My Fake Fiancé (The Greene Family #8)

by Piper Rayne

Those small things always give me a pang of jealousy. The fact he knew she loves that movie, that it’s a small inside joke between them because he knows her so well. When I think about being with someone, that’s what I’m looking for. I’m not really interested in the big displays of affection like bouquets of flowers or expensive jewelry. Just someone who knows that the minute I walk into the house after a bad day, I just need a hug. Someone who orders my favorite takeout and surprises me with movie night at home on the couch. Someone who shows me how important I am in his life. I think it’s the little things that add up day after day to make a big romance.

“You are a flirt, aren’t you?” The question leaves my mouth and I feel heat rush into my cheeks. Did I actually just say that? He stills and looks down at me. Down because he is dreamy tall. “Only when I’m alone in a kitchen with a gorgeous woman.”

“And I’m sorry, he’s cute and all, but you can’t marry him.” My forehead wrinkles. “Excuse me? No one said anything about marrying him.” “I wouldn’t call him cute, Nik, more like hunk on a stick.” Posey leans to the side to try to get another look at him. “I just went over names with Logan last night and there’s only one boy name we agree on.” “You’ve been holding out on me all morning?” Posey asks, easily distracted from Noah—for the record, I don’t understand how he doesn’t hold her attention. “We both like Noah,” Nikki says as though it’s obvious. “I don’t want some weird confusion if Mandi marries a Noah and my baby is named Noah. We’d always have to be, like, ‘Mandi’s Noah’ or ‘baby Noah’ and what will that mean for my poor son when he brings home his first girlfriend and his family calls him ‘baby Noah’ all the time?” We all stare at her for a moment. “Getting a little ahead of ourselves,” I say. “Plus, there’s no future with him anyway. Last time he was here was three months ago.” Nikki leans back to look at him. “What does he do?” “He’s a photographer.” Nikki’s face lights up. “Oh, I want to get pregnancy photos.” “Are you sure you want a guy named Noah photographing a Noah in your belly?” Posey asks and laughs. Nikki, of course, doesn’t find it funny. Pregnancy hormones have made her humorous side disappear.

“Because I don’t see the point in a fling that has no hope of ever becoming more.”

She was like my sunshine, bringing light to the perpetual darkness.

So that settles that. We’re friends. I’m sure Mandi will be a great friend, as long as I can stop envisioning her naked.

“I have a daughter who I think would be perfect for you. Are you interested in a blind date?” The man holds out his hand. “Let’s leave this man to his night, honey.” She accepts his hand and stands, and he instantly puts his arm around her waist and kisses the top of her head. “She’s sweet and beautiful and everything this town represents,” the woman adds. “Thank you, but I’m not looking for anyone right now.” She frowns for a moment. “A nonbeliever, huh?” “Let’s go.” The man tries to direct her away. “I’m not a nonbeliever. I just don’t have the time. I travel way too much.” She looks at who I assume is her husband. “Excuses, that’s what those are. When you find the one, all those obstacles just disappear. You figure it out. We blended two families. Had two sons at each other’s throats, a nightmare of an ex-husband to deal with, and four daughters fighting over bathrooms and bedrooms. If you want to be together, you make it work.” He smiles at her. “I wouldn’t change a thing.” “Me either.”

“At this rate, it seems like I’ll be the family portrait guy if I stay in this town long enough.” He takes another drink from his flight. “Would that be a bad thing?” I ask more for myself than him and wish I could take it back. Noah locks eyes with me. “I’m not sure. I used to think so.”

