Her Accidental Boyfriend: A Secret Wishes Novel (Entangled Bliss) (3 page)

“Seven o’clock.”

“Sounds perfect.” She leaned into him, her chest brushing his, and damn if he didn’t like the way that felt.

The guy cleared his throat.

“Oh, I’m sorry. Shane, this is Brett. Brett, this is Shane…my boyfriend.”

Chapter Three

Kagan walked into The Duchess on Shane’s arm and immediately regretted her decision to attend the event with him.

Actually, that wasn’t true. She’d regretted it the moment he picked her up, looking impossibly handsome in his black tux. Her heart had kickboxed her ribs at the sight of him. Perfectly combed dark brown hair, twinkling blue-gray eyes that shouted heartbreaker, and a light, cool, minty scent that had her wanting to crawl inside his jacket. The triple threat knocked her completely off balance.

His gift, though, plowed into the barrier she hid behind to stay safe from…feelings. “Happy birthday,” he’d said and handed her a large clear bag of Jelly Belly jelly beans tied with a curly pink ribbon.

The sentiment was the nicest thing anyone besides Charlotte had done for her in a very long time.

Shane had been speechless last night when she’d said he was her boyfriend. Being tongue-tied had worked in her favor, and she’d quickly asked Brett to leave. Once she’d explained—with fingers crossed for lying—to Shane that Brett was an ex who wanted her back and she’d just needed to say something to get rid of him, Shane had relaxed. And she guessed her boyfriend fabrication had worked, since Brett hadn’t made further contact. Kagan knew she’d have to deal with him eventually, but it would be on her terms and not until she was back in New York.

The least she could do after Shane had helped her out was actually be his date tonight.

He wove her through a hotel lobby decorated in gorgeous hues of brown and gold, where chandeliers glittered, and memories of a life she left behind bombarded her.

At the insistence of her father, she’d been to dozens of black tie affairs. God forbid Fred Donaldson’s daughter miss any of his social promotions. And that’s what they were—marketing blitzes to keep him at the top of the billionaire food chain.

She stumbled, remembering the fake smiles and insincere conversations that always made her tense.
You’re here for Shane, Kay. Relax.

Shane slowed his pace. “Sorry. I’m walking too fast.” Muscles in his arm went rigid underneath her hands.

“You’re nervous,” she said. On the drive over he’d shared details about his work on The Duchess and filled her in on a few of the bigwigs who would be in attendance.

“No.”

“Shane.” She tugged him to a stop. “It’s okay if you are. This is a big night and the culmination of all your hard work.”

He regarded her, his focus touching her eyes, her hairline, the tiny chicken pox scar on her cheek. Her mouth. “A little,” he admitted with a nod.

Seeing this side of him, this more serious and genuine side, smoothed the nervous energy humming inside her. She wasn’t on display tonight.
He
was. And she wanted to make the evening as perfect for him as possible.

“Well you’re in luck because I know exactly how to calm your nerves.”

An untamable smile lifted the corners of his mouth and Kagan shivered. This time his gaze slid unhurriedly down her body and back up, and in a sexy, raspy voice he said, “There is absolutely nothing about you calming my nerves. Have I told you how gorgeous you look this evening?”

She bit her bottom lip. She felt his perusal and compliment like he’d traced a finger along every slope and angle of her body. “You did. But I’m speaking strictly as a professional.”

His eyebrows lifted as he leaned closer.

“I know exactly what type of drink to order for you. One Kamikaze and everything inside you will mellow.” She slid her hands down the long skirt of her white formfitting halter dress and stepped around him.

He mumbled something she couldn’t make out and fell in step beside her, leading them to the elevator. They rode in electric silence to the third floor, their bodies a safe distance apart. She reminded herself Shane may have looked at her appreciatively, but they had a platonic relationship, nothing more. She hated to admit she was curious about him, though. One night a few weeks ago his sister Sela had come into the bar and stayed after closing to chat. She’d told Kagan that Shane had had a serious girlfriend
once,
but that something had happened he wouldn’t talk about. Ever since then he’d gone back to playing the field, not the least bit interested in anything exclusive.

