Love on Call: A Sweet Fake Fiancé Romantic Comedy

Chapter 1

CLAY

As I step onto the Nantucket ferry, I sense this family vacation will test my patience, sanity, and ability to keep up with a five-year-old hurricane named Rex. I”m the fish out of water, a single amongst three married couples and a hyperactive kid.

I feel like an imposter—I am a pediatric surgeon who works with children every day in and day out, but little Rex manages to exhaust me within ten minutes of being in his presence.

My brother, Liam, claps a hand on my shoulder, his excitement pumping like he’s ready to play his next NBA game. “Can you believe it, bro? A whole week on Nantucket with this crew. We’re gonna have the time of our lives.”

I muster a smile. “Yeah, it’s going to be great.” A poor attempt to sound enthusiastic.

Trina, my optimistic sister-in-law, ruffles my hair. “Come on. You can do better than that, Clay. You’re going to love it. Who knows. Maybe you”ll meet someone special on the island.”

I chuckle, my face heating up. I”m not the only one who notices I’m the single in the group. All of Trina’s sisters hold Nantucket dear to their heart. That’s where they fell in love with their soulmates. Well, that’s not going to be my story. I’m just happy to have time off work. This trip is an opportunity for me to unwind and let go of my workaholic tendencies.

My knee gives way from a karate kick from behind. “Whoa.” I windmill my arm and steady myself.

A blur of Rex dodges between the crowd.

“Hey, dude,” I call after him.

Liam laughs. “When does that kid run out of energy?”

I shake my head. “I should’ve brought my anesthetist so Rex could have a solid nap”

“Aw,” Trina croons. “He”s only a little excited.”

“A little? Gee. Wouldn”t want to see him on Christmas morning.”

“I thought you loved kids?” Trina asks like the journalist she is.

I tunnel my fingers through my windblown hair. “I do.”

The sun casts diamonds over the ripples of the water’s surface. The ferry’s horn announces our departure. I take a deep breath of the salty sea air. This trip is all about family bonding. I”m not here to focus on my career or my everlasting single status.

“I’ll go find Rex and win him over. Maybe then he’ll stop playing kick and run.”

Liam grins. “Looks like he’s adopted you as an uncle. A good kick to the shin is his sign of affection.”

I’m surprised Dalton hasn”t sorted Rex out. Bet little Rex has his stepdad wrapped around his finger. The kid has a contagious giggle so you can’t stay mad at him long. Even though I probably have six bruises by now.

I pass Melanie, Trina’s younger sister, and her husband, Adam, who are busy taking selfies against the picturesque ocean backdrop. Melanie pokes her head to one side. “Clay.” She waves for me to come.

Oh, no. She wants me to feel included. I don’t need to photobomb them reminiscing about their honeymoon on Nantucket.

I shove my hands in my jeans pockets and make my way toward the shiny rail beside them.

Melanie holds out her phone. “Can you take a picture of us?”

Looks like I’m not only an adopted uncle/babysitter but a couple photographer too. “Sure.”

I take her cell and snap a few shots. As I’m about to hand back Melanie’s phone, another familiar voice calls out.

“Wait a minute.” Pam squeezes in next to her sister. “Get one of us too.” Her husband, Dalton is right behind her.

I look around for Rex. Aren’t they worried about their son?

As if Pam can read my mind, she points. “He’s fine. Talking that granny’s ear off.”

I spot him and it”s true. The white-haired woman is bent over nodding and smiling away at Rex.

Liam and Trina join the party and now all three couples squeeze together, smiling for the camera, their faces bathed in the warm sunlight.

I can”t help but crack a genuine grin. I may be the odd one out, but through my brother’s marrying into Trina’s family, our family has tripled overnight. I love these people.

The harbor is dotted with sailboats and the sky is painted in shades of deep blue. Maybe, this trip to Nantucket, with its charming cobblestone streets and historic cottages, promises a perfect escape from my hectic life on the mainland.

AN HOUR LATER, WE’RErolling our luggage down a winding path toward our accommodation. Roses of pink, white and yellow pop from the gardens that line the pavement. Their scent mingles with the salt air. That, with the sound of the crashing waves in the distance, makes me instantly relax. No wonder the Smith girls wanted to come back here. Melanie and Adam”s anniversary falls a week after Pam and Dalton’s. Trina and Liam live on the MA coast and didn”t want to miss out. Liam dragged me along saying I needed a vacation.

“Ah. Brings back memories.” Adam sighs. He looks at his wife. “What about you? Do you remember much of it?”

I scrunch my nose. What does he mean by that? It was their honeymoon.

Melanie laughs. “I remember hiding behind the bushes over there with a knife in my tote bag.”

“What?” I jerk my head back. “Am I missing something here?”

My brother laughs. “If you thought Trina and I had a rough start to marriage, wait til you hear their story. It”s crazy.”

Adam circles his temple with his forefinger. “Next level crazy.”

