“Care to tell me why you’re marrying the housekeeper’s son? A man who nearly assaulted you years ago?” Henry Stewart stood at Fallon’s office door the next morning wearing a dark gray suit and a scowl.
“Daddy, what are you doing here?”
“I’m here to find out what the hell is going on.” Her father closed the door and headed straight to her plush sofa.
Fallon released a deep sigh. She’d known this day was coming, but it was here. To move forward, she had to tell the truth about what really happened when she was sixteen.
“You have it all wrong, Daddy.” Fallon came from behind her desk.
“What do I have wrong, pumpkin?” He patted the seat next to him.
Fallon sat beside him and looked into his hazel-gray eyes. “When I told you Gage came on to me, I lied. It was the other way around. I came on to him and he pushed me away.”
“What?” Her father’s eyes grew large with concern. “Why on earth would you do such a thing? Grace Campbell was good people and I threw her and Gage out on the street.”
Fallon bowed her head and smoothed the pale pink dress she wore. “I know. And I’ve never forgiven myself for the pain I inflicted on their family. But in that moment I panicked.”
“I see. And is this marriage some sort of penance? Because you feel like you owe him? Well, guess what? You can’t make up for the past, sweetheart.”
“It’s not like that.” She shook her head. “Gage and I...well, like he told you before, we’ve reconnected.”
“If that’s code for you slept together, I don’t want to know.” Her father bolted to his feet. Then he spun back around quickly. “But if you did, why marry? Although Gage may not be the scoundrel I thought he was, he still has to harbor resentment. There has to be more to the story because this is all too sudden.”
Fallon wasn’t going to explain the conditions under which she’d agreed to marry Gage. She’d already done enough to disillusion her father for one day. “There is no catch, Daddy. Gage and I are getting married and you’ll have to accept it.”
“I have to do no such thing. Gage Campbell isn’t good enough for you, Fallon. I hope you see that before it’s too late.”
* * *
Gage hadn’t seen Fallon in a week. He was anxious. The prenup was ready—his lawyers had couriered it over just this morning—and he wanted her to sign it before she changed her mind.
Although he’d agreed to her request for some space, it had been much harder to honor than he’d anticipated. Far too hard. Business was no longer paramount in his mind even though his attorney told him they were close to acquiring a big round of Stewart Technologies’ stock through several different obscure holding companies. It would take someone months to discover that he owned all of them. It should make him feel good that he was achieving his goal to squash the Stewarts, but it didn’t. His mother was disappointed he would even consider “marrying the enemy,” as she put it. He’d tried to explain that he had a plan, but she would hear none of it.
Today, however, he and Fallon would cement their relationship by meeting for lunch at Capitol City, Austin’s most exclusive country club. It was a blatant statement they were together and would certainly start the rumor mills churning. For privacy, he’d reserved the entire terrace for just the two of them. He glanced down at the manila envelope that held the paperwork formalizing the agreement between them. It was all in black-and-white. It laid out the monetary gift that would help her keep Stewart Technologies, some of the terms of their marriage, and the fact they’d each keep their individual assets in the event they divorced. Now all Fallon needed to do was sign.
He glanced at the entrance to the terrace. Fallon walked in wearing a simple navy sheath with a deep V, and desire flared hot in his belly. She smiled at him when she approached and he couldn’t stop himself from grinning. She had a tantalizing figure with her long, shapely legs and pert breasts. His pulse quickened. He couldn’t wait to find out firsthand how she would come apart when he had her underneath him.
Gage rose and schooled his features as he prepared to finally make Fallon his.
* * *
Fallon paused by the terrace doorway. The last week away from him had been good for her equilibrium. She’d been able to get her rampant lust for the man under control by explaining it away. Gage was a skilled lover. He knew how to seduce women and, given her limited dating experience, she’d been pulled into his web.
She wished her explanation to her father had gone equally as well. It hadn’t. When she’d finally spoken with him after the night of their announcement, he’d been less than pleased, but Fallon had stood her ground. She’d even gone further and told him she was putting him and her mother on a budget. Stewart Technologies would no longer fund their lifestyle and their expense account would be shut down.
Her father had been furious and told her she had no right to do such a thing, but as CEO she had every right. Although he was chairman of the board and still had shares, Fallon wasn’t going to kowtow to him anymore. She had the board on her side. Henry hadn’t been pleased, claiming Gage was asserting undue influence over her, which was ludicrous. Fallon was finally doing what she should have done years ago when she’d been appointed CEO and realized the dire situation the company was in.
