The Billionaire's Fake Marriage (A Romance Collection Boxed Set) Read online

  “An intelligent woman my grandfather would approve of.” Then, “What if…”

  He clicked on the Mac, in search of Mastersons’ personnel database. He entered Miranda Benson’s name and drummed his fingers on the desk impatiently. The Mac blinked, then pulled the woman’s image from its vast memory.

  Miranda had a long face and wide jaw line, a broad and beautiful smile that enhanced the attractive face. The distance between her hazel eyes was wide, making them a prominent feature. Her reddish brown hair was tied back, with loose bangs framing her face.

  “I wonder how she would look naked, with that hair hanging freely over her shoulder.”

  Ace shrugged the notion away but an idea hurtled through his brain. If it worked, Grandfather Masterson would hand over control of the company and Miranda Benson would be in a better position to keep her daughter.

  ***

  Miranda reported for work the next day and headed straight for Ann Mason’s office. She tossed and turned all night debating if the email had been a bad call. Yesterday she was both panicked and desperate. Today she was just worried about Ann’s reaction. She prayed Ann understood her predicament as she headed directly to the woman’s cubicle.

  “Ann, about the email...” Miranda began.

  “Miranda,” Ann spoke simultaneously, “I was about to call for you.”

  Miranda was relieved. Ann had read the email and seemed okay.

  “About the email, I wanted to explain…”

  “What email?” Ann asked. “I haven’t gone through my inbox yet. But that’s not why you’re here. I got a call from HQ. You are needed at the penthouse. Look for Sienna, she’ll take care of you.”

  “What? Why?” Miranda asked, taken aback. Ann looked at her like she was an idiot. Anyone else would swoon at the chance, but Miranda looked ready to flee.

  “I don’t know why. I just follow orders like you do.” Ann retorted.

  In less than an hour, Miranda found herself in front of Mastersons’ Conglomerate. The gold, glass and chrome façade, customized with suspended planters, was its own version of subdued affluence. It wasn’t hard to imagine the wealth that poured into its various organizations.

  Sienna met her at the lobby and led her to a room that was bigger than her entire office. She sat, feeling like an intruder and regretting turning down the offer of a drink. Her tongue was stuck to the roof of her mouth.

  Miranda fidgeted, running a sweaty palm through her hair; her throat burned as she ran a tongue across dry lips. She kept an eye on the door, wallowing in the tension. She could still make a run for it, but then she’d never know why she was summoned in the first place.

  The door opened and Miranda gawked. The billionaire CEO and ruler of this empire approached, clutching a manila envelope, his free hand outstretched for a handshake. “Miss Benson, I’m…”

  “…Ace Masterson,” Miranda squeaked, taking the outstretched hand. “I know who you are. Technically, you’re my boss.”

  “Can I offer you anything before we begin?”

  “The girl, err-your secretary, offered me a drink earlier. I’m sorry I declined because I’m nervous being here and feel like peeing. I don’t know why I got summoned. I don’t think I’ve done anything wrong and I’m being cut from the secretarial pool which really sucks. A glass of water would be great.” Miranda blathered.

  Ace smiled. She was a bundle of nerves; an effect he had on most women. Who could blame her?

  Ace was Hollywood drop-dead gorgeous. His pictures didn’t do him justice. His hair was short in a perfect French crop, complementing the five o’clock shadow on a perfectly squared jaw. He didn’t forget to shave. This was designer stubble at its sexiest. Animal magnetism sluiced from every pore.

  “Would you like to use the bathroom before we begin?” he asked kindly.

  Miranda jumped at the opportunity and, once alone, chastised her reflection in the mirror. “You’re acting like an idiot.”

  Summoning a level of poise that she hardly possessed, Miranda emerged and immediately gulped down a glass of water too quickly, drowning herself in the process. She coughed wildly as Ace handed her a box of tissues.

  “I’m sorry…” she apologized, turning crimson.

  “Miss Benson… may I call you Miranda? I called you here to offer you a job.” He announced.

