Her TV Bachelor Fake Fiancé: Christmas Romance Series Read online

  A small laugh escaped from the recollection of that one. The public could be brutal. Too cruel, of course.

  “I think that Canyon Byer behaved foolishly during most of the season. But I also believe there’s a very good reason for that. One that only you could tap into. You’d be doing this man, this fellow human struggling to find love in the world, a tremendous favor by allowing him a shot at redemption.”

  Cambria recalled the conversation they’d had on the night they kissed. She’d been positive that Canyon had a good side too. In fact, all she’d seen of him up to that point were good qualities. So why had he undone it so entirely on that one horrible night? And just which side was the real him? The question stirred at different recollection.

  “You mentioned that the final benefit, the one that would help Canyon out, could end up indirectly affecting me more than the first two reasons. In what way?”

  The room fell pin-drop quiet and suspense-movie still. Gremlin let out a mournful meow.

  “If you two compliment each other the way me and my psychological team believe you do, you stand to gain the love you’ve always wanted. The happily ever after, fairytale love you deserve.”

  A sardonic laugh bubbled in her throat. She did her best to stifle it; no need to be rude. “What do all of you think?” she asked, turning the dilemma to her entourage. Heck, may as well make them earn their front row seat to the proposal of Cambria’s lifetime. Perhaps the only one she’d get.

  “What exactly is it that you want her to do?” Victor asked.

  “Spend two weeks in a winter wonderland getaway while the cameras roll.”

  “That’s it?” he asked.

  Cambria couldn’t help but wonder why Victor was even asking. Seemed he was more of a softy than she knew.

  “That’s it,” Marsha assured. “There will be documentation she needs to sign, of course, but I’ll allow you and your lawyer to go over it you’d like.”

  “I say do it, sweetie. Imagine where I’d be had I not found sweet redemption of my own. Marsha’s right—everyone deserves a shot at that.”

  “Only reason I’d do it is for the money,” Mae grumbled. “And I’d make that very clear if I were you.”

  “She can’t divulge the offer,” Marsha interjected. “That will be in the contract.”

  Cambria had already known that much. She turned to Leah and sighed. Her ever-optimistic friend could barely contain her grin. “I knew you two had chemistry,” Leah said. “I think you owe it to yourself to investigate it.” She shrugged. “It’s two weeks of your life.”

  That still left one very important question in the back of Cambria’s mind. She’d hoped to leave it there indefinitely; the last thing she wanted to look was interested. But this might be her last chance to ask it. And so she did:

  “Who’s idea was this—to get me, I mean?” Cambria’s heart thundered beneath her cool façade. She gulped, wishing she didn’t feel so invested in the simple query. Wishing that she could say—in all honesty—that she didn’t care whose idea it was. Money was money. Redemption was redemption. Why should she care if the guy actually had any real feelings for her?

  Marsha didn’t move. Didn’t even blink. She simply answered with one short word. “His.”

  Chapter 4

  Canyon could hardly believe Cambria had said yes. He knew Marsha was a miracle worker, but this had to reach new heights. Perhaps the woman’s persuasive nature might have served her better in a courtroom, where she could sway an entire jury one case at a time. There was just one thing he didn’t understand.

  “Why’d you have to tell her that it was my idea to bring her back?” he asked before ending the call.

  White, puffy flakes drifted and swirled beyond the dark-tinted window of the limousine, a contrast to the blackish-blue night sky.

  “It was your idea to find an alternative to the proposal,” Marsha quipped. “And trust me when I say, it was the answer Cambria wanted to hear.”

  “Why?” Canyon asked. “What difference does it make to her if she’s just doing it for the money?” He leaned toward the glass to take in the view.

  Just yards ahead, the cabin rested among tall, snow-covered pines. Dozens of vaulted windows glowed bright against the darkness, revealing interior beams, each matching the exterior logs. “Wow,” he mumbled.

  “I assume that means you’re at the cabin,” Marsha said. “Hey, I’ll let you go. But please don’t forget yourself and talk about Cambria’s contract like you know the details. The truth is, each contract is private and any idea you have about the other’s is pure speculation.”

