Contracted For Love: Famous Love Series (13 page)

Jack stood at the microphone and waited for the crowd to quiet enough to hear him. “You all know what song this is, right?” They cheered and hung on his every word as he played a few chords. “I want you to grab the person you love right now and enjoy this song with that special someone.” The crowd cheered wildly again. “You might also know that I have my own special someone.” Charlotte blushed as the women in the crowd screamed and Courtney nudged her. She ignored the few boos she heard, too. “I’m getting married in February, ladies, so I’m afraid I’m off the market. Anyway, this song is dedicated to Charlotte Shipton, my love.” He said it with an enormous smile on his face and twinkling eyes. The crowd lapped it up—he really was a great actor.

As he sang the first line, he moved to the front of the stage. He stood off to the right and crooned to a woman in the crowd while she screamed louder than the rest and held out her hands to him, begging him to take her up with him. He touched her hand gently and moved to the left. He sang and reached out to the crowd, slowly going from one side of the stage to the other.

Courtney was jumping up and down with excitement, waiting for him to get to her and Charlotte. As he continued to sing and look along the front row of screaming women, his eyes fell on Charlotte and he stopped dead. The band kept playing as they glanced at each other, wondering why he’d gone silent. A roadie prepared a new microphone at the side of the stage, in case Jack indicated his was broken.

She smiled up at him and pointed to her t-shirt, snapping him out of his stupor and making him beam the big smile he occasionally bestowed upon her—the one she knew meant he was happy and not just acting.

He cleared his throat and looked out at the audience, “Sorry folks, I just got a surprise. Charlotte is right here, singing along with all of you!” He pointed to her and the people in the crowd closest to her turned to look. They crowded in and excited chatter started all around them. The band had started playing the main part of the song repeatedly in the background as they waited for Jack to start up the show again. “I get her the best seats in the house and she gives them up to stand by the stage with everyone else.” He announced, and the crowd roared their approval. “Come up here, Charlotte.”

She shook her head, but he ignored her, and she found herself lifted up by his hands, the security guards standing in front of the barrier, and the fans, too. Soon she stood beside him and he took her hand. He glanced behind him at the band; they launched into the full rendition of the song and he took up where he’d left off. He sang to her on stage, and the stadium went crazy for the two of them, whistling and cheering as she put her arms around his neck and kissed him on the cheek.

When the song was over, he turned her to face the front and wrapped his arm around her waist, “Ladies and gentlemen, I give you my lovely fiancée, Charlotte Shipton. Watch out for her at your local movie theatre—she’s going to be a force in Hollywood for many years to come. I’m so proud of her.” Then he kissed her on the lips and smacked her on the bottom before letting her escape into the crowd.

Courtney was going crazy with excitement as Charlotte was helped over the barrier, and the concert kicked up a notch after that. Everyone in the crowd had their phones out and wanted a photo with Charlotte; she happily obliged between songs. By the time the set ended and the two encores had been performed, she headed for the backstage like she was floating on air.

***

Courtney, Fern, and Luca were drinking with the band when Charlotte was escorted to Jack’s dressing room. He’d said for her to meet him there after the show, but she’d needed to make sure her friends were settled first. Rob, the tour manager, left her at the door; Charlotte pushed it open to be confronted by a half-naked Cindy for the second time that week. Once again, her presence went unnoticed as Cindy spoke in her whiny, high-pitched voice.

“What does she have that I don’t, Jack?”

“I’d say the answer to that is pretty fucking clear,” Charlotte said as she walked further into the room. “Pants, obviously.”

Cindy jumped away like she’d been shot, but she quickly regained her composure. “Don’t you ever knock? You should have been here a few minutes ago, sweetheart—you could have joined in.” She licked her lips and eyed Charlotte with a sly smile. “Jack was magnificent. He knows exactly how to make a girl feel great.”

“Get out, Cindy.” Jack growled as he got up from the table.

“Okay, Jack. We’ll have all the time in the world, once we’re on tour. I can wait until then for round three.” She grinned at him and picked up her bag from the corner as she smoothed down her skirt and scooted past Charlotte.

Charlotte grabbed her arm when she was close to the door. “If you’d really been with Jack just now, you’d know that it takes a lot longer than a few minutes to satisfy him. He can go all night—something you just confirmed you have no experience of.” She let go of Cindy’s arm and gave her a little push out the door before slamming it behind her.

