Kissing Kelly

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Kissing Kelly JudyChristenberry

Chapter 1

Kelly Graham anxiously scanned the people rushing back and forth in the airport terminal, searching for her Mr. Right.

"What are you going to do?" Allison Day, her best friend, asked.

"I don't know," Kelly confessed, biting her bottom lip. How in the world had she gotten herself into such a crazy situation?All because of a simple lie.All because of her good intentions.

But still, to findherself looking for a man, the right kind of man... "Stay here andwait for Jeff. Then go to the gate that has the earliest flight arriving fromChicago. Hopefully, by then, I'll have a plan. Remember, the guy I need is fromChicago."

"But -"

Kelly didn't wait for her friend's response. Allison was the practical one. Even Kelly admitted she was a little more off-the-wall. Their friends teased them, calling them Lucy and Ethel.Which really was ridiculous. She might have red hair, but she wasn't anything like the comedienne. Why, the bizarre circumstances Kelly found herself in weren't because she had concocted some crazy scheme - they just seemed to happen. Like this one.

She hurried inside theKansas CityInternationalAirport. After scanning the arrival board, she found a flight fromChicagothat was scheduled to land in two minutes. Perfect.

By the time Jeff had parked his car and joined Allison, Kelly would have found a victim - no, a volunteer - to make her lie believable. She had to. The last thing in the world she wanted to do was hurt Jeff Williams, a friend since first grade.

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Jeff thought he was in love with her. He wasn't.

Besides, Allison was in love with Jeff. And they were perfect together. Why couldn't Jeff see that?

Hoping that if he got this crazy idea that he was in love with her out of his head - she'd told him she'd fallen in love with a guy inChicagowhen she'd visited her aunt there last month - he'd realize how perfect Allison was. She felt sure his sudden decision to fixate on her was because of his father's pressure on him to marry and produce an heir. After knowing her almost his entire lifetime, he'd never shown any romantic interest in her before his father's demands.

Allison, on the other hand, had been crazy about Jeff for several years. But in spite of Kelly's encouragement, Allison was too shy to push herself forward. Jeff's change of behavior had their threesome in an uproar.

Take today for example. Jeff had arrived at their store just as they were closing and invited her out for a romantic dinner - saying he had something very important to ask her. One look at Allison's stricken face and she'd impulsively lied and claimed her fiancé was flying in tonight. Jeff hadn't believed her, moreover he'd insisted on driving her to the airport. She'd insisted Allison come, too.

She reached the gate and searched the crowd for a man she could be engaged to.The man with the bald head? Nope, he had a wedding ring. She spotted another possibility, but no, Jeff would never believe she'd fall for a cowboy. She rejected the fifty-something man who smiled encouragingly at her. She didn't have the nerve to approach a pair of businessmen traveling together. Good heavens, were there no single men flying in fromChicago? Did the single women not let them leave?

Kelly was growing more desperate as the flood of people dwindled. Then a tall, handsome man came into view. He wore a business suit and carried a briefcase. She checked his hand. No wedding ring.

"Excuse me, sir," she said, hurrying up to him. "Are you married?"

Okay, so she hadn't shown much finesse, but she didn't have time.

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He stopped and looked at her like she was a person in a mall with a clipboard conducting a survey. "Why do you ask?"

She licked her lips. "I need someone to play the part of my fiancé for about five minutes. It won't involve much. Just meeting my friends, and..." she took a deep breath as the reality of charade sunk in, "maybe a kiss or two... "

MikeFinnigan stared at the beautiful woman in front of him. Someone was playing a joke, right? He looked over his shoulder for a TV camera, but it was just him and the redhead in the nearly deserted lounge. He couldn't be this lucky, even if he was Irish. A beautiful redhead asking him to kiss her, pretend to be her fiancé, just when that was exactly what he needed?

"Okay," he agreed, dragging out the single word. "But I have a few conditions."

"Conditions?You want money?" Her eyebrows rose over gorgeous green eyes. His mother would be ecstatic if this was for real. He was black Irish, but his mother dreamed of redheaded grandchildren. He'd never introduce this woman to his mother.

"No, I don't want money. But I'm in need of a fiancée for the weekend."

She took a step back, her gaze darting around the area.

"Hey, what's wrong? It's okay for you to need a fiancé, but not me?" he demanded, irritated by her response.

She licked her lips, and he felt it like a gut punch in his stomach. Damn, she was beautiful.

She crossed her arms over her chest. "I know why I need a fiancé but why do you need one?"

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"I'm trying to close a business deal and my client's wife is... is a little too interested in me. A fiancée would discourage her."

She shook her head. "I think you should be honest with her."

He wondered why she blushed at her words. It was good advice, but he'd already tried it. Eva Browning was a spoiled young woman married to an older man. She had refused to listen.

"I've tried that. I even thought it had worked until a couple of hours ago. She called me just as I was leaving for the airport and made her intent clear."

"Huh, I know what that feels like," she muttered. "What did you tell her?"

"I claimed I had a wife."

Her incredible green eyes widened and she took another step back."Wife?"

"It's okay. We can substitute fiancée. I'll tell her I consider you to be my wife. It'll work. Okay?"

"No! I mean, I only need a fiancé for five minutes. A weekend is too - too complicated."

