Call him intrigued. Since Jaxon had just seen Macy a short time ago, he wondered what had her reaching out to him so quickly.
He pulled into the driveaway of the modest house, a little smaller than the one he and his siblings had grown up in, and cut the engine of his Range Rover. A red sport convertible sat in the driveaway, which he doubted belonged to Macy. He’d walked her to a Jetta earlier, and she didn’t seem the type to have a sports car on the side.
Since leaving her, his heart had been racing and his anxiety high as he wondered what his future held. On the one hand, he was petrified of losing his bachelorhood and lifestyle, and he had to keep reminding himself that their arrangement wouldn’t be permanent. Besides, there was a lot to like about Macy, which calmed some of his fears. She was easy to be around, low-maintenance, and she knew going into the marriage that he’d be on the road often once the season started.
The one thing he didn’t worry about was sexual chemistry. They had it in spades. Now he just had to convince her to make their marriage a real one. He wasn’t kidding when he said he didn’t plan on being celibate. And he wasn’t a cheater, which meant they were going to have to agree on a true marriage.
He parked the SUV, climbed out, locked the door, and walked up the path leading to the front door, passing the well-kept foliage along the way. He rang the bell and waited, hands in his front jeans pockets.
Macy opened the door, looking worried, and he had the sudden urge to pull her into his arms and reassure her everything was going to be okay. “What’s going on?”
“Come in,” she said, stepping aside so he could enter the house.
He walked into the foyer with white and light pink faux texture on the walls and a pretty landscape of photographs hanging in the hall.
She stepped closer, the scent of her floral perfume a reminder of how hot she was in bed.
“Thank you for coming.” She spoke softly.
“What’s wrong?”
She drew a deep breath. “My former stepmother is upstairs, and she’s planning to take my sister, Hannah, with her to her hotel. Hannah said it’s for the night, but she’s packing as if it’s for much longer. She’s a rebellious teenager. If I forbid it, I’m going to alienate her even more. If I allow it, I risk not being able to get her back, and it doesn’t help that Lilah brought up our one-night stand and the social media attention it got.” She appeared pale and shaken.
“What’s your gut telling you?” he asked.
“That I need to see a lawyer.”
He nodded. “I agree. But in the meantime?”
She sighed. “I’m inclined to let her go. Act as reasonable as I can but insist she come home tomorrow, and give Lilah a chance to prove she’s not fit to be a mother or, better yet, let her get bored of the responsibility.”
He grasped her hands in his. “Then trust yourself. Now another question. Why did you call me?”
A wry smile pulled at her lips. “Because I need backup from my fiancé to make sure my ex-stepmother from hell understands she has to bring Hannah back tomorrow. Or else.”
His heart pounded harder in his chest. So this was a go.
“Once Lilah realizes that I got caught leaving my fiancé’s house and not some random hookup, she’ll realize who you are and the resources at your disposal and think twice about trying to walk all over me.” Macy straightened her shoulders. “Not that I’d let her, but I’ll take all the leverage I can get. And you, Mr. Famous Baseball Player, give me power I wouldn’t otherwise have.”
He looked at her, her porcelain skin and pink lips surrounded by gorgeous light brown hair, staring at him with hope and trust in her brown eyes. “Is the offer still on the table?” she asked of their fake marriage.
He drew a calming breath and nodded. “It is.”
“Logistics to be determined,” she added, “But–”
“Macy, what’s the holdup? I want to get going,” an adult female voice called out from another part of the house.
Macy slid her hand in his. “Let’s do this.”
Every time Jaxon stepped onto the field, he wrapped himself in his All-Star persona to put on a show. Telling himself this situation was no different, he rolled back his shoulders, squeezed Macy’s hand for reassurance, and let her lead the way.
He followed her down a short hall and into a room, stopping at the chaos before him. There were clothes everywhere, no space to walk, with garments hanging out of open drawers and shoes added to the mix on the floor. Tiny lights were strung around the room and outlined a tapestry over the double bed. And like Macy had told him, a huge suitcase sat on the mattress, stuffed full for a much longer time than one night.
