The Pretend Engagement

By Claire Cox

Calliope Miles, an artist in central Arkansas, loves her family and would do anything for them. Even if it means risking her heart being irrevocably broken in order to get her cousin the help he desperately needs from the Veterans Administration. Mark Landon is working to rehabilitate the construction company before it gasps its last breath or else his father won’t let him move into the CEO position of his family’s corporation. Can he move Cali into his home and help her family and the business without her moving into his heart in the process?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Claire Cox
• Release date: Jan 9, 2014
• ISBN: 9781310399404

Claire Cox

I live in Arkansas with my lovely husband and daughter. I have been a great lover of books and writing from a very early age. I started writing my own stories as a very young child. My grandmothers read romances and often gave me a box full of books they'd read. My mother is a voracious reader and taught me to love the written word, as well. I believe that reading about strong characters will help people to grow as individuals and discover ways to make their own lives better.

Book preview

This book is dedicated to my wonderful and loving husband, without whom I would have kept procrastinating. And also to my mother who taught me to love reading and writing.

Chapter One

Mark Landon hung up the phone and pushed an impatient hand through his thick dark hair. As an owner-investor of Robinson & Son Construction, he should not have to chase down decorative pieces for a project. That should be someone else’s job. He’d had no idea that he would be expected to commission the mural out front. He had expected the project manager to take care of it, but he had been called away on another job out of state. Now the client had called and shifted that responsibility to him.

Before his father would allow him to step into the CEO position of their multi-billion dollar company, he had to prove himself. The business had several high-level holdings, but his father had sent him to fix the problems here in this relatively small construction company. Nicholas Landon believed in working your way to the top, even for his son.

He raked his hand through his dark hair again and leaned back in his chair. Where did people go to commission murals around here? He wanted someone local he could keep up with.

He pressed the intercom button on his phone. Suzy? Can you come in here, please?

A slender woman wearing jeans and a linen blouse walked into the office. Yes, Mark?

I need the name and address of an artist in the area. Preferably someone with good references. Can you get that for me?

Sure. Anything else?

No, thanks. I’d like to try to meet with someone today on this thing, so if you could get that for me right away, I’d really appreciate it.

No problem. Suzy stepped out, closing the door behind her.

Mark turned to his laptop and checked his emails. He tiredly rubbed his eyes when he saw three from Jake, his best friend. He’d known Jake since they met in 4th grade, and they’d been inseparable until after graduating college. Jake was an executive in his own family’s company and so they didn’t have nearly as much time to get together as they’d like. Jake was apparently trying to chase him down to figure out where he’d gone when he left Houston. He wanted to plan some time to hang out again soon. Mark sighed and hoped he could find the time sooner rather than later.

There was also one email from his father. Wanting a status report on what condition the office had been in on his arrival, as well as what steps he’d already taken to remedy the problems. Mark typed out a quick response letting him know that he was on top of the situation but that he wasn’t yet ready to elaborate and begin making major changes.

Mark? Suzy poked her head in the door of his office. I have someone for you.

Okay. Let’s have him. Mark turned his chair toward her and held out his hand.

Suzy approached the desk with a small note in her hand. It’s a she, she replied as she handed him the paper. Calliope Miles. She comes with some really glowing recommendations, too. I called my friend over at Smith and Rogers, and she said she’s the best.

Mark looked at the name on the paper. Best meaning expensive, or best meaning quickest?

Suzy smiled. I think a little of both. She works out of her house, out at Lake Omaha. I called a few minutes ago and asked if she could see you today. She said to just come on out, she’s there.

Mark stood up, grabbing his keys and wallet, clipping his cell phone onto his belt, and stuck the note in his chest pocket. Okay. Thanks, Suzy. I’m going to grab lunch while I’m out taking care of this. Call me if you need me.