"Yoohoo, Kelly!" a pretty brunette, escorted by a blond guy, called from across the lobby.

Mike watched her as she spun around, waved to the two of them,then faced him again. But she surprised him when she grabbed the lapels of his suit and whispered fiercely, "Kiss me!"

No sane man would turn down that order from a beautiful woman. So Mike wrapped his arms around her and kissed the mysterious Kelly.His new fiancée.

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Kelly was stunned by the stranger's kiss. His lips were warm, firm... enticing. She almost forgot her reason for this charade.

Until she heard Jeffcall out her name. With more reluctance than she'd thought possible two minutes ago, she stepped back from the man and faced her friends.

"Kelly -" Jeff began. Then he stopped, staring at her pretend fiancé. "Mike? MikeFinnigan ! What are you doing here?"

Chapter 2

"You two know each other?" Allison asked in disbelief as she looked from Kelly to Mike to Jeff and back to Kelly again. Her big brown eyes were clearly asking Kelly how she could have picked the one man in the entireKansasairport who knew Jeff.

Kelly shrugged, wondering if the floor had fallen out from beneath her feet. Odd, but she'd had the same sensation when Mike kissed her. Normally, Kelly's bones didn't melt when a man touched his lips to hers, but that's exactly what had happened when Mike kissed her. Moreover, she had an overwhelming desire to kiss him again.

"Know him, heck, MikeFinnigan was my best buddy in college," Jeff announced shaking Mike's hand. "We were in the same fraternity."

To his credit, Mike took all this very well. Kelly marveled that his handsome face never gave away their secret.

"So how come I never heard about this relationship before?" Jeff asked. "How did you two meet?"

"At an estate sale inChicago.You know, the one Allison and I went to last month," Kelly said quickly.

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Who knew what crazy answer Mike might give? If there was one thing she was expert in, it was coming up with answers to unusual situations.

Jeff shot a quick look first at Kelly and then Allison. "I thought Allison said you two went toDetroit."

Allison turned red and stared at her feet.

"Oh no, it wasChicago," Mike answered, his steely voice daring anyone to deny his words.

"Yes," Kelly stammered. "The moment I saw, uh, Mike, I knew it was love." Before she knew what was happening she felt Mike's arm encircle her waist, pulling her close. Her heart tripped at the gentle touch of his hands.

"Yes, the moment I met Kelly I knew I loved her. She was so sweet and gentle."

Kelly stiffened, knowing the game was up. After years of speaking her mind and disagreeing with almost every opinion Jeff had, there was no way he'd swallow Mike's description of her. Jeff stared at them in disbelief. Allison looked like she was ready to confess all. Then Jeff laughed. "Well Mike, you must be in love if you think Kelly is sweet and gentle."

Mike smiled. "Hey, that's my fiancée you're talking about there, buddy."

"I apologize," Jeff said. "Well, since you're in town you should come by my parents' summer home for the weekend. My father's invited some business associates. We can catch up on old times."

Kelly bit her lower lip. Could this get any worse? She couldn't pretend to be this man's fiancée in front of people she knew. She would never pull it off.

Then she thought about their kiss. Maybe they could make it work. All they needed were a few more public kisses.Which could lead to private kisses which could... She stopped her wayward thoughts. Hadn't she learned her crazy ideas always lead to trouble?

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"I'm afraid I'll have to decline," Mike responded. "I'm planning to meet some people about business."

Jeff nodded. "I heard you were a cop. Are you here on official police business?"

"No. A friend of mine and I started a security firm inChicago. We're opening a branch here and I'm hoping to meet with Robert Browning about a possible merger of our firms."

Kelly sighed in relief. That would certainly satisfy Jeff.

Jeff grinned from ear to ear. "Well, old fraternity buddy, I think I can help you out. I happen to know that Robert Browning will be among my parents' guests at the summerhouse."

Mike was strangely silent. Kelly realized things were going to get worse before they got better.

"Bring Kelly if you like. Allison should come, too," Jeff announced.

Allison, who'd been silently watching the interplay between Kelly, Mike, and Jeff, smiled with pleasure. "I'd love to come."

Kelly realized that events were once again quickly growing out of control. But a weekend together would be the perfect opportunity for Allison and Jeff to realize their feelings for each other.

But what would it mean for her, pretending to be Mike's fiancée? She opened her mouth to tell him no, when Mike's arm tightened around her middle, squeezing off her breath.

"We'd love to come," he said.

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***

The next morning, Mike picked Kelly up from her consignment shop wondering what else could possibly happen to him. As the three friends had driven him to his hotel last night he'd learned that he and Kelly shared a lot of common interests, like running their own businesses, loving action movies, and hating sushi.

Wearing a lemon yellow sundress that showed off long legs, Kelly got into his car and smiled at him. Her auburn hair shimmered in the sunlight, tempting Mike to run his fingers through it. Get a grip on yourself, Finnigan . You're playing a part. You're not actually her fiancé.

As he drove, they awkwardly talked about the weather and other inanities until Kelly finally asked, "So how come you don't have a woman back inChicagowilling to play the role of fiancée?"

Mike turned the question around. "I could ask the same of you, darling."

Kelly smiled, aware of his game. "It's a long story and anyway, we're here."

Mike pulled up in front of the summerhouse and noticed the line of expensive cars. From his previous meetings, he recognized the vanity license plates for Robert Browning's Mercedes and his son, Ralph's, sports car.

