Just Pretend (Just… #1)

12. Hallie

CHAPTER 12

HALLIE

James slips his arms around my waist, pulling me up against him, and I can feel the heat coming off his body; his warm chest pressed against me, his biceps holding me tight, and his hands flat on my back. He crushes his lips into mine without hesitation, and I’m instantly swept away in the moment, forgetting where I am and who I’m with. All I know is that it’s been too long since I’ve been kissed like this. It sets off a longing in my gut as I wonder why I’ve let my love life lapse for such a long time. My body needs this closeness. Even my head suddenly feels clearer, unburdened of the stress and worry that’s been circling inside me for weeks.

I lean into the kiss, throwing the ground rules out the window and enjoying the moment. I’m not thinking about the consequences or what James’s ulterior motive is. I don’t care who else he’s kissed this week. I just take a moment to enjoy the endorphins coursing through my body.

It’s only when James slowly pulls away from me and I look into his eyes that I snap back to reality. The flood of endorphins is dried up by my better instincts and I take a quick step backwards, out of James’s arms.

“What the f—” I start to chastise him, but before I can finish my sentence, James looks up behind me and waves.

“Hey, Chase,” he calls.

The kiss is still burning on my lips as I turn to look over my shoulder to find Chase walking towards us down the path. Glancing back at James, I realize that the kiss was all part of the ruse. The way he held me in his arms, the heat of his mouth against mine, it was all for Chase’s benefit. I’m both relieved and disappointed, an emotional conflict that I find immediately disconcerting. What the hell is wrong with me?

“Gorgeous spot, right?” James adds, putting his arm around my shoulders as Chase gets closer.

Chase takes a look around at the trees and their fall foliage, the mountains and the evergreens, and he just shrugs.

“If you’re into this kind of thing. At least there’s a golf course.” He pauses, looking me up and down and letting out a quick huff. “Laying on a little thick, don’t you think?”

I can’t help my cheeks from flushing, but I hope this comes off as embarrassment from being caught making out with my boyfriend and not an admission of my guilt.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” I reply, leaning in closer to James.

Chase lets out a short laugh as he takes a step closer to us, looking back and forth between me and James conspiratorially.

“Look, I wasn’t born yesterday. I know this is some kind of act. You literally pulled this guy out of thin air.” He looks over at James with a raised eyebrow and shakes his head slightly. “I don’t know what he’s getting out of this, but I’m well aware that you think having a boyfriend at the retreat is going to help you get the promotion. Trust me; you’re wasting your time.”

Chase takes a slight step back, adjusting his coat. The smirk on his face is enough to make me want to slap it off of him, but I stay close to James, keeping my mouth shut so I don’t say anything to give us away.

“When will you accept that there’s nothing you can do to get this promotion?” Chase continues. “We’re obviously neck and neck professionally, which is why the job is going to go to the person who fits in with the company culture on a personal level. The Winter brothers are looking for someone to be a part of the family and I’m the whole package—a beautiful wife, two smiling kids, and even a dopey Golden Retriever on our Christmas cards. Not some fake boyfriend you found on Craig’s List.”

I ball my hands into fists as I try to restrain my anger. All I want is to give Chase a piece of my mind, but before I can speak, I feel James tighten his grip around my shoulders.

“You know Chase,” he says with a smile, “for a guy who’s the whole package, I have to wonder why you’re out here walking around alone. Where is your wife? It seems a little odd to me that you get a few days just the two of you, away from the kids and your dopey dog, and you’re not enjoying this amazing place together.”

As Chase struggles for a response, James takes my hand and starts to lead me up towards the lodge. I’m holding my breath, trying to stop myself from laughing, when James stops and turns around again.

“Oh, and one last thing,” he says to Chase. “Hallie didn’t find me on Craig’s List; I found her at 1-800-BABE.

Neither of us says a word as we continue walking up the hill back to the lodge, but James holds my hand tight the whole way. I don’t want to look back, but I’m curious if Chase is watching us or not. I don’t need to convince him that James and I are an actual couple, but I don’t want to do anything to make him share his suspicions with the Winters either. Chase is an idiot, but he’s not stupid. He’s not going to risk looking foolish in front of the brothers. The only way he’s going to go to them with his thoughts about my relationship is if he’s sure, especially if he thinks he has proof. All I have to do this week is to be certain not to give him any.

“I can’t believe you did that,” I say to James when I’m sure Chase is out of earshot.

“I’m sorry,” he says with a sigh. “I hope I wasn’t out of line back there. I know I broke about half a dozen of your ground rules, but that guy really gets under my skin. I can totally see how you ended up in this situation. I’d do or say just about anything to put that asshole in his place.”

“Oh, you were fine,” I assure him, shaking my head. “Better than fine, in fact.”

