Chapter 17

After the reception ended a little after midnight, Victor bought Darcy a double gin martini with two olives from the hotel’s bar. “What fun!” He clicked his glass against hers. “I can’t believe how everyone bought our engagement. What a fabulous final act.”

Darcy twirled the ring on her finger. She marveled at how perfectly it fit. When Nathan proposed after Joyce’s birth, the ring he bought had to be resized. Darcy often wondered if the ill-fitting ring served as an omen, foreshadowing how everything about their relationship didn’t fit just right. “Why did you borrow your grandmother’s ring as a prop?”

“The ring is mine.” Victor waved at the bartender for another round. “My mother gave it to me after my grandmother died. I carry it on me all the time as a memento.”

What if Victor’s grandmother’s wedding ring, which fit her perfectly, foreshadowed a perfect married life? The premonition shivered up her spine. Wiggling the ring off her finger, she placed the diamond on the counter. “Here you go.”

He stared at the ring and shook his head. “Keep it.”

A shock of disbelief sent her mouth agape. “I can’t keep your family heirloom.”

“That’s why I gave you the ring. My grandmother would have liked you. You’re kindred spirits and full of spunk.” With an intent glimmer in his dark eyes, he slipped the ring back on her finger.

The bartender placed their drinks on tiny paper napkins.

He lifted his glass. “To us.”

She refused to toast. “There is no ‘us.’ Eventually, we’ll have to tell everyone the truth. We’re not getting married.”

“Not if we never see them again.”

“But some of the guests are family. I will see them again.” She took a long sip of her sharp, bitter martini. “What about Tyler? Won’t he ask about your wedding plans the next time he sees you?”

He flicked his wrist and scoffed. “I didn’t give him my number.”

“That doesn’t mean he won’t find you. He is, after all, engaged to my daughter who happens to come up to visit on a regular basis since I’m planning her wedding.” She shuddered, wishing she had never agreed to the arrangement.

He sipped his martini. “Don’t worry. I work a lot. I won’t be available.”

“You’ll be if you’re invited as my guest to their wedding.”

“That’s next year.” He waved a hand. “I have plenty of time to scheme my way out of telling the truth.”

She bit her lower lip, her stomach churning with guilt and regret. “I don’t think I can keep up a lie for a whole year.”

“Don’t worry about how long we have to lie. Let’s just enjoy the victory tonight.”

She twirled the ring on her finger. If she wore it, people would ask about her engagement. “What am I suppose to say when people ask about us?”

“You’re a great actress.” He winked. “You’ll figure out what to say.”

But she was not a great actress, Darcy thought. She cared about him. Staring at the diamond on her left hand, she shuddered from a cold breeze sweeping through her body.

“Hey, buddy.” Tyler loped up to the bar and slapped Victor’s back. “I thought I’d find you here.”

Darcy gazed at Tyler. Should she tell him the truth? For courage, she swallowed another sip of her drink.

Tyler sat next to Victor at the bar. “What are you guys having?”

“Gin martinis.” Victor twirled the olives on the toothpick. “Care for one?”

Tyler shook his head. “I can’t afford a hangover. Not with Joyce around.”

“You’re whipped.” Victor winked.

“You’re no better.” Tyler gestured toward Darcy. “You’re engaged to her mom.”

“They’re polar opposites,” Victor said. “I got the cool woman who doesn’t mind my juvenile streak.”

“That’s because she babies you.”

“She joins me.” He waved to the bartender. “One more before you close.”

Wincing, she didn’t appreciate the lively boy banter about her and her daughter’s personalities. Was this conversation typical among engaged men? She tried to twist the ring loose, but it stuck beneath her knuckle.

“Nice ring,” Tyler said. “Do you mind if I take a closer look?”

Holding her breath to suppress guilt, she extended her arm.

Tyler took her fingers in the palm of his hand and squinted at the diamond’s intricate white gold setting.

“It’s Art Deco,” Victor explained. “My grandfather bought it from Sawyer’s Jewelers in downtown Santa Rosa. He saved for three months. Their marriage lasted thirty years.”

“That’s what Joyce would call a good investment,” Tyler said. “So, when will you get married?”

“Actually, we’re not.” Darcy squirmed.

Bending close, Victor kissed her lips before he turned to Tyler. “She means we’ve not decided yet.”

