Fiancé for Hire, page 11
It might’ve been too late for her, but she was keeping her feelings to herself. Drevon was an amazing man, and she loved being in his presence. But neither of them was looking for anything serious. At least that’s what Antika told herself.
After her company’s big celebration, she planned for them to go their separate ways—make a clean break. They’d break off their engagement and tell everyone that they’d decided to just be friends.
While that sounded like their best option, Drevon wasn’t completely on board. He didn’t want them to cut all ties. He insisted they should maintain their friendship, but Antika knew herself. Dre was one of those guys—she couldn’t be friends with him. She would always want more.
Since they couldn’t come to an agreement, Drevon made her promise to keep an open mind and not to do anything rash. She almost laughed in his face considering that was exactly what he’d done to get them into this situation.
Drevon gently shook her. “Well, what’s it gonna be? What do you want to do first?”
“How about lunch? I also want to do some shopping while we’re here. I need a dress for my work event.”
They’d be in town for four days, and they agreed to go with the flow. Antika had never been good at that, but she was going to try. The only concrete plan they had was for dinner tomorrow night with the investor and his wife.
Drevon placed a kiss against the side of her head, and she smiled. Part of her wanted to remind him of the no-kissing rule, but she remembered that she’d vowed to go with the flow.
“Have you ever been on a carriage ride?” he asked, his breath warm against her ear.
“No, I haven’t. You?”
“Nope, but I think it would be something fun to do with you,” he said, and her heart flipped inside her chest.
“Dre…”
“Don’t say no. Remember, we might be here for me to meet with the investor, but we’re also on a mini-vacation. We’re required to have a good time. So what do you say to the carriage ride? Wanna create a first for both of us?”
“Well, when you put it like that. Sure, let’s do it, but after we get something to eat.”
“Sounds good, but let’s unpack and change into something more comfortable.”
“Great idea.”
While unpacking their bags, Drevon marveled at how domestic and natural it felt to have Antika in his space. He had emptied a draw for her and made room in his closet. It was weird being this comfortable with her considering they didn’t know each other well. On the other hand, it seemed like they’d known each other forever.
They were just about to leave out the door when Drevon’s cell phone rang. He glanced at the screen, not recognizing the number. His first thought was to let it go to voicemail, but then he reconsidered. He had several calls into people he wanted to see while in town. It could be one of them.
“Hold on a minute, babe. Let me get this,” he said before answering the call. “Hello.”
“How can you be engaged?” the person on the other end of the line screamed.
Drevon gripped the phone and gritted his teeth. Kendall.
“You told me that you didn’t want to get married. You told me that was not a part of your life goals.” She was still screaming at him, and Drevon started to hang up, but changed his mind.
“Kendall,” he said, and glanced up just as Antika turned to look at him. “First of all, let’s be clear. When I said that I’d never get married, I was talking about that I would never marry you. We weren’t a good fit.”
It was more than that, and she knew it. So he didn’t bother rehashing something they had discussed more than once.
“No! Those are the lies you tell yourself. You know as well as I do that we’re perfect for each other. And I saw a picture of your supposed fiancée. No way will I ever believe that you left me for her!”
“You can believe what you want, but she’s the one I chose,” he said, maintaining eye contact with Antika and meaning every word.
No, they weren’t heading for holy matrimony, but he could see her in his life forever. Which was more than he could say for Kendall who was rude, self-centered, and manipulative. There would never be room in his life for someone like that.
“Goodbye, Kendall. Oh, and lose my damn number.”
“Don’t you dare hang up on me again!” she yelled, just as he clicked the disconnect button.
He blocked the number, then pocketed his phone before smiling at Antika. “Ready for some fun?”
She smiled at him, and that same heat that punched through his chest and made his heart beat faster whenever she looked at him was back.
Drevon wasn’t ready to put a name to the emotion. Yet, one thing was getting hard to ignore—Antika was chipping away at the wall around his heart.
Chapter Twenty
They were only halfway into their long weekend, and Antika was enjoying every minute.
The carriage ride around Central Park, snuggled up with Drevon the day before, had been akin to living a fairytale. She’d only seen moments like that in movies and books, but to experience something so sweet and relaxing had her feeling like Cinderella. Then shopping in stores that she never would’ve ventured into, had taken her experience with her fiancé to new heights.
All she kept thinking yesterday was—so this is how the other half lives. This was also what it felt like to be in a loving relationship with a man who treasured you. Right now, it didn’t matter that their charades had an end date. She was tucking away each experience into her memory bank to be pull out during those times when Drevon would no longer be in her life.
The thought made her a little sad, but at least she’d have the memories.
It was the night of the meeting with Drevon’s potential investor, and they’d just stepped into the Michelin-starred Italian restaurant. Antika inhaled the amazing aroma of fresh baked bread, fresh garlic, oregano, and other spices that made her mouth water. Though she was a little nervous about meeting this couple, she couldn’t wait to sample the foods of the celebrity chef who owned the establishment.