  “Yeah, yeah,” he mumbled, assuming he knew well enough what they’d offered her. A whole lot of cash.

  “Enjoy your time there,” the woman said. “Oh, and Canyon?”

  He was about to end the call when she spoke up. “Yeah?”

  “Be transparent. Cambria’s a forgiving woman, and she just might be your match.”

  Canyon nodded as he disconnected the line. Yeah right. He wished he knew what type of woman was right for him. It would’ve made this journey a lot simpler.

  The limo rolled to a stop. The fantasy getaway spot was tucked into a quaint piece of mountain property in Jackson, Wyoming. Across the way, a rippling river reflected the glowing windows of the home—a river that was sure to invite elk and other types of wildlife this time of year.

  He’d much rather spend two weeks here with Tasha or Sophie. The admission triggered a concern Canyon continued to bury each time it arose: he wasn’t truly seeking anything beyond a surface, let’s-have-fun kind of relationship. What business did he have going on a show called Find My Fiancé if he wasn’t even ready for that type of commitment?

  He’d signed the contract without thoroughly looking over the details. Which probably didn’t matter a whole lot. Marsha had told him about the most important parts of the paperwork. The rest was technical junk that probably only applied if they ended up in a court of law, otherwise known as Marsha Langston’s true calling.

  There, coming from the opposite direction, a set of headlights blared bright. Cambria’s limo. She’s here. The camera crew had arrived too, as evident by the unlabeled utility van parked beneath a nearby oak. A closer look said the crew had already claimed a filming spot. One director, two cameras, and a million cords winding back to the open van door. The wide lens was likely catching a view of the snow-covered cabin and all its winter glory before it panned to the bachelor America hated and the bachelorette everyone loved. Would they secretly be calling this one Beauty and the Inward Beast? They couldn’t likely get away with calling him a beast altogether, seeing that he was paid to make designer clothing look good, but according to Rain, several viewers agreed the attraction stopped there.

  “Two weeks, Canyon,” he mumbled to himself. “You can do this.”

  The window separating him and the driver rolled down. “Here you are, sir,” the man said, shooting him a kind smile through the rearview. “I’m told they’d like you to exit without my assistance while they film, but in a few moments, I’ll bring your bags up to the home.”

  Canyon nodded. “Okay, thanks.” He leaned forward enough to offer his hand. The silver-haired driver turned to give it a shake.

  “You’re very welcome, sir.”

  Canyon snatched the scarf from the car seat and wrapped it snugly around his neck. He curled his fingers around the metal latch to open the door when the driver offered one final word. “Give the girl a real chance. My wife thinks she’s the one for you.”

  “Thanks,” Canyon managed. What was with these people? He pushed open the door. Two weeks with the one woman who’d made him least comfortable on the show. Great. Rain better be happy once this was all said and done. At least he was attempting to salvage his reputation. Whether or not it would work was a different story.

  * * *

  Cambria was very aware that a cameraman— err, camerawoman, was proceeding her down the hallway as she explored the charming cabin
, but that didn’t have any influence on the smile that pulled at her lips. The place was beautiful. And Marsha was right; this was a win-win. She got to spend two full weeks in this bright, beautiful cabin in the snowy woods, Canyon got his shot at rescuing his wounded pride, and Cambria would go home twenty-five thousand dollars richer. Break Free would come out the same way.

  She would focus on the positive and forget the rest. Cambria had learned to make the best out of situations her entire life. Her parents had done such a great job of instilling that quality that she’d been able to do so when they were taken from her tragically at such a young age. Lisa Throw, the host Find My Fiancé, had given the two strict orders to visit their master suites on opposite sides of the home and return to the main area once Christmas carols began to play over the cabin’s speaker.

  A warm tug pulled at her heart as she spotted the claw foot tub, pedestal sink, and candles set amply throughout the adjacent bathroom. Not bad at all. She’d brought plenty of books to catch up on too. This would be the vacation Cambria never allowed herself to take. The time where she ate calories she didn’t allow herself to eat.

