The phone was ringing. Eyes closed, Cara groaned. She hadn’t slept well, and she didn’t want to answer the call. Was it even time to get up? She didn’t want to know the answer.
Another ring. And another.
Wait a minute.
Her eyelids opened.
That wasn’t her ringtone.
It only took a second for her to remember…
Brody.
He was here. Sleeping on her couch.
She hadn’t dreamed last night.
A weight pressed against her. Muscles tightened into hard balls and knots. The churning in her stomach had nothing to do with needing breakfast.
I need you to marry me.
She buried her face in the pillow.
Why was this happening? Cara wasn’t any closer to deciding whether to accept the fake marriage proposal than she’d been last night. The reasons were twofold—Caitlin and Brody.
Cara didn’t want to hurt her sister, but she couldn’t shake her own misgivings. Growing up, Caitlin had been the puppet master with Brody and Cara as her marionettes. That had only worsened as they got older because they both wanted to make sure Caitlin’s anxiety didn’t send her off the deep end again. Yet something about this particular scenario screamed self-created drama. Cara had played into her twin’s hands before but never in such a public way.
And then there was Brody.
Once upon a time, Cara had wanted to be with him so badly she would have settled for a make-believe engagement. Anything to give her a taste of what dating him would be like. But she’d put those feelings behind her. Moved on—physically and mentally—as best she could. No sense dredging up her crush or the emotions again.
“What?” Brody yelled from the living room, his angry voice echoing through the condo. “How did they find me?”
Uh-oh. The edge in his voice didn’t sound good.
She jumped off the bed, only to receive an evil eye from Loki, who was awake, but he hadn’t raised his head. “Go back to sleep, Your Highness.”
The cat did.
Yawning, she padded along the wood floor.
Brody dragged his hand through his sleep-rumpled hair. He was as gorgeous in shorts and a T-shirt as he would be in a designer tuxedo. Standing against the far wall, he peered out the window that faced Beach Street as if trying not to be seen.
He muttered under his breath. Tension showed in the lines on his face. “No, I understand. Keep me posted.”
As he lowered the cell phone from his ear, Cara entered the living room. “More trouble?”
“Paparazzi.”
“Where?”
“Outside.” He peered out the window again. “That was my publicist. Someone posted I spent the night with you.”
“You’ve done that before. Slept on the couch. It’s not like we…” Cara’s voice trailed off. She couldn’t say the words. Not when they’d never kissed or done anything except hug and hold hands occasionally.
Platonically.
No one would ever think she and Brody were anything but friends. But once Caitlin’s lies were made public, his being at the apartment would bolster her story. He would be called a cheater. Cara would be known as a betrayer, the other woman, a home-wrecker.
Forehead throbbing, she rubbed her temples. “Who knows you’re with me?”
He sighed. “Caitlin.”
Cara’s shoulders sagged. Her suspicions appeared to be true, even if she didn’t want to believe it. “My sister sold you—us—out.”
“Unless the rental car person at the airport recognized me.” Though Brody didn’t sound convinced of that. Maybe he was finally questioning Caitlin’s behavior.
“Possibly.” Doubtful. “But they wouldn’t know where you were going. Caitlin’s trying to force my hand. She wants me to agree to be your fake fiancée.”
“You can say no.” He spoke quickly before the lines on his face deepened. The dark circles under his eyes told her he hadn’t slept much. “People will believe what they want.”
“Even if they’re believing lies?”
“That’s show business.”
She peeked out the window. Men and women stood with cameras and cell phones. Some chatted. Others tapped on screens. Most appeared bored, but that didn’t stop them from waiting.
For Brody.
And Cara.
Her heart dropped. No matter what she decided to do about the fake engagement, the evidence pointed to Caitlin’s lie. “They’ll believe her.”
Brody didn’t deny that. Cara hoped he would because she had no idea what would happen next or what this would mean for them.
Movie stars often bounced from relationship to relationship in plain view of the public eye, but she was a nobody. Other than attending the Oscars, she’d stayed out of the spotlight. No one cared about her reputation—spotless until now—or her boring, drama-free life with her cat and books. She’d dated, leading to one semi-serious relationship that ended with little fanfare a month after he was transferred to his firm’s New York office. As long as she continued to do her job, her boss, Cassie, who was a free spirit, wouldn’t care about gossip. The public library where she volunteered might, especially if the paparazzi invaded during story time. But the prestigious library she had a second interview with on Friday had stressed the importance of its employees being assets to the university. Negative press might not bode well for her—or her chances of being hired.