“Right this way, Mr. Ross,” the hostess, dressed in a sleek black dress and four-inch heels said, and led them through the restaurant.
Antika was glad that people barely spared them a glance, but that didn’t settle her nerves. She tightened her hold on Drevon’s hand. He was as cool as usual, and she didn’t know how he did it. He was getting ready to meet with someone who could say yay or nay to supporting one of his lifelong dreams, and he didn’t seem worried in the least bit.
“Is this okay?” the hostess asked, referring to the table located in a secluded area of the restaurant and perfect for talking business.
“This is perfect,” Drevon said, and pulled the chair out for Antika.
“Wonderful. Your server, Monica, will be with you shortly.”
“Thank you,” they said in unison.
Drevon unbuttoned his suit jacket before claiming the seat next to her. They both were facing the entrance and would be able to see the other two people in their party when they arrive.
“How do you…” Antika started, but stopped when the server arrived at the table and took their drink orders.
Drevon rested his arm on the back of her chair and spoke after the server left the table. “What were you going to say?”
God, when he was this close to her, she could barely think straight. His fresh scent, his gorgeous face, his powerful presence, they all did wicked things to her peace of mind.
“I was going to ask how you feel and if you were nervous. But considering you’re not shivering next to me, I think that answers my question.”
He flashed her a confident grin.
“I’m good. I’ve been working on this project for a while, and I’ve talked to so many people about it already. I have my speech down pat, and I already know this guy is interested in learning more about the project.”
Drevon had told her a little about the action flick. The screenplay was done, and he had identified a film director for the project. He even shared with her who his dream cast would be. The movie idea sounded amazing, and Antika had no doubt that whatever Drevon set out to do would be successful.
She was so proud of him. Listening to him explain where he was in the whole process, and how close he was to seeing his dream come to fruition, made Antika made her want this for him. She also loved that he was comfortable enough and trusted her enough to share details about the project.
“They’re here,” he whispered, and they both stood when an older Black couple headed in their direction.
As they approached, the man’s wife gave Antika a warm smile, which she returned, and she immediately felt comfortable.
“Mr. & Mrs. Hardison, great seeing you again,” Drevon said and shook the man’s hand and kissed the woman on the cheek.
“We’re well past formalities. I told you to call us by our first names. I’m Graham, and this is my wife Janita.”
Drevon nodded and smiled at the couple. “Graham and Janita it is—and this is Antika.”
“Your fiancée. It’s a pleasure to meet you, young lady,” Graham said.
His wife squeezed Antika’s hand and gave her another warm smile. “Congratulations on your engagement.”
She and Drevon thanked the couple before they all took their seats.
Graham signaled for the server. “We’ll have to order a bottle of champagne to celebrate.”
Guilt sliced through Antika. Hearing the man refer to her as Drevon’s fiancée was like taking a punch to the gut. She hated lying to people, but now that they’d started this charade, they had to keep it going. At least for now.
She was not looking forward to when they’d have to “break up.”
Watching Antika chat with Janita made Drevon’s respect for her grow higher. She knew how important this meeting was to him and had gone beyond the call of duty to befriend Graham’s wife. He had already thought she was incredible, but seeing how well versed she was on almost every subject made him proud to be in her presence.
They were also a good team. He had told her enough about his project to the point that she was able to speak on it. He’d been even more impressed when Janita asked Antika what she thought about the project. She’d been able to articulate her thoughts, her concerns, and when she told the couple that she supported him one hundred percent, Drevon had been about ready to marry her on the spot.
She’s your fake fiancée. This is not real, that irritating voice in the back of his mind screamed.
Still, even knowing that their relationship wasn’t real didn’t stop him from imagining what it would be like to have her by his side forever.
At the end of dinner, instead of leaving with Graham and Janita, Drevon and Antika hung out at the bar for a nightcap. They shared their thoughts about how they thought the meeting went, and if there was anything he should include in future pitches to potential investors.
They had just finished their drinks when Drevon glanced toward the entrance.
Kendall and two other women stood near the hostess stand.
“Ahh, hell,” he grumbled.
Kendall lived in Manhattan, but of all the restaurants in the city, why’d she have to choose that one? He already knew that she hadn’t tracked him there since she had no way of doing that. His location setting on his phone was turned off, and only a handful of people knew he was in the city.
Antika’s gaze whipped to him. “What’s wrong?”
He leaned close to her ear as he stood. “Kendall is here.”
There were quite a few people near the entrance, and she was deep in conversation with the women she walked in with.
“She hasn’t seen us,” Drevon said. “Maybe we can ease out of here before she does.”
“Good idea.”
Antika stook and Drevon folded her hand within his and led her toward the exit, but not before Kendall glanced their way.
Shit. Here we go.
At least they were close to the door and outside of earshot of those eating dinner.
“I know you’re not trying to leave without saying hello,” Kendall said when she approached, a sickishly sweet smile spread across her dark red lips. She lifted her face up to kiss him, but Drevon leaned back, causing her to kiss air.
