Hot Fake Husband

By Cheryl Douglas

Gia

I’ve been living a lie. I have a popular blog, YouTube channel, social media presence, all built around the ‘premise’ that I’m a wizard at entertaining, decorating, and creating a happy home. The problem? I live alone in a shoebox apartment. So, when the TV network comes calling, anxious to give me my own show, I have to think fast or risk being exposed as a fraud. But I have a plan. I just need my best friend to wear the wedding band and pretend to love me in front of the cameras. Easy, peasy, right? The only wrench in my plan... things are getting too real.

Joel

Gia’s been my rock since my dad passed, so when she asks for a favour, I can’t say no. She wants to move into my house, and my bed, all to appease her audience. I’d question my sanity, going along with her plan, if I wasn’t already crazy about the girl. Letting her move in isn’t the problem. Convincing her to stay? That may take some work, but now that I’ve got her right where I want her, in my bed and wearing my ring, there’s no way can I let her go without a fight.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Cheryl Douglas
• Release date: Jul 24, 2023
• ISBN: 9798215030851

Cheryl Douglas

Cheryl Douglas is a USA Today bestselling author who kicks back in the country, surrounded by farm land and nature. Her life revolves around family, country music, travel, caffeine, chocolate, and deadlines.Visit Cheryl at www.authorcheryldouglas.com

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Chapter

One

Joel

Will you marry me?

I must be dreaming, because there was no way in hell the girl I’ve been fantasizing about could be standing on my porch proposing marriage at eight o’clock on a Saturday morning.

Uh, Gia… I rubbed the scruff on my face, vaguely aware of the fact I was half naked.

Her gaze travelled over my chest and I was suddenly grateful I hadn’t bothered to grab a shirt when I opened the door to retrieve what I assumed was an early morning delivery from Amazon.

She flattened her palm against my chest, shoving me out of the way. Do you mind putting a shirt on? I haven’t been with a man in months and all those tanned muscles are a little distracting.

She hadn’t had a serious boyfriend in more than two years, so I was tempted to ask who the hell she’d slept with months ago, but kept my mouth shut. She didn’t need to know I was jealous, that I wanted to pummel every guy who checked her out. We were supposed to be friends and that meant I had to keep my feelings in check or risk losing her. And I couldn’t lose this girl. Since my father died last year, she’d become my everything.

I have a feeling I’m going to need coffee for this conversation. I pulled a t-shirt over my head and led the way to the kitchen.

She started opening cupboards, retrieving pans and mixing bowls.

What are you doing? I poured two mugs of steaming brew, watching her out of the corner of my eye.

Making us French toast. Have you harvested any of those luscious berries yet?

Luscious berries. My gaze immediately dipped to her cleavage. She was wearing a black V-neck t-shirt, short denim shorts, and colorful flip-flops that showed off her bright pink pedicure. Lord have mercy.

Uh, yeah. In the pantry. I fixed her coffee just the way she liked it: half sugar and a drop of milk. Never cream.

She clapped her hands. Ohh, good. I’ve been salivating over the thought of those for days.

I could give her something to salivate over… if only she hadn’t friend-zoned me so hard.

I watched her move around my kitchen like she owned the place, loving every second of it. They didn’t call her the Domestic Diva for no reason. This woman knew her way around the kitchen. And every other room of the house. The only one that remained a mystery to me was her talents in the bedroom, but I had no doubt she’d put every other woman I’d been with to shame. This girl didn’t do anything in half measures.

Uh, are you forgetting you proposed to me five minutes ago? I smirked as I leaned against the counter, bringing the mug to my mouth.

She waved me off. Breakfast first, then we’ll talk about my proposal. A horrified look crossed her pretty face before she looked up at the ceiling. Oh my God, I didn’t even consider… do you have a woman here?

I chuckled. If I did, she’d be pretty pissed to find a gorgeous woman making me breakfast, don’t you think?

She palmed her forehead, groaning. Ugh! I’m such an idiot. I didn’t even think of that. I was just so desperate to talk to you that—

Relax. I smiled. There’s no one else here, beautiful. Just you and me.

She heaved a sigh of relief before retrieving the milk, eggs and butter from the fridge. Holding up a dispenser of whipped cream, she rolled her eyes. Why am I not surprised you have this?

I laughed. Gotta be prepared, babe.

You’re disgusting.

She loved to tease me about my sex life. Little did she know she starred in every one of my late-night fantasies.

Winking at her, I said, Nothing wrong with getting a little dirty, is there?

Amusement gave way to a sexually charged tension I’d never experienced with her before when our eyes locked. What was that about? Gia didn’t think of me that way. She’d told me at least a dozen times. Even referred to our relationship as a brother-sister bond once. I quickly shut that shit down, telling her I’d hurl if she ever said it again.

Since I don’t know what the hell you’ve been doing with this, she said, returning the whipped cream to the fridge, I think I’ll make my own whipped cream from scratch.

I rolled my eyes. Of course, you will. Did I mention the girl didn’t do anything in half-measures? Her friends teased she could give Martha a run for her money and that was her secret plan. She’d built a huge social media following and even garnered a TV offer teaching other women ‘how to make their home a haven’. That was her tagline.