The bell rings when I open the door and I smile because I can’t wait to see her, but when I look, she’s not behind the desk. “Just a minute,” she calls. I approach the desk, still unable to stop smiling because I can’t wait to see her reaction. I’m hoping she’ll be as excited as I am. It’s not like we’re dating, but we’re definitely flirting. “So sorry.” She comes out from the back office but doesn’t look up right away. “Can I help you?” She lifts her head, and her stunning hazel eyes are red rimmed and her cheeks stained from tears. “Mandi?” I drop my suitcase and round the reception area. “Noah?” She swipes under her eyes. “What are you doing here? I didn’t see a reservation for you.” She ignores my closeness and types into the computer as though she missed it. “I was going to head home to New York, but I wanted to see you.” She blinks a couple of times and looks at me. “See me?” I nod. “What’s wrong?” She shakes her head. Anyone who really knows Mandi knows she sees her problems as hers and hers alone. She’ll never burden someone else with them. “Come on. Tell me.” I open my arms, but she doesn’t walk into them. Gotta admit, that stings a little.

“Get some sleep, soon-to-be Mrs. Winters, because tomorrow, we go ring shopping.” “Oh, Noah, that’s not necessary.” He tucks one strand of my red hair behind my ear and his gaze dips to my cleavage one last time. “It’s very necessary. Everyone is gonna know that my wife is mine.”

“Well, I do think that me really kissing you and you not being uncomfortable is more important than me knowing your favorite ice cream flavor.” “I’m a sherbet girl. Rainbow.” I can’t fight my grin. I go sit next to her on the bed. “Mine’s chocolate chip.” “That’s good to know.”

Noah: Thank you for taking my mom. She told me she was really excited. I think tux shopping wouldn’t have been the same to her. Me: You’re welcome. She’s the mother of the groom after all. Noah: Still. Just know it means a lot to me that you’d do that. Dinner tonight? Me: Sure. But turns out this is quite the process, hopefully I’ll be done by then. Noah: I’d wait all night for you. ;)

“You have no idea how much you’re driving me crazy right now.”

“Noah, you know we can’t do anything. We’re committed to this fake engagement.” “Exactly. So it’s not like we can sleep with other people. We might as well sleep with each other.” The idea that’s been rolling around in my head for the past few days sails past my lips. She slides off the bed. “You’re insane. Then feelings will form, and lines will blur, and we’ll end up hating one another in the end when one of us makes the mistake of thinking this is real. If we keep clear of anything sexual, we’ll get through this. Your mom and grandma were really getting along today. It’s a great sign that they’re making progress.” Now if only my dad could get on board.

Her smile is thanks enough. I would have happily done this without her agreeing to marry me.

I’m determined to make this the dream wedding Mandi always wanted—real or not.

“Be careful, you might turn them on,” I whisper. “The men were already turned on when you walked in.”

“I have a confession.” He stares at them. “I’m not some closet, good dancer. I didn’t even think about our first dance. I might’ve dipped you earlier, but that’s about the extent of my moves.” I look up at him and bite my lip to keep from laughing at how stressed he looks. He’s even got a bead of sweat along his hairline. I link my arm with his. “Don’t worry, we can step on each other’s feet.” He looks down at me and our eyes meet. “You really are the best.”

We’ve gone from slow dance to dirty dance in a matter of seconds. Both of us look around at the group, our mouths hanging open. “Your grandma…” He cringes. “I can see.” She’s grinding on Earl’s thigh, and he looks as if he’s struggling not to fall over. I spot another couple where the man has his hands on her hips, grinding his pelvis on the woman’s ass while she’s bent over. I blink and blink again. “What just happened?” “I have no idea. We went from sock hop to orgy.” Noah winces and looks away. “Come on, you two. This is the best kind of dancing.” Midge waves at us to get moving. “Fuck that,” Noah murmurs to me. “I can’t not look. Help me.” He covers my eyes with his hands and situates himself behind me. “Lord, please let it end soon.”

“So, you’ll still marry me?” “Just tell me when and where.”

This wedding better come quickly so he can go on an excursion and we can get some distance from one another, otherwise I’m going to fall into bed with the man. Or worse, in love.

“I didn’t want those only for Instagram. I wanted to remember this moment. When it’s all over and I’m out of your life.”