  “B-b-but I thought I was getting fired,” she stuttered, then “Really?” in voice two octaves higher. How on earth did that happen?

  “Yes, really,” he answered lightly, “But I need to know some things about you.”

  Miranda nodded effusively as she controlled the urge to whoop. Had she known, she would have prepared a CV. “Please feel free to ask,” she replied, eagerly.

  “You’re a single mom caring for your daughter, right?” Miranda nodded, wondering how he knew.

  “You are not getting spousal support and your only means of income is your job as secretary?”

  “Yes,” she replied, embarrassed.

  “Do you have a boyfriend, or anyone special in your life right now?” Miranda shook her head slowly, wondering where this was going.

  Doesn’t he want to know how fast I can type?

  “Are you having sex with anyone on a regular basis?”

  “No!” she sputtered, “I mean… I hardly have time for my daughter. A man would just be a distraction.” Miranda wondered if this was the interview or he was just plain nosy.

  “Would you like to get married again someday?”

  “When the right man comes along,” She answered honestly.

  “Could you describe your ideal husband?”

  Miranda was baffled by all these unorthodox questions, but decided to humor him. Bottom-line, he was the CEO and intended to give her a job.

  “He should learn to love my daughter, and should respect me as a partner. He must be capable of working hard to secure a stable future for us as family. He would never cheat on me because I never will.”

  Miranda saw approval in his eyes, although she wondered if telling him she could type 75 words per minute would sway the odds in her favor.

  “One last question. Would you agree to marry someone that you’ve just met for the first time?”

  “NO! That would be idiotic.” Miranda felt she had extended him enough courtesy to warrant an explanation. “Mr. Masterson, what’s all this about?”

  Ace leaned back and deliberated. “What I’m about to offer you may sound crazy, but please hear me out and let me explain,” he said.

  Miranda’s superficial composure turned to embarrassment when Ace described reading the email meant for Ann Mason. “I’m really sorry…” she started to apologize.

  He flashed his palm, gesturing her to stop. She listened on and hardly believed her ears when he detailed the rest of his story. Miranda gaped at him, shocked beyond belief.

  “You want me to marry you?” she asked, horrified.

  “Call it a marriage of convenience. It’s a business deal. I’ll pay generously for your time. When my grandfather hands me the deed to the company, we’ll get a quickie divorce and you’ll have enough money to keep your daughter.”

  “Don’t you have a girlfriend to do that with?” It was indiscreet, and Miranda regretted asking.

  “Not at the moment,” Ace replied, seemingly unperturbed. “You’re different from any of my girlfriends he’s met. Grandpa was never predictable and that’s why I think he might believe that I’ve fallen for you. We can say it was a whirlwind romance. We met and fell in love.”

  Ace’s enthusiasm for the plot was infectious. “Please say yes,” he begged, “You’ll help me and I’ll help you with your dilemma. I think this is a win-win for both of us.”

  “THIS is such an ideal situation. Being married to Ace would mean that James can’t threaten me about Sadie anymore… and marriage with a sexy man like Ace is the wildest thing that could ever happen to me. It will be over soon and it will all be okay for everyone. I’m crazy if I say no.” she reminded her
self.

  “Okay! I say yes.” Miranda agreed, feeling secure for the first time.

  ***

  Miranda knew deceiving the head of a conglomerate wouldn’t be child’s play. The old man may be senile, but he was not a fool. Ace suggested spending time together - a lot of time together - “business meetings”, he called them, to become familiar with one another. The only rules were honesty, no holds barred, and no judgment.

  Miranda volunteered information about her past, nothing was spared, even her first kiss and the first man she ever made out with. She even answered Ace’s probing questions about bra size and her favorite sexual positions. Questions about married life and divorce were difficult; Ace seemed to notice, dropped the prying and moved on. Miranda came to know about his shenanigans with past girlfriends, the lavish gifts, his wealth and travels, and his consuming passion for the company.

  Ace was introduced to Sadie, and was smitten.

  As days passed, familiarity blossomed between them, anchored on a common need. They had to convince the old man they were in love.