As Mike brought the rental car to a stop, Jeff and Allison came out to greet them. From her flushed face and Jeff's frown, he thought they'd been arguing.

"You shouldn't go with him. You don't know anything about him or that car," said Jeff as he took Kelly's bag out of the trunk.

Allison snorted. "I don't need to know anything about the car. Ralph is going to drive."

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"Is something wrong?" Kelly asked, her gaze moving back and forth between her two usually even-tempered friends.

"Jeff is being totally unreasonable," Allison announced. "Ralph Browning asked me out for a drive but Mr. Neanderthal here doesn't want me to go."

Jeff shook his head. "Well, there's no problem now. Kelly can go along with you and Ralph. I'll just have Gravesshow her and Mike to their room first."

"Room?"Kelly tripped into Mike as they both stopped and spoke in unison.

Jeff grinned mischievously. "This isn't a problem is it? I mean, there isn't any reason you two shouldn't share a room since you're engaged." He gave both Kelly and Mike a challenging glare.

"Or is there?"

Chapter 3

"Uh...no...notat all," Kelly stammered. She got hold of herself and lifted her chin higher. "Actually, sharing a room would mean more time for us alone together, wouldn't it darling?" She turned to Mike.

Mike stiffened. "Sure."

Jeff studied them speculatively. "Hey! Did you two have a lover's spat or something? You both look a little tense." Allison nudged Jeff in his stomach.

"No way, buddy! Who could fight with such a sweet thing?" Mike slipped an arm around Kelly's waist, careful not to press her too close.

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With a chuckle, Jeff said, "As usual, only you would say so. Every other normal human would agree she's got the temperament of the devil."

Mike looked down into Kelly's bright green eyes. "I don't believe it for a moment." He couldn't seem to break away from her gaze, and neither could she, it seemed. He didn't know who moved first, but realized their lips were just a breath apart. Kelly's eyelids dropped slowly, her lips parting, when Allison shouted out the word "No."

Guiltily, Mike and Kelly sprang apart. Mike turned to see what was upsetting Allison.

"No!" Allison repeated stubbornly. The normally calm and patient Allison was anything but as she glared at Jeff.

"I thought we had just agreed," Jeff said angrily.

"Yes, I agreed that Kelly would accompany me with Ralph on the drive, but I most certainly did not agree tohaving you chaperone me and Ralph at the party this evening!"

Jeff clenched his fists. "Since you can't seem to stop throwing yourself at him, I have no choice but to protect you! Why can't you get it through your thick skull that Ralph is a womanizer? You can't handle the likes of him!"

That was the last straw for Allison who spun on her heel to walk away. Jeff grabbed her arm, but she pushed his chest and yelled. "Stuff it. I'm going with Ralph. At least that way I'll know how it feels to be desired as a woman!" Allison clamped her hand over mouth in shock, realizing what she had just said.

Jeff pulled her to him. "If that's what you want, I'll be glad to provide it!" His mouth swooped down and captured hers. Mike watched in fascination as the kiss changed from anger to passion. Then Jeff pulled away.

"Damn! I'm really sorry Allison." He looked at her in anguish. "I didn't mean to do that!"

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Allison stood frozen to the spot, hers fingers pressed over her lips.

"Please, Allison, say something!"

When she still didn't reply, Kelly intervened. "Uh, shouldn't we get ready for the drive? C'mon Ally. Let's go." She dragged Allison out of the room, leaving the two men alone.

"What's up with you two?" Mike asked after a moment of silence.

Jeff shook his head, "Nothing." With that he turned on his heel and left.

Mike stood for a moment, and made his way to the room he and Kelly were supposed to share. It was going to be a long day. Unbidden visions of Kelly with her hair splayed on the bed suddenly teased him. He shook his head, disgusted with himself. Make that a long night too, he added.

Kelly had managed to calm Allison down considerably by the time they joined Ralph. The ride was pleasant, but Jeff had been right. Ralph was a real womanizer, and the two friends were relieved when their excursion was over. They had had lunch at a small café, and managed to do a bit of shopping for the evening party. Even then, Kelly was surprised to see how much time had flown by. It was time to get ready for the party.

"Do you need help getting dressed?" Kelly asked outside Allison's door.

Ally shook her head. At first she'd been quiet, but her spirits had gradually returned. Now she smiled mischievously. "I don't. But I'm not going to ask you the same. Not when you've got Mike."

Kelly's temper flared. "Allison Day! I'm tired of telling you that nothing is going on between us!"

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"Which is why you enjoyed kissing him."

"Who the heck told you...oh, alright. He's a good kisser!"

"Why do I feel that's not the only thing you like?"

Kelly threw up her hands. "Okay! I can't fool you, can I? So he's intelligent. Big deal. And he looks positively edible. So what? And he's considerate at times.Whoopie . And - "

"And you're attracted to him." Allison could be annoyingly astute at times.

"Yes, I am." She groaned. "How am I going to spend the entire night with him?"

"Well, that's not our worry right now. We have to get ready, and we're running late. Meet me in 20 minutes, and we'll go down together. Graves told me that the guys are already ready and are downstairs." They parted at the doorstep.

"Wow," said Allison. "You're stunning!"

