False Pretences Page 3

  Lara slowly turned around to see Alexander standing there, a smile tugging at his full lips.

  “You startled me!” she exclaimed, putting a hand to her fluttering chest.

  “I do apologize for scaring you.” Alexander replied sheepishly, nervously dragging his hand through his hair. “I didn’t expect to see you here again so soon!”

  “Well, here I am!” Lara quipped, attempting to be cute.

  They stood there, smiling at each other until Alexander broke the brief silence.

  “Would you like to accompany me for coffee right now?” he asked, gesturing towards the door. “I am off in a few minutes and would love to chat with you!”

  Lara bit her lip, considering his request. Sure, he was a total stranger…however, he seemed to be a gentleman and she was at ease with him. She highly doubted that any real harm would come to her at a coffee shop.

  “Why not?”

  Lara sat across from Alexander at the Pret –A-Manger around the corner, waiting for him to return with their drinks. She couldn’t believe her good fortune…instead of having another lonely night at home with only her books as her companions she was at a coffee shop with a man who could very easily be on the covers of one of those novels himself.

  As Alexander stood in line, she took the opportunity to give him a once over. Although he was handsome, his casual clothes and chin length auburn hair detracted from his looks immensely. She did note with a blush that he had a nice, muscular frame hidden under the tightly fitted clothes and a well sculpted rear end.

  ‘I wonder what he does in his spare time.’ She thought, as he smiled at the girl working the counter.

  His smile definitely had an effect on the opposite sex, for the barista giggled and blushed like a little schoolgirl. He paid for their order quickly and the drinks were handed to him. The jovial expression on his face faded a little as he turned away from the counter, but when he began his approach to the table, it returned anew. Lara wouldn’t have admitted it then, but the feeling was mutual.

  Alexander soon returned to their table, handing her the Caramel Macchiato she’d ordered.

  “Thank you.” Lara murmured, blushing again as he flashed yet another brilliant smile.

  “My pleasure” he replied, sitting directly across from her. “So, tell me about yourself!”

  Lara groaned inwardly…if there was one thing she despised; it was talking about herself…even more so now that she was an accomplished artist.

  “I am artist” she replied, her smile frozen on her face “My specialty is paintings…”

  “You must be very talented” he breathed, taking a sip of his tea latte “It’s a hard career to pursue…I would know…I’m a writer myself.”

  “A writer?” She echoed, her attention captured “Well…I’m a bookworm at heart. Have you had any work published?”

  Alexander shook his head, sighing.

  “I keep submitting manuscripts to every publisher I can find, but I’m not being taken seriously” he sighed, playing absently with the sleeve of his cup. “It’s so difficult to be published these days.”

  “What do you write about?”

  “Mostly True Crime” was his reply “Although I am currently working on a new thrilling manuscript.”

  “Really?” Lara asked, taking a sip of her macchiato as she focused on him. “If you don’t mind, could you tell me what your latest manuscript is about?”

  Alexander looked up at her in surprise. He wasn’t used to people who were truly interested in his work.

  “It’s about a detective who has a psychic connection with his victims. With a single touch, he can tell you everything about the person…from their last moments to the manner in which their lives were taken from them.” He explained, after taking a long sip of his tea. “He then gets involved with a femme fatale who is a suspect in the latest case he is on, and something develops between them…”

  He trailed off, noticing the interested glint in her dark eyes. He felt incredibly lucky that he had bumped into her. She seemed to be genuine and had a very lovely smile. Ironically enough, there was something about her that was familiar. He couldn’t put his finger on it but he was sure he had seen her picture somewhere…perhaps in the newspaper.

  “It sounds like you have a potential best-seller on your hands, Alexander” She declared, smiling at him. “Perhaps you just need some effective representation. I might be able to help you.”

  “Oh?” Alexander replied, arching an eyebrow incredulously. “You might?”

