I call Thea and ask her to meet me at the mall. As soon as I see her, I scowl.
"Thea, how could you not tell me about the document?" I cried. "You could have at least warned me!"
She blinks a few times. "What document?"
"Oh, I don't know. The one you signed this morning, maybe?" I replied sassily.
"I have no idea what you're talking about," she said, confusion eminent on her face. She looks sincere but I still can't let it go.
"Does the name Adam Owens ring any bells?"
"Oh! Yea, he showed up on my doorstep this morning and asked for my autograph," she beamed. "He looked amazing, I'll tell you! I don't know why he was wanted it, now that I think about it . . . Damn it, I should have asked him for his!" She exclaimed.
"Did he get mad because I didn't?"
It doesn't take me long to realize what actually happened. "So you just signed a document without knowing what it was about?" I deadpanned.
"To be fair, it was really early, and he looked like a god," she remarked.
"Jesus, Thea! You signed a contract saying that Adam and I are married!" I said exasperatingly.
"I DID?"
"Yes! He accidentally got married in Vegas and now his new wife is suing him for everything he owns," I explained.
"Woah, what a witch! What's he going to do?" She sympathized.
"More like what am I going to do," I lamented.
"Huh?"
"To prevent it from happening, I need to pretend to be his fake wife." I sighed.
"Oh my God. No freaking way . . . I'm going to faint!" She throws her arm around me and squeals, "I'm so happy for you!"
I gently push her away and narrow my eyes at her. "Woah, Thea. It's FAKE! We don't even have feelings for each other."
"Maybe not right now." She wiggles her eyebrows at me. Jesus, this woman. "You're going to be such a great fake wife that he'll want to marry you for real," she blurted.
Marry me for real?
"Thea, you're crazy. I'm only doing this because he promised to upgrade me to a Music Production Assistant," I explained.
"Sure, you are sweetie," she grinned. I sigh and roll my eyes, wishing she'd let this go. "I mean, let's be real. Every heterosexual woman would kill to be his wife; fake or not. You should enjoy it while it lasts," she advised.
"I guess you have a point," I agreed with a nod.
"Naturally. Now, let's do some shopping!" She announced and dragged me into a boutique in the mall.
"So what do you need? I have to say, this was out of the blue. I thought you'd be working now."
"I was supposed to, but-- Adam and I are making an appearance as husband and wife tonight." I flash her the platinum card, and her eyes go wide. "I need to wear something amazing! It's the red carpet after all," I laughed.
"Say no more! I have just the right outfit for you!" She disappears for a while then returns with a handful of dresses in her arm.
"I thought you said you had the ONE perfect outfit?" I giggled.
"I found several more!" She shrugged.
"Okay then! I'll be right back." I entered into the changing room and put on an all black leather and lace outfit.
The blouse is the lace part with strings from the left and right meeting at the middle to form a net, exposing the sides of both my breast. The skirt is black leather, with a belt at the back that hugs my curves, attenuating them. I put on gold loop earrings and a bracelet.
I turn to check myself in the mirror. Wow . . . I look amazing. I step out of the changing room and head toward Thea.
"Adam will die when he sees you in this," she exclaimed. "Actually, scratch that- everyone will."
"Thanks, Thea." I glance at my phone to check the time. "Shoot, I have to pay for this and run. I have to meet Adam in twenty minutes."
"Are you ready?" She asked softly.
"As ready as I've ever be," I replied nervously with a small shrug.
***
I rush to the office, already dressed in the newly bought outfit. Everyone is looking at me as I approach Adam.
"Hey, am I late?" I questioned, a little out of breath.
"No, you're just on time." He too is dressed up; with a navy blue tuxedo, white shirt and a black bow tie, he looks yummilicious. "Wow, you look . . ."
"Good?" I interjected.
"Definitely." He scans me head to toe, and I give him a small twirl. He grins, "very good."
"Thanks!"
He offers me his arm, and I link it with mine. He gazes at me as he asks, "Are you ready to make an entrance on the red carpet?"
I hesitate, my heart beating a hundred beats per minute. "Mr. Owens, I'm really nervous," I confessed.
"Mrs. Owens. Don't worry, I'll be with you every step of the way." He gives me a peck on the cheek, and I blush at the untold display of affection, and instantly calm down.
"Okay. I'll try to make it through," I shyly said.
"Good. Let's go then, my love." As we leave the office everyone's eyes are on us.
When we walk through the door into a cafe I've never seen before, my mouth gapes open.
"What is this place? And weren't we supposed to go to the red carpet event?" I asked, my eyes drinking in the cuteness of the place.
"Soon- we have to make an appearance here first. And to answer your first question; it's called ‘Love Cafe’."