"And you look beautiful!"

The two friends smiled and descended the stairs together. Jeff and Mike were waiting for them, looking very handsome in their evening clothes.

"We're very lucky men this evening to have such lovely ladies as our escorts," Mike said gallantly holding an arm out for Kelly.

Jeff did the same for Allison. The tension was thick all around, and silence fell. Mike's arm tightened around Kelly as she brushed his chest, making her breath hitch. She looked at the other pair, who were

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equally uncomfortable.

Jeff and Allison just stood facing each other, both afraid to speak, when Allison impulsively broke the silence in agitation. "I can't stand it any longer...I have something to confess..."

Chapter 4

"I feel nearly naked in this dress," Allison said, tugging at the low-cut bodice.

Jeff's eyes were immediately drawn to her neckline, and the golden swell of breast rising above the shimmering fabric. He swallowed hard as the image of what the fabric covered raced though his mind.

Shocked by the thought, he quickly raised his eyes to meet Allie's, and forced a smile.

"You look fine" he said, "you have beautiful..." he hesitated, searching for the right words, "um, shoes."

He took her arm and turned to lead her into the party, barely noticing the questioning look that passed between Mike and Kelly, or the disappointment on Allison's face.

Thirty minutes later Allison and Kelly stood together on the patio while the men went inside to refill their drinks. Kelly's eyes lingered on Mike as he walked toward the bar.

"He's got a really great - attitude," she said.

"I don't think it's his attitude you're admiring," Allison said. "And I can't believe you talked me into wearing this, this, scarf to the party."

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"It's not a scarf. A scarf would be longer," Kelly answered. "And anyway, you look gorgeous. Didn't you see Jeff's face when you came down the stairs?"

"See what? I'm dressed up like a tart and all he notices is my shoes."

"Honey, his eyes stopped long before he got to your shoes. If you play your cards right tonight..."

"I don't really think you're dressed for a card game dear. In fact, you look practically edible in that dress." The deep voice trailed off as Kelly turned her head and met Mike's heated gaze.

Her heart thumped in her chest. She was certain he could hear it, and spoke quickly to cover the sound.

"Maybe a late dessert," she smiled coyly and looked up at him from beneath thick lashes. She was beginning to enjoy this game. She sneaked a quick look to make sure Jeff was watching. After all, the show was for his benefit.

***

Mike's knees turned to jelly. Who was this woman, looking at him like she knew his deepest desires, and could fulfill them all? Yesterday morning, they'd never met. But now, in the short time they had spent together, she almost seemed to fit into his life as well as she fit under his arm.

He wondered how well they would fit together in other ways, but quickly banished the thought. She was just playing a part, albeit very well. They had a mutual need - separate yet related goals. But it was a different kind of need he was feeling as she pulled him toward the dance floor.

Jeff's face turned sour as a hand slid too familiarly around Allison's waist. "Hey babe, didya miss me?" Ralph nuzzled the back of her neck, ignoring Jeff's scathing look.

Dressed in a gray silk shirt unbuttoned one too many, with a black jacket and jeans, Ralph's casual elegance look was finished by a pair of eel-skin cowboy boots. Or maybe they were snake, Jeff thought.

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One of Ralph's close relatives.

Allison giggled, a sound Jeff had never heard before. He had spent countless hours in her presence. Why had he never heard her giggle? Why had he never noticed the curve of her cheek, the fullness of her lips, the sparkle in her eyes? Her big, brown, sexy, doe eyes...eyes that were not looking at him!

Chapter 4

This was not the Allison he knew. That Allison wore sensible clothes, tidy hair, and kept her nose to the grindstone making sure the books were up to date in the consignment shop.

His Allison was all seriousness and business. Practical and proper. Innocent and naive.

His Allison was - his Allison! But here she was a chameleon, changing colors right before his very eyes. And that fast-talking, fast-driving, slick, sleazy womanizer was leading her away from him, toward the garden.

He sank to the bench behind him in stunned silence as they disappeared into the dark.

On the dance floor the music was soft and slow. Kelly breathed deeply, inhaling the manly scent of Mike. If she was really engaged, really in love, this is what it would be like, she thought. Soft, romantic music, stars twinkling above. Time seemed to stand still - or at least she wished it could.

"Incoming" said a deep voice in her ear, dragging her back to reality.

"What?" She lifted her head from his shoulder just in time to hear a squeal of delight.

***

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"Mikey! It'ssooo good to see you." The woman at the other end of the voice slid her arms around his neck, pushing Kelly away without a look. Mike reached around and grabbed her arm before she stumbled. He stepped back and abruptly pulled her to his side.

"Eva. Let me introduce you to my fiancée, Kelly. Kelly," he repeated, searching for her last name.

Kelly held out her hand out to the blond plastic doll that was standing much too close to her man. Well, the man Kelly was pretending was hers.

"Kelly Graham, soon to beFinnigan ." Eva raised her hand, and for a moment Kelly pictured long, red nails going for her eyes. She almost winced.

"Oh, but I thoughtMikey had a wife," she oozed as she shook Kelly's hand with a firmness that belied her stature. Maybe the strength came from the massive dose of silicon she packed under that tiny red swatch of fabric.

Kelly looked to Mike for the answer.

"It's like we're already married. Who can question a marriage of the hearts," he said with a smile, as he put his hand on Kelly's.

