Chapter 6

My love? Stepping inside the Bay View House, Cara grimaced. Babe or even snookum would be better than that. Except she’d told Brody to pick what he wanted, so she had only herself to blame for this one. She took a breath.

The air smelled like fresh flowers and lemons. The pleasant scents didn’t calm Cara’s frazzled nerves. So what if she was standing in a room-sized entryway on a gleaming hardwood floor that led to a grand staircase? She felt as if she were teetering on the edge of a sulfur-emitting volcanic crevasse. Her insides trembled worse than the Chihuahua that lived on the second floor with Mrs. Smith.

Brody leaned over a vase of white roses sitting on a table and sniffed. “I see why you like this place.”

What was up with him?

He was acting too calm. Hugging her. Holding her hand. Using endearments without a second thought. Planning a wedding that wouldn’t happen. Nothing seemed to faze him, but what he said made her curious. “Why is that?”

“The fresh flowers, the natural light, the colors, and the décor remind me of you.”

His tone was sincere, but that didn’t mean Brody wasn’t acting himself. Finding out he and Caitlin had pretended to be a couple for longer than they’d been together made Cara question where the actor ended and the real man began. She wasn’t sure she could tell anymore.

The realization hurt her brain and also her heart. Everything she thought she knew about him might be wrong. She dragged her upper teeth over her lower lip.

“Thanks,” she said. “Although fresh flowers don’t last long in the condo. Loki goes ninja cat on them.”

“You spoil that cat.”

“Of course, I do.” Worry and impatience made her fidget. Her foot kept wanting to tap, but she feared the sound would echo. Drawing attention to herself was the last thing she wanted. Now or ever. She would happily leave the spotlight to Brody and Caitlin. “He’s all I’ve got.”

Brody made a face. “That’s not true. You have me and your family.”

“It’s not the same when you no longer live close.” Cara wiped her sweaty palms on her black maxi skirt. The color seemed appropriate given her twin’s lies. The only luck she’d had the last few months was bad.

Okay, not one hundred percent true. She enjoyed her job and volunteering at the library. She also loved Loki, the way he rubbed against her and his purring, but feeding him on time didn’t give her the same sense of accomplishment as procuring a one-of-a-kind edition for a university’s rare book collection. She missed speaking at conferences and seeing her research in print. Her job had given her validation and made her feel important. Cara’s life had been near perfect except for a lack of dates, but she’d been working on that. Now…

She glanced at the ring. Part of her wished she were engaged, that this ring wouldn’t be sold to someone else, and that she’d be saying “I do” for real.

Uh-oh. That was a dangerous line of thinking. If she let herself get wrapped up in a fantasy, she would never survive this with her heart intact. No sense in getting attached to the ring or to having Brody here. Neither would be a permanent fixture in her life.

But both would help her.

Cara always paid her own way, including her college education, and never accepted a handout—other than renting her sister’s condo. The job at the bookstore kept her from going into debt. The ring would allow her to replenish her savings while she continued to search for a new job and help the kids at the library.

A win-win.

So why did she feel so conflicted?

Because being here under false pretenses was messing with her head.

She’d once been the girl most likely to succeed and valedictorian of her high school class. She was also a Phi Beta Kappa Honor Society member. Pretending to be engaged to anyone—let alone Brody—was not something she should be doing. Her rational, logical brain kept shouting “does not compute.”

The click, click, click of heels against the hardwood floor filled the air. A pretty woman with dark skin, black hair, and amber eyes approached. She wore an above-the-knee green skirt with a coordinating blouse. Stylish, but not flashy. Exactly what Cara thought someone who put on weddings for a living would wear.

“Good morning. Welcome to the Bay View House.” The woman exuded warmth as if she were greeting old friends. “I’m Sariah Foley. May I help you?”

Cara cleared her throat. “I’m Cara O’Neal, and this is my, um, fiancé.”

Her tongue stumbled on the last word. This was her first time in front of the curtain, so to speak. Her legs shook, matching her insides. Weird given she’d spoken to filled auditoriums at library conferences, but there, she’d known what she was doing.

“I’m Brody Simmons. I spoke to someone earlier when I made the appointment.” After he removed his cap and sunglasses, he extended his arm to shake Sariah’s hand. “Nice to meet you.”

Sariah’s lips parted slightly but only for a second. If she was charmed, as most women were in his presence, she didn’t let on. Knowing the Bay View House’s reputation, Cara doubted Brody was their first high-profile groom.

“The pleasure’s mine.” Sariah’s gaze didn’t linger on Brody but traveled to Cara. “Congratulations on your engagement.”

Her cheeks burned.

