Moonlighting with the British Rock Star: A Georgia Moon Romance Read online

  “Mr. Darcy was in love with Elizabeth Bennet,” he said, sliding his fingers down the length of the curl.

  Josie’s breath felt trapped in her lungs as Colin’s eyes dropped to her mouth. Was he going to kiss her? She wasn’t sure she would survive the occurrence without passing out. Her heart fluttered like the wings of a trapped hummingbird as he slanted forward.

  “That’s more like it,” Shelby said. “Hold it right there.”

  Josie flinched at the intrusive voice. She’d forgotten Shelby was even there. An amused smile lit up Colin’s eyes as Josie edged away from him. She was on the verge of calling an end to the picture taking when the sun broke through the clouds. Fingers of light filtered through the tree branches and Spanish moss, creating a spectacular backdrop.

  “Oh, this is gorgeous,” Shelby said as she adjusted the settings on her camera. “Josie, you need to get closer to Colin.” She motioned for Josie to comply. “Y’all don’t have to kiss but at least make it look like you want to.”

  “Right,” Josie mumbled as she inched closer to Colin. Not wanting to kiss him wasn’t her problem. Her body trembled as she lifted her face to his. The scent of his minty breath made her mouth water as he angled his head down like he was going to kiss her. It was agonizing to be so close that she could feel his warm breath fan against her mouth. Tension mounted with every second as Shelby moved in for another round of closeups.

  Just when Josie was sure she couldn’t take another second of this, one of Shelby’s little boys started hollering for her. The tension deflated like a flat tire, and Josie jumped out of the swing so quickly it nearly dumped Colin on the ground.

  Shelby turned around as Phoenix emerged from the trees. James was right behind him, cradling the couple’s youngest child in his arms. “Sorry to interrupt, babe, but I think we may need to make a trip to the D-O-C-T-O-R.”

  “Legend has to go to the doctor?” Phoenix asked.

  “I don’t want to go to the doctor!” Legend wailed.

  James shot his oldest son an exasperated look as Shelby walked over to her family. “What happened?” she asked.

  “He split his head open on the fireplace,” Phoenix answered. “Daddy told him to stop runnin’ but, he didn’t listen.”

  Legend’s cries grew louder as Shelby pushed back his hair to look at the gaping wound. “It’s okay, baby,” she said. “Dr. Burnett is your friend, and will help you feel better.”

  “Is there anything I can do?” Josie asked as she caught a glimpse of the gaping wound.

  “Actually, yes,” James said. “Miss Sue is using the spa gift certificate the boys gave her for Christmas and isn’t expected back home for a couple of hours. Do you think y’all can keep an eye on Phoenix until she gets back?”

  Grateful for the reprieve, Josie readily agreed. “Sure,” she said, “I’d love to hang out with Phoenix.” She doubted Colin would want to babysit and was taken by surprise when he volunteered to help as well.

  James nodded his head in appreciation and then told his wife he’d get the car and meet her out front. As her husband carried their injured son away, Shelby crouched down in front of Phoenix. “You be a good boy and mind your manners, okay?”

  “Yes, ma’am,” Phoenix said. “But what about the sugar cookies? You and Daddy promised we could ice them today.”

  “I know, baby, and I’m sorry.” She pressed a kiss to her son’s forehead. “I’m sure Miss Josie and Mr. Colin will be happy to help you decorate the cookies.” Shelby shot a questioning look at Josie and then Colin.

  “You bet,” Josie said. “It’ll be fun.” She held out her hand to the little boy.

  “Y’all are the best,” Shelby said when her son grasped Josie’s hand. “Thank you so much.” Blowing a kiss, she admonished her son to be good one last time and then went to meet her husband.

  Once she was out of sight, Josie angled her attention on Colin. “You really don’t have to help us if you don’t want to.”

  Colin studied her for a few seconds as if trying to figure out if she was just being polite and giving him an out or if she didn’t want him to join them. Josie wasn’t sure of the answer. It was a combination of the two.

  “Thanks, but I’m happy to help.” He picked up his guitar case. “I haven’t iced biscuits in ages.”