A teenager with a pink stripe in the front of her hair stared at him open-mouthed, and her mother, a woman dressed younger than her years, with heavy blonde highlights, lips with filler, and enough Botox to prevent muscle movement, also stared with obvious recognition in her eyes.
“Macy, what in the world? What is Jaxon Prescott doing here?” the woman asked.
Jaxon lifted their entwined hands, then let go and pulled Macy against him, liking the feel of her soft body against his. “We’re engaged.”
“What?” Hannah shrieked. “I thought that picture meant it was a one-night hookup. Oh, my God!”
Macy leaned into him, playing the role. “It all happened so fast, but that’s what happens with…” She hesitated then said, “Love at first sight.”
Lifting Macy’s hand, he kissed her knuckles. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Hannah. I’ve heard a lot about you. And you must be Hannah’s mother.” He turned to the woman with calculation in her eyes.
“Yes, I’m Lilah.” She extended her hand for a dainty shake.
“Obviously you know all about us. But we know nothing about you. Macy, how could you spring this on your sister?”
“I was planning on sitting Hannah down and introducing them this weekend, but you’re here, and you said you were taking Hannah for the night, so I called Jaxon to come over now,” Macy explained, not missing a beat.
Lilah glanced between Macy and Jaxon, the wheels obviously turning. She was looking for any angle to help herself or figure out Macy’s plan.
“I want to go with Mom.”
Macy was unable to hide the full-body flinch her sister’s words caused.
“And you can’t stop me from taking Hannah.” Lilah pulled her daughter closer to her.
“Actually, I can prevent you from leaving. I have custody.” She glanced at Hannah, her gaze softening. “But I won’t as long as you’re home in time for dinner tomorrow.”
“But–”
“It’s called compromise,” Macy informed her sister, but Jaxon knew she was communicating with Lilah.
“Fine,” the other woman said through clenched teeth.
“Hannah, finish packing. Lilah, a word?” Macy tipped her head toward the door, and Lilah dutifully headed into the hall.
Macy shut the door behind her before either of them spoke.
“Lilah, what is it you want? Responsibility for a teenager can’t really be it.”
The other woman paused, and for a moment, Jaxon thought she was going to admit to something beyond wanting her daughter back. But he could see the minute she changed her mind and decided to continue her charade, whatever it was.
“I want my child. And I don’t know what kind of game you’re playing, but marrying a partying baseball player isn’t going to win you custody.”
“Oh, no? A stable family who can afford to take care of her?”
“Not to mention a safe home with two adults who have her best interests at heart,” Jaxon picked up where Macy left off. “We’ll be meeting with a lawyer and you can expect a fight.”
Ice formed in Lilah’s gaze. “A quickie courthouse wedding isn’t going to convince a judge you’re the right place for Hannah.”
Pulling Macy close, he savored her floral scent before he grinned at Lilah. “Who said anything about a quickie courthouse wedding? My bride deserves the best, and that’s what she’s going to get.”
Beside him, he felt Macy stiffen in shock. He was pretty surprised himself, but something about this woman pushed his buttons and annoyed him to the point where he was all in on this wedding and everything it entailed.
He hated to use his wealth to pull strings, but money bought anything, including the ability to throw a last-minute show that would convince a judge this wasn’t a quickie, just-for-custody marriage. With Bri’s help and a few phone calls, he could have his entire huge family and all his friends in his house by next weekend, a caterer hired, flowers delivered, and a convincing wedding would happen. It might not be as big as his brother’s last weekend, but it would have every appearance of reality and true love.
Jesus. Who was he? Go big or go home, he guessed.
“Nobody is going to doubt what we have is real.” He’d do whatever he needed to in order to get Macy custody of her sister. Not only did he owe her, she was right. Lilah was a schemer, and he didn’t like her trying to take advantage of Macy and her younger sister. The woman wanted something. What, they’d have to figure out together.