I press my lips together unconsciously, thinking about the kiss and how amazing it was. I still can’t believe I let it go on as long as it did, but I’m certain it has nothing to do with James and everything to do with my pathetic social life. I’ve had boyfriends over the years and a few dates and even some random hookups, but for the most part I’ve only been concentrating on work and family. I think I’ve gone so long without being properly kissed that I forgot how ground-shaking it can be.

“Hello? Earth to Hallie?”

I glance up at James, blinking a few times as I’m pulled out of my thoughts.

“I’m sorry, what?” I ask.

“You’re sure we’re good?” he asks.

“Oh, yeah,” I nod. “I was just thinking of, uh, Chase. I’ve been worried he was suspicious of our relationship, and now I know for sure he is. We are really going to have to be careful around him.”

“Do you think he’ll say something to your bosses?” James asks.

“Not unless he’s certain I’m lying,” I sigh.

“In that case I’ll be sure to turn up the heat when he’s around,” James says. “Don’t worry, it’s a small sacrifice, but one that I’m willing to make for the greater good. Fortunately, I have no problem with PDA.”

“I am well aware of that,” I groan. “I witness it every morning on my way to work.”

James laughs at this, giving my hand a playful squeeze. As I glance back to make sure Chase is gone, I pull my hand away.

“Can I ask you something?”

“Sure,” James shrugs.

“What’s with all the women, anyway? Doesn’t it get old, maybe even a little depressing?”

When I look up at him, I swear I catch a glimpse of pain or remorse in his eyes, but he quickly hides whatever it was, pasting on a seductive smile instead.

“I guess I’ve never given it much thought,” he says. “I just like to have fun.”

“But don’t you?—”

“Speaking of fun, are we going to stand around chit chatting or are we getting massages?” James interrupts. “Come on, I’ll race you to the spa. Winner gets to set the thermostat in the room!”

“I like to keep the temperature cold!” I exclaim, hurrying to catch up as James takes off running.

“Big shock!” he calls over his shoulder with an echoing laugh.

As I follow him, I realize that there must be something James is avoiding in his personal life, something he’s covering up with his lifestyle—but what could it be? All I know is that there just might be more to this guy than I thought.

The spa was booked solid when James and I got there, but it was still relaxing to wander around, checking out the sauna and quiet spaces. After the stress of traveling and our arrival, not to mention our run-in with Chase, it felt good just to have a second to unwind. Any tension I might have let go comes right back to me, however, as I get ready for the company-wide cocktail hour.

James showered first, and fast, so I could have as long as I needed in the bathroom. The steam from the shower released any wrinkles in my dress, and as I zip it up, I’m glad that I packed it. In circumstances like these, nothing beats a little black dress. It’s the perfect length—above the knee but not showing too much thigh—and it’s just sexy enough that I don’t look like the spinster everyone thinks I am, but also not too tight or revealing. The V neck makes my boobs look great, but it’s not so low cut that I’m spilling out of it.

Once I’ve done my hair and makeup, I take one last look in the mirror, happy with my reflection.

“I’m all set,” I say as I step out of the bathroom and find James sitting at the foot of the bed, watching sports highlights on ESPN.

“Okay,” he says, turning off the TV.

When he stands up from the bed and I get a good look at him, I feel my mouth drop. I’ve only ever seen him in casualwear—jeans, t-shirts, the occasional comfy button down. I’m certain I’ve never seen him in a tie before. His pants have a crisp crease down the front and his fitted shirt hugs his shoulders and biceps. I’m not sure I’ve ever seen him clean-shaven, but I have to resist the urge to run my fingertips over his smooth jawline. His hair is styled in place, and he smells amazing. He looks like he could easily walk into a boardroom and command the attention of everyone around him.

“Wow,” I whisper, unable to stop myself from staring. He is absolutely gorgeous.

“I guess from the look on your face, I clean up pretty well,” James says.

I lift my gaze to meet his, seeing the amused glint in his eyes. Giving my head a quick shake, I try to speak but end up stammering over my words.

“I was, uh, just…” I try to swallow my embarrassment, looking away as I pretend to search my purse for some unknown object. “I was just practicing my adoring gaze for tonight.”

“Uh huh,” James nods, his smile widening. “Sure you were. Well, you’re very convincing. If it were anyone but you, I might think you actually found me attractive.”

“I’m just shocked to see you own pants without holes in them,” I comment, trying to shut down the heat that is pulsing inside of me.

With a deep breath, I try to steady myself. Tonight is going to be the true test of whether or not James and I can convince everyone that we’re a couple. We’ll be interacting with the Winter brothers and all of my co-workers for the first time, and if the airport was any indication, all eyes are going to be on us. I’m just hoping we can pull it off, or else this week will be over before it really begins.