  “You don’t put frosting on biscuits,” Phoenix said. “Only Cora’s special gravy goes on biscuits.”

  Colin grinned and ruffled the boy’s hair with his hand. “You’re right, mate but where I come from, biscuits are cookies.”

  “Where are you from?” Phoenix asked as they started walking toward the house. “Mama said you talk funny because you aren’t from this world.”

  Josie caught the smile on Colin’s face before he explained to the little boy that he was not an alien from another world but from another country. It was sweet the way he answered the child’s questions without a hint of annoyance. The one time Zane had come to see her in Savannah, he’d been put out when they’d watched the boys for less than an hour.

  Colin laughed at something Phoenix said, promising to show him where England was on Google Earth before they started frosting the cookies. He would make a good father someday. As soon as the thought entered her mind, Josie quickly tried to banish it. But a vision of Colin holding the hand of a dark-haired little boy who looked like his musician father but had blue eyes like his mother popped into her mind.

  She inwardly groaned and nearly tripped on an uneven part of the ground. Colin Wilde might be invading her daydreams, but that didn’t mean she should indulge in furthering those dreams to include marriage and children.

  She slowed her steps, wondering how smart it was to continue on with this charade and wishing she’d never fibbed in the first place. It was too late to do anything about it now. Josie’s family expected her to bring home a fiancé. To show up without one and some story that he’d died in a freak accident wasn’t an option. Besides, Colin was counting on her to introduce him to Chase Nichols.

  Looking once more at Colin, Josie resolved to see this through. She just hoped her heart would be intact when it was all over.

  Chapter 8

  Colin

  Colin crossed the bedroom floor and opened the French doors that led to a small balcony off of his room. More familiar with the Dalton’s yard, he noticed the magnolia tree where they’d taken pictures the night before. Chilly air made him catch his breath. Even though the sun was shining now, there was a storm predicted for later on today. The temperature had dropped below average, making it feel more like a typical day in England.

  Pulling his phone from his pocket, he tapped on the notes app to read over the list he’d created about himself to share with Josie. He wasn’t sure how much of his life he wanted to reveal to her. Frowning, he selected the text from his notes app and cut the last two lines. He’d added it late last night. Josie didn’t need to know about his messed up relationship with his dad or that his bank account was in the red. He better stick to inane facts like his favorite movie or book. That was easy. Harry Potter for both. Technically, he hadn’t actually read the entire series. Gran had read to him every night until he reached secondary school. Then he’d discovered he could sing and was a natural with a guitar. Harvey got involved, and that was the end of Colin’s education.

  Glancing at the time, he closed the notes app and squinted against the morning sun, wondering what Mrs. Dalton had up her sleeve now. Over breakfast, she’d reminded Colin about buying Josie an engagement ring today. He’d stared at her blankly, not sure what to say to her. First, they weren’t really engaged. Second, he wasn’t sure he had enough credit left on his bank card to buy a return ticket home, let alone a ring for a fake engagement.

  Shelby had noticed the distressed look on his face and told him not to worry because she had a plan. Then she asked him to come to her office in an hour. He still had a few minutes to go before time was up. Hopefully, he’d have everything worked out before Josie returned from her fla
t. She’d gone home early this morning to pack for the trip home. Colin hoped she planned on coming back and hadn’t backed out of their agreement. The night before, Josie had escaped to her room as soon as Miss Sue returned home, leaving Colin and the nanny to help Phoenix ice the rest of the biscuits.

  Although Josie claimed she was tired and had another headache, Colin knew there was something else going on in that pretty head of hers. Between the worried expression marring her smooth skin and the furtive glances she’d cast his way, she’d barely spoken to him. The few selfies he’d taken of them while making cookies clearly displayed her distress. He’d deleted most of the pictures, only sending her one of them.

  His phone pinged an incoming text from Josie. They’d exchanged numbers last night. So far, the only message she’d sent him was quite impersonal, letting him know she was going to her flat to pack for the trip to Mitchel Creek. This text wasn’t much better.

