My Silver Lining: A Small Town, Fake Dating Romance (Rosewood River Series Book 2)
My Silver Lining: Chapter 16

We arrived in the city by helicopter, and Rafe had a car waiting for us when we landed, which took us straight to the swanky hotel near the wedding venue.

We were in the room unpacking, and he was quieter than usual.

“Are you nervous about today?” I asked, suddenly curious about his relationship with his boss.

“I’m ready for this night to be done. I know we’re going to have a lot of eyes on us, and Joseph is an intense and unpredictable guy, so you just never know what you’re going to get.”

I dropped to sit on the bed after I hung up my black satin evening dress in the closet. This was a black-tie affair, and luckily, these types of events were in my wheelhouse. I loved getting all dressed up, as most days I worked from home and lived in athleisure wear.

“Do you like working for him?”

“Not really. He’s arrogant and pretentious, but he also hired me when I was first starting out, and his firm is one of the best in the country, so I’m grateful that he took a chance on me.”

“And you’ve been there for years?”

“Yes. I started working for him right out of college. I’ve been able to achieve all the certifications I wanted during that time, and the goal is to break off on my own and have my own team eventually.” He moved to the closet and hung his sleek black suit beside my dress. “Just trying to decide when to do it.”

“What’s your hesitation?” I asked as I reached for my sketch pad and opened it to the new design I’d been working on.

“I don’t know if I’m ready to manage a team. If it’s financially wise to do it now, which logically, I know it is. I’ve been saving for years. But I do really well where I am right now, so there’s always a risk. In the big picture, this is the move I need to make. But it’ll be slow in the beginning, probably a little scary if I’m being honest. I’ll be the one responsible for employees, so it’s just a lot to weigh, you know?”

Rafe Chadwick was a multifaceted man.

He was charming and flirty and funny in one breath, but listening to him talk about his professional life—there was a more serious tone.

Professional Rafe was all business. And it was attractive to see how driven he was and how seriously he took his work.

“I get that.” I sighed as I found my favorite pencil and started drawing. It always relaxed me. “Change is scary. I went to Juilliard and always thought I’d be a professional dancer. But that didn’t work out, so I had to replace another plan.”

“What happened?” He sat on the edge of the bed and glanced at my sketch pad curiously.

“I tore all the ligaments in my ankle during training, and I was just never the same. Plus, it’s hard to make a living as a dancer, and it’s physically taxing. So I had to figure out what I wanted to do. The easy answer was just to go work for my parents. Laredo is hugely successful. I could have stepped into a posh position with a ridiculous salary, but I just didn’t see myself doing that for the rest of my life.”

He studied me. “What made you choose jewelry?”

“Well, I love jewelry,” I chuckled. “I think it can make such a statement. I’ve always worn lots of rings and bracelets and layered necklaces. I love pieces that have meaning and stones that complement and add to the design. At the end of the day, I need to be creative. I would have just been an executive at Laredo. I want to build something, create something of my own.”

He nodded. “I get that. And I think it’s pretty cool that you didn’t take the easy path.”

“I almost did. I had just graduated, and I was dating Beckett, and he’d just signed with a record label. He wanted me to go with him on tour and work remotely for my parents. I actually considered it for a brief moment, but I didn’t want to be in someone’s shadow, you know? I wanted to create my own magic.”

“And how did he handle that?”

“Like a spoiled rock star,” I chuckled. “It was the beginning of the end. We were different people in college, and in his defense, which I don’t often give him any defense, but his fame came on quickly. It’s a lot to handle. I’d grown up with money, and Beckett hadn’t. And suddenly, he had a lot in a short period of time. Not everyone can handle that.”

“So you started building your company, and he went off on tour?”

“I’m not proud of the fact that I didn’t go all in on MSL in the beginning. Beckett was spiraling, and I had a lot of guilt that I wasn’t there to help him. I would fly out to see him, and he was growing dependent on alcohol and prescription drugs and who knows what else, and he’d beg me to stay. So, I neglected my own dreams and plans for the first two years, and I will never do that again.”

“You were worried about someone you loved, and you put them first. That’s not a bad thing, Lulu.” His lips turned up in the corners, dimple on full display.

“That’s the thing. I don’t even know if it was love the last few years. Maybe it was loyalty or history, but as he deteriorated, so did our relationship. I woke up one day and saw a photo of him with another woman in the press, and it was just like one of those lightbulb moments. I was done. I had zero feelings for him, and he wasn’t my responsibility anymore. So, I poured myself into work the last eighteen months, and I’ve seen what I can do when I put my mind to things.”

“That’s fucking amazing. I’m glad you put yourself first.”

“It’s funny because I’ve always been very independent. I grew up in an unconventional home, traveling the world as a kid and attending boarding school in high school. I have always been driven and have known who I was and what I wanted. But I let someone derail me, and it scared the shit out of me that I could allow that to happen.”

“It doesn’t help that he’s a douchebag who keeps coming around and dragging you back into his drama, long after you’ve been over.”

