Chapter Five

(Tracy)

"It's absolutely beautiful. Just like you."

James was sure adding in the compliments. I guess if he wanted his family to believe this relationship was real then he'd have to. I just had to remember that it was all for show. The last thing I needed to do was fall for the same load of crap we were feeding everyone else. That wouldn't end well for me. Or my heart.

"Thank you," I replied with the best fake smile I could muster.

I was still a little surprised that Miss Bonnie was James' aunt, or that he knew right where my house was without any more details than what I gave him. I realized this was a small town, but not sure I realized it was this small. What was going to happen after they realized our relationship was simply a masquerade?

James and Bonnie seemed to be having a silent conversation with only their eyes that I didn't want to interrupt, but it made it a little awkward just standing here. I decided to wander around the store and see if anything else looked interesting. Which basically meant I was removing myself from the situation. However, I only got about five steps away before James stepped back and reached for my hand.

Our eyes met and a smirk appeared on his face. "And where do you think you're going?"

"Umm…just thought I'd give you two a moment. Seemed like you were having one." He tugged me toward him.

"She was just warning me not to hurt you." His bluntness made me laugh. "What?"

That was funny to me. I would have figured with her being his aunt that she would have warned me to be nice to him. Maybe she knows something about him that I do not. In that case, I wasn't sure if I should be worried or not. "I think it's funny she is being protective of me and not you."

"Oh deary, this one doesn't need my protection. Now a little guidance every now and then he definitely needs."

"I can see that being true."

Her smile disappeared and she suddenly looked very serious. "So what exactly is going on between you two? I can obviously see there's something since he refuses to let you go for long, and seems to want you to stay beside him."

Her question seemed to be as much for him as it was for me. Maybe that was her subtle way of asking him what the hell he was doing when he was supposed to be with someone else. Someone his parent's wanted. It left me speechless. I wasn't sure how to answer. Luckily I didn't have to.

"After meeting her, I just couldn't get her out of my mind. And I haven't been able to take my eyes off her all morning. So I did what anyone in my shoes would do… I convinced her to go out with me." With every word he stared at me, as if trying to convey his words to me as truth, when I already knew the truth.

"And what can I say? He did present a pretty convincing argument. I mean who can say no to this man when he's basically begging." I winked at him.

She looked at both of us. Her eyes searching for something I wasn't sure she'd find. "Well okay then. Will you be bringing her to the family barbeque tonight?"

Huh? What? Meeting parents I agreed to, but family functions. Ugh. No way were we going to be able to sell this relationship as real to more than a few. But apparently he didn't agree since he responded with a, "Yes," before I could say no.

"Oh, now this should be interesting. You two go enjoy your day together, before tonight." That did not sound promising at all. Way over my head. That's what I was in. "And don't forget to wear this. You did a wonderful job, you should display it proudly." She handed me the necklace I'd made and after exchanging a look with James he fastened it around my neck.

We left Miss Bonnie's hand in hand, just as we had arrived. The situation I'd gotten myself into was a little strange, but the feel of his hand in mine almost made me forget about everything else. His heat radiated through his touch and left a warm comfort lingering in my body. I almost didn't look forward to losing it.

This is all fake. I had to remind myself, and keep reminding myself if necessary.

"Are you up for an adventure?" he asked with a hint of mischief in his voice.

I should say no. I should go home. "Sure." Yet, I didn't say no. The word acted like it was the furthest thing from my lips.

"Follow me in your car. There's this place I want to show you."

I hadn't even realized we'd already reached my car, or that he knew which one was mine, until he was already opening the door for me. "You should really lock your car."

"Seriously? Is there a high crime rate I don't know about?" I mean we were in a small town in the middle of nowhere. They probably didn't even have a jail here.

"Safety is always a priority. Why risk it?"

He did have a point, not that I was going to tell him that. He was already cocky enough for five men.

"Fine, I'll start locking it," I replied as I slid into my car. "So, kind sir, please tell me what do you drive? So I know what to follow."

He leaned down and brushed his fingertips across my cheek and I had to suppress a moan. "You're already behind me." He pointed to a black pickup truck in the spot directly in front of me.

His lips followed his fingers and he gently kissed my cheek before closing my car door and walking to his truck. I watched his steps in a daze. This man was dangerous. I had no doubt. Yet, I didn't fear him. Maybe that meant something was wrong with me. I should be seeing that as a red flag and running far far away.

I followed him…right to my driveway. Was he kidding me?

He pulled around to the side and I parked in my normal spot, right beside my front porch. I got out and when I saw him walking toward me I held up my key fob and hit the lock button. When it beeped he chuckled. "There, happy now."

"I am. Thank you for taking my advice."

I couldn't tell if he was being condescending or not, but it made me laugh. "I'm not inviting you in, if that's why we're here."

"What?" His look of puzzlement turned quickly into shock. Red tinted his cheeks. "Oh… Um… No. Not at all. This is just how you get to the place I want to show you."

How freaking cute could this guy get! Blushing and stammering. I'm surprised my panties were still intact and not completely melted.

He held his hand out for mine, which I took and he led me around to the back of my property. There was a trail in between the trees that I hadn't noticed before. It looks overgrown, as if no one had used it in a long time.

I still wasn't sure about it. I mean in theory he could be luring me deep into the woods to chop me up into little pieces, but my stomach wouldn't let me dwell on that thought too long. It trusted him. And where he led, we would follow.