Gavin looks at Noah. “When are they going to realize they’re beautiful in our eyes no matter what?” Noah turns to me. “I wish I knew.”

It’s crystal clear that there is no future for us, so what am I to do with all these feelings I have for him? Will they go away after he leaves, or in a year when we divorce? I haven’t met a man like Noah before, and at this point, I don’t think I’ll ever meet a second.

“Now force her to leave, Noah.” He pulls me by the back of my shirt, twists me around, and throws me over his shoulder, fireman style. “Noah!” I say in shock. He opens the door of the inn and carries me to the truck. “I fear if I don’t take you this way, you’ll keep delaying our trip.” “Put me down.” I can’t help but fear how much I weigh on his shoulder. “This can’t be comfortable for you.” “You’re nothing. Have you seen my muscles? I kind of like you in this position.” His ass is right at my eye level and I kind of like it too, if I’m being honest.

“Truth?” “Yeah.” “You make me feel like a different person.” There’s a warm sensation in my chest. “Is that good or bad?” The way he asks the question makes it sound like my answer matters immensely to him. “Good. You make me feel like I’m some amazing woman capable of anything.” He stops at a traffic light as we drive through another small town and looks at me. I know for a fact this place only has one light. “You are, Mandi. To me, you’re the most amazing woman I’ve ever met.” I shake my head. “You only say that because I’m helping you.” “No.” He shakes his head. “I’ve always thought it. It’s how you are with people. The way you treat everyone like they’re your best friend and you really care about them. I see the people at the restaurant. Each table is eager to have a few minutes with you. And I know how that feels because it’s what I want every day too. To steal a few moments alone with you. I love hearing what’s in your head.” I suck in a shallow breath. “Careful, Noah, you might get lucky if you keep talking like that.” He pulls to the side of the road and puts the truck in park. “I meant every word that just came out of my mouth.” His eyes hold mine and my heart does this funny thing where it skips a few beats. “Truth?” “Yeah,” I just about whisper. “I have no idea how I’ll ever walk away from you. It will be the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do.” It’s on the tip of my tongue to ask why he has to walk away from me. Maybe we should give this thing a shot for real. “...

“I’m not upset, okay? Well, no, I am upset, but only because you keep making these comments about what a great person I am. And bringing up the sexual tension between us. Picking me up fireman style and carrying me out of the inn. You’re sending mixed signals all over the place.” I stare at her, my chest heaving for a breath, and something in me snaps. “What do you wanna hear? You wanna hear how much I fucking want you? All the time? That not a minute goes by when I’m with you that I don’t think of something sexual? But I owe you more than that. I owe you everything if this plan works. And I won’t hurt you.” “You seem to think I’m so fragile.” She throws up her arms. “If you think because of my size I’m some virgin who can’t get a man, think again. I’ve had plenty of experience in my lifetime and there will be men after you.” She circles back around, but I grab her elbow and twist her back to face me. Then I step forward. “Because of your size? Damn it, Mandi, when have I ever made you feel like I judge you about your size? You’re the most gorgeous woman I’ve ever laid my eyes on. I think I’ve made that pretty clear. If you knew how many times I’m having to think of things like dead puppies and my grandma having sex just so I don’t get a hard-on around you, you’d believe me. I don’t think of you as some virgin who’s never had a man and is grateful for my attention. And the fact that there will be someone after me pisses me the fuck off. Because I wanna be the man. I wanna ...

“If you want to keep things platonic, you need to stop with the winking.” I wink again and she chuckles, her mood lighter now.

“Truth?” “Yeah.” “I like taking care of you. Will you let me?” I can’t help but give him a goofy grin. “Okay. I kind of like you taking care of me too.”

“You have no idea how long I’ve wanted to drown myself in your tits.” He takes them in his hands, running his thumbs over my nipples, making them into stiff peaks. “They’re all yours.” “Don’t tell me that because I’m going to motorboat you, titty fuck you, and constantly grope you if that’s the case.” I give him a seductive smile. “All things I’m more than happy to oblige. But first, there’s something I’ve been wanting to do.”