"This place is just so cute!" I squealed with excitement.
"At least one of us likes it," he remarked and looked around the restaurant. "I bought it a month ago when my financial advisor suggested it might be a good investment."
"You own this place?!" I gasped.
"Why the surprised face?"
"It's not really your style," I chuckled.
He sighs. "I was planning on renovating it and giving it a more elegant theme, but-- it's come in handy now." He raises his hand and brushes it against my cheek. "I am so beyond happy that we found some time to go on this date, Payton. Every moment with you feels like a dream."
I widen my eyes, not sure what's happening with him. Did he hit his head today or something?
But then I catch a movement in the corner of my eye, and I see several cameras flashing. The realization dawn's in me. He's already playing the part! But surprisingly, he doesn't seem to have much experience with romantic phrases. I guess he's much more used to bedding women than marrying them.
We sit at a table for two, opposite each other. We both check out our respective drink menus, and I'm surprised at the selection.
"Order whatever you'd like," he said.
There's a drink that stands out from the others. "Love Milkshake for Couples." I glance at the paparazzi preying at us through the window.
If we order this and act all lovey-dovey, our date will be more convincing. I'd also like to see the look on Adams face when it arrives!
I'm not sure Adam will play the part anyway, he might not like anything that we haven't planned well.
"I don't think I want anything. I'm too nervous," I remarked.
His face softens. "How about some water? If anyone asks about it, we'll just say that you're steering clear of coffee and alcohol. They'll think you're either pregnant or on a diet," he laughed.
"That sounds acceptable," I said with a laugh. He's good at making me laugh... I order a glass of water while Adam requests for some Irish coffee.
A whole hour passes before we leave, and Adam leaves a huge tip on our way out.
***
Adam and I step out on the red carpet, and I am instantly blinded by camera flashes. There are journalist and reporters everywhere, screaming out name.
Wow, is this how it feels to be a star?
Sensing my hesitation Adam smiles at me and takes my hand. "Are you ready?"
I nod shyly.
Just as I start to say something, a journalist yells, " Adam, over here!" and gets his full attention. When Adam points his chin towards him, the journalist instantly attacks with his question.
"For how long did you and Miss Pritchard have a secret relationship?" The journalist asked.
"We dated for about four months before we got married," Adam lied."How did you two meet?" He questioned."She used to deliver pizza for a living, and the first time she knocked on my door, I couldn't take my eyes off her. I found myself ordering pizza almost everyday which really wasn't good for my figure," he answered.Some journalists chuckle."So instead, I offered her a job, thinking it'd pass. It only made it worse. Until one day, I finally talked myself into asking her out . . .and she said yes." Adam turns his head and looks at me.His eyes burn with passion and desire as he takes me in. "She's the most beautiful woman woman I've ever laid my eyes on." His gaze dips to my lips, and my heart starts to beat faster.Did he really mean that? If not, he's one hell of an actor! Right at that moment, a journalist yells, ‘Give us a kiss!’" My eyes go wide, unsure what Adam is going to do. He accepts the challenge.He places his hand around my waist, and he gently pulls me closer to h
A few hours later;Adam is pacing the floor with his hands behind his head. His best friend, Paul, is sitting in one of the arm chairs, while I'm standing and looking at them while leaning against the wall. The air is tense."This is such a mess. I can't believe she's doing this to me!" Adam fumed, his tone slightly aggravated."Calm down. I'm the best lawyer in town. We'll fix this," Paul reassured."I don't understand what's happening right now. Can someone please explain?" I begged."My wife is suing me for half of my fortune, that's what's happening!!" Adam bellowed."I knew that. But why was she so certain that I wasn't your real wife?" I queried."God, my head is killing me," he groaned, stopping his pacing and rubbed a hand down his face to his chin."Let's focus for a while, alright? I won't let her screw you over," Paul voiced out."And how are you going to stop her?" Adam sneered.Paul strokes his chin and addresses us. "Well, first if all, you two need to move in together,
"Adam?" I breathlessly called out."Yeah?" He hummed in response.I take a step back and turn my head away, averting my eyes from his handsome face and tempting lips."It's probably best if I leave. I need to start packing my stuff since I'm moving in with you," I announced."Yeah, right. You do that.""I'll see you later." I start to walk towards the door. I flip my hair and add a little sway to my hips as I make my way to the door. Once I reach it, I turn around and see him smirking.I bet he liked the show. ***I look at all my stuff, now neatly packed in boxes and suitcases. It's been three days since the red carpet rendezvous and I still can't believe I'm doing this.Marriage was one thing, but living together?Just then, my phone pings and I see it's a message from Adam.Adam- Are you getting here soon?Payton- I'm still waiting for the moversAdam- Well, hurry upPayton- Oh . . .Payton- Hey, it's not up to me.Payton- I'm doing my best.Adam- I know, I know. The thing is, I h
