously meant every word.

After they frolicked in the pool self-consciously, their playful splashes punctuated with much twirling around in each other’s arms and passionate kissing, they sat on the edge of the pool together, drinking and talking.

“So, were you surprised or are you just a great actress?” Harvey asked.

“Oh, I’d say I was surprised. I mean, that’s the biggest diamond I’ve ever seen. It should be in a museum or in a crown or something.”

“I’m glad you approve.”

“Approve? I’d never wear that thing in real life. Someone would cut off my hand to steal it!”

“No one is going to cut off your hand. I’m not sure what kind of neighborhood you’re used to, but now you travel with security.”

A man with a fruit tray came around, and Bella picked a big strawberry and took a flute of champagne. “First the car and now the ring. You’re spoiling me.”

“That’s the idea. Both are yours to keep, of course. I told you that any gifts would belong to you, and this counts.”

“This? For real? This ring is worth more than, like, an entire house.”

“So sell it, and buy a house when we’re done if it makes you happy. Or keep it in its velvet box like a sacred thing to remember me by. The first man who fake proposed.”

She laughed.

That night, they slept in the same stateroom, with Harvey spending the night on the couch like a perfect gentleman. She thought about that movie-style kiss when he was helping her out in front of her friends. It was one of the most spontaneous kisses she ever had. And it was so damn hot.

Why couldn’t she get that kiss out of her mind?

She wished he were slightly less perfect, or at least less of a gentleman. It was impossible to sleep with him so close. She lay awake in the dark, her body so aware of his nearness and how untouchable he was for her. So far out of her league.

***

The tabloids and the gossip websites were aflame with news that so-called sources close to Ms. James said she’d been swept off her feet by her employer. The headlines all read, “CEO Sweeps Maid Off Feet!” and word of their engagement spread like wildfire. They looked at the photos and read the articles together. Members of Harvey’s board of directors called to congratulate him, and she sat by his side as they Skyped with someone called Bellows who was very impressed with their commitment to each other.

All Bella had to do was lean her head on Harvey’s shoulder, gaze at him adoringly and give a sweet, bashful nod and say thank you when congratulated. Harvey had held her hand the whole time, even though their hands weren’t visible to the webcam. It comforted her to have him hold onto her that way. She cursed herself for wanting to be closer to him, wanting to be touching him all the time.

Chapter 14

Their weekend on the boat ended with a stop in San Francisco for a business dinner. Bella wore a new white cocktail dress, her blonde hair half-up, and her lipstick cherry red.

Harvey led her into the restaurant, his hand on her back and creeping down to the curve of her backside. She swatted his hand playfully, beaming at him more sincerely than she meant to do. He introduced her to Mr. Sanchez and Mr. Domingo, men who were considering a merger with one of Bellingford Finance’s subsidiary companies.

They both kissed her hand and congratulated the couple on their recent engagement. Bella sat at the table and sipped her wine, listening to the conversation avidly. As the entrees were served, she noticed a cooling in the tone of the discussion. Mr. Domingo, in particular, seemed to grow increasingly negative as he spoke about the potential merger.