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Chapter Four
Zoey stood in front of the mirror wearing the fifth dress she’d tried on. Somehow she’d gone from wanting to dress conservatively to wearing a tight red dress that didn’t leave much to the imagination. This party is a casual affair. I should just put on a pair of jeans and a blouse.
It wasn’t like she hadn’t tried them on too. Yet, for some reason, she couldn’t seem to find just the right outfit. This isn’t a real date. It’s not even a real party. So why am I so darn nervous?
Although her brother’s reaction was on her mind, it wasn’t at the top of her list. After speaking to Bennett last night, her thoughts flashed back to his warning of a kiss. If he’d said that to cause her to toss and turn all night, it worked. Every time her eyes closed, she could picture him pulling her into his arms, his lips claiming hers, and her not resisting.
Of course, reality was so different. It was inevitable; they’d lock lips sometime tonight. Nothing hot and passionate like her dreams. Probably just like everything else about Bennett, it’d be cold and calculated. After all, he’d made it very clear what he thought of her. “Trust me, Zoey. One night with you is all I need.” That had stung, but she had a thick skin thanks to her father.
Staying locked away in her room any longer wasn’t an option. Vincent and Renita had arrived hours earlier. The last time she’d been downstairs, Renita had been setting up the dining room. It wasn’t as she imagined it’d be. Zoey had attended many parties over the years. Not because she wanted to, but because the family expected it. Many times they had been filled with people pretending to give a shit about one another. In fact, the parties were usually put together from someone with a secret agenda. She laughed softly to herself. I’m the one with the questionable motive tonight. Who would’ve thought I’d play the games that I hate so much? How did I let Bennett talk me into this?
Her phone rang. Bennett. Don’t you dare bail on me now. Not with everyone showing up any minute.
“Where are you? I thought you’d be here already.” Her voice was filled with tension and lacked the normal sweetness she tried to portray.
Bennett replied in a soft playful tone. “I miss you too, my love.”
Zoey blushed. Wow. We’re not a real couple, but I’m bitching at him like we’ve been together for years. “Sorry, Bennett. I don’t know what has me so tense. I guess tonight’s more stressful than I thought.”
“Zoey, you need to trust me. Let me take the lead on this. I’ll handle your brothers, and you spend time with the ladies. Deal?”
Actually, I want to spend time with you, but you’re right. That’s a wiser plan. Not as much fun, but then again, nothing about tonight is supposed to be. “Thanks for understanding.”
She knew he didn’t have a clue what was really troubling her. Zoey wanted to keep it that way. If they weren’t forced into an intimate situation, tonight wouldn’t be as difficult as she feared. Can’t see it actually working as smoothly as he makes it seem, though.
“I want your family to arrive first. Just tell them I’m running late, caught in traffic. Leave the door unlocked after the last one arrives. I’ll let myself in.”
“Why?”
“Trust me, Zoey. Doing this will make a statement.”
I don’t understand men at all, do I? She had totally expected him to be there before everyone else, so they could go slow and ease into the role. Nope. Bennett’s going to enter the room and drop the hammer. She had concerns about what the repercussions were going to be. But she didn’t have any time to argue with him as she heard the doorbell chime. “Remember, Bennett. These are my brothers, not strangers to me. I don’t want them to be hurt. If I find my mother but lose my—”
“You won’t. I promise you that.”
There was a knock on her bedroom door. “Zoey, I hope you didn’t invite us, thinking you’re keeping yourself locked away all night.” Lena’s sweet voice laughed through the door.
“I’ve got to go,” Zoey whispered into the phone. “Sorry. Just putting on the finishing touches.” Is courage something you actually wear? No. But maybe a bulletproof vest would be in order because when my brothers see Bennett walk through the front door, I’ll be the one needing protection.
Zoey laid her phone on her nightstand and went to greet Lena. When she opened the door, Lena’s mouth gaped open.
“Well, look at you. You look... amazing.”
She smiled. “Thank you, so do you.”
“No, Zoey. I mean it. Something is different. Did you take my advice and go pick up that sexy little dress yesterday just for... God, I wish I knew his name.”
“You’ll find out soon enough. He’s on his way.”
Lena gave her a quick hug. “Good, because Brice didn’t say one word about what I was wearing tonight. He was too busy talking to Alex the entire way here.”
“Alex? Is everything all right?” Although they were brothers, Brice took everything too seriously and normally didn’t spend much time chatting with Alex, who’d been able to fly under the radar most of his life. It explained why he was the only happy one in the family.
“Hate to tell you this, Zoey, but the entire family’s focused on one thing. Your man.”
Zoey felt horrible doing this to Lena. Even she looked excited about her mystery man. What was she going to think when she found out it was all a lie? Probably won’t trust me again. Maybe she’d understand if I told her. If I make her promise not to say anything, not even to Brice, then I wouldn’t have to do this alone.
As quickly as the thought entered her mind, it left again. Lena was an honest person. Asking her to hide such a thing from her husband was not right. Can’t risk a real relationship over a fake one.