The elevator doors slid open and Kagan gasped at the beautiful display in front of her. With only the faintest whispers of August’s daylight remaining, the outside terrace and pool area sparkled. Tiny white lights adorned the trees, large pillar candles flickered on the tables, and tall wrought iron lampposts lit the area in romantic ambience. Bluesy music reached her ears, the smell of something yummy—sizzling beef maybe?—made her stomach growl. And dozens of people dressed in their finest attire turned their heads and watched them make their entrance.

Shane put his left hand on the small of her back and guided her through the crowd. He said hello and nodded, smiled, gave quick handshakes, all while keeping his fingers across her sensitive curve. Her body reacted in a most uncharacteristic way. Weakened. Needy. Her stomach tightened and she batted her eyelashes. Like she wanted everyone to think they were there
together
.

He’s not actually your boyfriend, Kagan.

“Hey sis,” Shane said to Sela, stopping to greet a small group standing near the poolside bar and breaking Kagan’s crazy symptoms of lust. Thank God. His hand slipped off her back as he hugged Sela in greeting.

Sela’s boyfriend and Shane’s best friend was next. “Luke, it’s good to see you.” They patted each other on the back. “How was Costa Rica?”

“Lonely,” Luke said, bringing Sela tight to his side. His job as a sports photographer took him all over the world, although he’d recently opened a studio in Cascade and cut back on his travels. Kagan sighed. The adoration and love between him and Sela was palpable.

“Kagan, you look amazing,” Sela said. “And Shane, you’re not so bad yourself.”

“Thanks,” they said in unison.

Kagan sensed her cheeks reddening at their simultaneous response. She toyed with the pearl bracelet on her wrist.

“Mom,” Shane said, kissing a petite woman on the cheek. “You look lovely this evening.” She grinned up at him, tiny wrinkles around her blue eyes adding to their warmth. “Dad.” He put his arm around a tall, good looking older man. “Looks like the Sullivan men scored tonight.”

Yep, cheeks reddening.

“Thanks for coming. This is Kagan.” Shane put his arm around her waist. “Kagan, my mom, Meg, and my dad, Henry.”

“It’s a pleasure to meet you both,” Kagan said, taking a small step away from Shane’s embrace. His touch put inappropriate thoughts in her head and it freaked her out to be standing in front of his parents.

“It’s nice to finally meet you,” Meg said.

Finally meet me?

“Sela’s mentioned you several times,” she added. “Milt too.” She leaned closer and lowered her voice. “Don’t tell him I told you, but he thinks you’re an angel. Swears it’s you who’s increased his business.”

Despite Meg’s near whisper, everyone heard what she said and smiled. Emotion, thick and heavy, choked Kagan as confusion felled her. Half of her wanted to run away and hide, but the other half wanted to stay and really get to know these kind people.

“That’s very sweet. Thank you for telling me.”

“Shane, darling,” said a beautiful woman in a slim black gown as she approached their group. She lit up a smile for Shane, then toned down the happy curve of her red lips and nodded to everyone else.

As Shane introduced his family to his boss, Kagan wondered what he’d say when he came to her.

“And this is Kagan Owens.”

She gave the bogus smile she’d perfected in New York. What had she expected Shane to say?
My friend Kagan Owens? My date Kagan Owens?

“Hi,” she said. “It’s nice to meet you, and congratulations. The Duchesss is beautiful.”

“Thank you. I’ve got to steal this young man for a little while. Hope you all don’t mind.”

Shane cast her a quick glance before he left. Her air space staled in his absence.

“How about a drink, Henry?” Luke said. “Ladies, can I get you anything?”

“I’m fine, thanks,” Kagan said. Sela and Meg answered similarly and Luke kissed Sela before he and Henry stepped away.

“Did you hear about Vanessa?” Sela asked.

Vanessa was Sela’s best friend and Luke’s younger sister. Kagan hadn’t seen her since her wedding a couple of months ago. “No. Is everything all right?”

“She’s pregnant!” Sela bounced up and down. The silvery sequins on the bodice of her peach strapless dress shimmered. “They didn’t exactly plan for it to happen so soon, but it was obviously meant to be.”

Wistfulness flowed through Kagan. How exciting and thrilling. And scary. She wished the best for Vanessa and her husband, Hayden. They were an adorable couple and their wedding had been a huge event in Cascade. She’d been honored to be included on the guest list. And despite her best efforts to keep things on the surface, she’d grown to care about the people she’d met.

