Chapter 11 – Pretending

Hi my lovelies..

So I thought I'd treat you guys because you left me so many lovely reviews over the weekend. I've spent two days writing you all an extra-long chapter, it's took me many failed attempts and rewrites but here goes, I hope it doesn't disappoint!

I hope you all had a beautiful weekend..

Enjoy

And if you do be sure to leave some love, it's what inspires me to keep on writing.

x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x

I feel empty, cold. I can't explain it. I couldn't tell you where it came from. But it crept up my fingers and settled down in the hollow of my stomach for the entire night. The dinner cruise was beautiful of course, filled with the routine extravagance I'd come to expect.

Ray brought his right hand man along- which I suppose was a good sign- and although the business transaction was never directly addressed, just discreetly danced around, I got the feeling that things were on the right track.

On that note, I did my part. Earned my pay check. I tucked away those feelings of finality and detachment and said the right things, did all the right things. Smiled at all the right things. It was like I was reading from a script. Playing the role of a life time with Oscar-winning precision.

While I kept up my end of the charade like a pro, Oliver seemed increasingly uneasy all throughout the meal. His eyes kept flickering to me like he wished that we were alone, as if there were things he wanted to say. By the time dessert was served, I found that I no longer cared.

"That was absolutely wonderful".

I squeeze Ray in a tight embrace as I stand up to leave.

"Thank you so much again for inviting us."

"The pleasure was all mine. I'm going back to Spain for a few weeks, but I'll be back in Starling at the start of the New Year. I hope to see you then?"

I smile sweetly.

"I'd love to".

Oliver's gaze flickers again to mine, but he remains silent.

"Now if you'll excuse me, gentlemen," I mumble. I suddenly can't stand to be in the room a second longer,

"I'm going to go sleep off that harrowing plane ride".

Ray and his associate just smile politely, but Oliver turns to me with mild alarm; a kind of muted panic shone deep in his eyes.

"Are you sure you don't want to stay for a while Felicity?"

It sounds like a plea.

"I could have the porters bring up some coffee".

I pat his arm dismissively like a girlfriend would.

"No, I'm fine. You boys get to it. I'm sure you have a lot to discuss".

With a parting wave, I slip off the boat and head back down the pier, a single thought occupying every corner of my mind. I could not wait to take of this dress.

x-x-x-x-x-x

Oliver took me for a ride on his yacht. The sun glittered on the turquoise water, and the sky was the prettiest shade of blue. Of course, I took more pictures. I looked for a dolphin but I didn't see any. My mom begged me to bring back a picture of a dolphin for her.

We pull up next to one of the gorgeous islands. Oliver's wearing plain black swim trunks. Something fitted and designer that gave me my first view of the tantalizing muscular contours running down his chest. I had gone for a simple look as well. A red bikini, it hugged what little curves I had but still covered a good deal more than some of the flashier options in my closet.

The captain walks over to us.

"We've got company, but I know another place where we can go and have some peace" he smiles.

I look at the boat next to us. Looks like the paparazzi have found us.

"I don't want to leave," I whisper

"The beach looks gorgeous. I've always wanted to walk on sugar-white sand".

"But they'll hound us" Oliver says.

"And I know a much more secluded spot".

"Hey, we want the publicity. I mean, Isn't that what you're paying me for? To convince everyone that I'm your girlfriend, so why don't you let me do my job?"

I look up at the captain,

"If it's ok with you, we would like to stay here. Is it possible to blast the music? We're going to have a party!"

The captain tips his hat and smiles,

"Sure I can do that."

The captain and Oliver are good friends so Oliver had of course filled him in on our fake relationship. He was one of the few people we could talk freely in front of. Oliver smiles as I lead him out to the middle of the deck.

"Ready to bust out some dance moves for the paps, I warn you I have two left feet".

The party music starts to play, and Oliver swirls me around. We both let loose and really get into it. I can't stop dancing as he dips me, my hair touching the ground. We dance around goofily for a good thirty minutes. I enjoy every minute of it, all while soaking up the sun.

Afterwards I can't help but smile at him,

"Wanna swim to shore?"

The wind blows through his blonde hair as he contemplates his decision. He looks so sexy in the Ray Ban aviators he's wearing.

"Sure!"

"Besides, you need to flaunt that insanely impressive body of yours" I mumble under my breath.

I reach for his hand, and we climb over the side and dive into the crystal clear water.

He grins as I smile. My arms cut through the clear water as we swim to shore. The cameras are still rolling, so I act as though I'm having the time of my life. And actually, I am. We're frolicking and playing on the beach together, running up and down the shoreline.

I've never felt sand so soft between my toes. He swings me round while I laugh. When a wave comes, we both fall. I thought this was the perfect opportunity to up the ante. I reach for him as he hovers over me, and pull him close. To my surprise his lips crash down onto mine. My body trembles from his touch, and the way he looks into my eyes, it's completely mind blowing.

The paparazzi come to shore and pry on our amazing movie like beach kiss. I think they're enjoying it too, they can't stop taking pictures.