He walked through the early June sunshine to his truck. He’d bought the F150 before coming to Angel, Arkansas. He’d needed a truck for visiting job sites, and he’d wanted something a few years old so that he could blend in. He had no interest in drawing people’s attention to his life as a socialite in his parents’ circle. He felt so much freer here, living in his grandfather’s ranch home and working in the place his grandfather had always referred to as his place of belonging in the world. For the first time in a long time, he felt like he could belong somewhere.

Chapter Two

What perfect timing. Cali smiled to herself as she dialed her phone. She could get out of having lunch with Brad since a possible client might be coming out.

Hello? Brad’s smooth voice answered.

Hey, Brad. It’s me, Cali.

What’s going on, honey?

Brad, I asked you not to call me that.

Aw, Cali. Even if you’re not my girl, you’re still a honey of a girl. He chuckled at his own little joke.

Hmm. Well, I called because I can’t meet you for lunch. I have a possibility today. Since she was used to his sexist remarks, she ignored them for the most part. It seemed to be his way of flirting, even though she didn’t know who would have found that kind of talking attractive.

A new client? Okay. Well, what time are you meeting? Maybe we could meet afterward.

Cali frowned into the phone. I’m not sure yet what time. I think it would be better if I just stay home and work today.

Brad was silent for a moment and Cali knew he was measuring his response. Okay. I’ll tell you what. I’ll call you later this afternoon and we’ll discuss dinner instead.

Brad—

Cali, I want to talk to you about something. Please.

Cali considered. She had no interest in dating the man again. She’d been there, done that, and knew it was wrong for her. She wanted a clean break. He was the one who wanted to remain friendly, calling and eating together and all. But if he actually had a purpose this time, maybe she should humor him. Okay. You can call me, but I don’t feel like going out to dinner tonight.

Fine. I have to get back to work now. I’ll talk to you later, babe. Bye.

She heard the click before she could again correct him in his reference to her. She had never really liked being called pet names.

Her sculptures and mural paintings had finally begun to draw enough attention that she was making a small living from new commissions. She was living her dream, for the most part. She still taught art classes at the middle and high schools in town. She’d found it necessary at first for financial reasons, but as time went on she discovered that teaching art kept her open and fresh in a way that she found very helpful in her own personal work. Plus it gave her summers off so she could focus on her own work. Cali sighed and walked into the kitchen to make a quick cup of tea before her appointment.

Brad was the closest she had ever come to a grown-up relationship. He had sort of wiggled his way into her life. One day, she had just looked up and found him there. He seemed steady and dependable, things she appreciated. It didn’t take long to see that he wanted her to fit his idea of her more than he wanted the real her.

One day, she’d looked at him and realized that she’d never love him. And so she’d ended it before it could become serious.

At the sound of a vehicle on the gravel driveway, Cali stood and prepared to meet a possible new client.

Chapter Three

When Cali answered the knock at her front door, she had no idea what she expected to see. His secretary had said he was from Robinson & Son, her Uncle John’s construction company. She’d never heard of him before, so she figured he was new in town and that her uncle had hired him to help out while he was dealing with her cousin David.

The man stood with his back to her, a lean muscular back under the light blue oxford cloth shirt. His dark hair was just a little long in back, brushing his collar as the ends curled under. He was looking at a small molded clay statue of the fairy tale Frog Prince sitting near the front door. He was about six inches taller than Cali and his hands were shoved into the pockets of his jeans. Now there’s a man who knows how to buy jeans that fit, she thought. Her fingers itched to sketch him.

I made that for my niece. It’s the Frog Prince, Cali explained as she stepped outside onto the porch. She felt her breath catch as he turned to face her. His clear blue eyes met hers and she suddenly forgot what she was saying. He was very possibly the most gorgeous man she’d ever seen up close.

Excuse me? he asked.

What? Oh, I’m sorry, Cali stammered. The Frog Prince. From the fairy tale by Grimm. You know. This beautiful princess is playing down by the stream and she meets a toad. He convinces her to take him home with her and let him sit at her table and sleep on her pillow, and eventually she kisses him and turns him into the prince he was before some witch turned him into a frog. I sound like a moron, she thought. Anyway, my niece loves that story. Can’t get enough of it. It’s her birthday present.

