Marrying My Fake Boyfriend

“So, how much are you under?” she asked.

“Enough that I can’t get myself out of it.” Brad felt far too embarrassed to admit how far it went. He held up a hand when he saw Cherrelle’s expression change. “Look, I’m not asking for money, and I won’t accept any from you. I’m not like that.”

Cherrelle looked thoughtful for a moment. She sipped at her cola. “Are you single?”

“I beg your pardon?”

“Are you married? In a relationship? What?”

Brad was still reeling from the sudden question but he managed to find the words. “I’m single.”

“Then this might work.” Cherrelle looked relieved – relieved? – and she leaned forward. Brad tried not to look down her blouse, which was opened in a subtle V on her chest. “I’m in a bit of a situation, Brad. Well, a big one. My parents are arranging me to marry this guy…”

“Arranging? I thought that sort of thing went out decades ago in first-world countries.”

“Not with my family,” Cherrelle said bitterly. “My friends worked hard to get their millions. I’m the only one with billions. I’m the only one who came from money. Setting up a popular dating website was the result of being bored.” She snorted. “My father believes because he has billions he can control everyone. Have you heard of Jason Colney?”

“I’ve heard of him. Ruthless shark, from what I’ve read.” Brad didn’t have much of a good opinion of the man, who came across in his articles as arrogant. He claimed to be worried about people but was making sure those who didn’t have money were made virtually homeless when he demolished their homes to make way for bigger, better ones.

“They’re planning to set me up with him.”

Brad didn’t know what to say. He chose his words carefully. “Sounds like a good match.”

Cherrelle scoffed rudely. She held up one finger. “One, I don’t want to be paired off and forced into marriage,” she said firmly. “That’s on my own terms.” She held up another finger. “And two, I don’t like Jason. I find him repulsive. He wants my business and my money, not me. I will not have him as my husband.”

Brad was not stupid. He had shown that over the years he could read between the lines. And he read between the lines of what Cherrelle wanted. “So, you want a fake fiancé to get your parents off your back and you don’t have to marry Jason.”

“You catch on quick.”

“I’m certainly not stupid.” Brad fitted the pieces together. “So, you want me to act as a sort of escort.”

Cherrelle grinned. “Exactly.”

“Why not call an escort service?”

Cherrelle sighed. “My aunt runs an escort service. She got bored as much as I did lounging around with lots of money and nothing of any great importance to do. She would find out in a heartbeat, whether it was her company or not. No, it would have to be someone else.” She sat back and toyed with her fork. “Sarah and I have vetted several men, but no one is up to scratch.”

“Damn.” Brad pretended to be hurt. “And I thought you were picking me because I had the looks.”

“$50,000 now and $50,000 when it’s a success. That should help you out of a hole.”

Brad was floored. That amount of money would easily get in back in the black and have some left over. It was the source of all his problems. And all he had to do was pose as Cherrelle’s boyfriend for a while.

But he wasn’t celebrating yet. He knew there was a catch somewhere. There always was when a proposition too good to be true was put before someone.

“What are the conditions?” he asked carefully.

Cherrelle grinned. She seemed to know she had caught him easily. “I have a few social engagements, so I will need an escort there. You accompany me to my parents’ for dinner a few times. You don’t need to live with me, but we’ll have some of your stuff at my place and vice versa to put on a facade.”

“What about PDA? And all that?”

“PDA is fine. Just not over the top.” Cherrelle held up a hand. “But no s*x. This is for appearances only.”

Brad swallowed. He would be able to kiss the woman he had fantasized about for years when they were studying. Hold her hand, act like she was his for a time. The s*x part didn’t sit well with him, but he wasn’t a monster; he would respect Cherrelle’s wishes.

“Fine. No s*x. I can do that.” He coughed and willed his body to stop building its arousal. “I just need to look affectionate.”

Cherrelle looked pleased that he had caught on quickly. She reached into her handbag and pulled out a checkbook. Fishing out a pen, she quickly scribbled out a check and tore it off, putting it on the table in front of him.

“Here’s the check. And here’s my number. I’ll need yours and your address.”

She took out a small notepad and held it out with the pen. After a moment’s hesitation, Brad took the pen and wrote down what she wanted. “This feels really clinical.”

“I know. But I’d rather have a friend help me out than be a pawn for my parents.” Cherrelle took the pad and pen back and stowed them away with her checkbook into her bag. “Dad doesn’t like the fact I’ve got a business and wants me back under his control. So, he’s making up the reason I said if I’m not married by now he would arrange it. Then Jason would take over my business and leave me at Dad’s mercy.”

“They can’t be that bad.”

Cherrelle snorted. “Talk to Jim. He’ll confirm it.” She gathered up her bag and stood, her burger only half-finished. “My parents want us at their house on Sunday for dinner. I’ll text you tomorrow with the details.”

Then she was gone. Brad could only sit and stare as Cherrelle walked away, barely looking back. She didn’t act like the woman he had briefly known before. She was a pure businesswoman, through and through.

Brad wasn’t sure if he liked that part of her.

*****

Cherrelle was feeling lighter in her step as she left the diner and made her way across the street back to the parking lot. That had gone well. Very well. Brad had agreed to the terms, and she finally had a man she could show to her parents and claim they were in love. Then her parents would see that she was unavailable and stop the stupid talk about marrying Jason Colney.