Eva looked at the two of them and another false smile crossed her face, followed by a calculating look. "I know," she exclaimed. "I have a great idea..."

Chapter 5

"And what would that be, honey?" Robert Browning asked as he wrapped a possessive arm around his wayward wife.

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Eva's lip formed a small pout as she looked up at her slightly balding, silver-haired husband. She was obviously miffed at his unexpected arrival, but quickly recovered by leaning her surgically enhanced chest into his and wrapping her candy-apple-red fingernails around his lapels. "Well, I was just going to suggest, it being so terribly hot and all, that we escape this party and go skinny dipping in the pool."

Kelly looked at Mike, discreetly rolling her eyes. Mike caught her glance, responding with a half-smile. It was obvious they were both amused and a little disgusted by Eva's attempt to put herself on display for Mike, even if it meant having her husband in attendance. For a moment their thoughts were linked in mutual understanding, the kind of communication that usually only occurs between very old friends.

Robert Browning's booming voice broke the intimate spell. "A midnight swim sounds like a fine idea, honey, but I think we're a little old for skinny dipping. Why don't we grab our suits and meet by the pool? After all, theWilliamses did say to make ourselves at home. How 'bout it Mike?"

Mike was tempted to refuse, since the last thing he wanted to do was to take a swim with Eva, but he didn't want to offend Browning and hurt his business deal. Mike wondered how such an intelligent man had been so stupid as to marry a conniving, plastic doll. Mike smiled, hiding his reluctance. "Sure, Robert, that sounds great. Don't you think so sweetie?" he asked, looking down at Kelly.

"Of course, it will only take a few minutes for us to grab our suits." Kelly smiled at Mike reassuringly, communicating to him her understanding of why he accepted the invitation.

***

After the conversation with Browning and his not-so-lovely wife, Mike and Kelly had gone upstairs to their room and had awkwardly taken turns using the adjoining bathroom to change into their bathing suits.

Walking down the dimly lighted path to the pool, Kelly companionably elbowed Mike in the ribs. "You sure have one determined admirer in Eva - she doesn't even consider her own husband and your fiancé as a deterrent." She eyed Mike up and down with a flirtatious smile. "I'm asking myself, are you really that attractive?"

Mike laughed; sharing her amusement at the situation they found themselves in. "Well you must. You're the one who proposed to me, remember?"

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Kelly nodded, trying to look serious. "I think you have a point there, Mike. And I would say I have to concur with Eva, you are one mighty fine specimen."

"Since you feel that way, " Mike said as he stopped walking and pulled Kelly into his arms, feeling all kinds of peculiar emotions for the woman in front of him, "then you won't mind this?" He lowered his head to her mouth, expressing all the pent-up emotions, the simmering passion he had held in check. This was the first time he had kissed her without an audience and he was going to take advantage of it.

Kelly was very aware of Mike's body pressed against her, the way his lips melded to her mouth, and the way his tongue was seducing the inside of her mouth. It suddenly occurred to Kelly that Mike was kissing her and that there was no one to witness the performance. This was not part of the act. This was for real!

Mike began to pull her even closer when a scream ripped through their air, making them jump apart.

"What was that?" Mike asked between heavy breaths.

"I...I think that was Allison. It sounds like she's down by the pool. Let's go!"

Mike and Kelly ran down the path to the pool and found Allison looking angry, Ralph sporting a bloody lip, and Jeff preparing to take another swing at Ralph.

Mike responded quickly to the situation by grabbing Jeff's arm before it reached its target. "Hey, buddy, violence is never the answer."

Jeff tried to pull away from Mike's grip "I am not so sure about that. This creep," he nodded toward Ralph, "was attacking Allison."

Mike looked at Allison's tense face. "Is this true Allison?"

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She sighed. "He was only trying to kiss me - not rape me. It was no big deal. I was handling it."

Jeff felt like he was about to explode, he couldn't believe Allison was trying to make light of what Ralph had tried to do. "Are you crazy? I saw it all and he was all over you and you weren't having much luck stopping him."

Ralph sneered at Jeff. "Who said the lady wanted me to stop? We were getting along fine until you came along."

Allison brushed her tangled chestnut hair out her eyes, treating Ralph to a look that could kill. "Ralph, let's get this straight, we were not getting along at all!" Turning toward Jeff she continued, "Jeff, I am not crazy, Ralph simply made a pass a me and I was in the process of turning him down when you intervened. I didn't need help - I had everything under control."

Jeff winced at Allison's words. "But Allison, I couldn't stand watching that guy with his dirty hands on you!"

"Why do you feel that way? I don't belong to you."

Jeff stared straight back at her. "Yes, you do."

"Does someone want to tell me what's going on here?" Robert Browning's deep voice interrupted the tense scene by the pool...

Chapter 6

Ralph swiped blood from his lip as his gaze traveled from his father back to Jeff. He punched Jeff in the jaw, the impact knocking Jeff off his feet and into the swimming pool.

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"It would seem, father, that the Williams’ don't care for our company." Ralph flexed his sore fist.

Robert Browning assessed the situation, guessing correctly his son had caused a ruckus. Still, Ralph was his son. "Gather your things. We'll be leaving."

