19. Chapter Nineteen
Chapter Nineteen
PENNY
T he next morning, when I open my eyes, I’m nestled in Lucas’ strong arms. Tilting my face up, I’m met with his beautiful smile. Oh, I could wake up to a sight like that every morning. I can also spend my nights having him make my body sing. The things he can do with his hands and mouth are pure magic.
“Morning, Pixie. Sleep well?” His voice is husky from sleep.
“Like a baby,” I reply.
I’ve never slept so well as I have sharing a bed with him. It’s either because he’s put me in an orgasm-induced coma, or it’s because of the safety, security, and love for him I feel in his arms. If I had any doubts about my feelings for him, last night’s lovemaking blew them all away. There was something about the way he kissed me, touched me, that was different. Sex with Lucas is always sensational, but this time there was something more. Like he was pouring his feelings for me into every moment.
Or am I just imagining it?
How does he really feel about me? I know he cares. He wouldn’t be doing all that he’s done if he didn’t. Is what we have more than friendship to him?
Without a doubt, I’ve fallen in love with Lucas Alessi. This is the man I want to spend the rest of my life with. Plan a future with. Have his babies. The works. If only Lucas didn’t think he took after his father and wasn’t capable of a relationship. If only he could see what I see in him. A man who is compassionate, strong, and kind-hearted. Someone who would do anything for the people he cares about…loves. Not hurt them. My heart squeezes in my chest.
Does he love me?
If I tell him how I’m feeling, would it scare him off? Break any connection we are building?
His fingertips swish up and down my arm. “We never talked about your visit with Darren. How did it go?” he asks.
The question pulls me out of my musing. “The place was a mess, and I told him he had two days to clean it up and get out.”
“Will he do it?”
“Not sure. If he doesn’t, I’ll toss his stuff in a dumpster and change the locks. And if that fails, I’ll send in the big guns.”
Lucas bends his arm at the elbow and pumps up his bicep. “Me?”
“Of course.” I giggle.
“Seriously, did he give you any trouble?”
“No, only a little attitude.” Something Darren said niggles at the back of my mind. “He said he didn’t leak the video nor did Karen.”
Lucas’ body stiffens against mine. “Then who did?”
“He said probably someone who wants to tear me down.”
“It must have been Darren. I can’t imagine you’d have other enemies like that. You’re too sweet. Although, I have been on the end of your sharp tongue.” He chuckles.
“That’s because you were enemy number one until I learned what a softy you really are.”
“Softy?” he chokes. “There’s nothing soft about me.” Which is clear by the erection laying on his stomach and the hard muscles rippling through his body. He rolls on top of me, and his penis lands hot and heavy on my thigh. “Shall I show you I’m no softy?”
Oh yes, I would like nothing more.
He trails kisses down my neck and along my collarbone.
My phone rings.
“Ignore it.” He closes his mouth around my nipple.
My eyes flutter shut. “It’s probably my mom or Claudia. If I don’t answer, they’ll just keep calling.”
“Turn the phone off, then it won’t interrupt us.” He kisses over to my other breast.
With a shuddery breath, I push at his shoulders. “Better to deal with them now.”
He flops onto his back with a heavy sigh.
I pluck the phone from the nightstand and check the caller ID on my screen. “Hi, Mom,” I answer. “What’s up?”
“Good morning, sweetheart. It’s been a couple of days since we’ve spoken, and I wanted to catch up to discuss work.”
I roll onto my back and scrub my hand over my face. “I thought there wasn’t any work left.”
Having a break is refreshing. Not having to run from one commitment to another, working seven days a week, is time off I needed. I haven’t had a break since my career exploded. I’m in no rush to get back out there.
“I’ve booked a job for you. Claudia and I are on our way to Lucas’ apartment. Please let security know to let us up.”
There goes a morning of sex with Lucas.
“See you soon,” she says and hangs up.
Blowing out a frustrated breath, I toss the phone on the nightstand.
“Bad news?” Lucas asks.
“Yes.”