  It was then that he realized who she was…Lara Clayton. She was currently the hottest and most in-demand up-and-coming artist on the scene. He had recently heard through some of his friends who worked at the Barbican Gallery that she was due to be honored with an exhibit and gala in November.

  “My friend Venessa Lincoln is a top-notch publicist and agent.” Lara replied, playing with the sleeve of her paper cup absently. “She is currently looking for new clients. A writer would be a feather in her cap.”

  He stared at her, his eyes wide. She was no longer the kind, genuine stranger he happened to bump into at the bookstore. She was an increasingly famous artist who was not only beautiful and talented, but also generous and thoughtful. To him, it was the most powerful combination in any woman he had ever encountered and he felt dizzy with luck to have met her…

  …Lara hadn’t meant to reveal more about herself, but something about Alexander made her want to reach out and give him what he needed most…a boost. She genuinely liked the pretense of his latest manuscript and felt that he could easily get published with Venessa’s help.

  When she saw the flash of recognition in his eyes, though, she realized that he figured out who she was.

  “I do apologize for not telling you everything about myself, Alexander.” She said quickly, a small blush creeping across her cheeks. “I’m a very private person and enjoy being a normal girl in public.”

  “Your secret is safe with me!” Alexander replied, smiling at her excitedly. “I never thought that I would bump into someone like you today. You honor me with your presence.”

  His smile was infectious…she couldn’t help but smile at him in return. It had been too long since someone genuinely enjoyed being with her.

  As she gazed upon him, Venessa’s voice echoed in her subconscious.

  “Hire a male escort or someone to accompany you.” She continued, not batting a single eyelash. “Make it look like you’ve moved on from the debacle named Andrew Carver.”

  As he took a sip of his tea, Lara narrowed her eyes and studied him. He had the wholesome appearance she was looking for in her date and he was very friendly and personable. Anyone could easily believe that he would be attached to her.

  ‘His appearance will need to be improved a bit!’ her subconscious murmured, as she took mental notes. ‘With a little bit of cleaning up, he could very well be perfect!’

  “Is there something wrong?” Alexander asked, his concerned voice breaking into her thoughts. “You’ve become quiet all of a sudden.”

  “I was just thinking.” She replied, still studying him. “May I make you a proposition?”

  Alexander frowned, cocking his head in confusion.

  “This is going to come out of left field, but I promise it will be worth your while.” She explained quickly, letting out a nervous giggle. “As you may already know, I have a gala coming up at the Barbican. It is public knowledge that I have split with Andrew Carver and I am in dire need of a date. Would you like to accompany me?”

  Chapter Four

  Alexander gaped at Lara. He had been mustering up the courage to ask her out again and she dropped quite the bombshell. He was at a loss.

  “You want me…to be your date…at the gala?” he stammered, trying to regain his composure.

  “Yes”

  “Isn’t that a bit sudden?”

  “Just hear me out.” She insisted, a plan obviously cranking out in her mind. “It will be a quid pro quo
situation. I can get you published or even pay you if you’d like. You will be my date, and I will pay you in return.”

  “That’s an odd request, considering we’ve just met.” Alexander said flatly, narrowing his eyes. “What makes you think I want money anyways? Maybe I genuinely like you!”

  Part of him was insulted that she immediately resorted to offering to pay him. He was not interested in being a kept man, even if it was just to keep up appearances.

  However, Lara intrigued him greatly and he wanted to get to know her and spend time with her. He was being presented with a rare opportunity to be with her. Perhaps things could get interesting.

  “Look…” Lara said gently, seemingly realizing she had insulted him. “We can discuss the particulars at a later date. You can choose whatever reward you wish. Please consider my offer.”

  “Can we play this by ear?” Alexander asked, after a pregnant pause. “I am not after your money or your fame. I genuinely like you…so far. Is there a way we can work this out without you resorting to paying me? I am not interested in being a kept man.”