Standing there like a blushing schoolgirl wouldn’t do. She needed to be Brody’s bride-to-be.

Cara opened her mouth. A strangled squeak emerged.

“Thanks.” As Brody pulled her closer, she leaned against him to keep her weak knees from giving out on her. “We’re very excited.”

His body heat wrapped around her like an electric blanket set on high. His scent made her lightheaded. She needed to breathe before she passed out.

“I surprised Cara last night with a visit,” he continued.

Sariah’s face lit up. “How wonderful to have time together.”

“Yes. My schedule keeps us apart too much.” His voice flowed easily as if he were filming a scene after several rehearsals. He sounded believable, and Cara’s wariness about him and the kind of person he’d become quadrupled. “We decided to get married sooner rather than later. In a couple of weeks, if that’s possible?”

Say what? Cara’s knees nearly buckled, and she extended her arms to maintain her balance. She thought they would set a wedding date far off in the future. What was Brody thinking? He needed to slow down, not react at the speed of light. She tried to catch Brody’s attention, but he was focused on Sariah.

“Our weekends are booked,” Sariah said. “But if you wouldn’t mind a weekday…”

“We don’t mind if you feel you can work within that short time frame.”

“The time frame won’t be a problem.” Sariah spoke with confidence.

“Great.” Brody’s take-charge demeanor took some of the edge off.

Cara knew he would try to manage the situation because that was what he’d done in the past. But two weeks to plan a wedding, even a make-believe one? That didn’t make sense.

Not that any part of this situation did.

“We hope you understand the need for discretion with our plans,” Brody added.

Cara nodded, not trusting her voice. She’d been in L.A. at the beginning of Caitlin and Brody’s rise to fame and understood how this worked. Most rumors didn’t just happen. Leaks—and there would be some in their case—were planned and executed with precision.

Care had to be taken. Brody had the most to lose after Caitlin, but librarian and scandal did not go well together, especially when Cara wanted to be hired by a prestigious university or museum and continue working with children.

“Of course, we understand. No request is too big for our couples.” Sariah’s smile didn’t waver. Planning weddings must be fun—or lucrative—given how happy she seemed. “Why don’t we take a tour, and we can talk about what you have in mind for your special day?”

What? Cara’s hands trembled. Things were moving too fast. She and Brody hadn’t even joked about planning a wedding, let alone discussed details.

He kept his arm around her. “Sounds great.”

Her muscles tightened more. The only thing she could manage was another nod.

Maybe she could get through the meeting without saying anything else. Silence would be better than screwing up. Having Brody so close and touching her made thinking straight impossible, but she didn’t know why that was happening.

Cara was overwhelmed. She’d gone from single and a nobody to engaged and gossip fodder because of her sister’s lies in less than twenty-four hours. That had to be the reason.

Sariah led them into an expansive room with elaborate chandeliers hanging from the fresco-covered ceiling. “This is our main ballroom. As you can see, the space offers many possibilities. We’ve done everything from traditional weddings and receptions to themed ones ranging from Gone with the Wind to Dr. Who.”

“Nice.” Brody stood in front of a bay window. “Cara mentioned a garden wedding.”

Sariah regarded her with interest. “Garden weddings are one of our specialties. We offer indoor and outdoor options for the ceremony, cocktail hour, and the reception.”

Tight knots formed at the back of Cara’s neck as she wiped her palms on her skirt again. She needed to say something. “I attended a lovely garden wedding here last summer, but the most important requirement for us is privacy. I… We’d prefer a small gathering. The guest list will be limited.”

Nonexistent.

“I understand,” Sariah said. “We have ways to ensure your privacy inside and out. I’ll show you our portfolio. This room may feel too spacious, but you’d be amazed what columns or a gazebo can do to make the setting feel more intimate.”

Cara cleared her dry throat. “An indoor gazebo is one way to have a garden wedding without being outside.”

“No worries about weather,” Brody said.

“We have a contingency plan for Mother Nature.” Sariah didn’t hesitate with her reply. She must hear the same questions from every couple. “She can be fickle.”

The sunlight streaming in the windows cast a glow around Brody’s head, making him look as if he were wearing a halo. He was a great guy, but angelic wasn’t an adjective Cara would use to describe him. “The paparazzi would have a harder time if everything was held inside.”

“Indoors or outside, we’ll do everything to ensure this is a private event.” Sariah sounded competent and knowledgeable. “No wedding crashers inside the main gate, high-powered lenses through the hedges, or helicopters overhead allowed.”

“You’ve been through this before,” Brody said.