Meanwhile her mother was in serious spending mode. She’d already recruited Austin’s top wedding planner to organize their hasty nuptials. She wanted to sit down with Fallon and go over color swatches, flower selections and cake choices, but Fallon wasn’t interested. She’d told her mother whatever she selected was fine. Knowing her mother, it would not only be flashy, but lavish enough to appeal to Gage and ensure he got his money’s worth because he wanted everyone in Austin to know he’d landed the golden goose. Her.
When she arrived at the table, Gage helped her into her seat. “Thank you. You’re looking well,” she commented when he sat across from her.
“And you’re looking good enough to eat,” he responded, placing his napkin in his lap.
Fallon noticed the amused expression on his face and realized how formal she’d been. Then she noticed the envelope on the table. “I take it that’s the prenup.”
“Yes.”
“Hand it over.” She held out her palm.
“In time. Let’s have a drink.” A waiter came forward and, after taking his wine order, departed. “We need to milk this.” He inclined his head toward the window of the club dining room where several sets of eyes were watching them from inside.
She plastered a smile on her face. “Of course. I know how important appearances are.”
His eyes narrowed. “Yes, they are. If you recall, that’s one of the benefits of marriage for me.”
She’d offended him, but it was too late to take it back now. “I’m well aware of the mutual benefits of this marriage. You don’t have to remind me.”
“Good.”
The waiter returned with the wine and poured them each a glass. They both ordered the seafood entrée and the waiter left, giving them the privacy Gage craved.
Fallon didn’t wait for a toast. She quickly took a long sip of her wine. She noticed Gage staring at her. “What?”
“Are you nervous?”
“Why would I be?” she asked tartly. “I’m just agreeing to bind myself to you, a man I hardly know, for the next six months.”
“You didn’t mind being with me last week.” He drank some of his wine.
“How gentlemanly of you to remind me,” Fallon answered. “We may not have a problem in that department, but I would have preferred it if we could have kept this strictly business.”
“I’m sure you would,” Gage responded, “but it’s because of our personal connection the opportunity to save your company is even possible.” He slid the envelope toward her. “You’ll find everything is in order as per the changes requested by your attorney.”
“You’ve already signed,” Fallon commented as she flipped through the pages.
“I know what I want.” The smoldering flame she saw in his eyes shouldn’t have startled her, but it did. Fallon swallowed the frog in her throat.
“It appears in order. I should have my attorney review it one more time.”
“That’s a stalling tactic. Sign it, Fallon.”
Her eyes flashed fire. “Don’t bully me, Gage.”
“We made the changes he requested, you can see for yourself. I want this settled between us.” Gage sipped his wine again, watching her over the rim of his glass. “As you know, I don’t have the full amount you need sitting in a bank account. I need time to make it happen. The sooner I get started, the better.”
“You make it sound so easy. It’s not.” If she did this, there was no turning back. She would become Mrs. Gage Campbell and all that entailed, in and out of his bed. It was overwhelming. She sucked in a deep breath.
As if sensing her unease, Gage went in for the kill.
“If you don’t sign, it’s only a matter of time before you go belly-up. Think about all those lost jobs. It’s a win-win for both of us, Fallon. Sign the document.” Gage pulled a pen from the inside pocket of his suit jacket and handed it to her.
Fallon looked down at the pen in her hand for several beats. He was right. The sooner they got this over with, the better. Lives depended on her decision. She had to get the company back on its feet as soon as possible and Gage wouldn’t turn over the money until Fallon walked down the aisle. Then, and only then, would Stewart Technologies be in the black.
Fallon scribbled her signature on several pages, slid the document into the envelope and handed it back to him.
“I imagine you should feel relieved,” Gage commented.
“Not in the slightest.” Her feelings for Gage were intensifying and now she’d agreed to marry him, to share his bed for six months. She feared for her heart because she could easily fall for him as she had in the past. And would he want her if she did? Gage had agreed to a temporary marriage of convenience. For him, they would be completing their unfinished history because, really, that’s what this was. Somehow she would have to maintain her dignity.
“Be relieved,” Gage suggested. “We’re a team now. No matter how crazy life gets, you’ll have me to rely on at least for the next six months.”