  Lara bit her lip, studying him again. He surprised her by telling her he didn’t want her money. She could see the earnest truth in his eyes when he told her he liked her. Perhaps a different arrangement could be worked out.

  “That is definitely a great possibility.” She agreed, mulling everything over. “But surely you’re not doing this just to spend time with me...I am just an ordinary girl.”

  “Then allow me to be the judge of that…” was all he said in response.

  Lara looked at him, wondering if he was really being sincere. Andrew had said similar things to her during their courtship and he’d abandoned her. It was a far-fetched thought…having a man agree to do something for her without asking for anything in return…vehemently refusing any sort of reward.

  The clarity and honesty in his eyes said it all. He wasn’t trying to fool her or lure her into a false sense of security. She could see him for what he was…and she definitely liked what she saw. Could they pull this off?

  “Let’s do this!” she exclaimed, the increasing conviction in her voice surprising her.

  Alexander smiled, extending his hand. When she eagerly shook it, he realized the gravity of the situation. He had nothing to lose, but he was sure he had something to gain. It may have not been money or a successful career to call his own, but being on the arm of the most beautiful, kind-hearted girl in the world was worth more to him than a lifetime of his dreams coming true.

  “So, where do we begin?” he asked eagerly, endless possibilities flooding his subconscious.

  “That is where our work with my friend Venessa will begin.” Lara replied, lost in thought. “She will have a lot of input on this, including appearances. Perhaps we should start by meeting with her tomorrow. She will be handling everything regarding my career, so she will be having a hand in anything affecting our public relationship.”

  As it turned out, Venessa approved highly of Alexander and Lara’s proposition to him. She examined him from head to toe, asked him several questions, and then voiced her approval. They had come to Venessa’s office the next afternoon and she wasted no time in examining him with a critical eye.

  “I couldn’t have picked a better man for you, Lara.” Venessa remarked, as she studied Alexander. “However, might I be able to give you some input?”

  Lara nodded, and Alexander wondered what she meant by input.

  “I think we need to improve Alexander’s appearance…the public will never buy that Lara would be seen with a struggling writer. A change in wardrobe and a haircut would be needed if you want your proposition to work.”

  Alexander looked at Venessa in disbelief. He had never had any problems with his appearance and didn’t have any issues in attracting women. He wasn’t entirely sure about changing his hair and clothes until he glanced over at Lara, who smiled at him encouragingly.

  If there was anything he enjoyed, it was Lara’s smile. In the past 24 hours, she’d smiled only once and it was a sight to behold…he wanted to see more of it, even if it meant that he had to compromise himself for her.

  The encouraging smile she just gave him made him lose his resolve and he slowly relented to Venessa’s request.

  “I’ll do it.”

  Lara, Venessa and Alexander stood in the fitting room area of Liberty’s Men’s department. Alexander looked lost and out of place, with his hands nervously wringing as Venessa spoke with the personal shopper she’d summoned upon their arrival.

  “What kind of an image are you looking to build with…”

  “Alexander” Lara said quickly, her eyes roaming over Alexander as she sized up his body.

  They began the day with a trip to a hair stylist near Lara’s Soho studio. While Alexander was reluctant to leave his comfort zone, he agreed to a stylish, closer cropped hair cut. Lara and Venessa waited for what seemed like ages until Alexander emerged, a brand new man.

  When Lara first caught sight of the devilishly handsome man approaching her, her jaw dropped. He went from looking like he’d dragged himself out of an underground nightclub to an A-List Adonis who’d graced the earth with his rays of heavenly light and glory. His new look was so compelling that Lara’s heart skipped a beat.

  Gone was the chin length, bedraggled mop of hair…and in its place was a perfectly styled, wavy sculpture of sparkling auburn. His sculpted cheekbones were more prominent without the impediment of his hair in his face and his full mouth looked even more pronounced. He now looked like a man who would belong on her arm at any gala…in her honor or not.

