A Friendly Engagement

By Christine Warner

What's a little engagement between friends?

Omar Esterly is married to his job. But when Omar sets his sights on a potential, family-oriented client, his confirmed bachelorhood becomes a problem. Fortunately, his friend and employee, Devi Boss, has the perfect plan...

Okay, so it wasn't exactly Devi's plan to become her friend's fake fiancée. Lies aren't her style. However, Omar offers her a big, beautiful raise - enough to track down the missing father she's never known - and Devi reluctantly agrees to the whole engagement hoax...

This was supposed to be a no-strings-attached win-win for both Devi and Omar, but when they cross the line between friendship and...well, something more, Devi realizes she's made a huge mistake that just might cost her both job and friend - falling for her fiancé.

Each title in the Friends First series can be enjoyed out of order.
Book #1 A Friendly Engagement
Book #2 A Friendly Arrangement
Book #3 A Friendly Flirtation

• Language: English
• Publisher: Macmillan Publishers
• Release date: Jun 23, 2015
• ISBN: 9781633752887

Book preview

Table of Contents

Dedication

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Chapter Eighteen

Chapter Nineteen

Acknowledgments

About the Author

Check out more fun romances from Entangled Select Contemporary…

Storming the Castle

Love on Tap

Some Like it Sinful

Know When to Hold Him

This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, or persons, living or dead, is coincidental.

Copyright © 2015 by Christine Warner. All rights reserved, including the right to reproduce, distribute, or transmit in any form or by any means. For information regarding subsidiary rights, please contact the Publisher.

Entangled Publishing, LLC

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Suite 109

Fort Collins, CO 80525

Visit our website at www.entangledpublishing.com.

Select Contemporary is an imprint of Entangled Publishing, LLC.

Edited by Karen Grove

Cover design by Louisa Maggio

Cover art from Romance Novel Covers

ISBN 978-1-63375-288-7

Manufactured in the United States of America

First Edition June 2015

To my very special niece and nephew who have given me many smiles through the years as I’ve watched them grow into the amazing people they are today.

My beautiful niece, Cassandra Devi Rianna Singh-Suwal, who has the strength to do things her own way, and my awe-inspiring nephew, Cristendra Raj Singh-Suwal, who has the biggest heart of anyone I know.

I love you both.

Chapter One

Omar Esterly stared out the bank of windows in the downstairs lobby of his office building. He took a large bite of the loaded hot dog he’d bought moments ago from the nearby vendor and chewed slowly as a throng of rowdy tourists overtook the sidewalk outside. Although he had no reason to stress, or complain for that matter, his insides were tied in knots. Since he’d taken over the company from his father six years ago, the financial planning firm had more than doubled in size. Clients were coming out of the woodwork in droves, but the one contract he’d worked toward for the last three years still eluded him. He’d kept his work on this contract under wraps from everyone but his assistant, hoping to surprise his father by securing the larger-than-life client on his own merit, making it his final goal in earning the old man’s respect. Unfortunately, Leland Esterly had other plans. Affording to retire at an early age hadn’t benefited him one bit. All the years he’d worked inhumane hours, indulged in greasy foods, and constantly toked on his beloved Cubans had taken their toll on his heart. He’d died before Omar could prove himself with the deal of the decade. Hard to believe almost a year had passed since they’d buried him.

He closed his eyes and tried to ease the tension knotted between his shoulders by rolling his head from side to side. If only he could figure out a way to score an invite to William Bartow’s weeklong meet and greet that didn’t include the man’s main requirement.

Why had Bartow decided the next firm he worked with would be family oriented? What the hell did having a family have to do with business anyway?

Omar looked up through the open atrium of the building, past the numerous offices that were housed on the outer walls of the building, until he could see the evening sky littered with thousands of stars. He sent a silent salute to his idol. Alone, his old man had built Esterly Financial more than thirty years ago from hard work, determination, and sweat. He’d groomed Omar from birth to take over everything. His father had been the smartest man alive, and Omar missed strategizing with him. If anyone could’ve come up with an idea to help Omar get invited to the billionaire’s oceanfront retreat, it’d have been his old man. Once there, Omar only had to show the man his plan and win the damn contract. But in order to do that, he first had to get an invite.