“You make it sound so easy.”
“There’s no time for doubt or second-guessing, Fallon. It’s done. Don’t tell me you’re not up for the challenge?”
“Of course I am,” Fallon retorted.
Gage surprised her by reaching across the table, threading his fingers through hers and placing a kiss on them. “I promise you. We’ve got this.”
* * *
Gage was on his way to the Stewart Technologies’ barbecue the next Saturday to make an appearance as Fallon’s fiancé. He was in the clear to attend because Henry had long since retired from coming to company functions, allowing Fallon to spearhead them. Now that the paperwork was signed, Gage felt like he was back in the driver’s seat because he understood what was at stake. He doubted Fallon did.
She’d taken a calculated risk in accepting his offer without really understanding his motivations. His hatred of her family went deep. Deep enough he would do anything for revenge, including marrying the woman who’d started it all while secretly buying up shares of her company. Her apology for her actions had come a little too late in his opinion. For years all he could see was red and now he had the Stewart family right where he wanted them. Dependent on him.
My oh my, how the tables have turned, Gage thought as he pulled his Bugatti into a parking space at Mayfield Park. Stewart Technologies had rented the park for the company event, which would include food, games and prizes. He wore his favorite pair of faded designer jeans, a T-shirt and sneakers since they were experiencing a sort of Indian summer.
From the large cloud of smoke coming from several enormous grills and smokers, Gage could see the barbecue was already underway. There were large arrays of delicious fixings—including beans, macaroni and cheese, greens, potato salad and coleslaw—covering the large rectangular tables. At least two hundred people were milling around and getting involved in various activities. Men were on the football field while women played cards at a picnic table. Children tossed Frisbees or horseshoes. Quite an event to pull off for such a large group of people.
Gage was impressed by Fallon’s managerial skills and her generosity, because Fallon was sponsoring the event from her personal finances. He found the lady of the hour passing out lemonade. It made his mouth water—not the delectable drink, but the outfit Fallon was wearing. She had on a crossover halter top showing off her sleek shoulders and buff arms while her cut-off jeans hugged her behind. Gage wanted to growl in protest because every man here could see what would soon be his.
Fallon turned around at that moment and saw him. She wiped perspiration off her brow. “Can you believe how warm it is today?” she said, smiling. “Would you like some lemonade?”
“I’d love some.” He needed something to quench the desire that overtook him at seeing her half naked. She handed him a cup and he damn near guzzled the entire thing.
“Easy,” she said, laughing. “You’ll want to stay hydrated. Hey, Laura,” she yelled to a woman standing nearby, “can you take over for me for a while?”
“Sure thing, boss.”
Once Fallon came out from behind the table, he wasted no time circling her with his arm and giving her an openmouthed kiss right in front of the entire table. When she pulled away she said, “What was that?”
“A proper hello.”
She grinned and he allowed her some distance. “So, what do you think?” She motioned around the park. “Pretty awesome, huh?”
“You really know how to put on an event.”
“Walk with me a minute.” She surprised him by shoving her arm through his and leading him away from the group. Was it for his sake or their audience’s? Because several people had watched their kiss. “I know you probably think we don’t have the money for this, but morale has been at an all-time low. The employees heard rumors. They think we’re going to fold. I want them to know we care.”
“You mean you care,” Gage corrected.
She gave him a sideward glance. “Yes, I do. Some of these people have been with us for years and have been loyal. I can’t allow them to lose their livelihood.”
“That’s admirable.”
Fallon snorted. “I know you think because of how I was raised I don’t have a grasp on the plight of the everyday man, but I do, Gage.”
She was right. He didn’t think she understood, at least not entirely, but she was trying. “I can see that.”
“Hey, you two lovebirds,” a man wearing a T-shirt with the company logo interrupted. “Would you like to join in? We have a friendly game of tug-of-war going.”
Gage turned to Fallon. “You game?”
“Hell, yeah!”
And that’s how they spent the afternoon, joined at the hip playing tug-of-war, hunting for treasure and tossing water balloons. The balloons were by far Gage’s favorite activity of the day. He hadn’t intended it to happen, but when he’d tossed Fallon a balloon, she hadn’t caught it. Instead it exploded on her top and revealed her small round breasts to anyone with eyes. He’d immediately grabbed her by the arm and led her to a nearby tent being used as a diaper changing station for small children.
