Page 28 of Fake It For Love (Faux Love)
“I do love proving people wrong,” she said.
“Who doesn’t?” I grinned. “It’s one of the best feelings in the world.”
“Revenge is a dish best served cold,” she replied.
“I don’t know if it’s revenge,” I said. “I have nothing to seek revenge for. I just don’t want them to think I’m a loser still. I’m not going to pretend I’m some really cool dude or anything like that. I don’t want to impress them. I just don’t want them to think I lived up to their standards. I exceeded their expectations. Hell, I exceeded my own. Except for the part about being very single.”
“Okay,” she said and held out her hand.
“Okay, what?”
“I’ll wear the ring,” she said. It wasn’t exactly one of the most beautiful moments, but it would do.
I gave it to her and watched her slide it on. “Well, I guess that’s it.”
“So romantic,” she said dryly.
“Sorry.”
“I should get back,” she said. “I need to be up early and meet with Norah.”
“I’ll walk you back,” I offered.
“I suppose we should get together and work out all the details,” she said.
“That would be good,” I said. “Will you be around tomorrow?”
“Yes. Probably by the pool at some point.”
“I’ll find you,” I said.
I walked her to her room and then left for my own suite. I was glad we’d resolved our differences. The fake engagement thing was something I had come up with on a whim. With Claire playing my fiancée, I hoped to avoid a lot of questions from the women.
I didn’t want to explain what I had and didn’t have. I really didn’t want to brag. The more people knew about what I had, the more they would want to get close. My sister compared me to a cactus. That worked for me. Letting people get close usually just ended up with me being used for something. It was easier just to keep everyone at arm’s length. That, unfortunately, was not conducive to finding someone I could love.
I let myself into my suite and immediately pulled off the tie before losing the jacket. I hated wearing suits. I did it because it was just another part of the image I was trying to sell. I shouldn’t care. I didn’t really care but being around all these people was fucking with my head.
I kicked off the shoes that were now full of sand and stepped into the bedroom. The bathroom was big and roomy. I caught a glimpse of myself in the full-length mirror and looked at the image. This was what they all saw. The tall guy with okay looks. My clothes were expensive. My haircut cost as much as a pair of nice shoes. On the outside, I looked like a successful man. I looked like someone who should have a beautiful woman on his arm. Too bad I was paying the woman.