  Josie: On my way back. Be there in fifteen minutes.

  He made a quick reply that was equally boring. Hopefully, no one would ever check their phones for previous messages. Noting the time again, Colin headed for Shelby’s office. After taking a few wrong turns, he finally arrived and knocked on the door. The omelet he’d consumed for breakfast felt like a heavy stone in his stomach as Shelby welcomed him into her office.

  She didn’t waste any time and held out an envelope to Colin. “Honey, I feel awful about talkin’ you into helping Josie without offerin’ any kind of compensation to you.”

  Colin eyed the envelope, guessing the contents. As much as he needed the money, it felt wrong to get paid. He remembered what Josie had said the day before and knew she wouldn’t like it either. “You don’t have to pay me,” he said, shoving his hands into his pockets. “She’s helping me too.”

  “That’s wonderful, but I still want you to take this.” She shook the envelope at him. “This isn’t a payment. Consider this an investment into your music career.”

  He eyed the white envelope, wondering how much money was inside. “I promise to pay you back,” he said, even though he was broke.

  “This isn’t a loan, darlin’.” She winked at him. “Besides, James can’t write it off as a donation if you do that.”

  Colin didn’t like handouts, but hitting rock bottom had humbled him considerably. Gran would tell him this was divine intervention, and to say thank you. Swallowing his pride, he pulled his hands from his pockets and accepted the payment…er…donation. “Thank you, Mrs. Dalton.”

  “It’s Shelby, and you’re very welcome.” The computerized voice from the security system announced someone had entered the house. Shelby glanced behind her, and Colin followed her line of sight to see a monitor that showed the occupant was Josie. “We better wrap this up before Josie comes lookin’ for you,” Shelby said.

  “All right.” Nerves twisted Colin’s gut, and perspiration dampened his palms, making the sweater feel like it weighed a hundred pounds.

  “Just so you know, there’s enough on the card to give you some spendin’ money after you buy Josie an engagement ring. She’s like family to us and deserves to go home to her sister’s wedding wearing a beautiful ring.” Shelby handed him a business card. “I’ve written down the address to the jewelry store I use. Just give them my name when you arrive, and they’ll give you a good deal.”

  “What is their return policy?” Colin asked. Then realizing how that sounded, he quickly added, “I will give you the money back.”

  “Y’all can decide what to do with the ring when this is all over, but I don’t need any money back.”

  When this was all over. His stomach felt hollow as he mulled the sentence over in his mind. It bothered him, though he wasn’t sure why. He and Josie weren’t a couple. They were simply playing a role to help each other out.

  “Oh, I almost forgot,” Shelby said, twisting around to swipe a set of keys from the desk. “I’m assuming you have a driver’s license?” she asked, holding out the key fob to him when he nodded his head yes. “Good, I had Lewis bring the Land Rover out front. Josie’s car is a tiny little thing, and I doubt you’d fit inside it.”

  “Thank you, Mrs. Dalton…Shelby.” He pocketed the key fob.

  “One last thing,” Shelby said, turning toward her desk. “I uploaded the pictures onto a thumb drive.” She picked up the device and gave it to Colin. “I already shared the files with Josie online, but it’s always nice to have a backup.”

  “Brilliant.” He slipped the small drive into his pocket. Before he could ask if any of the photos were any good, someone knocked at the door. Josie stepped into the office a moment later.

  Colin’s eyes swept over her as he struggled to take in his next breath. She was always beautiful, but this morning she was stunning with her auburn-colored hair hanging in soft curls around her shoulders. She wore an off-white cotton shirt that hugged generous curves. The hem of the shirt landed mid-thigh of the dark skinny jeans that showcased her figure perfectly. The black half-boots had a wedged heel that made her legs look even better. A long, maroon-colored sweater that was like an overcoat completed her ensemble.

  “You look beautiful,” he said when her blue eyes met his.

  “Thanks, but Shelby is responsible for the way I look.” Her gaze flickered to her employer. “Thank you,” she said with a soft smile. “I couldn’t believe it when Lettie showed up with a team of people to do my makeup, hair, and wardrobe.”

