chapter Five
Liam hadn’t planned on their having dinner that night, but seeing Francesca with Scarlet had made it absolutely necessary. They really knew nothing about each other. They had no relationship backstory. Once the news of their engagement got out, people would start asking questions and they needed to get their stories straight.
Usually this kind of discussion happened before the engagement, but they were working on a steep learning curve, here. After the waiter took their orders, Liam settled back into his seat and looked at his fiancée. He knew she was beautiful, feisty, caring and exciting. He knew that he desired her more than any other woman he’d ever known. And yet, he knew almost nothing about who she was and where she’d come from. That was a problem.
“So, Francesca, tell me all about yourself. I need to know everything to play this part properly and convince everyone we’re really together.”
“I feel like I’m trying to get a green card or something.” She took a sip of wine as she tried to determine where best to start. “I grew up in Beverly Hills. My father is a Hollywood movie producer, as you know. He met my mother on a film set in Sicily and they eloped within a month of meeting.”
“So they have no room to complain about our quick engagement?”
“Not at all.” She smiled. “Although that didn’t stop my father from giving me an earful on the phone this afternoon. I had to assure him that we would have an extended engagement to keep him from hopping a jet over here and having a chat with you.”
“The longest engagement in history,” Liam quipped.
“My parents are my model for what a marriage should be. It’s what I’ve always hoped to have one day when I get married.”
Liam took note. Francesca wanted the real deal for herself, just like her parents. This was probably not what she thought her engagement would be like. He felt bad about that. But she still had her chance to have the fairy tale with the next guy. This was just a temporary arrangement.
“I have a younger sister, Therése,” she continued, “who lives in San Francisco. She’s a fashion photographer. I moved to D.C. after graduation to go to Georgetown.”
“I went to Georgetown, too. Maybe we were there at the same time.” Francesca recited the years and, thankfully, they partially overlapped with his own. He’d graduated two years before she had. “That’s excellent,” he said. “I think if we tell people that we dated back in college and then met up again this year, it will make the speed of this relationship more palatable. What did you study?”
“I got a degree in communications with a minor in political science. I’d originally intended to become a political news commentator.”
“It’s a shame you didn’t. I would’ve loved to have you on my big screen every night. It’s funny we didn’t meet until now. I had a minor in communications. I’m surprised we didn’t have a class together.”
Francesca shrugged. “Maybe we did. A lot of those classes were pretty large.”
Liam shook his head. There was no way he could’ve been in the same room with Francesca and not have seen her. Even in one of those freshman courses they held in the huge auditoriums. His cocky, frat boy self would’ve picked up on those curves and asked her out in a heartbeat. “I would’ve noticed you. I’m certain of that.”
Francesca blushed and started fidgeting with the gold pendant around her neck that looked like some kind of horn. For dinner, she’d changed into a burgundy wrap dress with a low V-cut neckline and an abundance of cleavage. He’d noticed the necklace earlier, but every time he thought to ask about it, he’d been mentally sidetracked by the sight of her breasts.
“So what’s that necklace about? You seem to have it on whenever I’ve seen you.”
She looked down at it before holding it out a little for him to see it better. “It’s a corno portafortuna. My nonna gave it to me. It’s Italian tradition to wear one to ward off the evil eye. You never know when someone might curse you, especially in this town. I wear it for good luck.”
The way the horn rested right in the valley of her breasts was certainly lucky for him. It gave him an excuse to look at the firm globes of flesh he could still feel in his hands and pretend he was admiring her jewelry. “In the elevator you mentioned spending summers in Italy with your grandmother.”
“Yes, I spent every summer in Sicily from when I was about five until I graduated from high school. My mother would travel with me when I was younger, but once I reached junior high, I got to fly alone. My mother said it was important for me to keep in touch with my culture. My nonna would teach me authentic Italian recipes and tell me stories about our family. My sister and I both learned a good bit of Italian over the years. I don’t remember as much as I should now.”
“You know all the dirty words,” Liam noted.
“Of course.” She laughed. “You always remember the words and phrases that you shouldn’t know.”
“You picked up all your superstitions there too?”