  Now, as she sat in the fitting room, watching him as Venessa chatted with the personal shopper. He looked absolutely adorable as he stood there, awkwardly waiting for instructions…he reminded her of a little boy waiting for his mother to pick out his outfit for an important party.

  Seemingly sensing her eyes on him, he turned to look at her. As their eyes met, Lara found herself taken in by his lopsided, shy smile and sparkling ocean eyes. He sauntered up to her while Venessa and the personal shopper were still in a heated discussion.

  “This is nerve wracking!” he said conspiratorially, the smile on his face widening as he knelt down to face her.

  “I promise you it will be as painless as possible!” Lara replied, smiling in response to his attention. “It’s just clothes.”

  Alexander smiled, brushing a stray tendril of hair out of Lara’s face. He hadn’t been sure about getting his hair cut…and he wasn’t sure about adopting a whole new wardrobe…but one thing he was sure of was the smile on Lara’s face. He would willingly make a fool of himself to see her expression brighten.

  So there he was, moments later, walking out of the dressing room in one of the most ridiculous outfits ever designed for man. He had squeezed into incredibly tight white denim jeans, a ridiculous pink paisley shirt and, to top off the ugliness, a white ascot (did they even wear those anymore?).

  He breathed a sigh of relief at the way Venessa’s face scrunched in distaste and the way Lara pointedly gave him a thumb down. Diana, the personal shopper had looked at him approvingly but deflated when she saw the reaction of everyone else.

  Smiling in a small victory, Alexander walked back into the dressing room and changed into a different outfit.

  It had been an hour and a half already and Lara was ready to wring Diana’s neck. Everything poor Alexander had modeled was too pretentious for words and did not suit him. She wasn’t even sure if the dismal choices made would suit any man at all. Diana must have learned to be a personal shopper in Clown College.

  Fortunately, Venessa decided to give her own input and selected a few of her own choices for Alexander to wear…much to the relief of everyone else in attendance, save for Diana, who was pretty much put out.

  Venessa and Lara waited patiently as Alexander put on the first outfit Venessa selected for him. He had let out a couple of muffled curses and Lara thought she heard the snap of a plastic hanger a
s he dressed. Were things going bad for him? She couldn’t tell.

  Just as Lara was about to see if everything was all right, Alexander emerged from the dressing room, donning an outfit that added to his sinful good looks.

  He wore a black shirt unbuttoned at the collar and a pair of black linen trousers. It was a simple, yet elegant ensemble that made Lara’s jaw drop for the second time that day. Venessa was equally stunned, but prodigiously proud of herself for taking control.

  “What do you think, ladies?” Alexander asked, making an exaggerated pose as he stood before them.

  “This is definitely a keeper!” Venessa declared, smiling approvingly.

  Alexander turned to Lara, who had meanwhile recovered from her shock.

  “You look…incredible!” Lara exclaimed, a tiny blush creeping up her cheeks. “Let’s see what else Venessa picked out for you!”

  Alexander chuckled and returned to the dressing room.

  ”I’m glad that’s over!” Alexander declared as he and Lara walked to her Soho studio. “I was beginning to think that Diana was just a little girl in a woman’s body, playing with a Ken doll.”

  Lara giggled at his description of Diana’s poor taste in clothing.

  “Well, you definitely did well.” She replied, blushing as they paused at her studio door. “A few outfits are better than none!”

  “That is true!” he agreed, smiling sheepishly at her as she unlocked her door. “At least the day wasn’t a complete disaster.”

  “Would you like to come in?” Lara asked, gesturing through the open door. Alexander smiled again, nodding.

  “Will you show me some of your work?” he asked, walking inside the studio and setting the shopping bags by the entrance. “I’d really like to see it!”

  “Really?” Lara asked incredulously as she shut and locked the door behind her. “It’s really nothing…just a collection of angels.”

  Alexander cocked his head, gazing upon Lara intently. He rather enjoyed her childlike attitude towards her work.