Page 27 of Seduced in Ink

That startled a laugh out of her.

“Fuck this?” she asked, still laughing.

“Yes. Fuck this. We’re going to make this work. We’re going to be the best fake engaged couple ever. And I’m going to hold your hand and hold the door for you. And then I’m going to pull your chair out for you. I’m going to be amazing. The world will be jealous that I am not their fake fiancé.”

“I’m pretty sure some are already jealous,” Madison said dryly.

Aaron pulled into the circular driveway and gave her a startled look. “What?”

She waved him off. “Brynn and the girls at the café already chitter and get all swoony over you. The fact that I’m the one who ‘tagged’ you?” She used air quotes on the wordtagged, and Aaron barked out a laugh.

The two of them laughing was the first thing Madison’s family heard from the front steps. The McClard valet—yes, they had a valet for the evening—had opened the doors to Aaron’s car, and their laughter was clear for all to hear.

Well, then. That was a good way to start. Wasn’t it?

Aaron quickly got out of the car, gave the keys to the valet, and went to Madison’s side. She was already halfway out and just smiled, sliding her hand into his offered palm as he helped her out.

He had his jacket and the flowers in his other hand and knew he likely wasn’t making the best impression, but they were laughing. And when she leaned into him, her eyes bright, he couldn’t help but think that maybe this was working.

The ruse.

Nothing else.

Nothing else needed to work.

You ready?” Aaron whispered.

“Always.”

They held hands as they ascended the stairs. Madison’s parents stood in the overly large doorway, the glass archway stunning though very intimidating—probably precisely what they intended.

“Mother, Father,” Madison said, her voice deceptively light.

“Madison. Aaron.”

Aaron resisted the urge to clear his throat before making sure Madison was steady on her heels before handing the flowers over to Madison’s mother. They were not grocery store flowers, they were hothouse lilies, ones from a very fancy nursery nearby. One of his friends knew the owner and had been able to get in and find out exactly what Maeve McClard preferred. Aaron saw the surprise on her face for a bare instant before her eyes cooled, and she took the flowers with a nod.

“Thank you, Aaron.”

“Thank you for welcoming me into your home,” he said, his voice pleasant. He squeezed Madison’s hand before her parents moved back, welcoming them into the house.

“You have a lovely home,” Aaron said.

“I know. We worked long and hard on it. It’s our pride and joy. Much like Madison here. Well, much like she was anyway.”

At that pointed remark, Mrs. McClard handed over the flowers to her maid, who stood nearby, before gesturing towards the sitting room.

“Come. We can meet our other guest.”

Aaron frowned, but Madison spoke up first. “Guest? I thought you just wanted us here for dinner.”

“Of course, we do. But why would we want just the two of you?” Maeve’s heels tapped on the marble as she made her way, her husband right behind her.

“I have a bad feeling about this,” Madison whispered.

“We can still escape. I may have to tackle the valet for the keys, but we can make it work.”

“Let’s go,” she whispered. Aaron took a step back, trying to tug her away, but she stood firm.