The Unintended Fiancé (Captured by Love Book 4) (18 page)

“Well,” he drawled sarcastically, clamping down on the envy that rose up his throat at the couple’s gesture. “I do have pain, and it’s in my butt. The sooner this sabotage thing is resolved, the faster I can fix the damage it’s doing to my company.”

“Liar,” Rick muttered.

“Is your fiancé drunk?” he asked Lexie, ignoring Rick, who was starting to piss him off. This wasn’t the time and place to talk about his broken heart.

“Are you really telling the truth?” Lexie countered.

He faced his sister fully. “Do you want your best friend to have the same problem I’m having? For gossip to taint her reputation and affect her career?”

“No,” Lexie said in a small voice.

“Then stop asking me questions,” he said with irritation before hurrying away from the two people who had no business pressing him about his feelings. What was the point, when it could unravel everything he’d done to protect Erin?

“
Dance, Erin?”

“Sure,” Erin answered, taking Tristan’s hand but trying to keep an eye on the ballroom doors. She’d seen Brad walk out, and she couldn’t help but wait for him to come back in.

Something about Brad’s demeanour tonight had been bothering her. He was being too quiet and broody, like something heavy was distracting him. She didn’t like the thought that he was carrying his problems all by himself. Why wouldn’t he let anyone else help?

Yes, he had Gavin, who was doing all he could to identify the culprit. But Brad seemed to close himself off to emotional support, even from his sister.

The doors opened and in walked Brad, making her heart skip a beat. She noticed him frown at the Grants’ table, which was now empty, before he surveyed the dance floor, a bleak expression on his face.

“You should talk to him,” Tristan said.

She blushed. “Sorry. I’m just worried about him. You know how tough a time he’s been having lately with all the rumours.”

“I know. So why don’t you guys talk? It’s obvious you’re both missing each other.”

She smirked. “You know the truth, Tristan. I was into him, he wasn’t into me. You can bet your bottom dollar he’s not missing me the way you think he is.”

“I know what I’ve been seeing, and it’s Brad giving me dirty looks all night. And I’m betting my bottom dollar it’s because of you. You care a lot about each other.”

“Sure. But I’ll only ever be a friend to him,” she said, unable to hide the hurt in her voice.

“Aw, come now, Erin. I’m sure you guys can work it out.”

“You know what? I might still be getting over him, but I’m actually okay,” she said lightly, not allowing herself to connect with her deep, dark emotions. She wouldn’t want to break down in here.

“Are you sure?” Tristan asked.

“Yes. I’ve known for years what Brad’s like, so I’m absolutely fine with moving on. Forcing him into something he doesn’t want is just a recipe for disaster, not to mention foolish and futile. I wasn’t expecting him to change, anyway. Lucky for us our friendship is strong enough to withstand a little bit of heartache. Wounds do mend, and I
am
on the mend.”

“Hey, that’s a great attitude,” Tristan said, sounding impressed. “If only all those women I’ve dated thought like you.”

She laughed. “I forgot I’m talking to another commitment-phobic male. How’s your dating life, by the way? I heard your grandmother has bet pretty big money on you to be the next guy to be captured by love, and that she’d double that money for charity if you won. Surely you wouldn’t deny a worthwhile cause that kind of donation.”

“Heck, I’ll hand over that money to her charity myself without any strings. Marilyn’s just into all sorts of fun and games, and I don’t know why she’s picking on us guys.”

“You have to admit the game
is
fun. Who would have guessed that Lucas, Rick and Carter would fall so quickly? It wasn’t as if any of those guys decided to fall in love out of the goodness of their hearts for a good cause. Something similar could happen to you,” she teased.

“Anyway, how’s work?” Tristan said dryly.

She laughed some more. “Okay, I get the picture. Seriously, what is it with you and commitment? Why is it so scary for you?”

Tristan shrugged. “I suppose I’m just committed to other things, like my business and the causes I support. I just can’t find it in me to put in the time and effort needed to keep a relationship going.”

“Brad’s the same,” she murmured.

“Sorry. I didn’t mean to—”

“It’s okay,” she interrupted. “I get where you’re coming from. That’s why it’s easy to forgive Brad. Not that he’s done anything wrong, mind you. But you know what I mean.”