Allison rushed to the edge of the pool and helped a very wet and bruised Jeff out of the water. "Oh, Jeff, I'm so sorry! I was being foolish, trying to make you jealous. I should never have gone with Ralph." Allison surveyed the damage to Jeff's jaw with her fingertips, then with butterfly kisses.

"I think, Kelly, that we should leave these two alone," Mike remarked, placing his arm around Kelly's waist and leading her back to the house.

Kelly couldn't stop grinning - for all the trouble her scheme had caused, it looked as if her plan was working. She turned around and saw Jeff pull Allison into his arms for a heated kiss. "Yes, I think so, too," Kelly replied, satisfied.

Only now that the chaos had died down, Kelly was left to remember the kiss she and Mike had shared in their room before the scream had interrupted them. Once they were back in the room, Mike shut the door, locked it, and reached out to take her into his arms. For a moment their eyes held and revealed their secrets, then he lowered his lips to hers, tasting and exploring.

Kelly whimpered into his mouth, gripping his broad shoulders as if her legs could no longer hold her weight. Her nails dug half-moons into Mike's flesh as his lips left hers and trailed down her neck, leaving a path of heated desire across her skin. "Mike," Kelly breathed, roaming her hands through his black hair.

Gentle hands slid the straps of her bathing suit off her shoulders as Mike nipped her golden skin and inhaled her sweet scent of lingering perfume and womanly essence. Again, his name escaped Kelly's throat and he looked up into her half parted, sea green eyes. "Kelly, I want you," Mike admitted before he slid the straps back onto her shoulders with care.

"Did I do something wrong?" Kelly asked in confusion. One moment Mike had been tenderly assaulting her body, telling her he wanted her. Now, he was walking toward the window, running a hand through his hair.

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Mike kept his back to her. "No. It's perfect. And that is why I'm going to find a spare room to sleep in tonight."

"A spare room? What about Jeff?"

Mike turned, "Your plan seems to have worked. Tomorrow we can both go our separate ways."

Kelly was dumbfounded at the abrupt turnaround in Mike's behavior. True, it had all started as a game, but hadn't things changed between them? Wasn't what she felt far more than pretend? Insulted, Kelly yanked the blanket from the bed and spread it out on the floor.

"Fine, game over. But we will wait until morning to say our goodbyes. I am not going to have Allison's chances ruined by revealing our masquerade now."

Mike watched as Kelly plopped down on the blanket, beat her pillow into submission, and lay her beautiful head down, forcing her eyes closed. "Take the bed. I'll sleep on the floor."

"I'm fine," Kelly responded, coldly.

Mike switched off the lights, climbed under the sheet Kelly had left him, and turned in the opposite direction of where she slept. The moon's silver glow came in through the window and forced Mike to turn his back to block out the light. Kelly's body was silhouetted in the darkness. He could make out the curve of her hip as she lay on her side under the blanket, her hair cascading over the pillow. Mike longed to reach out and touch her, tell her he was sorry, explain himself.

Only, he could not explain what he did not understand. How did one go about telling a woman he wanted her so much that he couldn't bear to touch her? That she scared him, when it was his occupation to never be scared? That no matter how much her kisses affected him, he couldn't allow himself pleasure?

Instead of reaching out and offering Kelly his thoughts, Mike turned back to the moonlight and tried to

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assure himself he made the right decision in stopping things before they went too far. In his line of business, it was too risky and distracting to have a woman around clouding his head. Mike's life and the lives of others depended on him being focused and one hundred per cent committed to his work.

***

The next morning, Kelly and Mike went down to breakfast together hand in hand, having agreed to play out the charade a little longer for Allison's sake. They stepped into the dining room and instantly Kelly was embraced in a fierce hug by a woman she did not recognize.

"Oh! You are even more beautiful than I could have hoped for!" the woman said, touching Kelly's hair, tears springing to her eyes. "She has red hair! Mike, you done good, honey. I'm going to have those redheaded grandbabies after all!" Kelly gasped as she realized this was Mike's mother, MargaretFinnigan .

It was Jeff's mother, Mrs. Williams, who proudly declared an explanation, "Mike, I can't believe you didn't tell your mother of your engagement. She was so surprised when I called her with the news!"

Chapter 7

Kelly turned her startled green eyes to Mike, hoping for some direction or inspiration, a graceful way out of the predicament that Jeff's mother had inadvertently put them in. But he looked as shocked as she felt, and with a sinking feeling inside, she knew she had to come up with something herself - but not another one of her crazy schemes. That was, after all, what had gotten them into this awkward situation in the first place!

Pulling her thoughts together, she smiled warmly at the woman before her. "The engagement just happened, before we came here. Mike felt he should tell you in person, so..." she added, inspired, "we were planning on coming to see you in Chicago tomorrow."

Mrs.Finnigan beamed at her son. "Really, Mike? That is so thoughtful of you. I forgive you now for not telling me sooner."

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Mike smiled cheekily at his mother. "I'm glad. Otherwise I might have had trouble sleeping at night."

"You are a brat, MichaelFinnigan . I had hoped that you would grow out of that," she mockingly chided him.

"Excuse me, Mr.Finnigan ." The housekeeper approached with a cordless phone in her hand. "Mr. Browning would like a word with you."

Glancing at the others, Mike took the phone. "Excuse me, I'll be right back. Rob," he said into the phone as he walked swiftly away toward the garden.