  The lovely sound of bells ringing sounded from an unseen speaker in the closet, earning a fresh smile from Cambria. Christmas Bells Were Ringing. Once she’d put in her two weeks here with Canyon, Cambria would celebrate a beautiful Christmas with her family and friends and have all of this behind her. That would be a celebration indeed.

  Yet as she moved back down the hallway, catching sights of Canyon as he did the same, an odd surge of adrenaline shot through her chest. Standing between her and the seriously handsome man, Lisa stood poised and ready to go.

  “Good evening, ladies and gentlemen,” she chirped with that British accent. “I’m Lisa Throw, and I’m thrilled to announce that you are in for a very rare treat. Tonight, I have none other than Canyon the Bachelor to my left, and Ms. Cambria Wilson to my right. The two haven’t uttered a word since he appeared on her doorstep just one week ago, and right now, to start off their romantic two-week fantasy getaway, they’re going to re-watch their love story—together. So let’s join them as they step inside the cabin’s cozy theater and relive the magical moments as well as the not-so-magical times they shared.”

  The Christmas song in the background sang of a hot, crackling fire on a cold winter night. A similar contrast took place in Cambria’s chest as she recalled her time spent with Canyon. It had gone from hot to cold, all right. And so had her feelings for the cocky bachelor.

  Canyon closed the distance between them and offered her his arm. The expression on his handsome face could barely pass for polite. He’d grown out that six o’clock shadow again. The short, dark growth accented his chiseled jaw and perfectly sculpted lips. Today’s sweater was, again, the average male’s worst nightmare. Yet the ribbed, ivory turtleneck made this particular male all the more masculine. Almost rugged in comparison to the soft-looking knit.

  Cambria fought back an eye-roll. We get it, we get it. You’re a model. Get over yourself.

  Canyon’s eyes glimmered with a hint of amusement. He was probably recalling one of her video diaries where she’d admitted that he was possibly one of the most handsome men she’d stood face-to-face with.

  So what? She could recall a time or two when Canyon had said a similar thing about her. Cambria looped her hand around the bend of his arm, lifted her chin, and set her eyes on the entrance to the miniature theater. A wet bar stood at the back of the room while a wide screen took up the wall on the adjacent side. Resting between the two stood a single loveseat sofa.

  They had to be kidding.

  Canyon stopped in front of the seating area and motioned toward the single piece. “After you.” The filming crew had been narrowed down to two men and two cameras. They circled the couple as Cambria sank into the far corner of the far seat. Canyon plunked onto the cushion beside her with a grunt and rested an ankle over one knee. He shuffled back into the leather a bit before stretching one arm along the back.

  Cambria glanced at the way his hand nearly touched her shoulder, but she didn’t move, only set her eyes on the screen and sighed.

  “Psst,” Canyon hissed.

  Cambria glanced over in time to catch him motioning toward something in the corner. “What?” she asked in a whisper.

  The screen glowed to life, and a countdown appeared in the center. The large numbers started at sixty, then counted down with the seconds: fifty-nine, fifty-eight…

  “Treats,” Canyon said. “See them? Mind grabbing me some gummy bears and…” His face twisted as he considered. “Maybe some Red Vines.”

  Cambria’s eyes widened. Was he serious? She glanced over to see that she was, in fact, closer to the candy cart. But he was closer to the wet bar. Images of chilled menu items glowed bright along the bar.

  “Sure,” she said. “And I’ll take a slushy and a dill pickle.”

  He grinned. “Coming right up.”

  Her heart did some pathetic twirl (which she did not agree with) as Cambria headed over to collect his snack options. She grabbed a tub of popcorn while she was there and rested it on the tray standing in front of the loveseat. A quick glance over her shoulder said Canyon was messing with the slushy dispenser. She resisted the urge to stare, but couldn’t help but hope he was struggling with the thing. Cambria’s first job had been at a convenience store down the street, and the ancient machine had been a real headache.

  “One delicious, refreshing slushy,” Canyon said as he sank back into his chair. “And one disgusting dill pickle.” He handed over two cups, one with the slushy and another one holding the pickle.