“I get it out here. Sex in the wilderness is really great.” He kisses the top of my head. “I know. It’s a first for me.” “What?” I lean back and stare at him as though he has to be lying. “You’re the first woman I’ve ever taken with me on an excursion.”

“You know how they say people come into your life for a reason?” I say. She nods. “I must have a guardian angel who brought you into my life because you give me purpose. You reinvigorated me just when I thought my time as a freelance photographer for the outdoors might be over.” She rests her chin on my chest and gives me a sad sort of smile. “I’m glad.” “Me too.” Even if that truth hurts.

I’m actually getting married. Too bad it’s not the real thing, because what I feel for Noah is way too real for me to admit to anyone, especially him.

“Now that you have me in the bed, what will you do with me?” “I’d like to kidnap you, so I never have to live a day without you.”

“I really don’t want to leave this room,” he says, getting dressed. “Me either, but for a massage, I think it might be worth it.” I begin to dress too. “You want someone else’s hands on you other than mine?” He kisses me briefly while retrieving his shirt. “Never, I’d pick your hands over anyone else’s.” He winks. “Good girl.”

“I have no idea what you’re going to do without me when you leave. You seem to not be able to go a few hours without having sex.” His hands slide between the terrycloth robe and my skin, and he hovers over me. “Believe me, I’ve thought about it every fucking day. It’s like I can’t breathe without you in the room.”

“You know what I mean. I want to take my time with you, make sure I’ve memorized and savored every inch of your body so I can relive it on those cold nights up north. When I know I’ll be wishing you were with me.”

I could be wrong, but I’m pretty sure Noah and I complicated our relationship even more because we just made love.

“Maybe we make a new deal,” he says with a smirk. “What’s that?” “After I’m too old to travel and if neither of us finds someone, we marry for real.” I laugh. “Well, to be honest, I hope it doesn’t come to that, but just in case, I’ll take the deal.” He huffs. “It’ll probably be me coming back and finding you happy with a doting husband and kids. I’ll be the bastard who didn’t know how good he had it.” “Don’t say things like that,” I say, mostly because it hurts that he’s still so certain about leaving. I’m on the fence, practically ready to jump on the next plane with him, but he hasn’t even considered changing his life for me. “It’s the truth. In every movie, it’s the guy like me who ends up alone, regretting his decisions and those forks in the road he didn’t take.” I wiggle my other foot. “I thought we weren’t going to talk about this tonight?” “True. I don’t want to sulk on one of my last nights with you.”

“You’d think a cancer survivor would take better care of himself.”

I cannot imagine being even a five-minute drive from her—how the hell am I going to handle being hours and hours away?

“You’re happy, right? With Noah?” My forehead wrinkles. “Yes, why would you ask that?” She shrugs. “Just making sure. You tend to deal with your problems by yourself and never share much with us.” “That’s not true.” My lips press into a thin line. “Come on, Mandi, ever since Mom and Dad divorced, you’ve put your own needs and wants to the side. I just want to make sure Noah is what you want,” she says. The funny thing is Noah is what I want, but I don’t like the way I’m getting him. “Girls!” my mom shouts. “Your ride is here.” Nikki waits while Posey and Chevelle collect their things to take to the inn. “He is what I want, Nik. I wouldn’t marry him if he wasn’t.” She embraces me, and I suck back tears. Part of me wants to unleash it all on my sister, but that would be betraying Noah.