For Kagan, though, love was an illusion that never lasted. She’d had her heart broken and didn’t want it to happen again. She’d watched her mom die, her dad close himself off…

She fiddled with her bracelet again.

“That’s beautiful,” Meg said, lifting Kagan’s wrist. “I’ve never seen anything quite like it.”

The gentleness of her grasp and the softness of her voice felt really nice. “Thank you. I made it.”

“You did?” Sela said, surprised. “Wow. You’re very talented.”

“Have you made others?” Meg asked.“I love the combination of leather, pearls, and silver beads.”

“A few. It’s sort of a hobby.” Now that she wasn’t working sixty-hour weeks for her father, she had time to explore her artistic side. She’d craved having a creative outlet for a long time.

“Is this an azalea?” Meg ran her thumb over the tiny silver flower that fastened the bracelet.

Kagan blinked half a dozen times in rapid fire. “Yes. They were my mom’s favorite flower.” She couldn’t believe she’d just shared that. She didn’t talk about her mom to anyone.

“Were?” Sela asked softly.

“She passed away when I was fifteen.”

“I’m so sorry.” Sela put her arm around Kagan and squeezed.

Meg’s eyes met hers. “I’m sorry too. This is a beautiful way to remember her.” Then she wrapped Kagan in a hug. No one, not even Charlotte’s mom, had embraced her in such a protective, caring way since her mom’s death.

Kagan’s arms involuntarily went around Meg and she held on tight, hoping to alleviate the familiar stab of pain. Meg must have sensed her need for this kind of closeness because she didn’t back away. She held on until Kagan released her hold.

“The pearls are because of my grandmother,” Kagan said without thought, pushing her shoulders back and wiping a finger under her eye. “She loved them.”

“Would you make one for me?” Sela asked. “I’ll pay you, of course.”

What?

“I’d love one too,” Meg said.

“Love one what?” an older woman dripping in diamonds asked, inserting herself between Meg and Sela.

“One of Kagan’s bracelets,” Meg said.

Pride
. Meg’s voice held pride. Kagan’s knees wobbled and all of a sudden she felt warm. She took a slow, imperceptible breath and concentrated on the cool breeze wafting across the patio.

The woman glanced at Kagan’s wrist. “May I?” she asked, reaching a hand out.

Kagan lifted her arm. Meg made introductions as the woman examined her handmade jewelry. Another woman joined them. Then another and another. The mayor’s wife too. Discussion focused on her bracelets, how long she’d been making them, and if she had other styles.

“I stick to pearls, leather, and beads. I do use pink pearls too, and different styles of fasteners.” Her eyes drifted across the pool. Shane stood with a group of people, but he was watching her, his gaze hot. A shiver hurried down her back. How long had he been checking her out?

She couldn’t look away. He gave her a wide, real smile and her heart fluttered. She beamed back at him without a second thought.

Crap.

More than one of the women turned to see what had drawn her attention.

“I learned to make the bracelets when I was in Thailand,” she blurted out.

Sela’s eyes widened. Meg stared at her with genuine interest. Holy moly. She’d put on a fancy dress, worn a little makeup, and lost her mind. What was going to come out of her mouth next?
Oh, and by the way, I’m Fred Donaldson’s daughter. I’ve been using my mom’s maiden name of Owens.

“I was fortunate enough to travel there a few summers ago. There’s a market famous for arts and crafts and one of the artisans was kind enough to show me how she made jewelry. My designs are very similar to hers.”

“I’d love for you to make me one,” the mayor’s wife said.

“Me too,” rang out from the group.

Kagan’s pulse raced at the response. She toyed with the pearls around her wrist and ran her finger over the azalea bead.

“I’ve got an idea for you,” Sela said. “I know it’s short notice, but Sunday is Cascade General’s Arts and Crafts Show. I happen to be the Chair since part of the proceeds are for the children’s wing. I could definitely squeeze another booth in and you could sell your bracelets.”

“I, uh, I’m not sure.”
Yes
was on the tip of her tongue, but she didn’t think such a public display was a good idea. Or if partaking in a community event might make her feel a part of something she really wasn’t. In a few weeks she’d return to New York. It was home, where memories of her mom were strongest.