“No.” How could he misconstrue everything she said to benefit his cause? She straightened her back. “I mean exactly what I said. This whole proposal—”

“Overwhelmed her,” Victor interrupted. “She didn’t expect me to propose. We never discussed marriage. But when every moment you spend with someone feels like the best moment of your life, you want to feel that way forever. That’s why we’re getting married next year on Valentine’s Day in the backyard of our Tuscany villa.” He shifted on the bar stool. “Which reminds me, we have to call our real estate agent to up our bid before our offer expires.” He glanced at his watch then frowned. “It’s too late to do it now, but we should leave so we can wake up early to place the call.” He winked at Darcy.

The knot in her stomach tightened. What happened to telling the truth? “Actually, I’m thinking we should withdraw our bid. The home is overpriced. We don’t need all that space.”

Pinched eyebrows arched above his wide eyes. “But it’s your dream home.”

Tapping her nails against the martini glass, she narrowed her eyes. “Not all dreams come true.”

“Ours do.” Victor withdrew his wallet and tossed a hundred-dollar bill on the counter. “Let’s call it a night.”

Tyler patted Victor’s back one last time. “I’m sure we’ll see each other soon.”

“Take care.” Victor nodded. “Tell Joyce we wish her a good night.”

Wrapping his arms around her shoulders, Tyler hugged Darcy. “Congratulations, Mom.”

Darcy flinched. “Thanks.”

“Well done.” Victor took Darcy’s hand.

“I wasn’t acting.” When would he realize she cared about him?

Pulling her close, he kissed her cheek. “Even better.”

They walked out of the bar together and rode the elevator in silence.

As soon as they entered their suite, Darcy flicked on the lights. “What have you gotten us into?”

He pulled out the sofa bed and sat, removing his shoes and unloosening his tie. “You’re making a big deal out of nothing.”

Panic coursed through her veins. She lifted her arms. “Are you delusional? My daughter’s fiancé thinks we’re getting married next year in the backyard of our new home. How will I break the news we’re not getting married and we’re not buying a home?”

“It’s late.” He removed his jacket and unbuttoned his shirt. “Why don’t you get some rest? We can brainstorm a solution on the way home.”

She kicked off her heels. “I won’t sleep. I want a resolution now.”

He stripped off his shirt and his slacks. “I’m brushing my teeth and going to bed. You can stay up and stew if you’d like, but I won’t join you.” He nudged past her to the bathroom and shut the door.

Wow, he looks good. She admired the chiseled muscles in his stomach and legs. A fresh wave of anger crashed. Why pretend to be engaged when we can’t even have sex? Sighing, she retreated to the bedroom and undressed. She slipped underneath the sheets and waited for Victor to finish in the bathroom. As soon as the door clicked open, she cornered him. “I want you to meet with my daughter and her fiancé to tell them the truth about us.”

He glanced up and down the length of her body. “I didn’t know you slept in sweats. I always thought you were a long T-shirt, no pants type of woman.”

Clenching her fists, she stepped forward and growled. “This conversation isn’t about me. It’s about ending the lie.”

He yawned. “I’m too tired to resolve anything tonight. Now go to sleep. We’ll deal with this problem tomorrow.” He turned off the light and slipped underneath the covers of the sofa bed.

For a long moment, she stood in the dark, waiting for her eyes to adjust.

As he drifted off to sleep, his breathing deepened.

She wriggled the ring from her finger and set it on the table beside the sofa bed. What happened to their magical night? Their plans to impress only ended in lies. How would she avoid the hurt and humiliation when everyone discovered the truth? She stared at the shape under the blanket a moment longer. Should she wake him? No, she should not. He would only rant and rave about his need for beauty sleep.

Padding into the bathroom, she freshened up. Afterward, she shut her bedroom door and lay awake in darkness. The events of the evening played over and over in her mind. She tossed and turned, unable to sleep. Oh, how would she get out of this mess?

****

Someone rustled her shoulder.

Darcy yanked the bedspread over her head and rolled over. Bright light penetrated the covers. The scent of coffee tickled her nose. Oh, how can I stay mad at a man who brings me coffee in bed? She peered over the sheet.

“Morning, darling.” Victor perched on the edge of the bed and held a mug. “I brought you breakfast from downstairs. The coffee is hot. I suggest you drink it first.”

Sitting, she rubbed her eyes. “What time do we have to leave?”

