Jules Bennett - Best Friends…To Lovers

Still, when she found a man and things started getting serious, Mac would do a complete background check and make sure the guy was squeaky clean because Jenna deserved a man on the right side of the law, a man with no secrets.

A man totally the opposite of Mac.

Not that Mac wanted that settled-down family lifestyle. The whole marriage thing was working for Braden and Zara, but Mac was just fine focusing on work, partying when he could and hooking up with women who were on the same playing field as he was. Life was good, so why mess it up?

Mac tugged on Jenna’s hand to keep her moving. “Maybe going out tonight would be the best option,” he told her. “That way Nathan can see us together as well and pass along to his best man that you’re officially off the market and not interested in a reunion.”

Jenna shoved her sunglasses up onto her head, pushing her dark strands back from her face. “Good idea. I’ll let Amy know. You’re too good to me, Mac.”

With a laugh, he shook his head. “Nah. Remember, if you mess this act up, I get to cash in a favor at any time.”

Jenna playfully nudged his side with her elbow. “I’m pulling this whole thing off beautifully so far, which means I’ll get another favor. Don’t get so cocky.”

Up ahead, Mac caught sight of Martin talking with Nathan. Perfect opportunity to work this lover’s angle and shove it right into Martin’s face. Mac didn’t just want to convince the guy that Jenna had moved on, Mac wanted to torture the man with what he’d let go.

“You ready to put those acting skills to the test again?” he asked, nodding straight ahead.

Her gaze followed his and she drew in a deep breath. “I’d rather just avoid him.”

“You’re not a coward.”

Before she could protest further, he trudged forward. He told her a joke to get her laughing. Mission accomplished. Jenna’s rich laughter had Martin’s head whipping around in no time.

Game on, you sorry bastard.

Nathan waved with a smile, but his eyes were darting between Martin, Jenna and Mac. Mac figured he’d have to break the tension since he was the one who was adamant about this little meeting.

“Hey, Nathan.” Mac greeted the man as if he’d known him forever. In actuality, he’d met him once when he and Amy had come to visit Jenna in Miami. “Jenna just told me we’ll be going out tonight. Looking forward to it.”

“Amy wasn’t sure when you guys were free,” Nathan replied. “I’ll be sure to let her know. I hear congratulations are in order for the two of you, as well?”

Mac wrapped his arm around Jenna, pulling her closer to his side, ignoring the kick of just how comfortable he was playing the role of doting fiancé.

“Thanks. We didn’t want to make a big deal of anything, since this is your week and I actually just surprised Jenna.”

“Where’s the ring?” Martin asked, his tone mocking, his gaze narrowed.

Without missing a beat, Jenna replied, “Mac is flying me to his favorite jeweler in Italy after the ceremony Saturday so I can choose the one I want.”

Mac mentally high-fived her quick, clever response. She’d stiffened slightly against him, but she’d managed to squelch her nerves and fire back. Martin’s expression was priceless and his silence was another win for Mac. Maybe Jenna could handle this role-playing just fine. His hand slipped to the curve of her hip. When he squeezed her there, she jumped slightly and attempted to shift. Mac held her right where he wanted her. Damn, those curves beneath his hand sent his mind into overdrive.

“If you’ll excuse us, we were on our way back to our room. Haven’t had enough alone time with my girl.” Mac returned Martin’s glare with a mocking wink before nodding to Nathan. “See you tonight.”

Completely dismissing Martin, Mac guided Jenna back along a path that would take them toward the bungalows nestled on the water.

“Nice job,” he muttered when they were far enough away. “I actually do have a jeweler in Italy.”

“Where I’m sure your female entourage is well supplied,” she tossed back.

Was that a hint of...jealousy? Interesting. Definitely useful information.

“It’s okay, babe. I’ll make it up to you. Do you prefer diamonds or emeralds? My jeweler made this gorgeous diamond necklace for me once. Personally, I think rubies because you get fired up sometimes and—”

Jenna jerked from his grasp. “This isn’t real so don’t lump me with your collection of arm candy.”

Mac didn’t even get to defend himself before she stomped off toward the bungalow. He followed her because if they were having a lover’s spat in public, he sure as hell planned on making up in private.

But what the hell had gotten into her? He’d swear she was jealous, but she’d pointed out on numerous occasions that this situation was false. So why the narrowed gaze? Why the hurt lacing her tone?

Mac caught up to her just before she could slam the door. He was about to find out.

Five

This entire situation was getting out of hand and they were only on day two. Why had she thought this would ever work? For a split second, which was more than she could afford, she’d let her emotions take control, shoving aside common sense. When Mac had palmed her side, sliding his hand over her, she’d become fully engulfed in this charade. A charade she’d started.

Plus, her emotions were not getting the message to stay detached. When Mac had mentioned he actually had a jeweler, Jenna knew without a doubt he’d taken women there. Jealousy, table for one.

Gritting her teeth, Jenna tried to regain some control over her self-induced rage. This whole situation was her fault. Any hurt, anger or envy she had spearing through her was all brought on by her need to rid herself of Martin.

The door to the bungalow slammed behind her, but Jenna kept her back turned. She’d let her control slip. In all the years she and Mac had been friends, she’d joked about his other women, but she’d never, ever shown him how much she hated his playboy lifestyle. The moment had literally swept her away.

Jenna actually hated the jet-setting, womanizing part of his life even more than the secrets surrounding the mafia rumors. She had to say no to him because of his excessive lifestyle. She wanted to be special to any man she was involved with and being with Mac in an exclusive way wasn’t an option. He’d never made it a secret that he loved women, that he never wanted to settle down and find “the one.”

“Jenna.”

She stiffened at his demanding tone. Starting this second, she was back in control. This was her life and she needed to remember that Mac was her best friend. Always loyal, always willing to do anything for her...taking things any further would be a mistake. He’d come down here to help without hesitation and she wouldn’t repay him by dragging him into the middle of this battle between her heart and her mind.

Jenna spun around and met his questioning gaze. “Sorry. I didn’t mean to go all possessive girlfriend on you out there. I got caught up in the moment.”

Shaking his head, Mac crossed his arms over his broad chest. “You don’t like the idea of me buying jewelry for other women.”

No point in lying. “Fine. I don’t.”

With a defiant tilt of her chin, Jenna adjusted her sundress and mimicked his stance as she crossed her arms. “You flaunt women all the time and doing it now is inappropriate.”

There. That sounded convincing, didn’t it? Those penetrating eyes of his raked over her, sending shivers racing through her body. How could the man be so potent from across the room? Did he have a clue as to the damage he could do to her? Did he have any idea how difficult it had been for her to even ask him to step in?