“It’s beautiful,” I say. “You’re beautiful. You’re stunning.” His gaze soaks me in. “Thank you.” I feel the blush set in as the preacher asks everyone to sit. I look up at the arbor again and think about everything it signifies. The preacher is talking about love and loyalty, cherishing the person you love. Noah squeezes my hands and I look up, tears in my eyes. “Are you okay?” Noah whispers. I feel as though I can’t get enough air. My chest gets tighter and it’s all I can do to stand in place. I shake my head and look at the preacher. “I need to stop you.” He abruptly cuts off what he was saying. I look at Noah. “I’m sorry, I can’t marry you.” He exhales, and I swear even the seagulls stop squawking to listen in on our conversation. “I have to choose me.” His eyes widen. “You’re a wonderful man, Noah. So much so that I fell in love with you. And as much as I want to marry you, I can’t. Because I deserve a man who loves me too. A wedding where we’re both equally invested in our future—together. I wanted the arbor so badly because I thought it signified the love and bond a couple getting married share, but this one doesn’t. I’m worthy of having a great love in my life. I’m sorry that you can’t be it.” He says nothing as the first tear falls down my cheek. I look out at the crowd and back at him. “I’m so sorry I can’t go through with it, but please know, I’m choosing to break my heart now, rather than in a year. I was right there with you until I stepped out and saw the arbo...

“Can you really look me in the eye and tell me that you don’t love that girl?” My jaw clenches. “Love isn’t enough. Grandma gave up a relationship with you for over ten years to make sure you were happy. Mandi and I want different things out of life.” “Sometimes you sacrifice for the ones you love.” Grandma puts her hand on my arm. “I know she’s the one for you. I know that you love her.”

“I take it that’s why you ran? A woman?” I nod because Nate will probably get it more than anyone else. “Well, if she loves you and you love her, you’ll get through it. She’ll understand your need for adventure, and you’ll appreciate her that much more while you’re gone. But there are times when I get asked to do an assignment and she’ll look at me and I know she needs me there. So I turn it down and stay home.” I look at him. “And you don’t get mad?” “I’m never mad when I have to spend time with my wife. You really have to make the decision yourself. Oh shit, check that out.”

My stomach ignites like the baby butterflies are just learning to fly. Noah. “Hi,” I say. “Hi. I was wondering if you have a room available?” I close my eyes for a moment at the sound of his deep voice. “Um… no. I’m sorry I just rented out the last room.” I stare at him, cataloging the differences since the last time I saw him. Not much is different except his cheeks are a little sunburned and he has dark circles under his eyes. “I should’ve called.” We stand there, staring at each other. “Not even a broom closet or anything, huh?” I shake my head. “What brings you to SunBay Inn?” “A woman.” I fight the smile that wants to form on my face. “Oh really?” He nods once. “I need to grovel.” “What did you do that was so awful?” “I was a stupid, stupid man and it took me way too long to realize that I can’t be without her.” He takes one step closer to me. My breath hitches. “And now? What changed your mind?” “I realized what an idiot I was. And how scared I was that we couldn’t make it work, so I let it overshadow what we could have together if it did. I’ll do just about anything to keep her in my life.” One corner of my lips lifts. “I’m sure she’ll accept your apology. I mean, you’re pretty easy on the eyes.” “You think so?” He looks me up and down. “She’s a knockout, so I’m not sure I measure up. She could have her pick of any man.” “I’m sure you measure up just fine. You know, I do have one room available, but you’d have to share a bed with the owner.” “What do you think the w...

“Mandi?” I turn around and he lowers to the floor, the ring I gave him back nestled in a ring box. “Will you marry me?” My hands fly to my mouth. “What? Why?” “Because I’ve fallen madly in love with you.” “As simple as that, huh?” He smiles. “As simple as that.” “Yes, I will marry you. For real this time.” He slides the ring back onto my finger, and it feels as if he’s giving me back a piece of my soul. I join him on my knees and kiss him again. “Truth?” he asks. “Yeah.” “I think I fell in love with you the first time I saw you.” I cup his bearded cheek. “Me too.” We kiss again. And ditch the kitchen for my room at the inn.

And then the best part. Noah’s warm hands on my cheeks. My head tilts to look up as he bends down to kiss his bride. His kiss, as always, comes with promises, and this one tells me he’s going to love me all of my life.