Page 4 of Claiming the Fake Boyfriend
Before I can knock, the door swings open, and—
Shit.
Amber stands there in a deep emerald dress that hugs every curve, her blonde hair falling in soft waves around her shoulders. The dress makes her eyes look impossibly warmer, like honey in sunlight. She's got curves in all the right places, the kind that make a man's hands itch to explore.
"Hi," she says, a shy smile playing at her lips. "Is this okay for a rehearsal dinner?"
I clear my throat. "You look beautiful." The words come out more sincere than I intended, lacking my usual playful edge.
She blushes, the color spreading across her cheeks. "Thanks. You clean up pretty nicely yourself."
"I try." I offer her my arm, slipping back into my comfort zone. "Ready to scandalize the town, Ms. Hill?"
Her laugh is soft as she locks her door. "Is that the plan?"
"That depends." I guide her toward my truck, hyperaware of her warmth beside me. "Do you want to go for subtle, the occasional meaningful glance, perhaps a hand on the small of your back… or full theatrical production? I'm talking feeding you dessert, whispering in your ear, possibly even carrying you across a threshold."
She gives me a look that's equal parts amusement and warning. "Let's start with subtle and see where the evening takes us."
"Spoilsport." I open her door, catching a whiff of her perfume. "But I respect a woman with boundaries."
The drive to Harvest Hollow Plaza is short, filled with easy conversation about the wedding details Amber has managed to finalize. I find myself genuinely impressed by her efficiency.
"So your cousin just dumped all this on you?"
Amber sighs. "She's actually usually super organized. But her fiancé's mother had some health issues last month, so everything got behind schedule. I was happy to help."
"That's generous of you."
She shrugs, but I catch the flicker of pleasure in her eyes at the simple compliment. "That's what family does."
We pull into the plaza parking area, already crowded with cars. The space has been transformed with strings of golden lanterns crisscrossing overhead, tables draped in rich autumn colors, and centerpieces of orange and burgundy dahlias. A small band is setting up on a wooden platform, tuning guitars and testing microphones.
"Wow," I mutter, taking it all in. "They went all out."
"Abigail Robinson designed it," Amber explains. "She's the best event planner in town. This is actually fairly restrained for her."
I catch the nervous flutter of Amber's hands as she checks her lipstick in the visor mirror. Without thinking, I reach over and cover her hand with mine.
"Hey. You look perfect." I give her fingers a gentle squeeze. "And if anyone gives you pitying looks, I'll spin you into such a passionate kiss they'll be talking about it for months."
Her eyes widen, but I catch the hint of a smile. "That won't be necessary."
"Shame." I wink, then circle around to open her door. As I help her down from the truck, I add casually, "So this ex of yours… what does he look like? Just so I know whose drink to accidentally spill."
"Cameron?" She hesitates. "Tall, dark hair that's always too perfectly styled, usually wears designer suits." She pauses. "He's not coming tonight, just tomorrow. He's friends with the groom."
"His loss, my gain." I offer my arm again, enjoying how naturally she takes it. "Shall we?"
The moment we step into the plaza, I feel the shift in atmosphere. Small towns are like that, news travels faster than light. Heads turn, whispers start, and I catch more than one surprised look.
What I don't expect is that they're not looking at me. They're looking at Amber.
Women lean toward each other, eyebrows raised. Men give appreciative glances that make my hand tighten possessively at her waist. An older woman actually clutches her pearls, like literally clutches them.
"Amber!" A petite brunette in a white dress rushes over, eyes darting between us. "You're here! And you brought..." She trails off, waiting for an explanation.
"Tucker," I supply smoothly, extending my hand. "Tucker Hughes. Congratulations on your wedding."