Brody started to speak but stopped himself.
“What?” she asked.
“A soundbite from Caitlin’s interview is being used to promo Auntie Shark’s upcoming show on Thursday. If you add that to me staying here last night, it looks…bad.”
The turmoil in his gaze suggested it was very bad.
“Did your publicist have any suggestions?” Cara asked.
“To pretend to be engaged. She seems to think that would be the best solution. If people think we’re engaged instead of just having sex behind your sister’s back…”
Cara’s face burned. She stared at the ceiling.
“Lying never ends well.” Three years ago, she’d lied to Caitlin about not having a crush on Brody. Her sister and her best friend started dating after that. Cara still wondered what might have happened if she’d told her sister the truth about her feelings for Brody. She’d had a chance last night to come clean, even though she was over her crush now, but she couldn’t say anything with Brody listening. Maybe she wasn’t that different from Caitlin.
Closing her eyes, Cara cringed. “Is there another option?”
“Other than going public about Caitlin’s lies and how she’s engaged to a not-yet-divorced man, no.”
That news would ruin Caitlin’s good-girl image, add to the bad-movie woes, and probably push her over the edge.
Ugh. Cara’s stomach churned. This was a no-win situation.
She should have never been dragged into this. Brody, either. Her anger flared.
“My sister is an adult. Her anxiety issues aren’t her fault, but they shouldn’t stop her from taking responsibility for her actions.” Cara peeked out the window again. More people seemed to have gathered. Talk about insanity. “Okay, I’ll admit not paying rent for six months would be huge for me, but why should we bail out Caitlin one more time? Sacrifice our reputations to save hers?”
“Other than to make sure she doesn’t do something stupid and hurt herself?”
Cara frowned. “You know what I mean.”
“I do. And I understand.” He plopped onto the couch. “I’m tired of feeling like I owe her for my career.”
“Pretending to date her for the past two-plus years should wipe out any debt.”
A hint of a smile appeared on his face. “She added interest.”
That made Cara laugh. “If I accept her free-rent offer, I’m afraid she’ll end up using it against me. She’ll keep dragging me into more of her messes.”
“Then use the money from the ring so that doesn’t happen,” he suggested earnestly. “There will be more than enough money for your rent and the library programs.”
That was good to know, but she didn’t want him to be stuck doing whatever Caitlin said. “What about you?”
A beat passed. “She went too far this time.”
“Yes.” But Cara didn’t know what Brody was getting at. “But that’s Caitlin for you.”
“No more.” He spoke firmly. “Once this is over, we’ll…I’ll…draw the line with Caitlin. Tell her we won’t fix her problems anymore.”
What he said shocked Cara, but she had doubts whether he was serious. “You’ve been coming to her rescue for years. Will you be able to tell Caitlin you’re done saving her?”
“I…” He inhaled and then exhaled slowly. “I have to unless I want to spend the rest of my life at Caitlin’s beck and call. I don’t want that.”
Cara never expected to hear him say those words. But when she saw the determined set of his jaw, something inside her loosened. “It’s about time you said that.”
“Past time.” He stared at her. “So, are we doing this?”
Her heart slammed against her chest. She couldn’t answer. Not yet. “I’m no actress. And I look nothing like someone you’d date.”
Saying the words left a gritty taste in her mouth. She’d appreciated him calling her beautiful, but he was being nice. Cara O’Neal might be cute, but she was nothing like the stunning Cait Neal. The only thing they’d shared physically was their mother’s womb. Oh, and some DNA.
He grimaced. “Cara—”
“I want to go on record saying this is one hundred percent likely to blow up in our faces, but if you’re serious about this being the last time, then I’m in.”
She’d never wanted to be center stage. The only fame she sought was to be an expert in her field—a job that dealt with musty old books. Researching and tracking down first or limited editions. Authenticating and repairing pages, covers, and spines as needed was what she’d trained for and been good at. Or had until being laid off.
But she would do this. For Caitlin, but also for Brody, who needed to stop feeling indebted and cut the puppet strings.
Cara extended her left hand.
He grabbed the small box off the coffee table, opened it, and removed the ring.
As he slid the band onto Cara’s finger, his hand brushed hers. At the point of contact, a spark shocked her.