When they leave I can finally breathe, I smile at Oliver.

"They're gone," he says.

"Think they bought it?" I ask.

"Hell, I think I bought it!" he laughs.

When we get back on the boat, Oliver wraps his arms around me and pulls me to the other side of the boat.

"Look Felicity" he smiles.

A pod of energetic dolphins weave in and out of the waves.

"Dolphins" I shout grabbing hold of my camera and snapping a few shots. I'm jumping up and down like a kid, this experience is truly magical. My mom is going to be over the moon.

We enjoyed the rest of the day, and I was the perfect fake girlfriend. Back in town, I doted on his every need and whim. I held his hand and gazed into his eyes. We laughed and told stories over lunch. We had drinks in this great bar with tropical music. He took me shopping and I never smiled so much.

We went back and had a romantic dinner on the beach. Lots of cameras were there too. But I looked into Oliver's eyes like a woman hopelessly in love. I was fooling everyone, maybe even myself.

x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x

Later that night, we relaxed in our hotel room and watched a little TV. After Oliver received a phone call, he turned to another channel.

"What's up?" I say panicking a little.

"Got a phone call from my publicist, we're been featured on that gossip show StarlingBizz."

"Us? No way!"

"Yep."

We keep watching until our story features. One of the guys kicks his feet up on the desk.

"Yeah I saw some juicy action in paradise. Barely flew back in time for this show".

The others laugh.

"Well, it appears our billionaire, Oliver Queen, is in love. We captured him making out with some chick in St. Thomas".

The girl on the show laughs in response.

"She's a little tropical side action?"

"Nah, I don't think so. He seemed like he was genuinely in love. You should've seen the two of them together. It looked like the real deal."

"It won't last. It never does."

"I don't know. They looked really cute together, and he seemed smitten."

"So did Cupid shoot him with an arrow or something?"

"I think so. The dude is seriously in love."

"Well, maybe he's finally growing up."

"The two showed off some killer dance moves aboard a luxury yacht."

"So we heard you got some pictures of them making out on the beach," the girl dotes.

"Yep."

They flash the pictures of us, and I blush desperately.

"These two definitely have the hots for one another."

The scene went to a commercial and Oliver turns off the television. He then brings me a drink.

"They bought it hook, line and sinker" he grins.

I sip my wine.

"See? I'm a very good actress."

He sits next to me on the couch and takes hold of my hand.

"Was that all really acting?"

"I told you I was going to give you an Oscar worthy performance. Looks like I did just that. Did I earn my paycheck?"

"Man that kiss. It was amazing. You really got into character," he smiles.

"And so did you."

"When a pretty girl mauls me on the beach, I just go with it."

I can't help but giggle,

"It's called acting. I've got high standards I've watched the notebook way too many times."

"So do you believe in love at first sight?" he asks.

"I'm not even sure if I believe in love anymore" I mumble taking another huge sip of my wine.

He raises his brow.

"Why not?"

"I thought I found love once, and it slapped me in the face. I know I need to me more careful the next time around."

"I hear you. That's why I won't risk my heart again. I, too, was slapped in the face by love. It's not so fun."

I swallow past the lump in my throat

"No, it's not."

"So I just keep dating light and fun." He smiles.

"Me too" I mumble.

He holds up his glass.

"To a wonderful weekend",

We clank glasses and say cheers.

"You can sleep in the bed with me," I whisper catching myself off guard.

His eyes twinkle at the offer.

"That's a very tempting offer Felicity. But I don't think I could keep my hands to myself. It's best that I sleep on the couch."

He softly kisses my forehead and says good night.

"Oliver," I whisper

"Yes".

"There's nobody here. You don't have to keep the charade up."

He kisses my hand gently.

"But maybe I want to".

Our eyes lock and I touch his face.

"What's going on between us?" I ask.

"I'm not sure myself. We'll have to see where it takes us."

"I'm not ready for this" I mumble.

"And neither am I. But who are we to stop fate?"

"I should be running from you. You're too dangerous for my heart. And I assure you; I won't let anyone shatter it into a million pieces ever again."

"If I were just some player like they claim, I'd be taking you to bed this very second. But I'm not. Maybe that should tell you something about my character. Maybe you should give me a chance instead of listening to all of the gossip."

"It's best to keep this a business arrangement," I say softly trying to convince myself.

"You'll get what you want, and I'll get what I want.

He gazes deeply into my eyes.

"But I'm not truly getting what I want."

"You can't do girlfriends" I mumble.

"So it's best I stick to hiring them?"

"There are no ties with fake ones".

He laughs in response.

"Guess so. I had a great time with my fake girlfriend today. It gave me a taste of what life would be like if I ever had a real one. And I really liked it."

I grin stupidly.

"Then instead of pretending to turn your life around just to win a client, maybe you should really do it? Food for thought."

"Your right. Goodnight Felicity".

"Goodnight."

He smiles, and then walks off to the other room to make his bed on the couch.

Shit just got complicated.

x-x-x-x-x

Did you enjoy? Please leave some feedback.