Page 15 of His Fake Wife

He shook my hand and grinned. “Thank you for coming. You met my wife earlier. She says you’re absolutely delightful.”

I had laid on the charm pretty thick when I first arrived. “Yes, she invited me to her next book club meeting.”

Charles seemed impressed. “You don’t say? Getting into that book club is like trying to breach government security,” he chuckled. “You definitely made a good impression.” He glanced from me to Adam, thoughtfully. “Thorne, how about you join me for a game of golf this weekend. Since the ladies are already friends, bring Beth along. My wife likes to have a leisurely lunch at the club while I play with the guys.”

“I’d like that. Thank you, Charles.”

“That sounds great.” I chirped. Spending an entire afternoon at a country club full of pretentious one percenters was the last thing I wanted to do, but I had to play along and keep my eyes on the prize.

As soon as Charles and Gerald walked away, Adam chuckled, “Sweetheart? That’s new.”

“I just got you in with McCarthy. You’re welcome.”

He fell silent and gazed at me for a moment. “You did. I’m impressed. He avoided me like the plague before tonight.”

“I’m sure a refined gentleman like him didn’t appreciate your reputation as an irresponsible rake.”

“You can’t help taking a dig at me, can you?”

“Guilty.”

His lips twitched and slightly lifted at the corners. “Well, thank you anyway.”

When he saw me chatting up Mrs. McCarthy, he had no idea that I was working to get us?him rather?into the couple’s inner circle. I smiled smugly. “Are you going to get me another necklace for my efforts? Earrings maybe?”

“I didn’t take you for the type.”

“I’m not but I deserve something for my efforts.” He gazed at me quizzically and I instantly regretted what I said. It sounded as if I was flirting. Clearing my throat, I suggested a bit too quickly, “Let’s dance. That’ll show everyone how in love with me you are and how you’ve changed. Right?”

He didn’t answer. He just scowled down at my hand on his arm. I felt him tense and frowned. What was his problem? I thought he’d be into our game of convincing everyone we were a loving couple. It was his idea to begin with.

Adam behaved like a sourpuss the rest of the evening, except when one of his associates was near. I was beyond irked. Here I was throwing myself into making him look good and he was being a jerk. Typical Adam. I was ready to burst with my annoyance by the time we were on our way home.

The back of the limo was quiet and I seethed as I eyed him. His scowl was probably more severe than mine. I couldn’t help asking, “Okay, what’s your problem, Adam?”

“What are you talking about?” he practically growled.

“I did everything I was supposed to do tonight. I helped change McCarthy’s perception of you and now you’re one step closer to getting his business. I thought you’d be appreciative. Instead, you’ve been in a sour mood since…” His mood had changed as soon as I suggested we danced. Heat nearly consumed my face. “Was dancing with me that horrible?”

“It wasn’t the dance, Beth,” he bit out. “It was everything.”

I stared at him blankly and he shoved a hand through his hair, tousling the blonde strands. “You’re affection, fake though it was, left me hot and bothered. Okay? I’m severely sex-deprived, which I’m sure is what has been causing my weird sexual thoughts about you.”

My mouth dropped open and I glanced at the tinted glass partition. Thankfully, it was up.

“I didn’t appreciate the massive amount of touching tonight and the...closeness.” His jaw clenched after his rant.

I’m usually never short for words, but in this moment all I could do was gawk at Adam.

Chapter 7

Adam

I would have laughed at Beth’s expression if I wasn’t so wound up. Her mouth opened and closed several times, but surprisingly, no words came out. For once in her life, she was silent. I would be happy that she was finally quiet if my attention wasn’t drawn to her mouth...and the way that dress hugged her curves.

The necklace I’d given her sat right between the swell of her mouth-watering cleavage. I’d lied about not choosing the necklace myself. I couldn’t have Beth knowing that I was taking time out to buy her things. I shook my head to force the thought out of my mind.

Her look of shock and uncertainty made her look vulnerable...innocent. I wasn’t accustomed to that Beth. Naturally, I had to push her buttons. I wanted her pissed and lecturing me about something. It was immature of me but we’d been too friendly with each other lately and maybe going back to the way we were would stop these unwanted feelings.

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