“Well, not to get your hopes up, but I do think he wants to wring my neck right now,” Tristan said with amusement.

She followed Tristan’s line of sight and spotted Brad glaring at them with a stony face. He averted his gaze when he caught her looking. She sighed. “He’s annoyed because I promised not to look too sweet towards you.”

“Too sweet? This isn’t being too sweet. This is.” Tristan released her hand and put both his arms around her, holding her tight with his head touching hers.

“Tristan!” she whispered urgently, trying to pull back without looking like she was struggling against him.

“If I let go, will you talk to Brad?”

She chuckled mirthlessly. “What’s with wanting me and Brad to talk?”

“Even a commitment-phobe like me can see that there’s something going on here. For some reason, you’re too stubborn to see it.”

“I’m not being stubborn. I just
know
Brad. I’ve known him far, far longer than you have. Besides, he’s already made himself perfectly clear he doesn’t want a serious relationship. He’s like
you
, Tristan.”

“Perhaps. But has it ever occurred to you that he might be lying so you’ll stay away from him?”

She frowned. “What do you mean?”

“Like you said, Brad and I are similar in some respects. If the same thing was happening to me, I’d also be pulling out all stops to protect and save my company. But his insistence to protect you
at all cost
? That kind of goes against the grain. Yes, you’re good friends, but you’ve insisted on helping him out, haven’t you? You were willing to continue with your relationship and find a different way to tackle this problem together?”

She nodded, her eyes wide.

Tristan smiled. “See, if I were him, I’d take you up on that offer because, first and foremost, my business is my priority. But Brad cares enough about you to make sure you keep the job you love, to the
detriment
of his own case. Me? I’d offer you a job, or help you find a new one if you happened to lose yours at JMR because of the negativities. I’m probably just a selfish bastard and he’s a good guy, but I know I wouldn’t be putting my
whole
company in further jeopardy just to stave off some negative rumours about you, which to my eyes are nowhere near as serious as the accusations thrown at him. And here he is tonight, still more worried about you, despite the fact that the business he’s worked hard to build is being severely undermined.”

Her eyes watered. Could it be true?

“Come on,” Tristan said, suddenly taking her by the hand and leading her off the dance floor.

“Where are we going?”

“To Brad, before he starts dancing with that woman who bid for him. And don’t worry about who might be watching.
I’m
taking you to him. Let them speculate all they want as to why.”

She had to smile, grateful for Tristan’s initiative.

She gulped as they approached Brad, who looked surprised.

“Hey, Brad,” Tristan said. “I have to go hobnob with other people. I thought you and Erin might want to have a dance or two, so here she is.”

“Um...” Brad was clearly lost for words.

Erin’s palms went clammy. Damn him. Was he going to reject her in front of Tristan?

“Well, if Erin doesn’t mind...” Brad finally said.

“No,” she answered weakly, her mouth dry.

“Great. See you later,” said Tristan, who was now grinning like a Cheshire cat.

“Shall we?” Brad said with a small sigh, holding out his arm.

She took it, and when they were at the edge of the dance floor—thankfully with plenty of space around them—Brad slid an arm around her waist and grasped her hand.

Oh, she had missed him so, and she just wanted to melt against him. But Brad was keeping a couple of inches between their bodies, stopping her from giving in to her emotions.

“It should be okay being seen like this together, right?” she babbled. Gosh, her heart was pounding like mad.

“Well, Gavin did say it might be a good idea to show that all’s well between us. It might keep the gossipers guessing what’s going on, so no one can claim that a particular story is the absolute truth. Might as well play with their minds, Gavin reckons.”

“Oh. You could have cut in when Tristan and I were dancing,” she said lightly.

“It looked like you two were having a deep and meaningful conversation,” Brad answered, his tone carrying a hard edge.

Her lips tugged up in a secretive smile. “We were.”

Brad’s grip on her tightened fractionally, his features hardening.

“You know,” she said, suppressing the hope that cropped up from his gesture. “People would think you’re mad at me from that scowl on your face.”

Brad’s face broke into a chuckle, making her breath hitch.

“Sorry,” he murmured, relaxing his stance and pulling her to him just a tad closer. “I’m just worried.”

“About what?”

He didn’t answer for a long moment, keeping a faraway gaze.