Lucas springs up, concern etched on his face. “What is it?” He looks like he’ll face whatever it is with me. God, I love this man.
“Relax. Mom and Claudia are on their way. So we’ll have to continue what we were about to start a little later.”
He deflates and lies back down. “That is bad news.”
I giggle. “She said she has something booked for me that we need to discuss.”
He leans on his elbow and props his head on his fist. “Sounds promising.”
“I hope so.” Reluctantly, I get out of bed and pull Lucas’ t-shirt on. The smell of his woodsy cologne surrounds me. I wish I could stay in bed with him all day and forget about the real world. But I can’t live in this bubble forever. “I’m going to take a shower. They’ll be here soon.”
“I have work to do too. I’m meeting with Antonne, the gallery curator, to go over a few things for the exhibition.”
“That sounds exciting. I can’t wait to see it.”
His shoulders lift in a shrug. “That’s if I can get it all together on time.”
Does a flash of nerves cross his face? He’s always so confident—sometimes conceited, just not in an ‘I’m better than you’ kind of way. He just knows what he’s good at.
“I’m sure you’ll get it done.”
After taking a quick shower, I dress in simple beige pants with a white blouse and head to the kitchen for a bite to eat. As much as I’m craving a cream cheese bagel with chocolate sauce I don’t have time to call down to the restaurant, so I opt for toast with peanut butter and a cup of coffee.
Lucas is already dressed for work and finishing his coffee. Although his clothing is nothing like the suits his brothers wear. He’s in faded jeans, a black t-shirt, and a khaki-colored jacket. My heart always skips a beat at how handsome he is. Will I ever get used to that feeling?
Lucas flicks out his wrist to glance at his watch. “I better run.”
I walk him to the door, cup his face, and give him a quick goodbye kiss on the lips. “Have a great day,” I say. Just like a girlfriend or wife would do when their partner leaves for work. But I’m neither of those things. Realizing what I’d done, I drop my hand from his face and start to step back. Lucas clasps my wrist and tugs me forward so I bump into his chest.
“I need something to last me throughout the day.” His mouth catches mine in a long, deep kiss. As he tunnels his fingers through my hair and parts my lips with his tongue, my toes curl and my body tingles.
This isn’t pretend anymore. Not for me. Surely not for Lucas. We’ve crossed that line. Lucas must feel it too. When he comes home from work tonight, I need to talk to him. Tell him how I feel. If he can’t give me more, as much as it will tear my heart out, I’ll have to say goodbye. I can’t be in this limbo kind of relationship. It’s too much for my heart to take.
When we break apart, we take a moment to hold each other and get our breath back. “See you this afternoon.” He pecks my nose and seems reluctant to leave. If Claudia and my mother weren’t arriving at any moment, I’d convince him to stay home.
“Bye,” I say.
He turns to leave, stops, then spins back around. Hoping he’s changed his mind, I’m ready to call my mother and cancel our meeting. Instead he says, “I forgot to tell you I’m invited to a film and photography awards ceremony tonight.”
I deflate with disappointment. I really wanted to talk to him. “Sounds fun.”
He pulls a face. “More like long and boring. What will make it tolerable is if you come with me. Please don’t make me go on my own.” He puts his hands together and holds them under his chin like he’s praying.
“I would love to go with you. Except it’s such short notice. I don’t have an appropriate dress.” The clothes Lucas provided had everything except something suitable for an awards ceremony. “I’d need to make appointments to get my hair and makeup done, and I doubt I can get anything scheduled last minute.”
“Leave it to me. I’ll send our glam team over later. And I know Juliette will have something suitable for you to wear. I’ll send her over too.” With that, he gives me a quick kiss then rushes out of the apartment.
Wait… Does he mean Juliette Monet? Their head designer who creates some of the world’s most beautiful gowns? Surely I heard wrong.
I place my fingertips on my lips. My mouth is tingling from his kiss. This time there was no mention of pretending to be a couple. Turning it on for the people watching. This feels like a real date. Or did he forget to say so because he needed to rush to work?