She stuck her tongue out at me. Once you taste my cream you’ll never want to go back to the cheap bought variety again.

Baby, I don’t have to pay for it. I grinned. But I have no doubt your cream tastes better than all the rest.

Her jaw dropped and her cheeks flamed. You’ll never know!

Never was a long time and I was a patient man. I love messing with you, you make it too easy. I moved in behind her at the counter, watching over her shoulder as she broke eggs into the mixing bowl, stirred in milk and added sugar and cinnamon. Damn. She smelled even better than the sugar and cinnamon. A subtle flowery fragrance that was messing with my mind.

She looked at me over her shoulder, licking her glossy lips. What are you doing?

Her silky brunette hair fell in soft waves, partially covering her full breasts, and it was taking everything in me not to slide my fingers through it. Watching the master at work. You always tease me about my lack-luster skills in the kitchen. How am I supposed to learn if I don’t watch?

She hip-checked me before making her way to the pantry. Watch my videos online like everyone else.

Gia had become something of a local celebrity, fielding invites to every restaurant opening, festival, and book store for miles around. Yes, my girl had also written a book that hit the bestsellers lists at major retailers. She was a woman of many talents. That’s why I’d been itching to lock her down ever since I got back to town.

I never intended to return to my hometown after college graduation. I made a small fortune in the stock market, and when I got bored trading stocks, I became an angel investor and watched from afar as other people built their dreams. But plans changed when my old man was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. I wanted to come home and help him out, but he was a stubborn old goat and wouldn’t hear of it. So, when he died, I inherited my family’s farm. Lock, stock, and cows.

I could have sold it, but since my mom died my senior year of high school and I was an only child, this farm was the only thing that still tied me to my folks. Farming wasn’t really my thing, but I couldn’t stand the thought of selling my family history to a stranger so I was trying to make it work without going stir-crazy. Even though I’d grown up in the country, rural life wasn’t really for me anymore.

These berries, she said, holding up a pint I’d harvested the day before, are the best. I’m telling you, we could host farm to table dinners here and make a fortune, Joel.

And I told you, I already have a fortune and don’t need strangers traipsing all over my property, thank you very much.

Her green eyes dimmed and I knew I was stealing her thunder. She had so many big plans for this place, but I had no interest in making the old Wheeler farm a money-making machine. Like my dad, and grandad, I was content to be a steward of the land. Maybe pass it on to the next generation, if I ever found a woman who was looking for more than a good time and deep pockets.

You’re being short-sighted. If you’re going to stay here anyways, why not make the most of it? Let other people enjoy this as much as you do. You know city dwellers need a place to de-compress too and your farm would be perfect. Think about it, we could renovate the old barn in the east field. It’s not being used anyways, and it would be perfect for weddings and events.

I snagged a berry, popping it into my mouth as I watched her work. I had no doubt Gia could turn this place into a multi-million-dollar enterprise but I wanted no part of it. I want this to be a family home someday. You know, have a bunch of kids running around playing—

She paled and I knew I’d hit a nerve.

What’s wrong?

Nothing. She dipped sliced bread into her egg mixture before carefully placing them in the sizzling skillet and adjusting the heat on the gas burners. It’s just that, um, you’ve never really talked about having kids before.

I shrugged. I may not have talked about it, but I want them someday. Don’t you?

She rolled her eyes. I can’t even find a decent guy to date, let alone father my children.

I wanted to volunteer but I knew she’d think I was joking. We’d grown up together, with her family living just down the road from mine. We’d travelled on the school bus together since sixth grade, went to the same high school and only lost touch when we went off to college.

I hadn’t seen or spoken to her until I returned home last year. But we’d followed each other on social media and messaged each other to check in now and then. I always wondered if she might have been the girl who got away. Turns out she was. Only now I was getting a second chance and didn’t know how the hell to make the most of it. No girl had ever made me work for it before so I was clueless in the fine art of pursuit.

You’ve been looking in all the wrong places.

Oh yeah? she asked, flipping the bread with a spatula when it was perfectly browned. Where would you suggest I look?

Try looking right in front of you. Forget about looking. When the time is right, the right guy will find you. He already has.

If you say so.

I wanted to hear more about her proposal, but didn’t want to seem too anxious, so I watched her work and made small talk instead. Can you believe Dee is pregnant? Our friend and hair stylist had made the big announcement at her recent wedding, during her vows, no less.

I loved the way she told Jake he was going to be a daddy.

Yeah, if my girl sprung that on me during our wedding ceremony, I’d be stoked too. Talk about making it memorable. She outdid herself.

It was a beautiful wedding. She sighed. And I couldn’t be happier for them. Nobody deserves it more.

I knew her too well. There was a lot more she wasn’t saying. And?

She shrugged, shaking her head as she whipped the cream. Nothing. I guess I’m just starting to give up hope. Getting tired of dating losers.

So, quit dating losers. Start dating good guys. Like yours truly. I wasn’t a saint, and based on my track record most women would say I was a lousy bet, but if Gia ever took a chance on me I’d treat her like the queen she is.