He rubbed the muscles banded along his neck and jumped when someone touched his arm. He turned to meet the piercing gray-blue eyes of his assistant, Devi. Their light color and unfailing concentration always gave him the eerie feeling she knew what he thought. Sometimes before he did.

She smiled as she brushed her fingers through her dark brown-black hair. The soft jingle of her bracelets dragged him away from his thoughts.

Quitting time, Omar. I thought you’d already left so I locked up the office airtight.

What are you still doing here? He hadn’t noticed her at the desk when he’d come down earlier, but then his mind had been on Bartow.

More than likely the same thing you are. Working, she said in a deadpan voice, tilting her head to the side and tucking a strand of her shiny hair behind one ear.

Omar couldn’t stop the smile spreading across his face. There were so many times he envied Devi. She had no inhibitions and always spoke her mind, even if she was talking to the boss. She’d taught him to speak his mind as well—at least when he was with her.

If only he could be more like her. Learn how to blend his personal life with his professional life. Over the years he’d lost some of his identity. All because he didn’t dare show certain aspects of his personality—especially humor. His father had considered it a character flaw, a weakness.

But with Devi he had an outlet. She not only brought out his humor, but she never judged, no matter if it was good, bad, funny, or not so funny.

Devi peeled back a section of her own hot dog wrapper and took a healthy bite. She closed her eyes, her head swaying from side to side as she chewed.

Extra mustard? he asked.

You know it. I don’t know what drug Mack puts in these dogs, but they’re the only vice I have outside of my organic diet.

Omar grinned. Devi liked healthy foods, mostly veggies and fruits with a few nuts tossed in, but she allowed herself one of Mack’s hot dogs each week. Usually Friday night.

Having his stand inside our office building instead of out in the land of the tourists keeps him one of North Carolina’s best hidden secrets. Didn’t you have plans tonight? Omar asked.

I do. Want to tag along? I’m fun, you know. She winked.

He shook his head. Not tonight.

Don’t you want to help me celebrate? She spoke around another bite of her hot dog, flicking her tongue along the corner of her mouth and catching a drop of mustard.

What are you celebrating this time? Life in general? As if she needed an excuse. Devi probably had one of the most interesting lives of anyone he knew, mainly because she took chances, made friends wherever she went, and jumped before she second-guessed herself. There didn’t seem to be anything she refused to try.

If only I…

Her laughter brought him back to the moment. Straight from the heart, loud, and husky, the sound always shook his senses.

Um, who bought that sign on my desk? The one that clearly states ‘Until Further Notice Celebrate Everything.’

That’d be me. What was I thinking? Like you’d need a sign to remind you.

I should’ve gotten you a sign reminding you of our five-year anniversary. Cause enough for celebrating? One fine brow lifted to taunt him.

Already?

Already. Another year has come and gone and you still can’t remember my hire date. I might have to think about tattooing it on my forehead, she said dryly, shaking her head in mock annoyance. Her long silver earrings—a cascade of moons and stars—brushed against her neck. He had an urge to reach out and touch them, but instead shoved his hands deep into his trouser pockets.

Hard to believe she’d been with him that long. The main reason he’d hired her all those years ago was because she’d been everything he wasn’t—and she’d made him laugh. The moment she’d walked into their interview with several bracelets lacing the length of her arm, her flowing skirt swirling around her legs, and her long, wavy hair streaming down her back, he’d been intrigued. He’d never met anyone like her.

Still hadn’t. She had a style all her own—from her bohemian fashion sense to her throaty laugh, and a smile that could turn any bad day around.

But when she’d started their interview by sharing a knock-knock joke to alleviate some of the tension, he’d instantly made his decision to offer her the position. He needed that kind of energy in his firm.

As opposite as they were, he liked her on the spot, and more than anything he’d wished for some of her carefree attitude. She had business smarts, but in the same breath she’d conquered living her life to the fullest. His personal life and his work life were so intertwined they’d become one.

