Fake situationship, p.1
Fake Situationship, page 1
Fake Situationship
It's Complicated Series
Ebony Snow
Ebony Leaf Press
Fake Situationship
Copyright © 2024 by Ebony Snow
All rights reserved.
No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except as permitted by U.S. copyright law. For permission requests, contact Ebony Snow at ebony@authorebonysnow.com.
The story, all names, characters, and incidents portrayed in this production are fictitious. No identification with actual persons (living or deceased), places, buildings, and products is intended or should be inferred.
Book Cover by Piper Cook
First edition 2024
Ebook ISBN: 978-1-963071-18-4
CW: Strong Language and explicit sex on the page.
About Fake Situationship by Ebony Snow
They thought love was behind them—until a fake situationship sparks something real.
Zach
Five years ago, my wife left me, claiming I was married to my work. Maybe she was right—I didn’t become a billionaire by playing it safe. But now, my best friend’s anniversary party is coming up, and I can’t show up alone while my ex gloats about how she was right. So, my assistant sets me up with a fake date from a service called Perfect Plus One. Claire’s far too young for me, but I can’t stop thinking about her. I might be ready to love again… and this time, I don’t plan on letting work get in the way.
Claire
I never thought I’d need a dating service, but with my cousin’s wedding around the corner—and my cheating ex-fiancé flaunting his new girl—I’m desperate. When Perfect Plus One matches me with none other than Zach Whitmore, the billionaire real estate mogul my ex idolizes, it feels like fate. But Zach isn’t just a convenient date. He’s everything I’ve been looking for… and I’m starting to wonder if this fake relationship could turn into something real.
Can two people burned by love find something genuine in the most unexpected of places?
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Contents
1. Chapter 1
2. Chapter 2
3. Chapter 3
4. Chapter 4
5. Chapter 5
6. Chapter 6
7. Chapter 7
8. Chapter 8
9. Chapter 9
10. Chapter 10
11. Epilogue
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Chapter 1
Zach
As I cast my gaze over the redevelopment of the small town I’ve been revitalizing for the past five years, the view from my office fills me with inspiration. The fledgling town of New Hope was on its last leg when I came home, bought up all the abandoned properties, and brought in corporations to produce jobs for the local economy. I breathed new life into my hometown and I can’t be prouder of the accomplishments.
The revitalization of New Hope didn’t come without sacrifices. Everything worth having comes with sacrifices. Mine was my marriage. Since it ended, relationships haven’t been a priority until now.
“You mean to tell me there is nobody to escort to Jason’s anniversary party?” I ask my assistant. Jason is my best friend, we’ve been friends since we were little league teammates and I have to go.
“Sir, the people who would be worth consideration won’t work because your ex-wife knows them and they’re not actual relationship material. Plus, one of them is your cousin.” Sandy smirks. The older woman has been with me from the very beginning. She’s a decade older than me, but still calls me sir. She makes me cookies when she’s with her kids and brings them into the office. She was with me when I met, dated, married, and divorced Natalie and has never been the biggest fan of the woman.
I rub my temples with my index fingers and forefingers. A habit of mine for as long as I can remember.
Under usual circumstances, I have a couple of lady friends who I escort to all my fancier gatherings. But that's all they are, friends. Nothing occurs with them. However, Jason’s wife is also my ex-wife’s sister and she’ll be there with her new husband.
Natalie left me because she said I was a cold man, who didn’t know how to love, and I’m going to end up alone. She claims I never loved her, even though I did, but to become the billionaire I am today, it took a lot of dedication. Something she forgets about how much she admired and said why she fell in love with me—the dedication, not the money. But she also doesn't complain when she’s out spending my money, which is over with now she remarried. The alimony payments stopped.
The idea of facing her though without a serious relationship annoys me. I don’t want her to think she’s right, because I am alone. I work all the time, but as I watch over the town, absorbing my hard work of the restructured main street with the lush green grass, and vibrant trees, and the happy townspeople moving around town with big smiles on their faces. It’s worth it all.
Natalie and I visit Jason and his wife, Vivian, separately, rarely crossing paths. She lives in the city forty-five minutes from here, but this is a big celebration for our friends and so there’s no avoiding each other.
“With how discreet I’m trying to be, it’s just difficult to find a date. It’s a little unusual wanting a fake relationship.” Sandy lifts her brow as she eyes me.
Sighing, I turn around and sit at my desk. “It’s strange, I’m aware, but after the last sighting of Natalie, I just don’t want to see her smug expression.”
Sandy curls one side of her lip, eyes me up and down, and I laugh. “Yup, that’s it.”
Sandy gives a smile, then turns serious. “I still think we should use Perfect Plus One.”
I groan, this is the sixth or seventh time Sandy has mentioned this website where people get online to find people to help become the perfect plus one date for whatever people need. Some hire out, others do an exchange for events, and some even use it as a matchmaking service.
