Pushed

Chapter 31

The past week,I’d been researching recipes for criadillas and Rocky Mountain oysters. Combining ideas I liked from several of them, I created my own unique version that I hoped would blow Jasper away. If I could convince him to try it.

With his family right there for this family dinner, I figured I’d have their support to goad him to do it, and a better chance of him not weaseling out. It was a bold and risky move to try during my first meal with my “fiancé’s” family, but knowing Jasper, his family probably wouldn’t be offended by my joke.

I also brought stuffed Portobello mushrooms to share with all of them. It was one of my new menu items that had been popular so far. I hoped they’d like it.

I shouldn’t have cared whether they liked it or not. I was just his fake fiancée. Right?

Right. This wasn’t real. I was meeting my business partner’s family. Just a casual dinner. No big deal.

So why did it feel like this was the most important meeting of my life?

My stomach churned with the dancing of a thousand butterflies. Or maybe a thousand dive-bombing seagulls.

What does one wear to meet their fake fiancé’s family? I wonder if Siri would know the answer? I spoke that question into my phone.

Siri replied immediately, “When meeting a fake fiancé’s family, it’s essential to strike a balance between looking polished and sophisticated while still feeling comfortable and confident.” Then listed about ten possibilities, none of which existed in my closet. Thanks for nothing, Siri.

I changed my clothes at least a half a dozen times—would have been more if I had more of a wardrobe to choose from. Too bad my fairy godmothers weren’t here to help like they were for the gala.

Isn’t that what technology was for?

I called Paige and Javi in hopes they were available to get on video with me.

Paige answered right away. Apparently, Javi was working. “I’m so glad you called me. This is a crisis of epic proportions. We’re talking sitting-on-a-chocolate-bar-while-wearing-white-pants-on-your-way-to-a-job-interview kind of emergency. Javi’s gonna be so upset he missed this.”

“It’s just a family dinner on the farm with my business partner’s family.”

“Business partner, my foot. Most business partners don’t make out every chance they get. And they’re also not in a fake engagement that’s getting more real by the second.”

“Stop. That’s ridiculous. I’m sure this dinner is just part of the show we’re putting on to make everyone believe we’re really engaged.”

“You keep telling yourself that.” She rubbed her hands together, ready to tackle this fashion challenge. “Alright. Let’s see what we’ve got to work with.”

“I wish I’d have thought to ask him what the dress code was. I have no idea what to expect.” I showed her the outfits I was considering wearing.

“No. No. And absolutely not. That’s all you’ve got? Take me to your closet. There’s got to be something better than this.” I took my phone over to my closet and slowly panned the rack. “Whoa. Stop there. What’s that hot pink one?”

I grabbed the hanger and pulled it out to show her. It was a short dress with a flirty skirt and a low-cut vee neckline. Cute, but a little too brazen for me, especially for a family dinner.

Paige’s face lit up with recognition. “I remember that one. You got it back in college, but I don’t think I’ve ever seen you wear it.”

“That’s because I haven’t. I believe you talked me into buying it, and in a moment of weakness, I gave in. It probably still has the tags on.” I turned it around and found the tag. “Yep. But I did get a good deal on it. At least there’s that.”

“You should definitely wear that. It’ll look amazing on you, but still be classy enough to make a good impression on his family.”

Casual, comfy and blend in the background was more my speed. This outfit said “Hey, look at me” with a neon sign and arrows pointing to my chest. And with the neckline the way it was, that’s exactly where they’d be looking.

“I’m not sure this is appropriate for a family dinner, Paige. Let’s see what else we can find.”

“Okay, but I’m telling you. That one is a winner.” She pointed at the skimpy dress. “Jasper will scoop you off your feet and drag you to Vegas before he’ll let anyone look at your chest.”

“What’s wrong with you? I don’t want his family eyeing my cleavage, and I certainly don’t want to elope with my fake fiancé. This is all part of the act. The town needs to believe this is real. How I feel about him has nothing to do with it.”

“Are you sure about that?” She paused. “Maybe it’s time you started to believe it could be real.”

“It’s not real though, Paige. No matter what has happened in the last month, I have to keep that in perspective.” I was actually the one who needed to remember that. Every heated glance, electric touch, and mind-blowing kiss had me forgetting my own name. It didn’t feel fake. Not anymore.

“Maybe it’s not an act anymore. Did you ever consider that? What if it’s getting real for him as well?”

I had considered it. Plenty. Fantasized about it even. But given how charming and flirtatious Jasper was, it was difficult to tell if he felt the same way. And who knew what would happen when the contract with the Quinces was complete? Gah!

I pulled a few more things out.

“Hold up. What’s that gold one?” It was an elegant v-neck sweater that was so soft. Every time I touched it, I couldn’t help but put it to my cheek and nestle it. “That’s it! Pair that with your favorite jeans. You know, the ones that make your butt look so fabulous. It’s the perfect combination of classy and casual. And will also make Jasper want to keep touching you. Win-win!”

“Okay. Now I’ve got to get ready. I need to be there in less than an hour, and I still have food to prepare. Thanks Paige. You’re the best.”

“Yeah. I know, I really am,” she said, with no modesty at all. “Have fun, and don’t forget what I said about it becoming real. Just be open to the possibility.”

“Alright, alright. Later.”

After the call with Paige, the clock was ticking. I rushed around to not only get myself ready, but also prepare the stuffed portabellas and criadillas that I hoped to finish once I got there. The meat had been marinating all night, and just needed to be breaded and fried. I had made a special dipping sauce for it as well.

Was it presumptuous to want to use the kitchen when they’d invited me to dinner? I hoped not. Because even though I knew I shouldn’t, I wanted to impress Jasper’s family. My head knew this whole thing was fake, but my heart had begun to convince it was very real.