“Don’t even think about it. You lost that privilege a long time ago,” he said, unable to keep the rage out of his tone.
Hurt flashed in her eyes but disappeared just as quickly.
“So, are you going to introduce me to your date?” she asked, looking at Antika as if she was shit on the bottom of her overpriced shoes.
“I hadn’t planned to introduce you to my fiancée. As a matter of fact, we were just leaving.” He steered Antika toward the door where others were entering, but Kendall blocked their path.
“Oh, I see how it is. You’re embarrassed by her, and don’t want anyone to know you’re slumming. I guess you have to settle for less when you’ve already had the best.”
“Dre,” Antika said in mock exasperation as she stared up at him with her hands on his chest. He recognized the mischief in her eyes and wondered what she’d say. “I don’t need to meet any more of your groupies tonight. Can we go?”
Kendall gasped. “Excuse you. Do you know who I am?” she said indignantly, and Drevon couldn’t help but laugh.
When he glanced at Antika, he didn’t miss the smile flirting around her pretty lips. She was probably remembering what he was recalling—the day they first met. He’d said the same thing to her when she told his aunt that he wasn’t what she requested.
That seemed like a lifetime ago but was only a few weeks, he thought as he grabbed her hand and kissed the back of it.
“Heffa, don’t act like you don’t know me,” Kendall said, moving a little closer, but Drevon blocked her, making sure he stayed between her and Antika. “Don’t worry, I ain’t gon’ do nothing to your chubby girlfriend.”
“Be careful, Kendall,” Drevon warned, his voice an octave lower.
“I just want to make sure she knows that I had you first.” She looked around Drevon to see Antika. “You should be thanking me. You’re probably benefiting from everything I taught him in the bedroom. So you’re welcome.”
What did he ever see in this witch?
“Jealousy is not a good look on you, Kendall. Now move out the way.”
“Not until you and I talk. I’ve been calling you.”
She sighed loudly and put a little space between them and flashing him one of her smiles that she used to use to get stuff out of him. He already knew he wasn’t going to like whatever she had to say.
“I wanted to congratulate you. I heard that you’re working on producing a movie. That’s incredible. I hope you consider me for one of the roles. It doesn’t have to be the lead, but I’m sure I’d nail it.”
Drevon stared at her, assuming she was joking. When he realized she wasn’t, he laughed in her face.
He inched toward her, but Antika held tight to his hand, probably trying to keep him from doing something stupid, like strangle his ex. He squeezed her hand back, hoping to reassure her that he had himself under control.
Leaning in, he said to Kendall, “You insult my fiancée, and you think I’m going to offer you a part in my movie? You’re even more delusional than usual. You will never be a part of any of my projects. Not only that. If someone in the industry contacts me about you for any potential roles, I plan to tell them the truth. Find someone else, because Kendall Monroe is not worth the stress.”
She reared back and gasped. “How dare you! If you even think about spreading lies about me, I’ll—”
“See, that’s just it, Kendall, they won’t be lies. Now, I suggest you stay the hell away from me and lose my damn number or else.”
He turned from her and gripped Antika’s hand tighter. “Let’s go, baby.”
Chapter Twenty-One
The moment they stepped outside, Antika exhaled the breath she hadn’t realized she was holding. She didn’t like drama. She tried to keep it out of her life as best she could and being around Kendall reminded her why. It made people look like fools.
The woman had issues—and the sad part was that she probably didn’t even realize it.
Then again, maybe she was trying to get into character for a reality show. One of those where people were always at each other’s throats, tearing down one another, or physically fighting. If that was the case, she was nailing the role, because her behavior in that restaurant was deplorable.
How Drevon ended up with someone like Kendall was a mystery. They didn’t fit.
Antika knew in many relationships, opposites attract, but those two? Nah, there was no way their relationship would’ve ever lasted.
Drevon was kind, generous, and didn’t hesitate to step up to help someone in need, while Kendall came across as self-absorbed, inconsiderate, and dumb.
The fact that she was acting like a jerk in public—not caring that some of her fans might see or hear her—said a lot about her. She lacked common sense, and it was clear that the two women with her weren’t really her friends. Otherwise, they would’ve tried to stop her from making a fool of herself.
But the kicker was when she asked Drevon for a role in his movie? Who does that? Especially after insulting him and his woman.
“So that was Kendall, huh?” Antika finally said to Drevon as he hailed a cab.
He snorted. “Yeah, unfortunately. Sorry for the crap she said and the way she acted. I wish I could say that wasn’t her norm.”
“No need to apologize. At least I see why your aunt was anxious to get you a date with a real woman.” She wiggled her eyebrows up and down the way he often did to get her to laugh.
Drevon stared at her for a moment, then threw back his head and laughed. People walking by looked at them in amusement, and he didn’t pull himself together until a taxi swerved out of traffic and stopped on a dime in front of them.
She loved making him laugh because he laughed with his whole body, and it stirred something powerful inside of her. Except for running into Kendall, this had been a fun night.