Must be static from the rug.
Staring at the diamond on her finger, Cara fought her growing unease. She would call the library to let them know she wouldn’t be volunteering for a while. “So what’s next?”
“Do you have to work at the bookstore today?” Brody asked.
“This morning.” She forced her attention off her hand before placing her arm behind her as if that could hide what she’d agreed to do. “But only until one.”
“Once you’re off, we’ll get started.”
“Pretending to be engaged?”
“That and…” Brody glanced out the window again. “Planning our wedding.”
♥ ♥ ♥
In the passenger seat of her neighbor Geoff’s Audi, Cara buckled the seat belt. “I appreciate you getting me out of the building and driving me to the bookstore.”
“Anytime.” Geoff adjusted his glasses. “Though…”
He wore a designer suit, a lightly starched dress shirt, and silk tie, the typical uniform of a guy who worked in the Financial District, except she’d never seen him dressed in anything other than work clothes or running apparel. She wasn’t sure if he owned a pair of jeans or khakis, but he defined the term gorgeous geek, though she’d felt nothing but friendship for him.
“What?” she asked.
“Troy McKnight shouldn’t have had to call this morning to say you needed my help. You could have done that yourself.”
Her boss’s husband was a friend of Geoff’s. It was Geoff’s recommendation that had gotten Cara the book concierge job at Cassandra’s Attic. She owed him big-time for that, but calling him, or anyone, about her current situation had never crossed her mind. “I know, but…”
“I’m happy to help, so call me next time.”
“I will.” Although there wouldn’t be a next time. At least not with her sister involved.
The garage door opened. As the car backed out, the paparazzi peered inside before glancing away in disappointment. Of course no one gave her a second glance. They were expecting the woman who’d attended the Oscars with Brody, not the mousy bookworm who carried an I’d rather be in Narnia tote bag and had fallen in love with more book boyfriends than real men.
Geoff drove toward the bookstore. “You okay?”
“I have no idea.” Cara realized what she’d said. Time to backtrack. “I mean…”
“Troy told me what he’d heard online,” Geoff said in a sincere tone. “I’ll admit I’m surprised you’re engaged to Brody Simmons. I had no idea you were dating anyone.”
“It’s complicated.” She didn’t know what else to say. “People will be saying a lot of stuff about me. Not so nice things.”
“Lies and gossip. That’s Hollywood for you.” He didn’t miss a beat replying. “I’m on your side, Cara. Whatever’s going on, I assume you have a good reason.”
Not trusting her voice, she nodded. Knowing she had someone in her corner sent a rush of relief flowing through her. Cara wanted to tell Geoff the truth, but she couldn’t right now. More for Brody’s sake than her own.
Geoff repositioned his hands on the steering wheel. “Promise you’ll call if you need anything.”
“I will.” And she would.
He double-parked in front of Cassandra’s Attic. “Let me know if you need a ride home.”
“Thanks, but Brody is picking me up.”
To plan a wedding that will never happen.
Cara shuddered before regaining her composure. She hit the button on the seat belt. “Have a great day doing whatever it is you do.”
Amusement filled his eyes. “I make people money.”
“Well, I hope you make a lot of it.”
“Always.” His grin lit up his face. “Go find the perfect books for your customers.”
Cara slid from the car. She used her key to open the glass door, stepped into the bookstore, and then locked the door behind her. The store didn’t open for another hour, but she used this time to review customer requests.
The scents of books downstairs and fresh-brewed coffee from the café area upstairs lingered in the air. Cara inhaled deeply, filling her lungs with the aroma. Her nerves didn’t calm completely, but the smells lessened her on-edge feeling. She was where she needed to be. All she had to do now was keep her mind focused on her job.
After depositing her coat and purse in her locker in the back room, she went to her desk near the front counter. Seeing Book Concierge written in a script font filled her with pride. This wasn’t the job she ever expected to have, but she enjoyed finding the books customers wanted and searching for others that fit their needs. With her repeat customers, she often suggested books they might enjoy. Some now used her as their personal shopper. She’d wrapped more presents over Christmas than she had in her entire life.
Her hours and salary had been increased in November, but she still wasn’t earning what she had as a librarian, nor did she have the same benefits. Six months free rent would reestablish her savings account, which she’d drained after losing her job. She would have to see how much the engagement ring was worth before asking the library for permission to start the new programs.
