Austin snaked an arm around her waist and pulled her against him. A little practice couldn’t hurt.
“Did you say fiancé?” a female voice asked as they entered the kitchen. “Oh my goodness! Congratulations, Debbie!” A pretty curly-haired blond, wearing an apron, circled the island and wrapped her arms around Debbie, who grimaced at him over the woman’s shoulder.
Austin was still trying to figure out what was happening when Debbie pulled back and made introductions.
“Amy, I’d like you to meet Austin Reed, my— fiancé.” Debbie gave him an apologetic look. “Austin, this is Amy Young. She works at Charity’s Diner. I asked her to cook and serve dinner for us tonight.”
Amy thrust out her hand. “I didn’t realize this would be an engagement party. I would have made something a little fancier.”
“It’s not an engagement party.” Austin shook Amy’s hand and gave her what he hoped looked like a friendly smile before turning back to Debbie. “You’re not cooking tonight?”
She forced a laugh. “I’ve been so nervous today, I was afraid we’d have a repeat of the lasagna disaster.”
Austin chuckled. “Yeah, that wouldn’t make a good impress—” He stopped himself and shook his head. “Why am I worried about impressing Cheyenne?”
Debbie smiled at Amy. “Would you excuse us, please?” She took his arm and guided him out of the kitchen. “Sorry for calling you my fiancé in front of Amy. I know we discussed keeping this pretend engagement quiet.”
He waved away her apology. “I told the kids last night, so I’m sure word will get around. I figured it wouldn’t look good if Cheyenne said something to one of the boys about us being engaged and they were clueless.”
“Right.” Debbie smoothed her dress again. “Listen, Austin. When you have money, people expect you to act a certain way.Youdon’t need to impress Cheyenne, but she and Tucker will examine everythingIdo. And if she finds me lacking, we’ll both hear about it.” She waved her hands at him, flashing sparkling rings and red fingernails—nails that were pink yesterday. “That’s why I got a fresh manicure today and hired Amy to cook and serve dinner tonight. That’s also why I had the cleaning company that usually only comes twice a month make an extra visit today.”
Debbie uses a cleaning company?
Of course she does. This house is huge. It’s too much work for one person to clean.
He sighed. “I’m sorry I dragged you into this. You shouldn’t have to go to extra lengths to impress my ex-wife.”
“I’m not sorry.” She grabbed his arm. “I’d do anything for your kids. Just promise not to hold anything I say or do tonight against me.”
“What do you mean?”
“If Cheyenne gets catty, I’ll probably reciprocate to an extent. Just remember I’m playing a part and that’s not who I really am.”
The hairs stood up on the back of Austin’s neck. What was he getting into? Cheyenne could be vicious. He wasn’t worried about the kids seeing that side of their mother, but he didn’t want them to view Debbie in a bad light. Good thing they wouldn’t be here tonight.
“Which of your sisters did you saddle the kids with?”
“I asked Joy first, and she said yes. Then she decided to invite Sheila’s family over too and make a party of it.”
“Did you tell them why we wanted them to watch the kids?”
“I told them you needed some moral support while you met with your ex-wife and her husband.”
“But you didn’t tell them we’re engaged?” The collar of Austin’s shirt suddenly felt too tight even though he hadn’t bothered to wear a tie. A white lie was so much easier to get away with when you kept it to yourself.
“No, but if you told the boys, I’m sure they’ll know before the night’s over.” Her brow furrowed as she grimaced again.
He shoved his hands into his pockets. “Yep, and I told Savvy she can’t tell anyone the truth. Cheyenne and Tucker aren’t from here, but all they’d have to do is ask a few questions around town, and they’d figure out we aren’t really engaged.”
Debbie stepped closer and smoothed the lapels of his jacket. “Then we need to make sure we’re convincing.”
Her heavenly perfume surrounded him like a gentle, seductive cloud, drawing him in. He slid his arms around her waist and pulled her against himself.
She fit so nicely in his arms.
His gaze locked on her brilliant blue eyes, spotting the green spokes there. No one would doubt his attraction to Debbie. He had a feeling it showed on his face.
Debbie was an amazing woman with so many admirable qualities. If she wasn’t so wealthy—no, if he wasn’t so hung up on his pride over her net worth—Austin could totally picture a future with her.