“I think that’s why I wanted my father, in particular, to think I was dating someone else. He used to look at me like I set the sun, like I could take over the world. And it actually made me feel like I could. But after Beckett started dragging me into the press by making scenes at events and embarrassing himself, along with me, I felt like he looked at me differently. But last weekend, it felt different. Like his confidence in me was back. And it’s sad that it took a fake relationship to do that, even though I’ve built this company that I’m so freaking proud of all on my own, but I don’t even care. Shamefully, I want his approval. So even though I have no desire to invest in a man ever again, for whatever reason, when I brought you home, I think my father saw that as me moving on from being this rich socialite party girl in a relationship with a trainwreck rock star.”

His dark gaze softened. “Nothing wrong with wanting your parents’ approval. I love my parents. Love my family. And making them proud is important to me, as well.”

“Not sure they’re going to be proud of you being dragged into the media and tied to a socialite party girl.”

“Did you see them the other night? They love you.” He chuckled. “And nothing about you fits that description. I see a woman who is passionate about her company. A woman who cares about each piece of jewelry she creates. A woman who is about to expand her business when she moves to Paris. You’re the fucking rock star, Lulu Sonnet. You were just hanging out in someone’s shadow for too long. We’ve all done that. We just don’t do it publicly. Nor with family pressure about how we appear in the media. That’s a lot to navigate when you’re young.”

A lump formed in my throat.

For whatever reason, getting Rafe Chadwick’s approval also meant something to me. And that was a bit of a red flag because I shouldn’t care what this man thought.

“Thank you.”

“You found your silver lining, Wildcat. You left a toxic relationship, things are changing with your family, and your business is taking off.”

“This fake relationship ended up being my silver lining in a way. Thanks for putting up with me.”

“Thanks for being here this weekend.”

“Of course. So there was a moral to that torrid story I just shared,” I said with a shrug.

“Let’s hear it.”

“I wouldn’t have taken this leap to start MSL if I hadn’t gotten injured. Dancing was my safe place. But it wasn’t going to allow me to grow the way this does.”

He nodded. “I get that. Getting injured forced your hand.”

“It did. But you already know what you want to do. So don’t let fear keep you in someone’s shadow. You were born to lead, Rafe Chadwick.”

He studied me for a few beats before his lips turned up in the corners. “That might be the nicest thing you’ve ever said to me. I must be growing on you.”

“Like a fungus,” I said, my voice all tease. “Anyway, tell me what to expect tonight and what you need from me.”

“Well, just you being here will get Joseph and his daughter off my back, and even after we’re officially over,” he said with a wink, “I’ll be able to tell them that I’m not ready for anything serious for a long time.”

“Are you going to play the wounded bird after this is over?” I arched a brow.

Something crossed in his eyes, but I couldn’t read it. “You aren’t leaving for Paris for a while, so I’ll still be around. I told you that I remain friends with all my exes.”

“So we’ll stay friends. I’ve never really had any male friends.”

“Really?”

“No. I always think men have an ulterior motive. I’m not very trusting.”

“You don’t say.” He barked out a laugh. “Let me see that drawing.”

I spent the next twenty minutes telling him the meaning behind the new “Forever” bracelet. It was all about loving yourself and being okay in your own skin. Because when you start loving yourself, you allow others to do the same.

He listened intently, as if my words mattered.

My ideas mattered.

Rafe Chadwick was more than just a sexy, charming man. He was a good man. A kind man. And I would be lucky to call him my friend.

We realized the day had gotten away from us, and I set up a makeup area in the room at the desk so he could take a shower. I was not going to cross that line again, even though he’d made several jokes about me joining him.

Things had shifted between us, and I liked him. I felt close to him in a way I couldn’t even begin to explain. This crazy situation that had brought us together, connected us in a way.

Which meant I needed to be careful.

I curled my hair before pulling it into a low chignon at the nape of my neck and applying my makeup. I did dramatic eyeliner and a smoky eye.

I wanted to make him proud to have me on his arm tonight.

It didn’t matter that it wasn’t real, he’d shown up for me when I needed him, and I intended to do the same.

He came out of the bathroom looking like he’d just stepped off a photo shoot for People Magazine’s “Sexiest Man Alive” edition.

He sat on the edge of the bed tying his shoes, and I tried not to stare.

His jaw was chiseled, and his hair was gelled tonight into a sleek style that worked with the fitted slim-cut suit.

“Henley and Easton sent us a screenshot of the Taylor Tea. Would you like me to read it to you?” His voice was all tease.

I applied my lipstick and moved to my feet to slip into my dress. “Ohhhh, yes, please. I’ll get dressed in the bathroom and leave the door open so I can hear you.”

“I’ve seen you naked. Just get dressed out here, and I won’t look if you don’t want me to,” he said, shaking his head as he stared down at his screen and then peeked up at me to see if I’d listened.