Happy anniversary. Forget the tattoo, next time enter it on my calendar. I’d have taken you to lunch.

No worries. I took the liberty of putting this delish dog on our company account. We’re square. She wiggled her eyebrows, then popped the last tidbit of mustard-stained bun between her ruby red lips.

Now I don’t feel so guilty, but we’ll still do lunch Monday.

She shrugged. Better yet, why not come out with me tonight? Not only will you risk the chance of actually cracking a smile in public and enjoying yourself, but you’ll get your mind off your troubles. I can tell you’re still thinking about Bartow. She tossed her wrapper into the trash can as if she were a pro basketball player making a shot from across the court. Score!

Maybe you’re in the wrong profession. As soon as the words left his mouth he regretted them. He didn’t want to give her any ideas about moving on. Not only was she the best damn assistant he’d ever worked with, but he respected her work ethic, smarts, and ability to see outside the box he’d confined himself to. If she left, he’d be lost.

I’m too short to play professionally. And quit trying to change the subject. Devi poked him playfully in the chest, and then tugged his arm and pulled him through the glass doors and onto the sidewalk.

What do you have planned? Dancing in the fountain, running barefoot through the streets, booking a last-minute flight to Vegas for the weekend to gamble away your paycheck?

If I thought I could ply you with enough liquor to get you to follow, I’d say yes to all the above. Her laughter caught the attention of several people standing nearby, and they looked over with smiles of their own. Nothing so dramatic this weekend, though. I’m thinking a drink at one of the places by the pier, maybe some dancing. Meeting some new friends. Who knows?

He slipped out of her grasp. Maybe another time. I have work to do.

She covered her mouth with ring-laden fingers and faked a yawn. Not a shocker. But let’s forget work tonight. You have to admit it’s impressive I’ve stuck it out for five years with a workaholic, slave-driving boss who forgets our anniversary every year. She took hold of his upper arm with a grip he didn’t know she possessed and steered him past a twosome playing music on the sidewalk.

A blanket of twilight mixed with the subdued lighting from the various shops and streetlamps surrounding them. The cadence of all the sightseers, vendors, and locals filled every nook and cranny of the sidewalk and inside the bustling shops. Excitement vibrated across the cool night breeze. He breathed in the salty ocean air and relaxed for the first time all day. Funny that a lungful of clean air could loosen up his muscles in a way a neck rub couldn’t.

I can tell you’re thinking about tagging along. Just go with it, enjoy a night out. Devi’s voice buzzed with anticipation.

I’m really not in the mood.

She stopped and frowned up at him. Her eyes sparkled with a challenge. You’ve been telling me ever since your dad passed you’d slow down and relax. Prove it. It’s a whole new world out here, one you haven’t experienced in far too long.

Should I start calling you Aladdin?

…

Devi Boss loved working for Omar. Admired his business savvy and dedication. He’d endeared himself to her because of how opposite they were. She lived by the motto of live your life in the moment, and he subscribed to neat and exact—nothing out of place or unplanned.

He rarely did anything without thinking about it from twenty different angles. Knowing what she did now, she couldn’t believe how he’d hired her on the spot at their interview. She’d been twenty and fresh out of college. That’d been five years ago, and she hadn’t looked back.

Not even once.

But she worried about him. He needed to loosen up, live a little, and quit working so hard. Tweak his motto, even if by a hair’s width. She’d probably had more fun in the last week than he’d had in his entire thirty years.

Do I look like Aladdin? She grabbed the side seam of her rainbow maxi skirt and swished the shimmery fabric from side to side. I mean, I know my outfit doesn’t show off every curve, but I think most people get the idea.

He shook his head. Even a blind man can see you’re all woman.

A compliment from the bossman? She tossed her head back and laughed, working her hands faster so that her skirt swished around her legs in a blur. The hem rose higher and higher, and she danced around Omar in a tight circle.

Cha, cha, cha. The night air cooled the skin of her thighs. See me dance. Join me tonight. This too could be you.

No thanks.