“Yes. Italians are a very superstitious people. My nonna told me she only taught me a few of them. It’s amazing. My mother never really cared for all that, but it was something special I shared with Nonna. She died last year, but the superstitions keep her alive in my mind.”
“Thank goodness she told you the one about ladybugs or I might be in big trouble right now. Any bad luck omens I should keep an eye out for?”
“Hmm…” Francesca said thoughtfully. “There are the ones most people know about—broken mirrors and such. Never leave your hat on the bed. Never set a loaf of bread upside down on the table. Birds or feathers in the home are bad luck. If you spill salt, you have to toss some over your shoulder. The most unlucky number is seventeen. Never marry on a Friday. There are a million of these.”
“Wow,” Liam said. “I’m probably doomed. I’ve been running around for years, cursed, and never knew it.”
Francesca smiled, easing back in her seat to let the waiter place their food on the table. “I think you’ve done pretty well for yourself without it.”
That was true. He’d taken the seed money from his father and built quite a name for himself in broadcast media. He was only twenty-eight. Who knew what else he could accomplish with most of his career still ahead of him? Closing the deal with his aunt and taking full control of ANS could be the launching pad to bigger, better things. Especially if the two-billion-dollar inheritance came through.
His brain couldn’t even comprehend having that much money. He tried not to even think about it. He could only focus on one thing at a time and right now, it was pulling off this engagement and buying ANS outright. He’d put his financial manager on the task before he even sat down to look for a bride. Hopefully, it would all work out. But even his worries were hard to concentrate on with such a beautiful woman sitting across the table from him.
“How about some more random trivia about you? Likes and dislikes,” Liam said.
“My favorite color is red. I adore dark chocolate. I’m allergic to cats. I can cook, but I don’t. I hate carrots and yellow squash. My middle name is Irish and impossible to spell or pronounce properly.”
Liam had to ask. “Wait, what is it?”
“My middle name? It’s pronounced kwee-vuh, which is Gaelic for beautiful. Unfortunately, in English it’s pronounced absolutely nothing like it’s written. C-A-O-I-M-H-E.” She spelled out the name for him and then said it again. “Try explaining that to the woman at the DMV.”
Liam laughed, not trusting himself to repeat the name without slaughtering it. “My middle name is Douglas. Not very exciting or hard to spell.”
“I envy you.”
“What about your dad’s side of the family? You haven’t mentioned much about them.”
“My dad isn’t that close with his family, which is silly considering they live in Malibu, only about thirty miles from Beverly Hills. I only ever saw my grandparents on holidays and birthdays. I’m much closer with my mother’s side of the family.”
“Sounds more like my family. I almost never see them. Tell me something else about you.”
“What else? I never exercise—I hate to sweat. And I enjoy luxurious bubble baths and long walks on the beach.” She finished with a laugh. “This is turning into a lame personal ad.”
“It’s not lame. If I ran across it, I’d be messaging your in-box in an instant.”
“Thanks. But enough about me. What about you?” Francesca asked. “Your turn to tell me all about Liam Crowe.”
*
Dinner had been very nice. The conversation flowed easily and Francesca had to admit she had a good time. She enjoyed spending time with Liam. Honestly, she liked him. He was handsome, smart, funny and easy to talk to. It was nice to hear him talk about his family and his work. He was so passionate about his career; it made her understand just how important the success of ANS was to him. A part of her wished she had met him in college. Who knows what would’ve happened then?
Well, that wasn’t true. She knew what would’ve happened. They would’ve dated, she would’ve fallen for him and he would’ve broken it off at some point, breaking her heart. Liam wasn’t much of a long-term guy. They were only engaged now because his aunt had recognized that in him and twisted his arm.
Despite that, he seemed to be taking the whole thing pretty well. She wasn’t exactly sure how Liam felt about their forced proximity, but he didn’t let it show if he wanted to be someplace else. Actually, he’d been quite complimentary of her, listening to her when she spoke and watching her over his wineglass with appreciative eyes.