  “A girl needs to feel as beautiful as the diamond she’ll wear on the day she is officially engaged.”

  Josie’s smile faded. “About that,” she said, clasping her hands together, “I don’t need a real diamond.”

  “Yes you do,” Colin and Shelby answered in unison.

  Josie’s eyes narrowed in on Colin. “Fine, but I am not letting you pay for it.”

  Colin’s fingers twitched to pull the envelope from his pocket, but he wasn’t sure if Shelby wanted him to say anything. He shifted his focus to his benefactor, hoping she would take the lead on this.

  “It’s already been taken care of, sugar,” Shelby said. “Stop your worryin’ and have fun,” she added when it looked like Josie was going to protest.

  A cell phone trilled in Shelby’s hand. “Excuse me, but I need to take this call,” she said as she looked at the screen. “Y’all be sure and call me if you need anything.”

  Colin followed Josie out of the office, catching the scent of whatever perfume she was wearing. “We should probably go,” Josie said, stopping to look up at him. “I guess we’re taking the Dalton’s Land Rover.”

  “Yes,” Colin said, pulling the key fob from his pocket. “Shelby gave me the keys.”

  Nodding, Josie bit down on her bottom lip as her cheeks turned a pretty shade of pink. “How much money did she pay you?”

  “She didn’t pay me anything,” Colin said, glad he hadn’t looked at the amount yet. He made a decision right then not to spend one penny of the money on himself other than for necessities. Depending on how much he had left, he’d be sure and donate it to one of Josie’s causes. “Shelby cares about you and wants you to have a nice ring to show off.”

  “I know.” Josie sighed and tucked a loose curl behind her ear. “I just feel stupid.” She sighed again. “I mean, it doesn’t seem right that I should get a real diamond for a fake engagement.”

  Colin’s mouth suddenly went dry, and he felt a thin line of perspiration along the back of his neck. Buying a ring for a girl, whether pretend or not, was a big deal. He hadn’t ever planned on marrying. He figured he had enough of Harvey’s blood in him to make him unsuitable husband material. He worried he’d be just as terrible of a father too.

  Wanting to change the subject, he held up his phone. “I made a short list about me and can text it to you.”

  “I made one too.” She withdrew a folded sheet of paper from the pocket of her sweater and held it out to him. “But maybe I should take a picture of it and send it to you.”

  “No need,” he s
aid as he took the paper from her. The tips of his fingers brushed against her skin, the brief contact sending a pulse of electricity through him. Fake relationship or not, he was definitely attracted to her. “I can take one later on if I want to.”

  Tempted to look at her list, he quickly texted her the notes he’d composed. Her cell pinged a moment later. Josie didn’t hesitate and tapped on her phone to open the message. A small smile tilted her mouth as she scanned over the list. “Harry Potter, huh?” she asked. “I loved those books too. You have no idea how disappointed I was when I found out Hogwarts didn’t really exist.”

  “I know, Gran took me to King’s Cross Station so I could see where Harry and Ron boarded the train.” He smiled at the memory. “It was crowded and the line was long, but she insisted on getting a photo of me with the luggage trolley embedded in the wall.”

  “How old were you?” Josie asked as a soft smile curved her lips.

  “I’d just turned eleven.” He shifted on his feet, uncomfortable talking about himself.

  “Ah, the same age as Harry was his first year at Hogwarts,” she said wistfully.

  He smiled as their eyes met and held for a long moment. Awareness filled the space between them, and Colin felt his throat constrict as if someone had looped a rope around it and tightened it.

  She was the one to break the connection, looking down at her phone to read through a few more things. He wondered if she noted he’d left out details about his family other than his grandmother. She continued reading and lifted an eyebrow. “Fish and chips are your favorite food?”

  “Boring, I know.”

  “Not boring.” She gave him a playful smile. “This is the South where everything is fried, including seafood. I know it’s probably not the same, but there’s an Irish pub on the waterfront that serves the best fish and chips.”

  “Ah, a bit of home sounds nice,” he said in an Irish brogue.