Her entire being glowed when he chuckled. She’d earned an original Omar smile topped off with a near laugh. Something he usually reserved for special occasions—like when he secured a new contract or the P & Ls came out.

You gotta let your inhibitions go, O. Before she got accused of indecent exposure, she dropped her hands, and her skirt settled against her ankles with a swoosh. But not before she caught Omar checking out her legs. A warm tingle settled across her flesh. She liked the boost to her self-esteem. Long hours working with him sometimes left her craving a man’s attention. Not that she had any fantasies as far as he was concerned—the main mistress in his life was his job—but his attention definitely made her feel all warm and feminine.

Like I said, I can see you’re a woman.

That tingle spread to fill her belly. They made eye contact, and he actually blushed. Well, maybe not a blush, but his color heightened. Devi enjoyed the power of being a woman. It wasn’t often she got the one-up on Omar. Why, thank you, kind sir. She chuckled and curtsied.

In all the years they’d worked together she’d never witnessed him this far out of his comfort zone. Was he embarrassed she’d caught him ogling her goods?

No way.

Not a man with his power and prowess. He’d dated so many women through the years she’d stopped trying to remember their names. Why bother? They never made more than a handful of appearances before being replaced with a new face—new name.

Plus, she’d worn shorter skirts to work hundreds of times. Tonight wasn’t his first venture in seeing legs.

Then again, you’re talking about Omar. He’d never look at you any other way than as his assistant.

Even though they were fast friends, more than likely it was the fact he’d overstepped the boss-employee line that had caused his discomfort. If nothing else Omar was a stickler about following protocol.

He shook his head, but her playful mood had a smile tugging at his lips. She dared to go one step further to lure him out for a night on the town.

Devi moved ahead of him and spun around. She grabbed his hands and tugged him down the tourist-filled sidewalk, past overcrowded restaurants and booked-to-the-hilt hotels. I can show you the world, she sang in hushed tones. When he smiled, she raised her voice and kept singing, humming the parts of the song where she didn’t know the words.

Omar chuckled again and pulled her to a stop with such force she collided with his hard pecs.

Hmm, looks like Omar’s efforts at the gym are definitely paying off.

Give me a break. You act like I’m a hermit.

She dropped his hands and pushed off his chest. Sometimes you are.

I go out. Hell, it wasn’t that long ago I took Jessica—Jessie, whatever her name is—out for dinner.

Wow. I’m almost convinced. Knowing you, it was probably a business dinner. She straightened her skirt, then looked up to meet his gaze. No, if it were, you’d have remembered her name.

He rolled his eyes.

And ‘not long ago’ was at least a month or two. Seems to me I remember her name from your calendar. Either way, you have to get over this obsession with work, work, work.

He lifted one arrogant brow. It worked well for my father.

Yeah, look where all that work got him. Devi’s chest still ached whenever she thought about Leland Esterly dying of a massive heart attack at the age of fifty-seven. He’d barely had time to enjoy his retirement—if you could call working close to sixty plus hours a week as an accountant in a second career retirement. Either way, he’d been much too young.

Omar frowned. I wouldn’t be where I am today if I didn’t work hard. Plus, unlike my father, I eat right and make sure to exercise.

There’s nothing wrong with hard work, as long as you know how to play hard, too. Come on, Omar. Take a break. Do up the town with me. She cocked her head and gave him what she hoped were her best puppy-dog eyes. One thing she’d learned about Omar over the years, he treasured his employees’ happiness. And she’d use it against him for his own good.

How about a rain check? He brushed his fingers through his hair.

I’ve heard that before. Five years, Omar. You can have one drink with me. Devi softened her tone as she ticked off each year on her fingers. She’d play the guilt card to the hilt if need be.

He shook his head. I really need to find a way inside Bartow’s inner circle. I want that account. I don’t get why a business savvy, confirmed bachelor like Bartow requires the firm he hires to live by standards he doesn’t follow himself.