I can only imagine if word gets out about me using this site, what my PR team will have to do to tamp down the gossip it’d create.
Leaning back in my chair, I gaze at the ceiling for a few moments. Sandy sits silently, knowing what I’m going to say, as she’s well aware of everything I’ll do or say anymore. Sometimes I even wonder why we talk.
“Okay, fine, do it,” I grumble, annoyed. This is what I’m resorting to.
Sandy hides her smile. “Sir, you won’t be sorry. I’ll match you with the perfect person.” She stands and rushes out of the room before I can change my mind.
“What the hell am I doing?”
Chapter 2
Claire
The clacking of keys sound around my cubicle as my co-workers type away, getting all the latest data inputted as fast as possible. Something I should do, but the red circle for Saturday shows Ellie’s wedding, and it has me in knots.
Still no date for the wedding, and I have to go. For one, she’s my cousin and two, I’m a bridesmaid. It doesn’t matter, my ex is going to be in the wedding as well. After all, he’s one of the groom’s best friends. It doesn’t matter how I feel like family trump's friend and the cheating ex-scoundrel deserves his invitation revoked. He’s still going to be there, and with her, the mistress, no less.
Ugh. Is it still a mistress if we weren’t married? It was like we were married. We were together for seven years. Ever since we were fifteen. His betrayal hurts and having to face him at the wedding as a single woman after splitting six months ago isn’t something I’m looking forward to.
It was also foolish of me. I let Ellie know I have a plus one for the wedding. If I don’t bring somebody, it’s an even bigger failure and embarrassment.
Why does everything have to be so complicated?
The local college pamphlet flies onto the ground as I flop my head onto my arms on my desk and groan. In a flash, I snap my head up, hoping nobody caught me. I don’t want my co-workers asking questions. This situation is humiliating enough.
I pick up the pamphlet and stuff it into my purse. The desire to go back to school is strong. I want to make more of myself, but it’s not financially doable or the time for it. It never seems to be the time for it. However, I have other things to worry about right now. Such as facing my ex.
A breather is what I need, so I grab my tea cup and head into the breakroom, where a couple of women are chatting. We smile at each other while I go about making myself a cup of tea.
“I’m serious. My sister swears by it. She used the site and got a date for her company picnic. She got the guy to impress her bosses. It cost her a small fortune, but it didn’t take her long to get noticed by the higher ups. The men she worked with even stopped trying to get her to go out with them.”
“Really? A site for an escort?”
“It’s not that kind of escort. Well, I mean, I guess it’s possible, but no, it’s where you get somebody you need for your plus one. There are all kinds of services. A date to an event, or pose as a significant other. Some pay, some work out an arrangement or exchange if they can’t afford it,
My ears burn with everything I’m hearing. Can this be true? Is this the answer to my prayers? It’s even better because this only has to be a one-time thing. I don’t have to get any guys involved thinking it’s some booty call at the end of the night.
I’m looking for a date, and not ready for anything more. Alan was my first boyfriend, my first everything, and we were together for so long. The time to get involved with somebody new isn’t right.
“Seriously? You’re not pulling my leg?”
“Hand to God. If I wasn’t married, I’d try it myself.” Lois laughs, swatting Janine’s arm.
“I’m so happy not to be out in the dating world anymore. It’s a scary place.”
She has no idea. I’m not even in the dating world, but I’m in singledom and it’s another headache thinking about diving into the dating pool. The worry is strong for when the time comes to when I do want to date.
I pour the boiling water into my mug, trying to appear like I’m not listening, but we’re not fooling anybody. If only I can get the name of this place, then maybe I can do some research and do the date exchange thing. I can’t afford to pay somebody. So this has to work.
“Perfect Plus One. It has the catchiest name too, don’t you think?”
Bingo.
I finish doctoring my tea while the women continue to chat and I tune them out, since I have the information I need.
Leaving the room, I walk back to my desk and glance at the clock. There’s three hours before my shift is over, so I moan, hating to wait, but I won’t log on and search the website here on the work computer. If anybody finds out I use this place, it will be so embarrassing.
Because I need a date pronto.
And I’ll be going to the wedding with my Perfect Plus One.
Chapter 3
Zach
It’s almost seven p.m. and I pace inside the lobby of my building as I wait for my date to arrive. She didn’t feel comfortable being picked up at her home, which I understand, so Sandy arranged for her to meet me here at seven, and I’m a little early. The waiting seems longer, even though she’s not late at all.
I tug on the sleeve of my suit jacket, fiddle with the cuff links, and lift my head when the front door opens. As a gorgeous woman walks into the lobby, I stiffen. Our eyes lock and it’s as if my heart beats for the first time.