“Fine, you big baby. If seeing me in my bra and panties does it for you, have at it.” I tugged my dress from the hanger and dropped my robe before shimmying into the satin fitted dress.

He didn’t take his eyes off me as I did so, and once I pulled it up, he pushed to his feet and moved behind me, pulling up the zipper. His fingers trailed up my skin, and my body heated at the slight touch. He moved back to the bed and turned his attention to the phone.

“Okay, here we go.” He cleared his throat. “Good Morning, Roses. Looks like our scoop this week is public knowledge, so we’ll just share what we know. Our latest resident, the wealthy socialite bombshell who moved to town recently, is in a relationship with one of our local favorites. He’s the boisterous one, and let’s just say he’s not only good with the numbers, but he’s good with the ladies, too,” he said with a groan. “My God, they may as well just say our names.”

“I love that I’m the socialite bombshell.” I waggled my brows as I slipped my feet into the gorgeous red, strappy stilettos I saved for a special occasion. “Please continue.”

“Looks like the rock star ex-boyfriend is sharing his broken heart with the world. But I’m not buying it. The rock star has been seen one too many times with other women to earn any form of sympathy from me. I’d go with the charming local guy we all know and love. The famous rock star may be loved by America, but in Rosewood River, we don’t care for all that drama. Time will tell. I think this rose might get prickly with two suitors vying for her heart.”

My head fell back in laughter. “Wow. She just tells us exactly how she feels.”

“Without saying actual names, even though everyone knows exactly who she’s talking about.”

“Who do you think is the author?” I asked him as his eyes perused me from head to toe.

“You look stunning, Wildcat.” He cleared his throat. “You know, I’m not sure. Bridger is certain that it’s Emilia Taylor. But I just can’t picture her writing this.”

“She’s a florist, and she’s so sweet. I don’t see that either. Why does he think it’s her?”

“Who knows, with Bridger? Once he gets something in his head, he can’t get it out. Her family owns the paper. She’s young enough to be writing this kind of crap…” he said.

“Hey. She just wrote about us, and she was rooting for us. That was not crap.”

Loud laughter bellowed from him, and he pushed to his feet. “Fine. Whatever it is. Gossip. It feels like it’s someone young.”

“Could it be Laney Waters?” I asked. Her parents owned Rosewood Brew Coffee, and she worked there when she wasn’t in school. “Every time I see her at the coffee shop, she brings up the Taylor Tea.”

“I’ve heard some people mention her name, but I just don’t think the Taylors would print something written by a teenager. But I guess if she’s sending it in anonymously, how would they know?”

“You’re exactly right. They wouldn’t know. Henley and I would have had so much fun writing an anonymous column back in high school.” I grabbed my black velvet Laredo clutch.

“I could see you two getting into a whole lot of trouble together back then,” he chuckled. “Come on. We’ve got a car waiting downstairs, and those two guys I promised a photo to are probably sitting in the valet, waiting to snap a few shots.”

“Okay, let’s do this, lover boy. I will let everyone know that my man is off-limits tonight.”

He smirked. “I’m down with that. And you look… fucking gorgeous.”

“Right back at you, handsome. Now, let’s go show everyone how ridiculously in love we are.”

We made our way through the lobby, and I didn’t miss the way all eyes followed us as people walked by.

When we stepped outside, a black car was waiting for us, but two men stood on the side, and Rafe held up a hand to the driver. “Give us two minutes.”

He pulled me close and dipped me back, and I burst out in a fit of laughter as he waggled his brows at me. Both men snapped several photos, and he pulled me back up and gave them a nod of thanks.

They continued snapping photos as we slipped into the car, and our driver closed the door before returning to the driver’s seat and driving us a block away to the venue.

“Just be prepared, all right?” he said as he rubbed his hands together. “Chloe is a lot. She’s spoiled and used to getting her way. Hopefully, she brings a date, but she was determined for us to attend this together, for some unknown reason, and she can be relentless. It’s tricky because her father is my boss.”

“Maybe that’s your sign that you don’t need to have a boss anymore,” I said, reaching for his hand because he appeared anxious, which was out of character for him. “I know why she wants to date you.”

He chuckled. “Because I’m easy to throat punch?”

“Because you’re loyal and funny and sinfully handsome. You’re the whole package, Rafe Chadwick.” I leaned close and whispered against his ear. “And I mean that literally. I’ve seen it, remember?”

His tongue swiped out along his bottom lip. “It’s yours if you want it.”

Those six words shot right between my legs. I squeezed my thighs together and tried not to react.

I did want it. But I shouldn’t want it.

It would be a terrible idea.

Not for my vagina, obviously, but for me as a person.

He was dangerous. Too good. Too smooth. Too likeable.

Too easy to fall for.

Thankfully we came to a stop, and our driver came around and opened the door for us. Rafe exited the car first, and then he reached for my hand as I placed mine in his and stepped out of the car, grasping my clutch in my free hand.

“Here we go,” he whispered against my ear and then kissed my cheek before leading me inside the country club.