Devi’s stomach sank. Omar had everything required to help this man build his wealth—except a family. His family consisted of a mother who busied herself on a never-ending world travel tour, and two brothers. They all lived in different states and weren’t close. Not that any of that mattered because that wasn’t the type of family the businessman was after. Maybe he likes the Norman Rockwellness of the picture in his mind. You know—wife, kids, and probably a white picket fence. Maybe he has regrets over things he never accomplished.

If he’d just listen to the plan I have mapped out, he’d realize having a wife and family doesn’t mean squat when it comes to financial planning. Omar sighed.

I’m sorry, O.

All that loving family mumbo-jumbo talk might be good for some people, but life is about success and moving forward. A family holds you back. Takes up your time. Hell, my father taught me that in grade school. Omar’s voice grew hard with conviction.

Ouch. That’s damn harsh. Sometimes she felt sorry for the childhood Omar didn’t get. His mother had been globetrotting the world—usually with his two younger brothers in tow—and his father had made sure his oldest son followed a rigid path to be top dog. All his life Omar tried to please his father, prove his drive and focus were worth the many sacrifices he’d made. His old man had been proud, but none of that had won either of them any kudos from the other Esterly children. And above all else, Omar had a warped sense of commitment—at least commitment outside a business circle. His dating habits confirmed that.

Look who’s talking? After hearing about all her mother had gone through, commitment wasn’t high on Devi’s list, either. Long ago she’d decided to live life on her terms, her choices, because you never knew when the gift would be taken. She needed to depend only on herself for her own happiness. Why put that burden on someone else who probably didn’t have the same vision?

Omar jammed his fists into his trouser pockets. If I could get my foot in the door.

Devi frowned, pulled a snack bag of chips from her purse—her other indulgence into processed foods besides her weekly dog—tore open the package, and popped one rippled chip into her mouth. What she wouldn’t give for some dill dip.

You already said it’s impossible, she said around a crunchy chip.

I’m probably overthinking this.

She sighed. He thought too hard about too many things. Devi only thought too hard about finding her father. The man who’d left her unwed mother the moment she’d announced her pregnancy. At least that was the scoop according to Devi’s grandmother, the strong-willed woman who’d raised her since birth.

The barely eaten bag of chips suddenly didn’t seem as appealing. She wadded the package into a crunchy ball and dumped it into a nearby trash can.

Time to shake off her woes. If she wanted to dwell on her past she could do that alone in her apartment with a tub of homemade, organic ice cream—salted caramel.

Right now Omar needed saving. From himself.

Chapter Two

Devi shoved her hand through the crook of Omar’s arm and bumped him with her hip to get him moving. Let’s have a drink. Just one. Maybe between us we can come up with a solution. Or at least you’ll forget your troubles for a few.

If he refused again she didn’t know what to try next.

Omar double-bumped her hip back, and she almost lost her footing.

Oooh, O has a playful streak. She hugged her middle and rocked on her heels. He’d just supplied the proof needed in knowing her efforts in reforming him from twenty-four seven workaholic to nine-to-five workaholic weren’t wasted.

She

Reviews for A Friendly Engagement

[bette_hansen · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Fun, relaxing read! It's a fake fiancee story that is very well done and definitely left me with a smile. Omar knows exactly what he's doing in his finance world. Everything is precise and exact, just like he likes things. But when the very large client he's been going after decides he only wants to work with family-oriented firms, he knows his bachelorhood will be a problem. Who better to help him out than best friend and personal assistant Devi. She knows him better than anyone so faking an engagement should be easy. Seeing each other out of the office setting has emotions and well other things stirring!! This is one you will want to pick up for a great afternoon read. I highly recommend it.

[booksnuggle · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I received a copy of this book from Netgalley/Entangled Publishing for an honest review. Devi is Omar's assistant. Omar is trying to get an account from William Bartow. William wants to work with someone that is a family man. Omar and Devi pretend to be engaged so that Omar can get to talk to William. This is a quick read that is steamy, sensual, sweet, and funny. I enjoyed the story. If you like steamy scenes, then you will enjoy this book.