A few minutes later, there’s a knock at the door and I let Claudia and my mother in. I lead them into the living room, and we get comfortable on the couches.
Claudia barely glances my way. Her nose is buried in her phone. Lines are creasing her forehead. I inwardly sigh. What more crap about me is she reading? I twist the ring on my finger, waiting for her to hit me with it.
When she doesn’t take her eyes off her phone and taps away at her screen, I can’t wait any longer. “What’s being said about me now?”
Claudia’s head snaps up. “Oh, nothing. All is quiet for now.”
That is more ominous than reassuring. Like more bad news is about to drop. However, there’s no point stressing over something that hasn’t happened. And I need to focus on the work my mother has booked for me. “So, Mom, what job do you have for me?”
“I’ve booked a baby shower for you to plan next month.”
“Who is it for?” I try to remember what celebrities are currently pregnant.
My mother bites her bottom lip as her fingers tap the arm of the couch. “It’s for a couple who live in my apartment building.” You remember Tao Yang and her wife Virginia who live below me? Tao only has two months until her due date and needs a party planner urgently. I know it doesn’t seem like much—not compared to what you’re used to—but she has a few high society friends who will be attending. It’s a good way of networking and getting your name out there again in a more positive light,” she explains with a flicker of concern on her face. Like she thinks I’ll be worried this job isn’t good enough.
For a moment, I wait for the disappointment to hit. I’ve planned parties for musicians, actors, supermodels, and politicians, all at the top of their field. This is a huge drop in my career. But when the disappointment doesn’t rear up, I realize I’m more than okay with it. I don’t need huge celebrity names to enjoy what I do. I love planning parties. Whether big or small, it has always given me joy to create a space someone loves.
“Of course, the money isn’t close to what you usually charge,” she says with regret.
“I’ve got enough money to live comfortably for the rest of my life. I’m not worried about that. I don’t need a luxurious lifestyle to be happy.”
Claudia makes a scoffing sound, and I turn to look at her. “You say that now. I bet you’ll change your mind when the money dries up and you’re living in a dump.”
Something is wrong with Claudia. She’s never so cynical and mean. I guess this affects her too. “If you’re worried about getting paid, or your job, don’t be. I’m positive things will pick up again.”
She gives me a stiff smile. I’ve been so caught up with my life and falling in love with Lucas have I missed a problem with her?
“In more good news,” my mother says, “the publisher has agreed to publish your book. Like we discussed, they’re slicing your royalties, but it will be in stores. That’s the main thing. I’ll set up a meeting with them next week to sign the contract.”
“This is all so great. Thanks, Mom. I couldn’t have done this without you.”
Claudia’s phone beeps with a text. As she reads the message, her shoulders slump. Once she’s finished reading, she tosses the phone next to her on the couch. “Who have you talked to about your fake relationship with Lucas? Seriously, Pen, you’re making it difficult to work for you. The hole you keep digging yourself in is getting deeper and deeper. I can’t save you anymore.”
The comment is like a slap to the face. Why is Claudia so harsh?
“What’s happened? Who knows their relationship is fake?” my mother thankfully asks, because at the moment I’m too drained from all this drama that keeps coming up to speak.
Claudia blows out a frustrated breath. “According to the latest stories, Lucas and Penny are faking their relationship for a publicity stunt. Their reputations are tanking, and this is their way of building it back up. Actually, for the first time, the media has gotten a story right. Might as well let them run with it. There’s no coming back from this.”
“So that’s it? You’re giving up?” my mother asks.
Claudia rubs her fingertips up and down her forehead. “What more can I do? Every time I try to fix things Penny does something to ruin it.”
She’s got blow after blow coming for me today. “How is this my fault?”
Rolling her eyes, she says, “You told someone about fake dating Lucas.”
I’m not liking Claudia’s attitude toward me. It’s something I’ve never seen before. “I told no one except the two of you.”
“What about Lucas? Would he tell anyone?” my mother asks.
“Only his family, and no one would leak it. They’re a tight group. They stick together. It was actually his brother’s idea.”
“Then you must have told someone else,” Claudia accuses.