“What’s wrong?” Fallon asked when she saw his thunderous expression.
He glanced down at her chest and she followed his eyes to see her nipples protruding through the thin material of her tank top. “Oh!” she exclaimed.
“Yes ‘oh,’” he hissed. “Do you have a change of clothes? I can’t have you out there looking like that.”
She jutted her chin forward and with a smirk asked, “And why not?”
“Those are your employees out there.” He pointed behind him. “I don’t want the men ogling you.”
“You mean, ogling what’s yours?”
His eyes narrowed. “That’s right, what’s mine. Those—” he glanced down at her breasts “—are for my eyes only.”
Color washed over her face and neck and Gage could see he’d gotten his point across. “If you were trying to seduce me, you win because,” he said, taking a step toward her, “I’m willing to renegotiate our agreement to wait until we’re married.”
She bit her lip nervously and Gage caught the action. He wanted to soothe her lip with his tongue. But just then she reached inside her pocket and thrust her car keys at him. “I have a bag in the trunk with a change of clothes. Do you mind?”
He shook his head, eager to be out of the fog of desire he was in. “I’ll be right back.”
* * *
Fallon was contemplative after he’d gone. The naked hunger in Gage’s eyes frightened her in its intensity because it mirrored her own. They were like two cats in heat, constantly circling one another. They couldn’t be alone together. It wasn’t a good idea.
Yet she’d enjoyed their day more than she thought she would. Gage was charming and engaging with all her employees. And there was more than one woman who’d given her an envious look throughout the course of the day. Fallon knew how lucky she was. Her eyes had drunk him in when he’d casually strolled to the lemonade stand earlier today. Tall. Good-looking. He looked sexy in his jeans and a T-shirt, with all that leashed testosterone. Fallon had to stop herself from drooling over him.
The games had been a welcome diversion from her riotous emotions and she’d been able to keep her feelings for Gage under wraps. But just now, when his intense dark eyes had landed on her breasts, she’d wanted to rip the damn tank off and beg him to take them in his mouth. That’s how much she ached for his touch, for his mouth. Her body still remembered how he’d made her hum in the back seat of the limo.
Heavens. She needed to get a grip. He would be back any moment. He mustn’t know the lustful thoughts going through her mind.
Gage returned several minutes later with her bag in tow. “Here you are.”
“Thanks.” She accepted the bag and rummaged through it, finding the extra tank she’d tossed in. She wanted to put it on, but Gage was staring at her. Awareness was burning in his eyes. “Do you mind turning around so I can put this on?”
“I’ve already seen it all before,” he said, smiling.
“But you still have two more weeks to let the memory sustain you.”
His eyes flashed but he spun on his heel, allowing her time to whip the tank over her head. “Damn the two weeks. If you would stop this madness, you and I could do what comes naturally instead of remaining in this constant state of arousal you have me in.”
As Fallon adjusted her shirt, Gage’s words sank in and she paused. He was in a constant state of arousal? It was news to her and she wondered if he’d meant to be so open with his condition.
Gage turned around then and caught Fallon in a half state of undress. His gaze met hers and held. Understanding passed between them, as loud and clear as church bells on a Sunday morning. Gage prowled toward her and Fallon sank into his arms. He ran his hands down her body, touching her in all the places she’d been thinking about, dreaming about. He adjusted his stance and shifted her until she was between his thighs and could feel the swell of his arousal at her core. Then he finally gave her what she wanted: his lips on hers.
Their mouths connected. They were hungrily kissing—deeper, harder and longer. Her arms clung tightly around his neck as she held his head in place, their lips meeting in a passion so strong it obliterated everything else. The world ceased to exist and their tongues tangoed and dueled for supremacy. They were both so caught up in the moment they didn’t notice they had company until a very loud cough came from behind them.
Startled, they pulled apart and Gage stepped in front of her. It was one of her employees holding a baby in her arms. “I—I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to interrupt. I needed to use the tent.”
“Of course.” Gage spoke up first. “Give us a moment, would you?”
The mother nodded and quickly hurried out.
“That was a close call,” Gage said.
“Yeah.” Fallon lowered her lashes. “We should go.” She started for the exit but Gage stopped her.
“When we’re finally together with no interruptions, it’s going to be amazing.”
And that’s what Fallon was afraid of. Because she was starting to fall for Gage Campbell.