Mrs.Finnigan beamed at Kelly. "This works out wonderfully! Now we can get to know each other."

***

Mike turned off the phone, and stared thoughtfully at the garden. Rob Browning had offered him an immense multiple-city contract, under one condition: that he relocate his business here, to Kansas City. He would oversee the security work, which would mean no more field operations for him. He was stunned by the enormity of it.

He had never thought about living anywhere but Chicago, at least not in the near future. It would mean leaving his family behind - but it would also mean being closer to Kelly...

Kelly. He had never met anyone like her: a woman who stunned him with her beauty and enchanted him with her smile. He could still feel her lips against his, and if he closed his eyes...

Mike mentally scolded himself. He was letting thoughts of Kelly distract him from his business deal. He had to stay focused and remember that their engagement was a charade, that Kelly had no real feelings for him. If only he could stop thinking about her...

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He sighed. He had 24 hours to give Rob Browning an answer - 24 hours to decide the path of his life.

***

Mrs.Finnigan glanced out over the garden, where she and Kelly were sitting, discussing Mike's childhood. "Where is Mike going?"

Kelly looked over her shoulder to see Mike striding toward the garage, where his vehicle was parked. Where could he be going?

She jumped up. "I'd better go see what's going on. Excuse me." She dashed across the lawn.

As she moved swiftly to catch up with Mike, she caught a glimpse of someone with platinum blond hair stepping out of the shadows toward him. She frowned. Eva.

Even from this distance, she could tell that Mike was surprised to see Eva. Although she still stung from the cold shoulder Mike had given her last night, Kelly was damned if she was going to just toss Mike to the shark-like Eva.

She found them by the pool. Eva was smiling beguilingly at him, her crimson-tipped fingers caressing his cheek. Kelly felt her anger rise, and she stopped just short of leaving the cover of the bushes. If she walked out there now, her temper would get the better of her and she would conk that woman.

Eva's voice carried to her easily. "Rob says she's not executive wife material. She could keep you from getting your contract with his company. You need to re-think this engagement."

"My relationship with Kelly has nothing to do with my career," Mike replied, brushing her hand from his face, his voice cold and stern. "But if I had to make a choice, Kelly would win, not the job."

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Heart buoyant, Kelly stepped forward, immediately catching Eva's attention. Eva glared at her with hostility. "You really think you've won, don't you? Look at you, with last year's hairstyle and 10 extra pounds! You might have his attention now, but you won't be able to keep it."

Kelly stepped close to Eva. "You live in an incredibly empty, shallow world, if you think a man like Mike is only looking for a pretty face."

Anger flared in the blonde's face, removing any lingering attractiveness. "You cheap, low-class tart!" she snarled. She shoved Kelly hard, sending her back a few steps.

"You're rubbing yourself all over my fiancé, and I'm a low-class tart? I think you need to look up the definition, and don't be surprised if you see your picture there!"

Eva shrieked in outrage. "I'm not someone to fool with. My husband can destroy your fiancé without blinking an eye." She turned her hard blue eyes on Mike, then back at Kelly. "And if you think he would pick you over a fortune, you are incredibly stupid, as well as incredibly dull."

Kelly felt the anger she'd been keeping in check explode as she surged towards Eva, and with one hard shove, pushed her back. The woman toddled on her heels for a second, then fell backwards...into the pool.

Kelly heard a whoop, and turned to see Allison and Jeff, hands intertwined, watching with great amusement. "That pool's getting a lot of use," Allison said amid Jeff's deep laughter.

She felt warm hands encircle her shoulders, and looked up into Mike's smiling face. "Now I know you really do care for me," he said. "Don't you?"

Kelly opened her mouth to tell him the truth, then stopped. How did she feel about MikeFinnigan ?

Chapter 8

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Kelly's heart rate increased rapidly as she stared at Mike. Did she love him? They'd only met a couple of days ago. She couldn't possibly - but she could. She did! The realization flooded her heart, making it impossible to speak. But Mike was staring at her waiting for her answer.

A drenched Eva pulled herself from the pool, waking Kelly from her trance.

Sure that Mike was still playing their game, she said, "Of course I do, Mike. We wouldn't be engaged if I didn't love you."

Mike frowned at her, totally ignoring Eva. "But -"

"If you let that little hussy get away with pushing me in the water, I'll guarantee you'll never do business with my husband!" Eva shrieked.

"Be quiet, or you'll take another dip in the pool," Mike muttered, but his gaze remained on Kelly. "I'm serious, sweetheart," he continued, but this time he was talking to Kelly, his hands capturing her shoulders.

"Of course you are, Mike. This is very serious," Kelly agreed, her gaze shifting to Eva. "I'll get a towel for Eva. It's the least I can do." Kelly pulled herself from his arms and turned to the house. "Uh, Allison, can you come and help me?"

Though Allison looked surprised, she released Jeff's hand and started walking with her.

"For a towel?" Jeff questioned. "Ally and I were going to go for a horseback ride. Can't you -"

"I'll be back in a minute, Jeff," Allison called over her shoulder. "You can wait."

Kelly muttered her thanks when they were far enough away not to be heard. "I'm in big trouble!"

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"You think Eva will try to get back at you?" Allison asked, frowning.

"Eva? No, not Eva. Mike!"