“Check out is noon. For what it’s worth, it’s ten-thirty.” He handed her the mug of coffee and stood. “I’ll be in the other room packing.”

She drank the dark coffee swirled with cream and nibbled on the fruit and scones he placed on the night table. Sunlight glinted off the diamond on her finger. When had he slipped the ring back on her hand?

On the night table, her cell phone rang.

“Mom, Tyler said you guys are bidding on a Tuscany villa. I know your finances. I’m worried. Are you marrying Victor for the wrong reasons?”

Anger flamed her cheeks. “No, I’m not. And I didn’t appreciate you insinuating to your guests that I am.” Frustration throbbed in her temples. “Why did you share my personal information with your so-called friends? Didn’t I teach you about privacy and respect, or are you nothing but a spitting image of your father?”

“I’m sorry. I said those things in confidence when I was angry with you. I promise I won’t do it again.”

The conciliatory tone in Joyce’s voice softened the breathless anger pulsing through her. Should she tell her daughter the truth? “Actually, Victor and I are—”

“Tyler just showed me a picture of the house. I can’t believe Victor placed an offer for one million. The house looks like it’s worth twice the amount.”

Darcy choked on her half-eaten scone. “How did Tyler get a picture?”

“Victor just sent it.”

Mounting frustration knocked against her temples, the start of a headache. Swinging her legs over the bed, she marched into the other room.

Victor sat on the sofa, texting.

“I’ll call you back.” Narrowing her gaze, she pressed the button to end the call. “What picture did you send Tyler?”

“Oh, the one I took for the real estate agent I recommended to Gary.” He glanced up, raising an eyebrow. “Why?”

She placed her hands on her hips and flared her nostrils. “My daughter called to ask if I am marrying you for your money.”

He snickered. “Well, are you?”

“No, I’m not.” She resisted the impulse of flinging her phone at his head. “We aren’t getting married, remember? Last night you told me we would come up with a way to tell the truth.”

He shrugged. “You don’t need a plan to tell the truth. You just say it.”

“Not when you’re in the other room perpetuating the lie.” Tossing up her arms, she plunked next to him. “So, what’s our game plan?”

Folding his arms behind his head, he leaned back on the sofa. “I kind of like the idea of us getting married. Feels good to have something other than work in my life.”

“That’s what hobbies are for.” She narrowed her gaze. “Not fake weddings.”

“Well, we can make it not a fake wedding, if you’d like.”

A flutter of hope dispelled the tension in her head. Sinking back against the cushions, she cupped her mouth with a hand. Why shouldn’t she marry him? She loved his good looks, good smarts, and good sense of humor. Too bad he also behaved as out of control as a toddler with a big wallet. Then again, she could not risk getting hurt. She had to end this charade. Now. Dropping her hand, she leaned forward. “Why endure marriage?”

“For the fun,” he said.

“Fun?” She lifted her eyebrows. No one she knew considered marriage “fun.”

Slapping his thighs, he sighed. “All right, let’s compromise.” He leaned forward and clasped his hands between his knees. “Here’s our game plan. We keep up the lie for a few months then we have a huge fight and end our relationship. You don’t have to get married again, and I have some fun pretending to be engaged. Okay?”

What a stupid plan, she thought. “I’ll be humiliated. I’d rather just tell the truth now before we both get hurt.”

“No one will get hurt.” He touched her shoulder. “We’re just playing.”

“Playing with everyone and their emotions.” She swept her arms across the room.

“My plan is perfect.” He tilted his chin and smiled. “Everyone thinks our relationship is real. When we break up, they’ll believe our relationship is over. No one will know we’ve been lying.”

“You’ll know, and I’ll know.” She waved a hand back and forth between them.

“Please, pretend…for me.” Clasping his hands, he pleaded.

If she agreed to conspire with him, would her pillar of reality crumble beneath the weight of the fantasy? “I can’t.” Folding her into his arms, he melted her body with a kiss.

“Have I changed your mind?”

A flash of hormones flooded her senses. “Will you kiss me every day?”

He curled his lips into a smile. “As long as we’re pretending to be a couple, I promise.”

Resistance melted against lust. “Okay, you win.” She found his lips again. A niggling doubt overshadowed the pleasure. When would he tire of the playful seduction and end the relationship? As she touched the rough stubble on his cheeks, she pressed her soft body against his firm muscles. Oh, why couldn’t she escape her fears and marry him for real?