Macy rested her hands on his shoulders and leaned in close, surprising him with a kiss on his cheek before glancing at Lilah. “Watch it, Lilah. Jaxon doesn’t like to lose. And neither do I.”
With a huff, Lilah called out for Hannah, and a few minutes later, they gathered at the door, ready to go.
“Call, text, whatever,” Macy said to her sister.
The teenager rolled her eyes and they walked out the door.
* * *
Macy hadn’t realized how much she’d appreciate having someone to share the burden of Lilah with until Jaxon had stood up beside her. He’d been more supportive than she’d anticipated, and now she felt as if she had an ally. Although she worried about bringing Jaxon into Hannah’s life and having them bond only to divorce at some point in the future, her current circumstances didn’t give her a choice. She’d just have to deal with her disappointment when the time came. She’d probably be equally disappointed herself. Jaxon was a good man, and she was lucky he was willing to step into this mess with her.
“That was crazy,” Macy said to Jaxon. “You didn’t have to promise a big event just to prove a point.”
His gorgeous indigo-colored eyes met hers. “If we’re going to do this, might as well do it right. And if it helps us both get what we want out of the deal, then why not?” He grinned, looking more relaxed than she’d expect considering he didn’t want to get married any more than she did.
“Why are you so calm?” she asked, her own heart racing.
He shrugged, those muscles working beneath a white tee shirt. “Once I made the decision for a temporary marriage and realized how much it wouldn’t just help me but you, too … it felt right. I wasn’t going to let my life screw up yours.”
She nodded, but he deserved to think things through and know what he was in for. “You do realize I have a huge fight on my hands, right? And now you’re involved, too? It’s not too late to back out. I know what I’m getting out of this, but are you sure you need to take such a huge step to right past mistakes?”
He nodded. “Believe me when I tell you everyone in my professional life is going to think this is a great idea.” He reached up and caressed her cheek, causing a flutter in her belly she was getting used to around him. “And,” he continued, “I believe we can make this work for as long as it’s practical for us both. When things settle down, we’ll quietly and amicably end things.”
Her stomach cramped at his words, telling her this was a really bad idea for her heart. Still, knowing what was at stake, she blew out a breath and nodded. “Okay then. Thank you.”
She glanced out the window and watched as Lilah’s car finally pulled out of the driveway and onto the street. “I don’t get it. Lilah is not mother material. The first time she has to say no to Hannah and is faced with a teenage tantrum, Lilah is going to change her mind. In the meantime, she’s going to cost me a fortune in legal fees,” she muttered. “Speaking of which, you wouldn’t happen to know a family law attorney would you?”
“I’ll make some calls and come up with someone good.”
“Great. I appreciate it.”
He put an arm around her shoulder and his warmth felt good. Right. Unable stop herself, she leaned into him, resting her head on his shoulder. Just because Lilah had left her emotionally exhausted, she told herself.
“Let’s go sit down and talk,” he said.
She led him to the family room with pale peach walls and gray furniture. This room always calmed her. Her favorite reading chair was in here along with a beautiful view of the backyard.
They settled side by side on the sofa, and he pulled her hand into his. “Let’s tackle a few issues.”
“Such as?”
“We already know we’re getting married. I was thinking we could pull my family into it and let Bri work her magic. We could be married by next weekend. Use my house, have it indoors or outdoors, it’s up to you.”
She managed a nod. She wouldn’t mind turning over logistics of the wedding to her best friend and Jaxon’s sister. “Okay.”
She agreed on a large wedding because it would look better to a judge if they appeared to be in love and wanting a big family event rather than a quickie courthouse one, as Lilah had mentioned. “What else?”
“For starters, where are we going to live? I’m not trying to insult you, but my place has a lot more room.”
She blinked in surprise, realizing how much she hadn’t considered. He wanted her to move out of her home? She trembled but understood it made sense. Everything was just happening so fast. And this was just one more thing to readjust to when things ended.