Liam pulled up his gray Lexus convertible outside her town house and killed the engine. He turned in his seat to face her, a shy smile curling his lips. He watched her collect her purse and sweater, not speaking but also not making a move to let her out of the car, either.
Their plotting dinner suddenly felt like a date and it made her a little nervous. It was silly considering he’d not only seen her naked, but they were engaged. Technically.
“I had a good time tonight,” she said, feeling stupid the moment the words left her lips.
“Me, too. I, uh, wanted to say thank-you again for doing this for me. And, you know, for the company. I feel like I’ve hijacked your entire life today.”
Francesca tried to think about what she was supposed to have done today. She certainly had plans of some kind, but Liam had wiped her memory clean along with her calendar. “I’m sure I didn’t have anything important planned and if I did, it will still be around for me to do tomorrow.”
“Do you have time on your schedule to have some engagement portraits taken? I wanted a picture to put with the newspaper announcement.”
“I think so. Just have Jessica look at my calendar in the morning. Do I need to wear anything in particular or do something special with my hair or makeup?”
Liam watched her, shaking his head. “You’re perfect just as you are. I couldn’t ask for a more beautiful fiancée.”
Francesca blushed. She couldn’t help it. To hear him talk, she was the most beautiful woman in the world. It was ridiculous. She was a pretty enough woman but nothing special. He had a knack for making her feel special, though. “You’re just sucking up so I don’t change my mind.”
“Absolutely,” he admitted. “But it’s easy when it’s true. You don’t know how much I’ve thought about you since that afternoon we spent together. And now, spending all day with you, I’ve been struggling with myself. I’ve spent the past three hours trying not to kiss you. I’m not sure I can hold out much longer.”
Francesca couldn’t help the soft gasp of surprise when he spoke so honestly about his desire for her. Before she could think of something intelligent to say, he leaned across her seat and brought his lips to hers.
It wasn’t their first kiss. Or even their second, but somehow it felt like it. It lacked the raw heat of their time in the elevator and the reassuring comfort of this morning’s kiss. This one felt like the kiss of a blossoming romance. His hand went to the nape of her neck, pulling her closer to him and gently massaging her with his fingertips.
His mouth was demanding but not greedy, coaxing her to open to him and give in to the pleasure he promised. She felt herself being swept up in his touch. It was so easy, just like letting herself flow with the current of a river. It felt natural to let her tongue glide along his, to let her fingers roam through the thick strands of his wavy hair.
His lips left hers, traveling along the line of her jaw to nibble the side of her neck. The sensation of it sent a wave of desire through her whole body. When his hand cupped her breast through the thin microfiber of her dress, she leaned into his touch, moaning softly in his ear.
It wasn’t until her eyes peeked open and she saw the giant diamond on her hand that she came to her senses. This relationship was supposed to be for show. One that appeared authentic to friends and family. But as Liam had said, no one would follow them into the bedroom. Somehow, Francesca knew that if she crossed that line, it would be hard for her to keep this relationship in perspective.
Liam was her fiancé, but he would never be her husband. He wasn’t in love with her, nor was she in love with him. Sex would just blur the lines.
Francesca gently pushed at Liam’s shoulders. He pulled away, watching her with eyes hooded with desire. His breath was ragged. That was one hell of a kiss. And it was begging for one hell of a night together. She could tell that he intended to come inside. A nice dinner, a bottle of wine, good conversation, a dynamic kiss…now she was supposed to invite him in for coffee and take off her dress. That was all too much too soon, no matter how badly she might want him.
Francesca reached for the door handle. “Good night, Liam.”
“Wait,” he said with a frown as he reached out to her. “Good night?”
She nodded, clutching her purse to her chest as a subpar barrier between them. “It’s been a long day filled with a lot of excitement. You went from my boss to my fiancé just a few short hours ago. I think adding ‘lover’ to the list tonight is a bad idea.”
Liam sighed but didn’t try to argue with her. Instead, he opened his car door and came around to help her out. He escorted her to her doorstep.
Francesca paused, clutching her keys in her hand. Right or wrong, she couldn’t help leaning into him and placing a quick but firm kiss on his lips.
“I’ll see you tomorrow at the office.”