Melanie swats his hand. “I had amnesia. I wasn”t crazy.”

He shrugs. “Lost your mind. Crazy. Same thing when you’re running all over Nantucket in your PJs claiming your husband kidnapped you.”

My cheeks fill with air, and I burst out laughing. “Oh boy. Can”t wait to hear the full story.”

“It’s a riot,” Dalton says as he lowers Rex to the ground and takes his hand. “We all have fond memories here but also some we want to forget.” He gives Pam a wink.

Ahead of us is a wooden sign, a little askew with faded paint stating, Reception.

“Let’s check in, shall we? You all can fill me in on your stories by the pool.” I flap my shirt to my chest. “I”m breaking out in a sweat in this heat.”

I roll my luggage to the door and as soon as I step inside the office, air conditioning hits my cheeks. Ah. Just what the doctor ordered.

The reception is filled with pastel colors, soft and soothing. A curved server counter with a high-backed chair remains empty, but there”s a silver bell. One wall is lined with a library of colorful brochures, and to the side is a small coffee table with a vase of fresh cut roses.

I ring the bell and by habit push the handle of my bag into place as I wait. My newly extended family pour into the cramped space behind me.

A young woman emerges from a narrow corridor, likely where the caretaker lives. She’s wearing denim cut-offs and a white button-down shirt that is rolled up at the sleeves and tied into a knot just above her midriff. I guess since this is an island, everyone dresses casual.

“Hey. Let me get my aunt. She’s around here somewhere.” The woman smiles as she passes me and circles the others to go outside.

She cups her hands around her mouth and yells, “Marg! You’ve got guests to check in.” She makes her way back inside and disappears down the same corridor.

I look at Liam and scratch my chin. My frown says, What is this place?

He gives a slight shake to his head as if it’s nothing. Chill out, Clay.

Liam knows I’m a bit of a snob when it comes to accommodation. I work hard so I like to stay in five-star establishments. Dalton would be the same. He’s a successful businessman. But family life seems to have worked its magic on him. By his relaxed expression, he’s happy to be here.

A gray-haired woman comes from around the corner. Must be Marg.

Her face brightens when she sees Adam and Melanie. “Ah! You all made it back.” She engulfs Melanie in a hug. “I was thrilled when I saw your reservation.” Marg swivels on her heel to face Trina. “I watched the whole season of Bride at First Sight.” She claps her hands in front of her chest. “I knew you’d win.” Marg pats Liam”s cheek. “And I knew you’d win Trina over. Not an easy task, but you did it.”

Marg steps back and holds her hand out to Rex. “Hey, little man. I remember you.” After shaking his hand, she straightens and stares Dalton in the eye. “Is he still running rings around you both?”

Dalton chuckles. “You bet. We brought our own cyclone to wreak havoc on Nantucket. Hope you’ve weather-proofed the place.”

She nods. “The unit you”re staying in is child-proof. But I won”t put anything past this guy.”

Marg makes her way behind the counter and scans the computer screen in front of her, typing in a few commands. “You”ll be staying in unit three, the apartment with a view of the ocean. It’s perfect for a family your size.”

Marg takes a key off a hook and hands it to Dalton. “Now let me get you a map of the island, just in case you”ve forgotten your way around.” She winks at Melanie. “You”ll need one too, no doubt.” Marg turns her back to us and rummages through a drawer.

Okay, so I get why the others wanted to come back to this place. Marg is warm and friendly. She’s like the grandmother I never had. I like her.

As she turns with a stack of glossy folded maps in her hand, she startles when she sees me. “Oh, forgive me for being rude. I haven’t introduced myself. I’m Marg.” Her brows angle inward. “This is your first time at the Rose Resort?”

“Yes, ma’am.” I gesture to the outside. “Nice place you have here.”

Marg checks her computer screen. “You must be Clay Ashley.”

“You must be right.”

She smirks and folds her arms across her chest. “A smart man, I see. What do you do for a living, Clay?”

Trina steps up beside me. “He’s a pediatric surgeon. Pretty darn smart, I’d say.” She nudges me with her hip.

Marg side-eyes me. “Are you single?”

Liam barks a laugh.

I drop my chin. I’m a little speechless right now.

Marg goes bug-eyed when she must realize how that sounded. She tsks and waves a hand. “I’m not asking for me.”

I look at Dalton. I bet he used to get this a lot when he was single. Once older women find out you”re loaded, they’re trying to match you up with their daughter.

“Did you meet my niece earlier?”

I frown. Does she mean the staff member whose idea of greeting guests is yelling down the garden path to get the manager?

Marg points over her shoulder toward the corridor. “I could introduce you.”

I grit out a smile. “I’m good, thanks. Can’t wait to jump in that pool. What unit am I staying in?” I lift my gaze toward the computer, hoping she gets the hint.

Marg smiles and settles into the high back swivel chair. “Certainly. I’ll check you all in. One jiffy.”