Then something dawned on her. “What about Hannah’s school district? It won’t be the same.” She bit down on her lower lip and paused. “I suppose I could ask for special permission to keep her at her current school. I don’t believe they’re overcrowded. Hopefully we can make it work.”
He nodded. “Good.”
“Hannah now knows we’re engaged, but I need to have a conversation with her about everything so she understands,” she murmured, not looking forward to it. Teenage tantrum to follow, she was sure.
“Do you want me there with you?” Jaxon asked.
He was definitely a good guy. “I appreciate the offer, but I think it’s best if I talk to her first. Then you two can get to know each other. I’ll do it when she gets home tomorrow.”
“Okay. Tell her I have a movie theater in the basement, a pool in the backyard, and a basketball hoop if she likes that sort of thing,” he said.
“In other words, bribe her like her mother’s going to do.”
He shrugged. “At this point, whatever works.”
Blowing out a deep breath, Macy nodded. He had a point. Macy’s father had given them a comfortable life, but he was pragmatic, like Macy. It was no wonder all the makeup and other gifts made Hannah’s eyes light up and swayed her choices. Though Macy wanted nothing more than for Hannah to want to live with her, she had no doubt Lilah was going to make it a tough fight.
“What about my family?” he asked. “Do you want to be with me when I tell them the news? That way we can get the ball rolling on the wedding planning. My mother is going to lose her mind.”
“In a good way, I hope?”
He treated her to a slow grin. “You have no idea. Marrying us off is her life’s mission.”
Macy shifted in her seat. “And you’re about to go from her disappointment to her–”
“Next favorite. I can’t beat the first grandchild or the first wedding, but I can come in before Braden and Bri.”
He grinned at the realization and Macy rolled her eyes. “Is everything a competition with you sports types?”
“Yep.”
She would laugh except there was a serious component to this. “You do remember this engagement is fake, right?”
His gaze met hers, his expression intent. “About that. Remember what I said about not being celibate?”
She swallowed hard. “How could I forget?” It had been in the back of her mind ever since they’d agreed to get married.
“I want a real marriage.” Reaching out, he tucked her hair behind one ear, his rough fingers an aphrodisiac on her skin.
She didn’t kid herself that this was a make-or-break decision. He wouldn’t marry her if she didn’t agree to have an intimate relationship, and considering she’d already slept with him, how could she say no? To do so would be admitting she was afraid she’d fall for him, and she had no intention of giving him that sort of leverage.
Besides, she actually respected him for not wanting to marry and look elsewhere for sex, and she didn’t expect him to marry her for an indefinite period of time and be celibate. He’d made it clear that option was off the table.
“Macy?” he asked into the silence she’d created.
She looked into his handsome face and drew a deep breath. “A real marriage works for me.”
His smile lit up not just the room but everything inside her. He leaned in close, his intention clear, and she met him halfway, their lips locking together and fireworks exploding between them. At this point, she shouldn’t be surprised by their combustible chemistry. But she was.
His tongue swiped over her lips and she let him inside. They clashed and curled, causing her entire being to come alive with need. From a simple kiss, no other parts involved. And boy, did she remember what it was like when the rest of his body tangled with hers and brought her to the height of passion.
Lifting his head, he met her gaze, a sensual smile on his full, gorgeous lips. “It’s going to be good between us,” he promised. “Really fucking good.”
Despite the butterflies flipping through her stomach, she couldn’t help but agree. For so long, she’d put her family before her personal life, but she couldn’t deny she’d hoped to find a man who could accept the responsibilities that came with her. She’d just never thought he would be a professional All-Star baseball player with a temporary marriage in mind.
T-e-m-p-o-r-a-r-y. No matter how smooth he was with his words and his actions, she needed to remember this wasn’t forever.
He was right though. They could make this work for both of them. Sharing a bed with the sexiest man she’d ever laid eyes on wouldn’t be a hardship. Not falling for the playboy would be.