“No. I didn’t,” I grind out with frustration.
“Did you say anything to Darren when you visited him?” she asks.
A cold shiver runs through my body. “He was suspicious about our relationship. Didn’t think I could get anyone like Lucas unless it was fake. He even suspected we were doing it for good publicity. I thought I’d convinced him he was wrong.” Did I though? I played it off as him having a silly thought and he could believe what he wanted. I obviously didn’t convince him. Once again, I’m paying the price for the fifteen minutes of fame he’ll get from this.
Throwing her hands in the air, Claudia says, “Congratulations. Looks like you’ll be planning random women’s baby showers for the rest of your life. Because your reputation is completely ruined.”
I propel from the chair and dig my hands on my hips. “What is your problem? I thought you’d be more sympathetic about what’s happening to me. Instead of acting so cold, giving up, and telling me my reputation is ruined, maybe try to offer some solutions. If there’s no Penelope Aldin , there is no company, and that will include all staff, even the ones in this room.” Not in all the years we’ve been best friends and colleagues have I ever gotten mad at Claudia before. Nausea rolls in my stomach that it’s happened.
Claudia’s face drops with remorse. “I’m sorry. This is so stressful. I hate what people are saying about you. It’s all lies, and you don’t deserve it. You especially don’t deserve me getting bitchy about it. I’ve taken my frustrations out on you. I feel terrible speaking to you the way I did.”
Sagging onto the couch next to her, I pull her in for a hug. “I’m sorry you’re under so much pressure.” While she’s trying to fix my reputation I’m having the time of my life living with Lucas. I’d forgotten what stress she’d be under. “Let’s ignore what they’re saying. You’re right. There’s nothing we can do to fix it. Let’s focus on the things we can control, like planning the best baby shower New York City has ever seen.”
Claudia smiles. “Sounds like a great idea.”
My mother glances between us. “You’re really not going to do anything about what they’re saying?”
“What’s the point? Nothing’s working. They’ll only find something else to post about me. The less I say, the better.”
“Here’s an idea. If you really want your reputation to skyrocket again, you can always ‘leak’ your forest photos. Sex tapes have done wonders for many celebrities. Maybe this will help you too,” my mother suggests.
My jaw drops open. “What the hell, Mom? That’s disgusting.”
“Elizabeth, you can’t be serious,” Claudia says, looking as shocked as I feel.
My mother laughs. “I was kidding. Sheesh, can’t you take a joke?”
“That wasn’t funny.” Even the thought of those photos being leaked freezes the blood in my veins.
“Sorry, sweetheart, I thought I was lightening the mood.”
Claudia turns to me. “Just keep on the down-low. We’ll ignore what’s being said, and hopefully, it will die down soon.”
Sounds like a good plan, if I wasn’t going to an event with Lucas tonight. Where we’ll be in the spotlight again. Can we pass as a couple if the media is questioning whether it’s real? Will they see past the lies proving it’s fake?
Well, it’s not fake for me. I’m in love with Lucas. If I get a chance to talk to him after the event, I’ll find out if he feels the same way too.
Before my mother and Claudia left, they tried convincing me not to go to the awards ceremony. Telling me it will be a disaster and nothing good will come of it. That the media will hound us with questions about our relationship. How they’ll scrutinize us to get the scoop on the truth.
They’re right. That will happen. But I promised Lucas I’d go with him. And after calling him with my concerns, he told me we shouldn’t worry about what’s going to happen. Just ignore whatever they throw at us.
Easier said than done when you have cameras pointed at your face and questions you have to lie to.
Soon after, a team of Alessi staff and glam squad turn up, rolling racks of dresses and accessories into the living room. Dozens of boxes of shoes, trays of jewelry, and clutches are put on every flat surface. For a moment I’m stunned by the flurry of activity around me. You’d think I was attending the Oscars.
