The Pretend Girlfriend (A Billionaire Love Story #1)(52)

"Yes, and you wouldn't believe what a deal I got on her," Aiden said, shooting Gwen a glance that told her to play along.

"Well I hope you kept the receipt!" he said, "What's the matter? Aren't you going to introduce me?"


"Gwen, this is Liam Steele. We went to Harvard together. Liam, Gwen Browning, my other half."

When Liam took her hand, she wasn't sure if he was going to kiss it or shake it. Thankfully, he settled for the latter.

"Well, this is certainly a worthy cause," Liam said.

Does he mean me? Gwen thought. Liam smiled at her when she frowned.

"I think so," Aiden said. His arm snaked around Gwen's waist, coming to rest on her hip. He pulled her close. "And speaking of checkbooks, I'm hoping you brought yours."

"Of course!" Liam said, "Though I'll be making my donations through bets. Or taking home my winnings, as the case may be."

"You're not donating the proceeds?" Gwen said. Down on the ground level the staff waited at the booths to take bets. Aiden had told her he was covering all winnings, and that they were going straight to the charity. Losing bets were automatic donations.

"Yes, yes. That's what I meant. She's a sharp one, Aiden. Means she'll probably wise up to you sooner rather than later, unfortunately. It would be nice to see you keep one around a while, for once," Liam said.

Gwen decided that she didn't like Liam. At first, she'd thought he and Aiden to be old school friends or something. But now she could see the cruel streak behind Liam's smile, and the way he kept trying to get under Aiden's skin.

Well, she'd always found the best way to shut a jerk down was to play into their game, refuse to give them any more fuel to throw on the fire by tossing it all in at once.

So Gwen smiled sweetly, wrapping her arms around Aiden's waist and pulling their bodies closer together. That was nice. They fit together well. But she had to pull her thoughts off that track.

"Oh, he'll keep me around so long as the checks keep coming," she said.

Liam's smile faltered. He rubbed at his chin, considering them both. Then he barked another laugh, so sudden and sharp that Gwen jerked involuntarily. Aiden squeezed her in support.

"Oh, you two are made for each other," Liam said, "Now, if you'll excuse me, I think I'll go place a bet on number 13. It's always been my lucky number." He gave a mocking bow and headed for the stairs.

Aiden relaxed in her grip. "Well-played," he said to her. His hand stayed on her hip for a few more moments, perhaps a couple heartbeats too long, before he let it drop. She reluctantly let him go, too.

"I learned from the best," she said, a little wary, remembering the effect that her little money comment on the phone had on them both. However, this newest one didn't cause anywhere near the same amount of damage.

"I should probably go and make sure my other guests are also opening their checkbooks..." Aiden said, trying to beat a hasty retreat.

She stopped him. "Am I just another of your charity cases?" All this talk of money brought back some of her earlier concerns about the contract. She still wasn't exactly sure why this was even happening in the first place. It could very well be because Aiden had a kind heart and just wanted to help. And while she was grateful for it, that wasn't what she wanted from him.

In fact, depending on his answer, she realized she was ready to end this whole thing right then and there.

Aiden rounded on her. "What?"

"Don't take that tone. You know exactly what I mean. Did you do this whole thing between the two of us out of pity or something?"

Aiden balked. "No. I mean, I wanted to help you, yes, but I needed your help, too."

"Are you sure about that? Because so far I only seem to make trouble for you."

Aiden looked around to see if anyone stood close enough to hear the exchange. She could only imagine what sort of devastation that sort of revelation might cause, but it stopped at imagination. At that moment, she didn't really care.

Putting down his lemonade again, Aiden put his hands on her shoulders. "You are not just another charity case, trust me."

"Prove it."

A small crinkle formed between Aiden's eyebrows. He hadn't expected her to need more convincing than that. "How?"

"Tell me how you really feel about me. About this."

"I've told you already. Several times if I remember correctly," Aiden said.

Gwen shrugged his hands off her shoulders and then leaned against the banister again. The jockeys were all climbing onto their horses. It must be about time for the race. She concentrated on the ripple of muscle beneath the beasts' flesh, trying not to think about the pressure behind her eyes.

Feeling her attention shift away from him, Aiden turned to go again.

"You told me, all right. But you lied each time. To yourself and to me. You need to stop lying, if you want to keep me around. You do want to keep me around, don't you?" Gwen said.

Aiden's jaw worked, and at first she thought he wasn't going to say anything.

"You haven't placed a bet yet, have you? Go down and make a bet. It's for charity, remember." He left.

He forgot his glass of lemonade, too. Gwen watched a bead of condensation run down the smooth wall and join in with the circular pool that now surrounded the base of the glass.