  “I think we’re ready to meet my grandpa,” Ace announced inside the car, before dropping her off at her apartment.

  “NO! I don’t think I am,” Miranda replied with horror.

  “You are. The sooner we get that done, the sooner we can plan for the wedding.” He replied.

  “What if he thinks I’m a fraud? Is there something more I should do?” Miranda asked.

  “There is. You once said you’ll never fall in love again. Your experience with James has soured you to love. You have to forget that now and act like you’re in love with me. We are comfortable with one another, but you need to be at ease when I hold your hand or put my arms around your shoulder or kiss you. That’s what lovers do, isn’t it?”

  Miranda was flustered about the kissing part because she couldn’t deny she had often wondered about that. Ace moved closer and slid an arm across the back of her seat. Miranda felt her cheeks burn. “What are you thinking right now, Miranda?”

  “What it would feel like to be kissed by you,” she answered honestly, lowering her head.

  He pushed the weight of her hair away from her shoulder, feeling the warmth at the nape of her neck. “I’ve always wanted to do that,” he said. His thumb stroked her cheek as he leaned in, closing the distance between them and brushing her lips with his.

  Miranda felt the tension between them as she reached out a hand to caress the shadowy stubble across his jaw. She smelled the brandy in his breath and felt intoxicated. She saw desire spring into his hooded eyes and felt his arm slide down the small of her back. She closed her eyes as he kissed her gently and then with ever increasing pressure. Miranda wrapped her arms around his neck, ignoring the warning in her ear.

  “Remember this is just make-believe.”

  Miranda felt his heart racing against hers. She moaned softly in his mouth as his fingers caressed the small indentation in her collarbone. She was eager for more and gave a small cry when he suddenly drew away.

  “See, I knew you were ready.” Ace smiled.

  “You asshole, you were playing me?” Miranda was aghast.

  “I’ve always wanted to kiss you. You’re a desirable woman and I doubt, as you fear, that my grandfather will have misgivings about you and me.”

  “…I’ve always wanted to kiss you.” The words sounded so good, they made her giddy. And for a make-believe relationship that was dangerous territory.

  ***

  Miranda dreaded the meeting with old man Masterson more than anything in the world.

  “Are you sure he knows we’re coming?”

  “Yes, along with a huddle of lawyers who will give you the third-degree.”

  “What?” She replied in horror, not realizing he was teasing. “You idiot,” she remarked, catching on.

  “Mommy, it’s not nice to call people names,” a tiny voice called from the backseat. Ace had proposed the wild idea of bringing Sadie along.

  “I’m sorry, sweetheart.” She apologized.

  “Mommy is just nervous about meeting grandpa.” Ace informed Sadie.

  “Mommy said he might not like her. But that’s okay coz you like mommy, don’t you?”

  “Yes, Sadie, I like mommy very much,” Ace replied, glancing at Miranda meaningfully. He squeezed her hand lightly. “You’ll be okay,” he assured her.

  Ace was right. The old man looked imposing, even seated on a wheelchair with a blanket covering his emaciated legs. Miranda realized his irascible veneer stemmed from ennui being confined to a chair. He must have been physically powerful when he was younger; but what the years couldn’t diminish was the astuteness as he studied her and Sadie.

  “Grandpa, this is Miranda.” Ace introduced her.

  Miranda approached cautiously. “It’s an honor to meet you, Mr. Masterson.”

  He said nothing, and scrutinized her face. Miranda wanted to look away in embarrassment. Then his frown turned into a huge beam. Miranda smiled in relief.

  “And who is this angel? She is a vision and I’m already dead.” Grandpa Masterson said, looking at Sadie who smiled and tolerated him taking her on his knee. The old man was captivated. The rest of the visit was a breeze as Miranda and Ace faked affection with soft caresses and meaningful glances.

  “We should hold the wedding here, and it should be as grand as your mom and dad’s wedding.” Masterson announced.

  “We were thinking of a simple wedding…” Miranda asserted, the words trickling off as the old man glowered. “We haven’t discussed a date yet,” Ace added.

