A Very Exclusive Engagement(23)

Liam had no doubt that his aunt was taking notes and would have someone look into the fact that they had both attended Georgetown at the same time. “What a lovely coincidence that you two would find each other again. It must be meant to be.”

“I think so.”

“I hope both of you will be very happy together. I can’t wait to meet her. In fact, I’m coming to D.C. later this month to speak to Congress. I’d love for the three of us to have dinner and celebrate while I’m there.”

Liam frowned at the phone, glad for the miles between them and the lagging technology of camera phones that prevented her from seeing his pinched expression. He’d never known his aunt to have any political involvement before beyond writing checks. If she was coming to D.C., it was to check on him. She didn’t trust Liam a bit and rightfully so. They would have to perfect their lovey-dovey act before she arrived. Frankly, Francesca had been miserable at it when they ran into Scarlet.

It wasn’t just the details of their relationship that had tripped her up. Her smile of engaged bliss had looked a little pained. She’d lacked the excited glow. She had had to be asked to show the engagement ring, whereas any other woman would thrust it out at anyone that would look.

Despite her hesitation to embark on a physical relationship the other night after dinner, something had to be done. She needed some real romantic inspiration to draw on because she couldn’t fake it. Liam was all too happy to provide it.

He may have told Francesca that he didn’t choose her with the intention of seducing her, and that was true. If they did become lovers, it would simply be a pleasant bonus to a potentially unpleasant scenario.

Heaven knew, he wanted Francesca. Every time he closed his eyes he saw her in the elevator. Red panties. Flushed cheeks. Soft, passionate cries of pleasure echoing in the small space. Yes, he didn’t need a romantic entanglement complicating this arrangement, but he’d be lying if he said he didn’t want to pick up where they’d left off.

Sex wouldn’t be a problem as long as they both knew that’s all it was. Given the way Francesca had writhed beneath him and walked away like nothing happened, she knew how to play that game. He just had to coax her into taking another spin at the wheel.

Gripping the phone, Liam struggled to remember what his aunt had just said. The mere thought of Francesca’s red panties had completely derailed his train of thought. Dinner. Aunt Beatrice was coming to town and wanted to have dinner. “Absolutely,” he said. “Francesca is very excited to meet you.”

“I’m sure she is. I hope you two have a lovely engagement party tonight. I’m going to let you go. I need to call Ron Wheeler and let him know I’m turning down his proposal. For now,” she added, making it clear they weren’t out of the woods quite yet.

“It was good to speak with you,” he said between gritted teeth. “I’ll see you soon.”

Hanging up the phone, he spun in his chair to look back at the photo of Francesca and him. His aunt made him absolutely crazy, but if this scheme landed that voluptuous, feminine form back in his arms, he just might have to send the Queen Bee a thank-you card.





Six

Francesca was fastening on her last earring when the doorbell rang. Giving herself one final look in the mirror, she was pretty pleased with how her outfit turned out. She’d purchased something new for the engagement party—a pale turquoise dress that was strapless and hit just below the knee. Around the waist was a cream-colored sash with a fuchsia flower for a pop of color. It came with a crocheted cream shrug to keep her shoulders warm when the sun went down.

She’d opted to wear her hair half up, with the front pulled back into a stylish bump and the rest loose in long waves down her back. Wearing her hair back highlighted her face and the sparkling aquamarine jewelry she was wearing at her ears and throat. And, of course, she was wearing the most important piece of her ensemble—her engagement ring.

Satisfied, she went down the stairs to the front door. She watched Liam waiting patiently through the peephole. He was looking very handsome in a light gray suit, ivory dress shirt and turquoise tie to coordinate with her outfit.

Even though he’d dropped her off the other night after dinner, he hadn’t been inside her town house yet. They’d decided he should pick her up and get familiar with her home just in case someone asked questions.

So far, no one had, and it was likely no one would. None of their friends in D.C. were remotely suspicious about their quick engagement. Romance seemed to be in the air this spring. So many of her friends had gotten married or engaged, so they were on trend. It was only Liam’s crafty aunt they had to please.