Page 28 of Fake it for Keeps

10

HALLIE

The dock was freezing.

I stood there in the designer coat Colt had sent over. It was more cashmere and once again very elegant and timeless. It was cream-colored and oh so soft and comfortable. My outfit consisted of a white cable-knit sweater, very nautical, and beige slacks with black pumps. It wasn’t very practical for yachting in the ass end of winter, but I was told it was just for the pictures.

I tried not to shiver as wind whipped off the water. The yacht loomed behind us, massive and gleaming white, the name “Jesson Legacy” painted in elegant script along the hull.

Of course, he’d named his yacht after himself. Why wouldn’t he? On the other hand, I supposed it was a better name than some of the other boats around the docks, with names like “The Wet Spot” and “Master Baiter II.”

Colt stood to my right, looking infuriatingly comfortable in a charcoal wool overcoat and dark jeans. His hair was perfectly styled, not a strand out of place despite the wind. I didn’t know what kind of hair product he used, but NASA astronauts might be interested. His expression was calm and confident as he surveyed the small crowd of reporters and photographers gathered on the dock.

Frankie flanked his other side, her phone in hand as she coordinated with someone, probably their PR team. She’d been cordial when I arrived, greeting me with a professional smile and a quick onceover to make sure I looked the part.

Apparently, I passed inspection.

“Ready?” Colt asked, his voice low enough that only I could hear.

“Do I have a choice?”

His lips curved into that infuriating smirk. “Not really.”

A man in a suit—someone from Colt’s team, I assumed—stepped forward and addressed the reporters. “Thank you all for coming on such short notice. Mr. Jesson has an exciting announcement to make regarding his personal life.”

Personal life. Right. As if any of this was personal. This was all business.

The cameras were already flashing. It felt like there were at least twenty lenses pointed in our direction. At me. I felt suddenly exposed despite the layers of expensive clothing. This was insane. We were about to lie to all these people, to the world, and act like it was no big deal.

I was so used to blending into the background. I preferred not to be the center of attention.

Colt’s hand found the small of my back, warm even through the thick coat. He guided me forward like it was the most natural thing in the world. Like his hand belonged on my back.

“Ladies and gentlemen,” Colt began, his voice carrying easily over the wind and water. “I’m sure many of you have seen the photos from earlier this week. The speculation. The questions.” He paused, that confident smile firmly in place. “I’m here today to confirm what you’ve all been wondering. Hallie and I are engaged.”

The reporters erupted with questions, all talking over each other.

“When did you propose?”

“How long have you been together?”

“When’s the wedding?”

Colt held up a hand, and they quieted. Of course they did. The man knew how to command a room, or in this case, a dock. When Colt Jesson wanted silence, he got it.

“We’ll take a few questions after,” he said smoothly. “But first, I’d like to properly introduce my fiancée to the world.”

He turned to face me, and suddenly his full attention was on me. Those gorgeous eyes locked onto mine, and even though I knew this was all an act, even though I knew he was performing for the cameras, I felt butterflies low in my belly.

Damn, he deserved an Oscar. He looked at me like he was actually in love with me.

His hand moved from my back to my hip, pulling me closer. Our bodies pressed together. I could feel his warmth and that delicious solid body that had my brain going to places it had no business going.

“Hallie has changed my life in ways I never expected.”

I tried to ignore the way my body responded to his proximity. Tried to ignore the heat pooling low in my belly and the way my pulse kicked up when his hand gently squeezed my hip while he talked.

This is just business, I reminded myself. He’s playing a part. So are you.