  “Make it soon” grandfather commanded, “and I want you all to move back here with me. This house is too big for me and the fresh air will do the child good.”

  “Shouldn’t we be asking my future wife what she thinks?” Ace asked.

  The old man glared at Miranda. How could she argue? Every fiber in her body was commanding her to say yes.

  “Of course,” she squeaked helplessly

  ***

  Miranda had a glimpse of the affluence and power behind the Masterson name during the wedding preparations. Ace assigned an entourage catering to her needs as the bride-to-be. From the flowers flown from Amsterdam, the menu and wine accompanying each course, to the wedding dress that was specially made by a designer in Paris, and the rock on her finger, Ace never missed a beat.

  She was upset over the exorbitant sum spent on a deception.

  “Do you really think my grandfather won’t speculate if I started saving pennies? I used to give away expensive cars to former girlfriends. Never underestimate him. He’s got his eyes on us,” Ace replied.

  Miranda decided that if this were to be the only fairytale wedding she’d ever experience in her life, then she would savor every moment.

  However, she was unprepared for the flood of emotions when the day arrived. A coterie of manicurist, hairstylists and two make-up artists fawned and fussed over her. “Does it really take so many people to make me look pretty for my wedding day?” she wondered.

  The designer of the dress held the gown over her head as she slipped into it. He took her hand and led her to a full-length mirror as a string of ‘ohhs’ and ‘ahhs’ followed her. Miranda knew she had to look good. These people assisting her were experts in their field. She saw her reflection for the first time and gasped.

  Who was that girl wearing the ivory-colored gown with the fitted bodice that accentuated every curve? Swarovski crystals decorated the sweetheart neckline and illusion lace at the back. The gown flowed to the floor in a mermaid style that highlighted her hips. Diamond-drop earrings dangled from her ears and a slim diamond encrusted bracelet hugged her wrist. Both pieces of jewelry were gifts from Ace.

  “Oh, my God!” She whispered in delight. She knew Ace would approve.

  “Mommy, it’s time!” Sadie announced, entering the room with a flourish. She held Miranda’s bouquet in her hand.

  Miranda accepted it and asked her, “Doesn’t mommy look like a
princess, sweetheart?”

  Sadie nodded, gave a toothy grin, and declared, “But you’re not really a princess. You’re just my mommy.”

  Miranda’s heart was beating wildly as they headed to the courtyard. Every inch of space was decorated with exotic flowers. She trembled lightly as the music from the string quartet signaled the start of the ceremony. With Sadie by her side, she walked slowly down the aisle toward her groom who was equally dapper in a three-piece suit. He looked perfect. Everything was perfect.

  Tears welled in her eyes. She knew she was in love with Ace. She had known that for quite some time. Unfortunately, that wasn’t part of the legal agreement that she signed for this sham marriage.

  ***

  “Exhausted, Mrs. Masterson?” Ace teased, noting the worn out expression on her face.

  They were in the penthouse suite of a 5-star hotel Ace had booked to escape the revelry still going on back in the house. The band was a popular group and the party would last till the wee hours of the morning.

  “No, not tired. Just confounded as to how I’ll get out of this dress considering it took a team to get me into it,” Miranda replied.

  Ace eyed the sheer number of buttons that lined her back. “Let me give it a try… and if I haven’t said it yet, you look ravishing.”

  Miranda secretly smiled, swept her hair aside, and stood with her back to him. Ace fumbled with the tiny buttons and swore under his breath a couple of times. Miranda wondered if it was the sight of her nape that was making him awkward. Back when they first kissed, he had said he always wanted to touch the back of her neck.

  He managed to free her after what seemed an eternity and immediately poured a large glass of brandy. She headed for the bathroom door, casually stepping out of the expensive gown before going in. She knew he had a glimpse of her wearing just the strapless bra and lace panties.

  “Here’s to us,” he toasted, handing her a glass of wine when she emerged wrapped in a dressing gown. He had shed off his tuxedo, loosened his shirt, and was walking around barefoot. Miranda had never seen him in this state of dishabille. A strange sensation stirred between her legs.