“Yes.” The fact Sariah didn’t offer more information or drop names were good signs she protected her clients’ privacy. “The Bay View House strives to give each couple a special day to cherish. No two weddings are the same. We endeavor to provide a ceremony and reception that caters to a bride and groom’s individual needs and is uniquely theirs.”

In Brody and Cara’s case, the Bay View House’s effort would be for nothing.

Cara’s stomach hurt, an ache that made her feel icky and dirty, even though she’d showered earlier. Brody had better give the Bay View House a massive tip and offer a client testimonial.

“Let me show you another area.”

Sariah led the way to a room with white molding near the ceiling that provided additional character to the space. “This room is smaller but can accommodate sit-down meals as well as cocktails or a buffet.”

As Cara spun to take in the entire space, a feeling of anticipation built.

Colors flashed in her brain. White. Pink. Not bright. A pale blush. Twinkling lights and tulle hung on the wall. A string quartet played. White linen cloths topped with pink runners covered round tables. Centerpieces overflowed with white and pink roses, and votive candles flickered.

As if the pictures in her mind were real, a sweetly floral scent tickled her nose. The sound of a bow against cello strings stirred her heart. The reception played in her mind like a movie.

Cara could barely breathe, overwhelmed by the images running through her mind and engaging her five senses. She placed her hand over her heart. The pounding matched her rapid pulse. Her throat squeezed shut.

This was the wedding of her dreams, the one of her heart. But she couldn’t plan it now. Not like this. Not with…

Brody touched her shoulder.

She jumped.

He gave a reassuring squeeze but having him closer made this worse. Because another image came to mind—of him as her groom. No other man would do.

She gulped.

Bad. Bad. Bad.

“What do you think?” he asked.

Perfect. But she couldn’t say that or tell him to stop touching her so her brain would function again. She wanted to throw one of Caitlin’s infamous tantrums, call off the fake wedding, and run far, far away so Cara could find a groom of her own—someone who happened to be a Brody Simmons clone.

She couldn’t do any of those things because this was his way out—hers, too—from being under Caitlin’s thumb. Cara wouldn’t leave him to deal with this on his own. Not after being friends since they were little kids.

Remembering times from their childhood gave her an idea. She surveyed the room once more, trying to force the images and her desire for a Pinterest-worthy reception from her mind. “Lovely room, but I think it might be too nice for a picnic.”

Brody’s forehead creased. “Picnic?”

“Tell me what you’re thinking,” Sariah said.

“Well, Brody and I grew up next door to each other, and we hung out in his tree house. We would have picnics in the woods behind our houses or at the local park.”

With a slight smile, he cocked his head to the left. She could tell he was remembering their childhood. “Those were the best times.”

“Yes, they were.” If only they were kids again with no worries except to be home before the sun went down. “I was thinking a picnic-themed wedding would be fun.” And playful. Not elegant, special, or the hundreds of other adjectives she’d imagined less than a minute ago. “If you don’t see any issues with being outside in March.”

“No problem. The temperatures vary, but portable heaters are always an option. We can create a lovely indoor garden setting if it’s too cold or rains.” Sariah beamed. “Sounds like this theme has a special meaning for you.”

“Yes,” Cara and Brody said at the same time.

They both laughed.

His gaze locked on hers. Connected. Energy flowed from his eyes to hers. So strong she wanted to reach out and touch the stream.

Friendship.

Nothing more.

Sariah motioned to doors leading to the backyard. “I’ll show you the various options for an outdoor wedding and picnic reception.”

Brody lowered his hand to the small of Cara’s back. He leaned close, his warm breath against her neck wreaking havoc with her brain and body. “You okay?”

She nodded even though she didn’t feel okay. Far from it.

Somehow, pretending for only a few hours was opening up the dreams she’d locked away over three years ago when Caitlin started dating Brody. Cara needed to shove them into the deep recesses of her heart where they belonged. She couldn’t let herself go back to wanting what she couldn’t have. She’d survived and gotten over her crush the first time. She might not be so lucky again.

What was wrong with her?

All of this was a farce. There wouldn’t be a wedding, no ceremony or a reception, but…

The truth slammed into Cara. She wanted that and a happily ever after, more than she’d wanted anything in her life.

And a part of her—a big part she’d denied for so long—wanted them…with Brody.

No. No. No. Cara couldn’t allow herself to be swept up into the fantasy, but how could she not? Her imagination was in overdrive and trying to carry her away. She glanced at the engagement ring on her finger.

She was over Brody—had been over him for almost three years.

O-V-E-R.

But her heart was forgetting that point.

Brody, wedding. Wedding, Brody.

Those were the only two things on her mind.

So not good.

The diamond on her finger gleamed as if mocking her. Or tempting her.

What was happening? And how did she make it stop?