What amazes me even more—even though Lucas told me she was coming, but I didn’t know whether to believe him—is when Juliette Monet floats into the room on a rainbow of color. She’s wearing an off-the-shoulder dress layered in multicolored ruffles with purple chandelier earrings. Her bright red hair is slicked back and braided, which hangs over her shoulder. A yellow and red flower is pinned next to her ear. She looks like a flamenco dancer on acid and is absolutely stunning. I’ve admired her gowns for years. Now she’s dressing me. That’s what you get when you’re dating— fake dating—one of the owners of Alessi Fashion.
“Hello, darling.” She waltzes over to me, waving a yellow folding fan in front of her face with blackbirds etched on it. With a flick of the wrist, she closes the fan then kisses me on each cheek. “Lovely to see you again. We are going to have a lot of fun dressing you up today.”
“Thank you so much for doing this. You must be so busy. I appreciate you taking the time.”
She lightly taps her fan on my shoulder. “It’s my pleasure. I love dressing the Alessi men’s women.”
“Oh…I’m not…we’re…” Then I stop myself. I can’t tell her we’re fake dating. I’m not sure what Lucas has told her.
She smiles at me. There’s a knowing look in her eyes. “I know what’s going on. I know more than you might think.”
I frown. What does she mean by that? Before I get the chance to ask, she taps her fan on her chin and scans me from head to toe.
Turning to a woman who is taking a garment out of a bag, she says, “Siobhan, please get me the red.”
For the next couple of hours I play dress-up in the most stunning Alessi Fashion gowns I’ve ever seen. Juliette is taking in my hair coloring, skin tone, and the shape of my body. I’ve tried every color and every style, and each gown fits like a glove. How did Juliette know what would fit?
Back in the red dress I tried on first, I stand in front of a full-length mirror. I turn from side to side to take in all angles. The soft fabric twists to the side to sit on one shoulder, leaving the other one exposed. It hugs my body, showcasing my curves and cinching in the waist, giving me an hourglass figure. This creation is gorgeous. I’ve never felt more beautiful.
“Which gown will you choose?” Juliette asks.
“It has to be this one,” I say. “But I bet you already knew that.”
“I knew it was perfect for you the moment you put it on.”
“Why did you let me try on all the rest? I’ve wasted so much of your time.”
She waves the folding fan in front of her face. “Darling, it’s my pleasure. I don’t get to do stuff like this very often.”
“Thank you. I appreciate it.” I run my hands down the length of me. “Do you think Lucas will like the dress?”
“That boy will swallow his tongue when he sees you.” She grins.
Next, I’m thrown into hair and makeup. Juliette leaves me in the trusted hands of the glam squad. They pluck and comb and tease and brush, and two hours later, I hardly recognize myself in the mirror. Large curls hang down my back with one side pinned behind my ear. The makeup is soft and emphasizes my blue eyes. It’s been such a fun few hours. One I’ll never forget.
Soon after the team packs up their things and leaves, Lucas arrives home. He’s already dressed in a tuxedo, and my stomach does a backflip at how gorgeous he looks. I’ve only seen him in jeans and a t-shirt. Lucas in a suit is mouthwatering.
He gives me a huge, appreciative grin as he scans me from head to toe. “You look stunning.”
“I’ve had a lot of help to look this good.”
Taking my hand, he pulls me closer. “Strip this all away and you are the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen.”
I dip my head at the compliment. “Thank you. You’re looking beautiful yourself.” His hair is combed back. The suit is tailored to fit across his broad shoulders. He looks like a super-sexy James Bond. “Oh, and I can’t believe you actually sent Juliette Monet here to style me.”
“Only the best for you, Pixie. You know, as much as I love looking at you in this dress, I’m going to love it more when I take it off and it’s lying on my bedroom floor.”
I gasp with mock horror. “You can not toss this gown on the floor. That’s blasphemy!”
He chuckles. “Okay, while we are in the throes of passion, I’ll stop, carefully remove it from your body, place it on a hanger, put it in a garment bag, and hang it up.”
Laughing, I gently poke him in the chest. “That’s what you better do.”
My thoughts drift to what I want to talk to him about. After I tell him I’ve fallen in love with him, will he want to remove my dress, or will he pull away and run screaming from the room?