Pulling my lip gloss out of my purse as if I had been looking for it the whole time, I move to the bedroom mirror and apply a thick coat, pressing my lips together and using my fingertip to clean a smudge. I suddenly feel James’ eyes on me, and I look at him through the mirror, catching his gaze roaming over my body. Right away, my body flushes with heat again as a mix of unease and pleasure washes over me. The look on his face bolsters my confidence and makes me feel desired, but at the same time, I have no intention of being just another one of James Cole’s one-night stands. When our eyes meet in the mirror, he holds my stare for a second, refusing to look away.

“What?” I ask, standing up straight.

“The way you look in that dress is going to make pretending to be your boyfriend very easy tonight,” he says, taking a step closer to the dresser.

I screw the cap back on my lip gloss and shove it back in my purse, but when I look up again, James is still staring at me. The scent of his cologne is intoxicating, and I breathe it in slowly. I put my purse down on the dresser and move towards him, pulled by an invisible magnet between us. His eyes dip down to my lips, a reminder of our kiss outside on the pathway, the kiss I can still feel lingering on my mouth. All I have to do is lean in and close my eyes, hoping he’ll meet me halfway. Or else I could run my fingers through his hair and press on the back of his head, pulling him towards me, taking control. I could press my hips against his, feeling the bulge between his legs. I could push him down onto the bed and climb on top of him. I could?—

“We should get going.”

I blink and see James checking his watch.

“We don’t want to be late,” he adds.

“Yeah,” I nod, trying to catch my breath as I grab my purse and pashmina wrap and head for the door.

On the way to the elevator, I try to take deep, measured breaths, telling myself not to get carried away. I can’t let myself get drawn to this guy. It won’t end well if I do.

Even when I’m not pretending to be in a long-term relationship with a man I hardly know, mingling at parties is not my favorite activity. I’ve gotten better at small talk over the years from working in sales, but I still prefer to be one-on-one or in a small group. Popping in and out of conversations, acting interested in hearing the same stories I’ve heard a hundred times, it’s all so awkward and unappealing to me. I enjoy meeting my co-workers’ partners and catching up on their kids and lives outside of work, but I’d rather do it quietly over a glass of wine rather than in a crowd of people. It also doesn’t help that I hate having all eyes on me. I would prefer to fade into the background.

There is no chance of that happening tonight, though, not with James by my side, looking the way he looks. Everyone seems to be staring at us as we circulate around the cocktail reception. Even with a glass of champagne clutched tight in my hand for liquid courage, I’m still so nervous that one of us is going to slip up and the whole house of cards will come tumbling down. It feels like only a matter of time.

“You need to relax,” James says when we’re alone, leaning in to whisper in my ear as if sharing a lover’s secret. He brushes his fingers against my hair, tucking it behind my ear. “Everything is going really well.”

I take a deep breath and nod, knowing that he’s right. I’ve introduced James to everyone in the sales department and they all gushed about me, some not-so-subtly suggesting they’re rooting for me to get the promotion. We’ve been around the room once and James has consistently charmed everyone he’s met, though it’s not hard when he looks like he just stepped off the pages of GQ.

The only problem, predictably, is Chase. Every time I happen to look up, I see him watching us. The first couple of times, he had the decency to look away and pretend he wasn’t staring, but when I catch him the third time, he makes a ridiculous gesture with his fingers, pointing at his eyes and then at me and James, letting me know he’s watching. I swear, for a man who boasts of having a wife and kids, he acts like a teenager.

“Okay, this is it,” I whisper to James, feeling my body tense up as I spot Scott, Lucas, and Clay Winter all heading our way.

James smiles at me without looking to see what I’m referring to, putting his hand on the small of my back.

“We’ve got this,” he says, the look in his eyes surprisingly reassuring.

“Good to see you again,” Scott Winter says, reaching to shake James’s hand.

“Likewise,” James replies, rubbing my back gently.

“James Cole—let me introduce you to my brothers, Lucas and Clay Winter.”

“I had the pleasure of meeting James earlier,” Lucas says, shaking James’s hand.

“Nice to meet you,” Clay adds. “I’ve been looking forward to finding out who the man is that swept our Hallie off her feet. She must have very high standards, since she’s never brought a guest to a work event before.”

“James Cole,” Clay says quizzically. “Would you happen to be James Cole, the furniture designer.”

“That would be me,” James nods.

“That’s crazy—my wife, Anne, is a huge fan,” Clay grins. “We have several of your pieces in our home.”

“I wonder if I’ve met your wife then,” James replies. “I’m a one-man operation, so if she’s been in the shop, I’ve talked to her.”

“I’m sure you have,” Clay nods.

As they continue to talk about James’s work, I let my thoughts drift. I couldn’t be happier about how well this is going, especially since I’ve been so worried about it. In fact, I would say it’s been even better than I could have hoped. I had no idea that Clay was aware of James’s work.

Taking a sip of champagne, I glance around the room and let out a sigh when I see Chase watching us, looking particularly displeased at how obviously the brothers are enjoying talking to James. My momentary respite from freaking out quickly ends as Chase makes his way towards us, looking like he’s on a mission.