The most beautiful green eyes widen as she takes me in, and I can’t help but do the same. She’s wearing a yellow summer dress with a white flower pattern that vines up the dress. Her hair is in a soft updo, with tendrils of dark brown hair spilling around her face.
She’s young, but I struggle to swallow as I take her in. Her cheeks flush and she takes her eyes off me as she looks down at herself, swiping her hand over her dress like she’s trying to make sure she’s dressed nice.
I have to say, she’s dressed perfect, like an angel.
She fidgets a little, snapping me out of my trance, I would hate for her to be uncomfortable. I clear my throat and step closer to her.
“Hi, Help in New Hope?”
The gorgeous woman rolls her lips and nods. In a soft-spoken voice, she says, “Yes. Perpetual Bachelor?”
I cringe at the username Sandy created. If I didn’t love the woman so much, I would’ve fired her on the spot. She thinks she’s a comedian.
“Zach Whitmore.” I reach my hand out, anticipating the touch of her skin against mine.
She blushes. “I know. Claire Adams.”
We hold hands far longer than necessary as we gaze into each other’s eyes and I don’t want to let go, but my driver opens the front door to show he’s here.
I step closer to Claire, wrap her hand through my arm so I can escort her to the town car. “You’re exquisite, Claire. You look lovely.”
She takes a breath, tips her head to the side so I get a gorgeous view of her enticing neck, and I wonder what her skin tastes like. “Thank you. I struggled to come up with a nice outfit, but you said it was elegant casual and I have very little of the elegance part.” She giggles and fidgets while stroking her hand down her dress again.
“You’re perfect. My assistant set up the profile.”
“Ah. That makes sense. Perpetual Bachelor is a catchy name, but I wondered who would actually pick it for a matching site?” She laughs.
Waving off my driver, I want to open the door for Claire myself. I frame my hand on her lower back to guide her into the car, and run around the other side, eager to sit next to her.
“Mr. Whitmore, may I ask you a question?”
“Zach.”
“Zach,” she repeats my name, like she’s tasting it on her tongue. I can’t help the arousal it conjures.
“Of course. What’s your question?”
“Well, I’m confused. Why do you need a Perfect Plus One? You’re a well-established bachelor. Plus, you’re wealthy and don’t need to do the fake date swap.”
I study her, she’s so delicate looking, with her enhanced curves, I imagine tracing my fingers around every line and contour of her body as she inhales and moans. The car grows stuffy with the heat building inside me.
“Tonight is my best friend’s anniversary, and my ex-wife will be there.” Claire listens as I explain my predicament. “Since my ex knows all the women I have used on dates, she knows there’s nothing going on. One of them is also my cousin.” I laugh, causing Claire to give me a sweet smile. “My assistant convinced me to give this website a try. And I’m so glad she did.”
Soaking in Claire, my heart heaves at the bashful grace in which she accepts my compliment. It makes me wonder how somebody so perfect needs to use a fake dating site.
Before I can speak, Claire rests her hand on my forearm and says, “Don’t worry, Mr…”
I give her a stern stare causing her to pause for a second.
“Zach. I won’t let you down. I studied our story inside and out. I even made flashcards.” She opens her clutch and sure enough, there’s a little stack of index cards. She can’t get any more adorable.
“I know you’ll do wonderfully, but if we need to, we can play it by ear. I don’t plan on leaving you alone, so if something comes up that isn’t in our story, then I’ll answer, okay?”
Claire’s shoulders slump a little and she doesn’t appear as tense. “That’s wonderful, thank you. I don’t want to let you down.”
With no impulse control, I lift her chin so she can look at me. Heat floods from her skin down my fingers and up my arm. “You could never let me down.”
We’re locked in our own little world as I watch her pink tongue swipe across her lips and I open my mouth slightly to lick my own as I want to occupy her mouth the way she occupies my mind—all-consuming.
The back door opens and I startle when I realize we’re parked in front of Jason’s home.
Wishing to be alone with Claire, I take a moment to bring myself back to the present and not have my driver turn this car around and head back to my place.
Clearing my throat, I lower my hand from her face. “Are you ready, Claire?”
She takes a deep breath and nods. “Yes, as ready as I’ll ever be.”
Chapter 4
Claire
Zach escorts me into the elegant home and I can’t help but gape at the decor and the stylish people. I fidget as I look at my dress compared to every other woman in the room. I’m more prepared for an upper end bar-b-que than this elaborate fancy party.
Zach’s hand squeezes my waist as he pulls me into his side. “You’re stunning.” Then he stupefies me by kissing my temple and I just about melt against him.
What is happening? How in the hell did I land on the arm of Zach Whitmore? Billionaire extraordinaire and savior of New Hope. I fight back a laugh as I imagine Alan’s face when he notices his idol on my arm tomorrow at the wedding.
Alan is a real estate agent who has been emulating his business model after Zach, with no such luck. He’s been trying to meet him for years and it never happened.