Oh yeah, like it’s that easy. You have yet to find a good girl and settle down. Why is that?

Because I’ve got my heart set on you. I’ve been burned. That was an understatement. Cheated on, lied to, used for my money— All true statements, but she didn’t need all the dirty details. Anyway, I’m in no hurry to find someone. When the time is right, it’ll happen.

Why a woman would mistreat a guy like you is beyond me.

Awww. I leaned in and kissed her forehead, making her blush. Aren’t you sweet.

I’m serious! With all the deadbeat losers out there why would they treat a good guy like shit?

I helped her carry the loaded plates to the large oak dining table in the middle of the kitchen. This room hadn’t seen a renovation in twenty-five years. I’d have to do something about that if I wanted to make this my permanent home.

You assume, I said, retrieving the maple syrup and orange juice from the fridge, That I treated all these women so well. I’m ashamed to say, I didn’t. Not that I was an asshole, just not big on commitment.

You’ve been pretty tight-lipped about that since you got home. She added paper napkins to the table. "Your previous relationships. You said there was no one special, but you had to have some serious relationships since high school."

I’d been tight-lipped for a reason. If she thought I was a commitment-phobe she’d write me off without a second thought, just like every other guy who made a play for her. Uh, define serious, I said, tongue in cheek.

She thought about it for a minute before sliding into the chair across from me. Did you ever have feminine hygiene products stored in your bathroom?

I almost spewed my orange juice before I coughed and said, Uh, no.

Hmm. She took a sip of coffee, wrapping her small hands around the oversized mug. Women’s clothes hanging in your closet?

I pretended to consider it before I said, Hell, no. I value my closet space.

Okay, Mr. Jeans-and-t-shirt-every-damn-day.

Are you saying if I upped my wardrobe game you’d let me take you out for dinner?

Oh, shut up.

She always thought I was teasing when I asked her out, and I didn’t have the guts to tell her I wasn’t playing. Alright, so you want to marry me, but dinner at a steakhouse is off the table?

Gia winced. I guess I should explain that little outburst on your front porch, shouldn’t I?

Already having second thoughts, huh? I grinned, trying to lighten the mood, even though my heart was battering my poor chest.

It’s not that, it’s just… a huge ask.

Come on, G. We go way back. I moaned appreciatively after taking a bite of her French toast. There’s nothing you can’t ask me.

I know you have… an active social life. She frowned at her plate. And this plan of mine would kind of put a wrench in that.

I was a normal, healthy single guy in my early thirties. I didn’t date any more or less than anyone else in my situation. I wasn’t a man-whore, but I sure as hell wasn’t celibate either.

I’m still listening.

Ok. She bit her lip, looking thoughtful. So, um, you know how hard I’ve been working to build my brand, right?

I nodded as I continued eating. No sense letting this amazing food get cold. I had a feeling her pitch may take awhile. Little did she know there wasn’t much I wouldn’t do for her.

And I have more social media followers than I ever could have imagined a few years ago. Enough that they launched my book right onto the bestseller’s lists. She pressed her hands together in prayer mode. Bless their hearts.

No one worked harder than Gia. She was at it 24/7, and no one deserved success more than she did, but she gave all the credit to her audience for making her business the success it was.

Of course, that’s when the TV network took notice and came calling. Needless to say, it raised my profile. Tears gathered in her eyes. But here’s the thing, Joel. I feel like such a fraud.

Hey. I reached across the table, grabbing her hand. Don’t say shit like that. I’ve known you a long time and no one is more sincere or genuine than you are, G. For real. Don’t get down on yourself. You do what everyone on social media does, you present the best of your life, not the rest of your life.

She reached for a paper napkin and dabbed her eyes with her free hand. But I feel like I’ve built a brand, hell, a whole career on a lie. She sniffled. It’s not like I ever said I had a significant other, or dream home, or entertained all the time, but that’s what people assume. How the hell can I sell this ‘perfect’ life, if people don’t believe I’m living it?

I sank back in my chair after polishing off my breakfast. I hated to see her beating herself up for doing what everyone did… trying to present the best of herself to the world so she could build her dream life. And she’d done it all on her own. No one had handed this girl a damn thing or given her any breaks and I admired her even more for that.

I’m sorry, she waved her hand in front of her face before popping a berry into her mouth. I didn’t mean to get so emotional. This isn’t your problem and the last thing I want to do is guilt you into helping me. That’s not fair—

Gia, just tell me what you need. I waited until her eyes connected with mine before I added, Anything. You gotta know that.

Another tear slipped down her cheek before she squeezed her eyes shut. I never imagined when you came back to town we’d be able to pick up right where we left off with our friendship. In fact, I feel closer to you than ever. Do you feel that too?

You have no idea, girl. Of course. You were there for me when my old man died. Not many people were. I owe you, so whatever you need, just ask.

Joel, this is a seriously big ask. And I don’t want you to say yes out of some misguided sense of obligation. You don’t owe me anything. When your dad died I did what any friend would have done.

She’d done so much more than she realized.