"Why would Mike want to get back at you? You've done everything you could. That woman was being impossible."

Kelly loved Allison for defending her, but she hadn't understood. "No. That's not what I mean. I just realized that I'm in love with Mike!"

"But you just met him!"

"I know! And he thinks we're still playing our little game. When it's over, he'll go back to Chicago and I won't see him again. What am I going to do?"

"Are you sure, Kelly? Two days isn't long enough to -"

"How long did it take Jeff to figure out he loved you?"

Allison blinked several times before she said, "Two days. But we've known each other for a long time. You know that."

"Well, I may not know all about Mike, but I know how I feel about him. He's a good man. He tried to save Eva's husband's feelings. He did the honorable thing in rejecting Eva, even though most men would have taken advantage of the situation. He's been a perfect gentleman this entire weekend. And he's an incredible kisser."

"I wondered just how friendly the two of you had gotten. I'll have to admit he's seemed pretty possessive

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of you."

"Do you think so?" Kelly asked, grasping for hope.

"Yeah," Allison said. "Do you remember what you told me about Jeff? Take your chances? If you really feel that way about Mike, I think you should tell him."

Kelly came to a halt, staring into the distance. "You know, I think you're right." She spun around and headed back toward the pool.

"But what about the towel?" Allison called after her.

"Let Eva get her own towel!" And her own man, Kelly thought. She was going after her man.

***

"Rob, I'm glad you came back. I have something to tell you," Mike said as Eva's husband joined them.

"You're going to agree to my offer?" Rob Browning asked eagerly.

"I'd love to do business with you. I'm sure my partner and I can work out my transfer to Kansas City, too. But I can't accept until I tell you the truth about what's been going on around here."

"Don't you dare!" Eva spit the words out from behind clenched teeth.

Rob turned around to stare in surprise at his drenched wife. "Honey, what happened to you? You're all wet," Rob pointed out as he tried to wrap his arm around her.

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"Nothing." Eva took her husband's arm and pulled him in the direction of their car. "I'm ready to go. Now!"

"Just a minute. I need to have a word with Mike."

Mike took a deep breath. He didn't want to have this conversation, but he believed in honesty. "Sir, your wife has been coming on to me ever since we all had dinner together in Chicago. She's been pretty blunt about - what she wanted. I enlisted Kelly's help to avoid any awkwardness, but I can't move here and expect Kelly to continue the charade."

Mike hoped he'd said enough. He hoped Rob would take care of the problem. Most important, he hoped Kelly would fall in love with him as he had with her.

After staring at his wife, Rob turned back to face Mike. "I don't mix business and my personal life. I'm sorry you felt you had to pretend. I like Kelly. I thought you made a good couple, much better than Eva and me. I'll take care of the difficulty. And I'd like to cement our arrangement with a handshake."

"I don't think -" Eva began.

"My dear, if you don't want all your credit cards cut into little pieces, you'll keep your nose out of my business. We'll discuss this further when we arrive home. Now, I suggest you go and find yourself some dry clothes." Eva pouted and stalked off.

Mike accepted the handshake Rob offered before he turned and followed his wife.

Breathing a sigh of relief, Mike turned to Jeff to comment, only to discover Kelly and Allison standing beside him.

"Did you forget the bath towel?" He asked.

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Kelly stepped up to him and wrapped her arms around his neck. "No, I forgot to tell you something."

"What?"

"I'm not sure it matters, since you've got the business deal, but - I agree with you. It's time to be honest."

He ran his hands up and down her sides and leaned down to whisper, "I hope I'm going to like this as much as I think I will."

"I hope so, too." She paused to suck in air and push her courage a little higher. "Mike, I've fallen in love with you. I know we've only known each other a short time, but -"

She didn't get to finish her sentence. Mike's lips covered hers in a spellbinding kiss, one that brought body to body and soul to soul. Her feet left the ground as he swept her against him, and she never wanted to come down to earth again.

Jeff whispered in Allison's ear, "I'm feeling left out."

Allison joyfully kissed the love of her life, too.

When Mike finally lowered Kelly to the sidewalk again, he held her against him and looked at Jeff and Allison. "Hey, you two, come up for air. We've got plans to make."

"Plans?" Jeff asked, his gaze still fixed on Allison. "I like things just the way they are,Finnigan . I don't want to change anything."

"Not even so you can have a honeymoon?" Mike asked, then turned to Kelly. "How about it, sweetheart. Ready for a honeymoon?"

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"If that's a proposal, I accept, but I really don't want to invite Jeff and Allison to go with us," Kelly pointed out, smiling.

"Oh, I wasn't going to invite them on the honeymoon. But I thought we might as well invite them to join us in the wedding. A double wedding."

"As long as you're there, I'll agree to most anything," Kelly whispered before her lips found his again.

This time Allison and Jeff broke up the embrace. "We accept!" They exclaimed together.

"Fortunately, my mother is already here." Mike chuckled as he wrapped his arm possessively around Kelly. "If you had told me when I landed at the airport that I'd be getting married within a week, I would've said you were imagining things. It's going to sound strange when we tell our children we were engaged longer than we dated."

Kelly laughed. "We can just pretend we had a long engagement. That's how this romance started and everything worked out all right."

"It certainly did," Mike agreed, and kissed Kelly again.