[authorscafe · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

A FRIENDLY ENGAGEMENT by author Christine Warner is a cute and well-written story that's full of romance, humor and great heat between the two main characters. I've read several of Ms. Warner's books, so expected a fabulous read and with this book the author does not disappoint!Omar is a confirmed bachelor and workaholic, which has the potential to derail his acquisition of a new family-oriented client. His friend and employee, Devi Boss is a fun-loving free-spirit who somehow gets talked into posing as Omar's fiancée. The twists and turns of this story are sometimes predictable, but there are some surprises too.For an awesome summer read, you can't go wrong with this book. All in all, it's an entertaining story from a wonderful author. The Authors' Cafe is going to give A FRIENDLY ENGAGEMENT a 5 Star Review!

[inishowen_cailin · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Another 'faux fiancée' story, this time a contemporary story set in the financial world. Omar needs a fiancée in order to secure a wealthy new client for the family's financial investment business. Devi, his personal assistant and best friend, is the obvious and best choice to play the role. However, they didn't factor in their growing attraction to each other and things really start heating up between them. As the line between make-believe and reality become blurred Devi and Omar decide to see where their new relationship takes them. Things look good. The client really likes them and is on the brink of investing with them. However, it certainly isn't all plain sailing. A former employee stirs up trouble and when Devi finally discovers who her birth father is it may mean the end of Devi and Omar's new romance as well their working relationship.I liked the characters in this story. Devi is out spoken and full of life which balances out Omar's more conservative personality. Things heat up more quickly between the pair because Devi isn't afraid to voice what she is feeling and what she wants.I would have liked to read more about Omar's family and his brothers in particular but maybe they'll feature in future books if this turns out to be a series.An enjoyable, quick read.

[gpangel_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

A Friendly Engagement by Christine Warner is a 2015 Entangled Publication. I was provided a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. This friends to lovers contemporary romance is a sweet and spicy, easy to read, contemporary romance. Omar is all work and no play, a trait he inherited vicariously from his father. But, when a potential client he has been after for a long time remains aloof, Omar thinks presenting himself as a family man will get his foot in the door. I knew Omar never gave much thought to the fall out of such an arrangement, and he is surprised by how it all turned out. Devi has worked for Omar five years and all her attempts to coax him into enjoying life a little more have failed. But, now Omar is obsessed with landing this client, to the point of trying to snare the account by concocting a fake engagement, and trying to get honest to fault, Devi to go along with it. Devi finally relents and agrees to Omar's preposterous plan, but this scenario now has the couple seeing each other in a different light, one they never considered, even after five years of being great friends. But, Devi has ruled out marriage for herself and Omar of course has made it quite clear he doesn't want a family. But, as the two begin falling in love their priorities begin to shift. However, Devi is on a personal quest of her own, and when she finally makes some progress, the truth she discovers is absolutely stunning and could put an end to her budding romance. This story has a nice balance of romance, intimacy and conflict, with a touching and heartwarming element added in for good measure. What I liked most was seeing two people focused on their work, without much else going on in their lives, discover there is much deeper meaning to life. I have a problem with a couple of things, one being that Omar and Devi are kind of boring, although Devi is funny at times, their dialogue is often flat. Also, this is hardly an original plot line and if you use a familiar trope something about your story needs to stand out so that it's not like all the other “friends to lovers” stories out there. I like more mature couples in my romance novels because while there must be conflict, the angst isn't off the charts. The sensuality in the book was some of the best love scenes I've read in a while since the author described lovemaking with a playful tone, with more than just a physical connection in play, which is becoming rare these days, much to my dismay. Omar's character is the one with the most growth potential since he has a sad childhood and was turning into the same kind of man his father was. Devi too has some major issues to deal with, but she is a person who seemed able to process things better and was better equipped to handle life's unexpected curve balls. I loved Omar's grand gesture for Devi in the end, which as quirky as it was, was also really romantic and sweet and most 'animated' Omar ever got in the story, showing his ability to have fun and live a little. I've been quite frustrated as of late with some contemporary romances, but I found this one to be enjoyable and pleasant. Overall this one gets a 3.5 rounded to 4