I see. Mark smiled at her, watching her with hooded eyes. He liked the way her auburn hair was messily tied up in a bandana on her head with stray curls poking out around her face and the way her jeans and t-shirt hugged her curves. But those whiskey eyes of hers slammed right into his gut. That’s a very thoughtful gift. And it’s a beautiful little statue.

Thank you. Would you like to come inside? Cali stepped back and opened the screen door.

Sure, Mark answered. He reached behind her, holding the door so that he could follow her into the house. Her scent floated up to him and his body instantly responded. A musky-vanilla blend that tempted him to bury his face in her hair.

Thank you, Cali smiled at him as she moved inside. She felt a little flustered by her reaction to him. We’ll just go to the kitchen, then.

Wherever you take me is fine, Mark answered. He’d like her to take him to bed, he thought as he noticed her ringless hands. He decided to take his first opportunity to ask her out. He figured she’d let him know right away if she wasn’t single.

So what kind of piece are you interested in, Mr. Landon? They sat down at her kitchen table, a simple square in a dark stained wood with simple lines.

Please, call me Mark. And you’re Calliope Miles? He reached across the table to shake her hand.

It’s nice to meet you, Mark. Please call me Cali. Cali reached out, feeling a jolt at the simple contact. A shiver traced up her arm. Would you like to see a portfolio of my past work, or do you already have an idea of what you’re looking for?

I think it might be helpful to see your portfolio, actually. I’m not entirely certain what I’m looking for, yet. He knew exactly what he needed for the job, but he didn’t feel like rushing through this anymore.

Sure, no problem. I’ll be right back with some photos, and then we can look at some of the pieces in my studio, if you’d like. Cali felt his eyes on her as she left the room.

In her studio, she leaned her head on the wall, closing her eyes and breathing deeply. Get it together, Calliope Jane. Just because he’s gorgeous doesn’t mean you have to act like a teenager.

Mark shifted uncomfortably in his chair. He hadn’t expected to find the artist so attractive. Every time her amber eyes lifted to his, his body responded. And when her fingers had touched his palm, he’d had to fight the impulse to grab her hand and pull her closer. Maybe he could get her to go to dinner with him while he was negotiating the job. They could have some fun together while he was here fixing the problems with this company. She could be a welcome distraction, he thought as she walked back into the room.

Here’s a portfolio of work I’ve done. As you can see, I work in several different mediums, and have done a few murals. Cali set the open portfolio on the table in front of him. What type of work exactly are you interested in?

Mark looked down at the photos, quickly making a decision. Could I take this with me? I’ll give it a thorough look this afternoon and then we could discuss the order over dinner tonight. Can I pick you up about seven?

Dinner? Cali blinked and instinctively pulled her hand back. Um, I suppose so. Why would he want to go to dinner with me, she thought then shook her head. I mean, yes. That would be fine. But I can meet you.

Mark smiled and Cali felt her heart skip a beat. Tucking her portfolio under one arm, he stood. It’s no problem. I’ll pick you up.

He walked to the door, Cali following closely behind. Watching him walk from behind was almost as stimulating as gazing into those azure eyes. She shook her head and ordered her hormones under control. He was not asking her on a date, he was taking her to a business dinner.

At the door, Mark turned and smiled at her again, reaching for her hand. I look forward to getting to know you better, Cali. With a brush of his lips across her knuckles, he released her hand and left.

Chapter 4

His plans had little to do with business and a lot to do with desire. He hoped to have this company’s problems contained and fixed within a few months, six at the absolute most. Calliope Miles would be a fun diversion from the battles he fought in his business dealings. Mixing business with pleasure by hiring her to provide the decorative detail for this project didn’t seem like a bad idea. In fact, it gave him the opportunity to pursue his plans for her.

When she answered the door for their date, he felt his