Page 2 of Fake it for Keeps

The mention of our father made my chest tighten, but I pushed the feeling down where it belonged, buried deep with all the other shit I didn’t have time to deal with. “Relax, Frankie. I’ve got this.”

“Do you?”

Before I could answer, the driver opened the door, and the roar of the paparazzi hit me like a wave. “My adoring public awaits.”

Cameras flashed in rapid succession, voices shouting my name, questions flying faster than I could process them. I stepped out of the limo, straightening my jacket and plastering on the cocky grin that had become my armor.

“Colt! Over here!”

“Mr. Jesson, who’s your date tonight?”

“Is the relationship with Karina serious?”

Karina? Did I go out with her? She was a supermodel. One name only. She did the Victoria’s Secret show and yeah, we hooked up, but how in the hell did they jump from that to relationship?

Fucking hell.

I ignored them all, offering a casual wave as Frankie emerged behind me. She looked lovely in a sleek black gown, her dark hair swept up in an elegant twist. If I had to be here, at least I had my sister by my side. She was the only person in the world I actually gave a damn about.

Or trusted.

We started up the red carpet, the cameras following our every move. I was halfway to the entrance when I heard a collective gasp from the crowd, and I turned just in time to see her. A goddess made of curves and soft edges, poured into a gown that hugged every inch of her body in ways that had my priorities for the evening turning into white noise in the back of my head. Long black hair cascaded over her shoulders, framing a face that was equal parts beautiful and mysterious. Rosy cheeks, full lips glistening with gloss, dark lashes, and dewy skin.

Her eyes widened as she tripped on the hem of her dress. A little gasp passed between her lips that I shouldn’t have been able to hear amidst the crowd and chatter, but I did. As she lost her footing and reached for something to brace her fall, I sprang into action.

Just as she toppled, I reached her and caught her around the waist. My hands steadied her, letting my touch wander to the small of her back. The fabric of her dress continued to dance around her as she gripped the front of my suit jacket and blinked up at me, eyes wide and bright.

“Easy there,” I murmured, keeping my grip firm but not too tight. “Wouldn’t want you to break something before the night even starts.”

Her dark eyes shifted back and forth between mine. Assessing. There was something familiar about her, though I couldn’t place it. Maybe I’d seen her at one of these events before. Or maybe she just had one of those faces that looked like someone else. It seemed as though she recognized me, too. Either that or she was admiring the view.

They often did. And I always let them.

I flashed her a smile and eased my grip just a little. I wasn’t quite ready to relinquish her yet. “Are you good?”

She gave me a curt nod and let me go.

All the background noise suddenly escalated around us the minute she put space between us. The paparazzi were going absolutely feral.

“Colt Jesson’s mystery date!”

“Who is she?”

“Is Colt finally settling down?”

They were fucking morons. I wasn’t automatically fucking or dating any woman I grabbed around the waist. Not all of them.

The gorgeous woman stiffened in my arms. I leaned in close, my lips brushing against her ear. “Play along,” I whispered. “I’ll make this the best night of your life. What do you say?”

She met my gaze and she nodded, excitement shining in her eyes. Warmth filled me. I liked a woman with a sense of adventure. I turned us toward the cameras, one hand still on her waist as I guided her up the stairs.

The flashes were relentless, but I was used to it. I knew how to work a crowd, how to give them exactly what they wanted while keeping my own cards close to the chest.

“Smile, sweetheart,” I said under my breath, pulling her in closer. “Let’s give them something to talk about.”

I kissed her cheek and felt her entire body go rigid. The reaction sent a thrill through me. She was so easy to read, so quick to respond. I loved it. She was putting on a show. Did she realize she was doing it? Or was she really that responsive?

Interesting.