Page 9 of Tycoon

The next morning Stacy and I met for a run at Creekland park.

“Hey girl, “Stacy called out to me when she pulls up to me just as I’m getting out of my car. “Sorry I’m late. Traffic was held up by road work on the 285.”

“I’m glad I didn’t come in from that way,” I said.

“How did the meeting go yesterday?”

“Let’s stretch first and I tell you about it when we eat breakfast after our run.” A smile blossomed across my face.

Later the aroma of freshly ground coffee beans mingled with the sweet scent of pastries, wrapping around me like a warm embrace as I settled into the cushioned chair at our favorite corner table. Stacy’s laughter, light and infectious, cut through the soft hum of the coffee shop.

“Ooh, he must be fine from the look in your eyes.

“Oh my god, Stacy. His name is Andrew Del Rossi, and he looks like he stepped straight from a magazine. He’s more than handsome, I would say he’s beautiful and masculine at the same time.

“Damn girl, maybe I should consider getting me one of those,” she teased. “Go on, tell me some more.”

I laughed. He seems to be nice and not arrogant like Darriun. I get the feeling he’s dependable, super intelligent, he’s successful. He is BBF material.

“Ooh, Darriun is going to be jealous.”

“I don’t care what Darriun is to be honest.”

“Good girl,” Stacy said, her eyes gleaming with excitement as she clasped her hands together on the tabletop, “the wedding is just around the corner.”

“His smile, Stacy, it's contagious,” I began, my hands animatedly painting the picture in the air between us. “We laughed so much, that tears came to my eyes, and when he looked at me, really looked at me, it felt like he saw every inch of my soul. I have never felt like that with anyone— we just clicked.”

“Like two pieces of a puzzle,” Stacy murmured, nodding knowingly.

“Exactly!” I exclaimed, feeling the corners of my mouth lift in a smile. “When Andrew held my hand, it wasn't just a touch; it was a silent conversation, an electric current that said, one day soon I will have you screaming in pleasure beneath me.”

“Ooh wee! You’re getting me hot and flustered over here,” Stacy teased.

“Me too just thinking about it,” I conceded, a blush creeping up my cheeks. “But right now, I need this façade to work for the next phase—making Darriun see that it isn’t hard to move on without him. To show him that I've found someone who... well, someone incredible.”

“Are you ready for that?” Stacy’s voice softened, concern lacing her words.

“Ready as I'll ever be,” I replied, my heart pounding with a mix of determination and trepidation. “Andrew and I, we're going to take this fake relationship up a notch. Public displays of affection, cozy dinners, the works. Darriun will see how happy I am, how good Andrew is for me—even if it's all just an act.”

“An act with a dash of real attraction, by the sounds of it,” Stacy pointed out slyly.

“We will see,” I chuckled, though deep down, the thought sent a thrill through me. “For now, it's all about the plan. It's about showing Darriun—and maybe even myself—that I can have a fairytale too, even if it comes with a little make-believe.”

Stacy said, “Then let's make sure your fairytale has the perfect script,” her voice is genuine.

Stacy's words of encouragement made me believe in a happy outcome even if it was make-believe.

CHAPTER SIX

Amara

On Thursday of the next week, I received a call from Andrew. He wanted to take me on a weekend trip so we could continue to get to know one another. I agreed because I didn’t want us to feel like strangers when I finally introduced him to Darriun. Darriun would spot a fake relationship a mile away if we failed to convince him otherwise.

Now Saturday has finally come. The rest of the week had passed in a blur since Andrew had invited me on an outing. Today I just found out we were headed to Gulf Port. The salty breeze fluttered through the open window of Andrew’s SUV; I felt an instant sense of release. Beside me, Andrew's eyes sparkled with the same excitement that bubbled in my chest as we entered the quaint beach town that promised a weekend of fun.

“Look at that,” I said, pointing to the stretch of sun-bleached shops lining the beachfront, each one displaying its own charm. A sexy grin formed around his mouth, his hand found mine, and intertwined with my own.

We pulled up to the Gulfport Inn just as the afternoon light turned golden, casting a warm glow on the whitewashed Inn. The Inn had a wraparound porch adorned with rocking chairs and hanging baskets overflowing with vibrant flowers.

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