*
“Yes, I’m engaged.” Liam sat back in his office chair and looked at the newly framed photograph of Francesca and himself that sat on the corner of his desk. They’d had it taken for the newspaper announcement, and Liam couldn’t help sending a copy to the Queen Bee herself. When the phone rang the next afternoon, he wasn’t surprised.
“Congratulations to you both. I didn’t expect you to move so quickly on my offer,” she noted, her tone pointed. She obviously thought that Liam was trying to pull one over on her somehow. She missed nothing. “I did give you a year, not a week, to get engaged.”
“Well,” Liam began, “I told you I had been seeing someone. You helped me realize that I needed to move forward in my relationship. Francesca and I are perfect for each other—I was just hesitant to take that last step. Thank you for the encouragement.” He hoped he’d managed to work out the bitterness from his voice after practicing this speech several times before her call.
“That is wonderful, Liam. The picture of the two of you is lovely. I’ve sent Henry to have it framed for the mantle. She’s quite the striking young lady. Where did you meet her?”
She was fishing for details. Thank goodness they’d worked all this out at dinner. “We met the first time in college through mutual friends and dated for a while.” He recalled their fabricated past, linking it together with what he’d told Scarlet at lunch. “When I started looking into buying ANS, we ran into each other at a media event. She works there doing community outreach programs and we started seeing each other again.”
Liam had no doubt that his aunt was taking notes and would have someone look into the fact that they had both attended Georgetown at the same time. “What a lovely coincidence that you two would find each other again. It must be meant to be.”
“I think so.”
“I hope both of you will be very happy together. I can’t wait to meet her. In fact, I’m coming to D.C. later this month to speak to Congress. I’d love for the three of us to have dinner and celebrate while I’m there.”
Liam frowned at the phone, glad for the miles between them and the lagging technology of camera phones that prevented her from seeing his pinched expression. He’d never known his aunt to have any political involvement before beyond writing checks. If she was coming to D.C., it was to check on him. She didn’t trust Liam a bit and rightfully so. They would have to perfect their lovey-dovey act before she arrived. Frankly, Francesca had been miserable at it when they ran into Scarlet.
It wasn’t just the details of their relationship that had tripped her up. Her smile of engaged bliss had looked a little pained. She’d lacked the excited glow. She had had to be asked to show the engagement ring, whereas any other woman would thrust it out at anyone that would look.
Despite her hesitation to embark on a physical relationship the other night after dinner, something had to be done. She needed some real romantic inspiration to draw on because she couldn’t fake it. Liam was all too happy to provide it.
He may have told Francesca that he didn’t choose her with the intention of seducing her, and that was true. If they did become lovers, it would simply be a pleasant bonus to a potentially unpleasant scenario.
Heaven knew, he wanted Francesca. Every time he closed his eyes he saw her in the elevator. Red panties. Flushed cheeks. Soft, passionate cries of pleasure echoing in the small space. Yes, he didn’t need a romantic entanglement complicating this arrangement, but he’d be lying if he said he didn’t want to pick up where they’d left off.
Sex wouldn’t be a problem as long as they both knew that’s all it was. Given the way Francesca had writhed beneath him and walked away like nothing happened, she knew how to play that game. He just had to coax her into taking another spin at the wheel.
Gripping the phone, Liam struggled to remember what his aunt had just said. The mere thought of Francesca’s red panties had completely derailed his train of thought. Dinner. Aunt Beatrice was coming to town and wanted to have dinner. “Absolutely,” he said. “Francesca is very excited to meet you.”
“I’m sure she is. I hope you two have a lovely engagement party tonight. I’m going to let you go. I need to call Ron Wheeler and let him know I’m turning down his proposal. For now,” she added, making it clear they weren’t out of the woods quite yet.
“It was good to speak with you,” he said between gritted teeth. “I’ll see you soon.”
Hanging up the phone, he spun in his chair to look back at the photo of Francesca and him. His aunt made him absolutely crazy, but if this scheme landed that voluptuous, feminine form back in his arms, he just might have to send the Queen Bee a thank-you card.