The Fake Fiancée

“Not to mention meeting us,” his dad said. His friendliness relieved the tension among their group.

Lisa giggled. “Well, I wasn’t going to mention that, but it is pretty scary, trying to win the parents’ approval at the same time as the rest of this.” She squinted toward Joe’s mother. “No wonder I have a migraine.”

“Oh, you poor dear.” His mother tapped his dad’s arm. “Go get my purse.”

She turned back to Lisa as he left. “I have something that works wonders. I don’t usually approve of taking medications, but look who I have to put up with.”

“Humph.” Joe acted offended, but he felt relieved. They’d discovered common ground, even if it was a headache. A woman approached his mom, who stepped away to listen to the lady’s deafening praise for the event.

Lisa pivoted toward him and whispered, “I should have taken you up on your offer.”

He frowned. His offer? “You already have my company’s catering job. I’m really impressed with your work here tonight.”

“No, your other offer.” She leaned closer. “The kiss.”

He blinked, then laughed as her color heightened. “It’s not too late.” He slid his arm down to her waist again and reeled her in flush against his body.

“Joe,” Lisa hissed with a look over her shoulder at his mom. “We can’t kiss here, in front of everybody.”

“Sure we can. What would be more convincing?”

She tried to wriggle free.

“Oooh, keep it up. I like it.”

She jabbed his ribs with her fist. He laughed and let her scoot back an inch.

“I have to go,” his mother said, eyeing them. “Duty calls. It was lovely meeting you.”

“And you,” Lisa returned faintly. As soon as his mother moved out of earshot, she groaned. “That was awful.”

He looked down at her in surprise. “I thought it went pretty well.” He laughed at her expression. “After you stopped talking, anyway.”

“I think she saw us, you know, just now.”

“Yeah.” He frowned and rubbed his side. “Poking me won’t make a very good impression.”

She glared. “I meant that ‘oooh, keep it up’ nonsense.”

“Lighten up. I doubt my mother thinks I’m a virgin.”

Lisa glanced around frantically. “Would you please lower your voice? You might have told her I have kids, but she doesn’t know whether I’m—” she moved close to whisper against his ear “—sexually active.”

“Are you?” This sounded promising. And as oddly unsettling as her breath against his neck. He didn’t like to think of her having sex with her dates, but he’d like to benefit from it if she did. The curious contradiction of his feelings bewildered him.

“Joe.” She rubbed her temple. “You’re exasperating.”

“You can point out my personality flaws later. While we’re practicing that kiss.”

“I have work to do.” She turned toward a serving table.

He followed. “When you’re done, I’ll take you home.”

“I brought my own car, remember?”

“Lisa.” He stopped her retreat by clasping her arm. “You know it’s a good idea. Consider what a fiasco tonight could have been, with you jumping away from me.” Remorse flashed in her eyes. With a little persuasion, he’d taste her sweetness by midnight. He should feel guilty, but healthy male interest squashed any chance of that. “I’ll help you do dishes.”

Lisa’s mouth turned up in a reluctant smile. She glanced toward the loaded dessert table. “I accept.”

The shrill tapping of silverware on glass made them turn.

“Ladies and gentlemen, your attention please.” A dark-haired woman in a long, glittering aqua dress smiled from behind a microphone, setting aside the fork and goblet she’d used to gain notice. A small presentation area had been set up on a wooden stage two feet above the main floor. As the chatter died down, she continued, “I think we can all agree that tonight has been a tremendous success.”

Joe and Lisa joined in the applause.

“So without further ado, let me introduce the woman responsible for our having such a wonderful year, President of the Howard Garden Society, Alice Riley.”

Joe put two fingers to his mouth and whistled. Lisa’s eyes fixed on his mother.

“Thank you,” his mom said to the crowd. “As Lainey noted, it’s been an exciting evening. We’ll present the awards in a moment, but first I want to thank the people responsible for this success tonight. I especially want to thank Lainey Perkins and her committee for putting together a gala event.”

Joe split his attention between Lisa and his mother as the committee members were named and the attendees clapped politely. Lisa had turned waxier than the gardenias.

“I’m so glad Lainey and her crew acquired the services of Goodies to Go. Lisa Meyer, the owner, outdid herself with those wonderful creations.” His mom gestured toward Lisa.