“Brad?” she prodded softly.

“I want all rumours about you squashed. And I’m frustrated it’s not happening.”

“But so what if some sections keep saying negative things about me? My bosses at JMR believe in me and are standing by me. Some of our clients have even shown their support, including sending me some thoughtful gifts to cheer me up. Sure, a handful are making things difficult for Roger, but it’s nothing that can’t be handled.”

“So our break-up really helped?”

“Yes,” she said reluctantly. “But I’m making it clear to everyone I talk to that I know you’re innocent of any wrongdoing, and that our decision to part ways was mutual, and that I still support you one hundred percent.”

Brad’s frown returned. “Erin, I didn’t ask you to do that. You’re supposed to come out of this unscathed, and you’re not helping yourself. Maybe this is why the rumours against you haven’t stopped. We really need to talk about this.”

She huffed, getting frustrated. “Why are you so set on making me smell like roses? I’m not some helpless damsel who can’t handle challenging times.”

“I didn’t say you couldn’t,” he said, his voice appeasing. “I know how strong you are. But I wouldn’t be able to forgive myself if you couldn’t go as far as you want to go at a prestigious firm like JMR because of what I’ve put you through.”

“You haven’t put me through anything I didn’t agree to, Brad. And JMR is not my life. I only work there.”

“But you love it there,” Brad insisted.

I love you more.
Ah, hell. She so didn’t need to acknowledge that to herself right now.

“Yes, I do love it there,” she answered out loud. “But it doesn’t mean I can’t let go of it if I have to. And it’s not as if I wouldn’t be able to find a job anywhere else if I’m forced to leave it.”

“If you have a questionable background because of the rumours, then you might find it hard to get a job you want.”

“I don’t think they’re so bad that any employer would literally blacklist me. But even if some did, I have plenty of influential friends who’ll vouch for my character. Even Tristan said he’ll give me a job if I need one.”

“He did, did he?” Brad asked, his voice low. “And here I am thinking that your role at JMR is your dream job.”

“It is, but I’m not so inflexible that I can’t adjust when I need to. Anyway, why is it all about me and JMR?”

“Like I said, any negative rumour about you could affect the way JMR treats you.”

“Well, thank you for your concern. But can we talk about
your
issues? I’m still keen to help, Brad. If showing that we’re good friends again can help stabilise things somewhat, I’m happy to organise some get-together out in public.”

“Thanks, but that won’t be necessary. This is a big enough event that there’s plenty of fodder for whoever wants to gossip. I’m glad we’re dancing together. It would put some people in a spin, wondering what’s going on. I’m hoping that speculations will replace accusations.”

“Brad, why are you so set on protecting me?” she asked softly, her breathing shallow.

His gulp was visible. “I already told you, Erin. I’ll feel guilty if you lose everything you worked hard for because of me.”

“Why?”

“Why? Because you wouldn’t have been in this position if it wasn’t for me.”

No. That couldn’t be the whole truth. She
had
to keep digging.

“See, I really think you’re overthinking this, Brad. But if you’re so concerned about people assuming I’ve moved on from you so quickly, then”—she took a deep, steadying breath—“why don’t we show them we’re back together?”

“No, Erin. It’s not safe for you.”

She stopped swaying. “It’s not safe for me, or you just don’t want to?”

“I’m sorry...”

Ouch. When will you learn, Erin?

“Okay,” she said quietly. “I think we should leave this dance floor together looking like we just enjoyed ourselves in each other’s company so we don’t add any more nasty rumours to the pot.” She turned on her heels, not caring if he was following or not.

Damn him.

“Erin,” Brad said, grabbing her arm.

“Let go, Brad, or we’ll look like we’re making a scene. You wouldn’t want that, would you?” she said sarcastically.

“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean for you to take it like that. I just...”

“Just what?” she asked, facing him, challenging him to tell the truth with her stare.

“I don’t want you to get into further trouble,” he said softly, his eyes pleading.

She laughed without cheer. “We keep coming back to that, don’t we? I don’t want you to
save
me from anything, Brad. I want to
help
you. I want to be an integral part of your life. But that’s not what you want, so you don’t have to worry about me pining for you again like a lovesick puppy. I’m finally done.”