3. Chapter 3

Chapter 3

Megan

I wait in the resort's elegant lobby, dressed in my finest attire. The vibrant scent of roses and champagne fills the room as I nervously adjust my dress. My heart races with a mix of excitement and anxiety as I anticipate Tyler's arrival. No clue where the excitement part comes from. I'm surprised I'm not dreading this more.

"Get it together, Megan," I whisper to myself, trying to calm my racing thoughts.

The car service pulls up outside, and I spot Tyler through the glass doors. My heart skips a beat as he steps out, looking even more handsome than I remembered. He's wearing a perfectly tailored suit complementing his toned physique where the shirt isn't all the way buttoned, and his dark blonde hair is styled to perfection. He's a vision of pure masculine hotness.

"Wow," I think to myself. "I can't believe I have to pretend to be this guy's girlfriend." It's both thrilling and terrifying at the same time.

As Tyler strides into the lobby, his eyes lock onto mine. "Megan," he exclaims with a wide grin, crossing the room toward me. "You look stunning." He lifts me off my feet, twirls me, and then gives me the biggest, most elaborate kiss, making my knees shake and my heart pitter-pat. Everything within me wakes up and I can't believe I'm in his arms and his lips ravage mine.

Why is it so warm in here?

Tyler lowers me and my body rubs against his, and everything inside me buzzes for more. I have to shake my thoughts away. This is a favor and we don't even like each other.

"Thanks, Tyler," I stammer, in a daze for a moment, and give him a small smile, flashing into the present. I'm aware of how close he is. Our shared charade feels too real for comfort, but I remind myself it's all an act. Remember all the times you envisioned smacking him over the head? Keep it in mind. It's how I'll survive the longest weekend in a hell of my own making.

"Ready for this little adventure?" He asks, raising an eyebrow playfully. I nod, hoping my face doesn't betray my apprehension.

"Absolutely," I say, trying to sound confident. "Let's do this."

"Then let's get our room key and head up," he suggests, shooting me a roguish wink, sending shivers down my spine.

"Right," I agree, swallowing hard. "Let's go."

As we make our way to the front desk, I catch glimpses of my coworkers mingling around the lobby and into the bar area. They're all dressed to impress, sipping champagne and making small talk. Unease bubbles inside me, but I push it down as we approach the receptionist, who ogles over Tyler like he's some Greek God coming down to present his beauty to us mere mortals.

"Hi," Tyler says smoothly, flashing his charming smile. "We're here for the Anderson, Lane, and Associates event. Names are Megan Foster and Tyler Bennett."

"Of course," the receptionist replies with a knowing grin. "I know exactly who you are."

"Ah, a hockey fan?"

"No, I'm a you fan." The woman winks and ignores me. Every time I hang out with Tyler in public, this is always the case, and it annoyed me then, but it bothers me more now. However, I don't want to make a scene, so I remain silent.

"Right. Well, if my girlfriend and I can get our room keys, that would be wonderful." The smile on Tyler's face loses its charm, and he pulls me in closer to him. The receptionist gives me a dirty look as she takes in my curvier frame and pushes out her small chest as she hands over our room keys to Tyler.

With nothing further, Tyler places a hand on the small of my back, guiding me towards the elevator. The warmth of his touch sends shivers through me, and I struggle to maintain my composure as we step inside.

Luckily, we have the elevator to ourselves, but alone in the small confines has me twitchy. "Room 315," I read aloud from the keycard, my voice shaking. "Guess that's where we'll be… staying."

"Looks like it," he agrees, pressing the button for our floor. "I promise I won't snore too loud."

I laugh nervously, wishing I can share his easygoing attitude. The elevator doors slide shut and we ascend towards our shared suite, and I can't help but wonder how I'll survive this weekend without losing my mind. Will all the women swoon over him in front of my coworkers? They're going to see right through the facade. Then I'll have to quit my job. I'll lose my apartment. I'll have to move back in with my parents, who live in another state.

"Ready for this?" Tyler asks, leaning in closer. His scent washes over me, a mixture of cologne, fresh clean linens, and something uniquely him. It snaps me out of my rabbit hole of despair, for now at least. There are plenty of rabbit holes to get lost in.

"Ready as I'll ever be," I reply, forcing a smile.

The elevator dings, announcing our arrival on the third floor. As we step out and make our way down the hallway to room 315, my palms are sweaty. We're about to pull off an insane charade, and I'm not sure I can do it.

"Here we are," Tyler says, stopping in front of our door. He slides the keycard into the lock, and with a click, the door swings open. We both hesitate at the threshold, acutely aware of what this weekend might mean for us.

"Let's do this," I whisper, more to myself than to him, and step inside.

"Can't wait for everyone to meet my amazing girlfriend," Tyler teases, following me into the room. I roll my eyes but can't help the warmth spreading through my chest at his words.

I never had a serious relationship. I've dated and one guy I thought was going to be a great boyfriend only to find out he only wanted sex whenever he could get it and, like a dolt, I gave it to him.

Stopping myself going down the memory rabbit hole, I get myself situated only to panic when there's only one bed and a loveseat couch. It won't be comfortable because it's shorter than me, but it'll have to do. No way am I going to make Tyler sleep in it. He's doing me a massive favor.

Not wanting to think about sleeping arrangements, I say, "Come on." I grab his hand and pull him back towards the lobby. "Time to face the music."

As we re-enter the elegant lobby, I feel the weight of everyone's eyes on us. It's like they can sense our secret, our lie, and it's making me anxious. When I look over at Tyler, he's unfazed. He plays his part masterfully as he keeps his arm around my waist and smiles at everyone.

Slyly, I point out my boss and Tyler decides to make an impression. "Mr. Anderson," Tyler exclaims, escorting me over. "I've heard so much about you. It's great to finally meet you."

"Tyler." Mr. Anderson beams, shaking his hand enthusiastically. "Margo has said great things about you too. I've been a huge fan of yours since your rookie days. You never disappoint."

Tyler gets a strange look on his face, and I hide my face in his shoulder and whisper, "Just go with it."

"Thank you, sir," Tyler replies, flashing a grin, making me weak in the knees. "I have to say, I'm a big fan of Megan's, too." My eyes open wide as he over enunciates my name, correcting my boss.

"Ah, young love," Mr. Anderson chuckles, clapping Tyler on the back. My cheeks burn with embarrassment, but I plaster on a smile and join in the laughter. "You two make sure to enjoy yourselves. This is supposed to be a fun getaway. Who am I kidding? You two will probably want to be left alone."

Giving off my most fake laugh ever, I say, "No, of course not, sir. I'm here to show off my boyfriend. Come on, let's introduce you to everyone." I thread my arm through Tyler's while the guys laugh. We make our way around the room, meeting coworkers and sharing stories, all while maintaining our facade as a happy, carefree couple.

As the evening progresses, Tyler continues his over-the-top act, making me increasingly uncomfortable. A man has never doted on me the way he is, or kissed and touched me. But despite my unease, I can't help but be charmed by his enthusiasm and the playful banter he engages me in.

Confession, I sort of like all the glares I'm getting from some women. Thankfully, none of them are co-workers, but people who work here and other guests eye Tyler like he's a snack and I'm preventing them from having a bite. I've never been envied before and it's a heady feeling.

It helps Tyler is always making sure conversations revolve around me and my capabilities. He surprises me when he talks about causes I fought for in college. Ava must've told him, but the fact he remembers makes me gooey inside.

"Tyler Bennett, you're going to be the death of me," I think to myself, trying to ignore the fluttering of my heart.