At least something good would come from this engagement charade.
As her computer booted up, she checked the customer request forms. The second in the stack brought a much-needed smile to her face.
Brett Matthews from Portland, Oregon, who’d done signings at the store for his financial and investing guides, had requested board books and classic children’s literature first editions for his daughter, Noelle. Never mind she was only two months old, but the man was wealthy enough to spend his money on whatever he wanted. Books were never a wrong choice and a favorite purchase of his to make.
“Good morning.” Cassie McKnight came down the staircase from the “attic” portion of the bookstore where customers could enjoy a warm or cold beverage and a pastry while sitting at tables or on comfy chairs. Her blond ponytail bounced. A bright orange sweater fell past her hips and over the gauzy, floral-print skirt swirling around suede black boots. She made a beeline to Cara. “Are you okay?”
“I’m glad to be here and not at my apartment.” That much was true and wouldn’t give away anything. She trusted her boss, but dragging others into the complicated situation wouldn’t be smart. “Please thank Troy for getting in touch with Geoff this morning.”
“We’re concerned about you.” Cassie motioned to the engagement ring on Cara’s finger. “I have no idea what’s going on, but please know Troy and I are more than happy to help you. You’re a valued employee, but you’re also a dear friend to us both.”
Warmth flowed through Cara. “Thank you.”
Curiosity filled Cassie’s expression. “I’ll admit to being surprised by your engagement. You’ve never mentioned Brody Simmons.”
As Cara’s face burned, she studied the ring that felt weird on her finger. “I, uh…”
She didn’t want to lie, but she had no idea what to say that wouldn’t give her away or make her sound like an idiot.
“It’s okay.” Cassie touched Cara’s shoulders. “Every couple has an origin story.”
Except she and Brody weren’t a couple. Despite not being asked out much, Cara remained steadfast that Mr. Right was out there somewhere. The timing just hadn’t been right. Or maybe he didn’t live in San Francisco and a new job somewhere else would put her closer to finding him. Not that she’d applied more than sixty miles from where she lived now. Time to expand her job search? Maybe after the engagement ring was off her finger and Brody left town.
Which meant Cara should forget about the future for now. She needed to concentrate on the present. On her boss. “I thought it was called a meet cute.”
“Tomayto, tomahto,” Cassie joked. “Did I ever tell you how Troy and I met?”
Pausing, Cara thought about it. “I don’t think so.”
“We met when I asked him if he’d be my fiancé for the night.”
Cara’s mouth dropped open, even though Cassie had spoken so matter of factly. “Seriously?”
Cassie nodded. “Even though I told my parents I was happy being single, they kept trying to play matchmakers, so I made up a fiancé. That stopped their meddling until they wanted to meet him, so I asked a stranger in a bar to pretend to be engaged to me during a family dinner. One thing led to another…”
“And you ended up marrying Troy.”
“I did.” Love shone on her face.
That was unbelievable. Especially considering the ruse Cara and Brody were trying to pull off. “Do you have any regrets over pretending?”
“Not as many as I should,” Cassie admitted, her cheeks tinged a charming pink. “I hated lying to my parents and the whole faking we were in love really wore me out, but I wouldn’t have Troy in my life if we hadn’t told people we were engaged when we weren’t.”
Cara didn’t know what to say, but she understood better than Cassie probably imagined. “I wish I could tell you—”
“Been there myself.” Compassion gleamed in Cassie’s blue eyes. “Whatever’s going on with you, your sister, and Brody, just know we’re here for you. No matter what you need.”
A grin tugged at Cara’s lips. Geoff had said the same thing. She appreciated knowing she wasn’t alone, even if she couldn’t tell her friends the truth. At least not yet. “Thanks. That means a lot.”
“I’ll be in the back if you need anything.”
As Cassie wove her way through the wooden shelves full of books, Cara thought about what her boss had said. Maybe playing the role of Brody’s fiancée wouldn’t be so bad. Not that she and Brody would have the same outcome to their charade as Cassie and Troy had, but Cara hoped pretending wouldn’t blow up in their faces as she feared. That the dread over the impending consequences would be minimal and making a clean break from Caitlin’s future demands would happen.
Still, Cara had her doubts. A shiver inched down her spine, continuing to the tips of her toes. Shaking those feelings might be as difficult as faking being Brody’s fiancée.