I must be seeing things. There's no way there's a pair of handcuffs on his bedpost!I close my eyes and open them again.Nope, the handcuffs are still there. Who is this man, really? He's proving to be much more interesting than I imagined.I hear footsteps behind me. I turn around and give Adam my most sheepish smile knowing I'd been caught."I thought I told you not to enter my room?""I was just...""You were just what?""See, the thing is..." He arches an eyebrow and I sigh. I can't wiggle my way out of this. "The door stood ajar, and I got a little curious... So I peeked inside. I'm really sorry. I promise to stay out of your bedroom from now on."I move to walk past him but he takes a step to stand in front of me. "Where do you think you're going?" He asked."Since you don't want me in here, I thought I'd leave as soon as possible," I explained."I won't let you off the hook that easy, Payton.""Is that so?" He tilts his head to the side and smirks. "I never expected I'd get suc
I can't stop staring at the box of condoms in his drawer. He bought them today, that much was clear. And he obviously had someone on his mind when he bought the box.Is he sleeping with someone else? Maybe someone from the office?Most girls would be more than willing to jump his bones if they had the chance. Or...Maybe he's expecting to sleep with ME?I leave the office feeling confused and worried.***I arrive quicker than I thought and Adam meets me in the hallway."Did you find the contract?" He asked expectantly."Yes." I hand him the contract without making eye contact."Thank you for bringing me this," he said."Whatever." I turn to leave, but he grabs my arm and spins me around."Hey, wait a minute. Are you in a hurry or something?" He inquired."Something like that," I replied.His eyebrows pinch together and he looks me deep in the eyes. "Is everything okay?""Of course. Why wouldn't it be?" I answered with a fake smile plastered on my face."I don't believe you," he frown
"What?" I cried out, my heart pumps loudly in my chest. A honeymoon?Adam smirks and grabs my waist to pull me closer. "You heard me, Payton.""Yeah, but I just don't understand." My brows furrowed."What don't you understand?""Why would we go on a honeymoon when we're not even actually married?" I queried."There are two good reasons for that," he answered. "One, we both desperately need a vacation." Can't argue with that. "Two, it would be weird if we didn't go now that everyone knows that we're married," he finished."Oh, really? And you don't have a secret motive at all? Like getting me alone without any distractions?" I inquired, arms folded across my white night top.He smirks. "Well, I guess you'll have to find out tomorrow.""Why, what's happening tomorrow?""That's when we're leaving." He presses a lingering kiss on my cheek, and then strides out of the kitchen.God, what have I gotten myself into?***Later in the day, I quickly text Thea to tell her of my current status.
When I go to brush my teeth, the next day, I find Adam stretching in the living room."Good morning," he greeted, rewarding me with a smile."Morning," I hummed, knotting the rope of my robe lightly."How did you sleep?""Perfectly. This hotel isn't kidding around–that bed is heavenly. And waking up next to you was even better," I praised."I'm happy to hear that," he grinned. "What would you like to do today?"I put my hand in my chin, pretending to think. "How about we go to the beach?" I suggested, eyes shiny brightly."You want to hit that wave?" He asked, giving me a look of disbelief."We're at the Bahamas," I huffed, "of course, I do!"Adam laughs as I run to pick out my bathing suit. I choose a gorgeous red bikini that ties in front. Just as I put it on, Adam enters, already in his beach attire; just some smug shirts that didn't leave much to my imagination.His eyes rove over my body as they drink me in. I see his Adams apple bob up and down as he tries hard to hide how attra
"I really needed that massage. I feel a lot less tense now," Adam remarked, an hour later as we walked back to our room."Me too. We should do that more often," I concurred."I have massage oil back at my house. Maybe next time, we can do it on each other," he suggested with a wry grin. I blush, suddenly imagining him pouring oil all over my body, touching me.Maybe he'd reach between my legs, work me up and then . . . "You okay?" Adam asked and I coughed trying to get the dirty images that just appeared out of my head."Yeah, of course," I stuttered, "that sounds nice.""Let's go out for dinner tonight," he suggested. "We need to appear the happy couple, remember? Especially since Nina is here . . . I bet she's keeping a close eye on us," he scowled."You're right," I agreed. "I can get ready in fifteen, does that work?""Perfect. I'll wait for you downstairs," he said and leaves me to get ready. I start doing my hair and make up.I want to look sexy tonight so I put on an orange se