  Cambria glanced at the two treats before sliding the slushy onto the tray. “You don’t like pickles?”

  Canyon shrugged. “I only like them if they’re crispy. That one just looks soggy.”

  Cambria chuckled and grabbed the packages off her lap. “One order of yummy Red Vines, and gummy polar bears, which are probably going to be much better than regular gummy bears.”

  “Definitely.”

  Cambria set her eyes back on the screen in time to see the numbers count down from three, two, one. Suddenly a glowing chandelier filled the screen, which is how each season of Find My Fiancé began. Episode one typically started with a formal ball. The chosen bachelor would dance with twenty-five pre-selected women, one after the next. After their dance was finished, the bachelorettes handed over a necklace with their name on it.

  The bachelor would thank her for the dance, then slip behind the curtain, and loop the necklace around one of two pegs: Stay or Go. An hour and a half later when the dancing was done, the host would line the women up and hand the necklaces over to Canyon, one by one. It was always a quiet, dramatic ritual where the bachelor looked at the name, paused, and called out the woman’s name.

  Cambria watched as it showed Canyon slip behind the curtain time and time again in fast-motion. And then it was her turn. She remembered the evening very well. The old familiar nerves bubbled in her blood as she watched the close up view of their introduction.

  Cambria had been hesitant about participating. In fact, Leah was the one who’d dragged her to the audition in the first place. But when they called her to tell her she’d made it into the finals, Cambria couldn’t resist the chance to date Canyon Byer, a man who’d stared at her from billboards and magazine ads alike. She’d heard that he had an inner beauty to match, and she’d hoped it was true.

  Seated next to Canyon in the dark theater, the scent of Red Vines and popcorn filling the air, Cambria watched their first dance. The way he kissed her cheek after placing the token around her neck, and the words he shared about her afterward.

  “Cambria? Wow, what can I say? She’s stunning, of course. Smart. Sweet. Funny.” He shook his head and grinned that charming, schoolboy grin that sometimes peeked through. “She’s the full package.”

  Her shoulders lifted a bit higher. He did actually like her at one point. Of course, she’d already watched the episode
s with her posse as they’d aired. But it was nice to have the reminder. Cambria appeared in her video diary next.

  “I was pleasantly surprised. Canyon’s intriguing. I mean, we danced for like, three minutes, but in that time I actually think we connected. It was nice.”

  The producer asked her a question then. “The comment we’re hearing across the board tonight is that Canyon Byer is the best-looking bachelor Find My Fiancé has seen. Do you agree?”

  Cambria remembered the moment Marsha had posed the question; it had rubbed her wrong. Which is why she’d answered the way she had. “Canyon’s good-looking, for sure. But attraction goes beyond outward appearance. We have yet to see what he looks like on the inside.”

  “Quite true,” Marsha had agreed.

  The screen faded to black. A moment later, the night of their first date began to play. Mere seconds into the date, as the two settled into the back of a limousine, Canyon admitted something to her. “You’re the woman I’ve been most excited about since meeting everyone.”

  She’d later watched to see if he’d tell the other women that same thing, but he hadn’t. In fact the show played back his very own words from a video diary to prove that what he’d said to her was true.

  Even after he’d wronged her as he had, watching it back had affected Cambria. And even still, as she watched it again—this time while seated beside him—she couldn’t help but blush.

  Reflexively, she glanced over to catch Canyon’s reaction. He didn’t return her gaze, merely tossed a handful of popcorn in his mouth and dug into the bag of Red Vines.

  Next it was her turn to squirm as she spoke in a video diary halfway through the date. “Canyon is a perfect gentleman. We’ve been really hitting it off.” The producer asked about kissing on the first date, and Cambria bit her lip. “I’m open to a goodnight kiss if things continue to go well. I realize that in a situation like this, our time is limited.”

  Canyon set the packages of candy on the tray and stretched. She sensed him looking over at her, but Cambria took another bite of her pickle and reached for the slushy, waiting until she chewed to take a slurp.