“Charlotte, I…”

She held up her hand. “Save it, Jack. I don’t want to know. What the fuck would that have been like for you if my friends had been with me?”

“I know, I know. I told her to leave, but she started peeling off her clothes.”

“Next time, throw her the fuck out. You need to stop being such a pansy-ass.” She shook her head at him. “I don’t understand. You’re always trying to boss me around, but you let Cindy do whatever the hell she wants. Put a fucking stop to it.”

“I will. I’m just glad you’re not mad.”

“Oh, I’m pissed, but with her, rather than with you. I don’t want this to happen again. I’m tired of seeing her pubes.”

Jack burst out laughing as he gathered her in his arms and leaned back to admire her t-shirt. “I could have gotten you one of those for free, you know.”

“Yeah, I hear you have an in with the PR woman.” He scowled and she raised her hands to placate him. “It was an impulse buy.”

“It suits you.”

“It’s weird seeing you made up. I’m not sure how I feel about it.”

“Do you hate it?”

“No. It’s just… new. The ladies in the crowd lap it up, though—I know that for certain. You should have heard them discussing what they’d like to do to you.”

He laughed and moved to the basin to wash his face. “I hope you told them off.”

“No way; that’s the stuff that sells records. The sex appeal of you four is worth money in the bank, so don’t mess with that. For me, personally, you’re sexier without the guyliner, though.” He glanced at her in the mirror as she spoke, and she looked away.

“I’ll keep that in mind. Where are the others?”

“With the boys. I told them we’d come to them.”

“I hope your friends are ready for Reid?”

It was her turn to laugh. “I did warn them, but it’s up to them if they take heed.”

Finished with his face, Jack took a quick shower and emerged barefoot, wearing his usual tight jeans and plain t-shirt.

This will always be the way I see him.

***

They danced and socialised at a local bar for a few hours before Charlotte and Jack headed home, leaving the others to party the night away. From the look of the group when they left them, Luca wouldn’t be making it home tonight. He’d caught the attention of a woman at the bar, and she’d seemed set for the evening. In fact, she’d informed the group early on that she’d be taking him home.

Charlotte was glad to get away. She’d been fending off Reid all night as he kept asking for some of what Jack had. It was funny at first, and he was definitely cute in a bad-boy kind of way, but after several hours of his hands on her leg, waist, and cheek, and Jack doing nothing to stop it, she’d had enough. They’d made their excuses and she watched in amazement as Reid smoothly transferred his affections to Courtney.

Wow. He has no shame.

She was silent on the way home, until Jack took her hand in the car. “Charlotte, can I ask you something?”

“What?”

“Do you need your parents and friends to be at our fake wedding?”

“Yes. Why are you asking?”

“Well, hear me out. We live in Vegas, the city of quickie weddings. Why don’t we just get married this weekend, while your friends are here, and then it’ll be done?” He watched to see her reaction as she opened and closed her mouth without a sound.

“What brought this on?” She searched his face to make sure whatever he told her was the truth.

Jack sighed, slid down in his seat, and closed his eyes. “Nothing major. I’d just really like to be married before we go on tour. It might help get Cindy off my case.”

“You mean off your groin,” Charlotte nudged him, making him smile.

“Maybe. Anyway, I can wait—it was just an idea.”

“How about we compromise? Let’s change to a traditional quickie wedding after my shoot in LA and before you go on tour? That’s only a couple of weeks away, but whoever wants to come should be able to organise themselves by then.”

“Okay, deal.” He opened his eyes with a smile and a sigh of relief. “Can we call your parents tomorrow and get their info, so we can book their flights?”

“Sure. You’re awfully keen. Did Freddy put you up to this?”

“Nope, no one has said anything to me. I just want it done sooner rather than later. We won’t get to take that trip to Australia until after the tour, now.”

“It doesn’t matter. Everyone will come for the wedding and that’s almost the same.” She looked out the window as they drove home. “The press will go mad. How much do you want to bet they’ll start reporting that I’m pregnant?”

He laughed. “The first thing they’ll say will be, ‘Shotgun wedding for Hollywood starlet,’ especially since someone recently announced that I can go all night.” He laughed again and settled beside her for the drive home. The concert had taken a lot out of him, which fascinated Charlotte. She’d never considered that being a rock star was such hard work. It was now clear why he worked out so much.

“I need to see Char.”

“You can’t. It’s bad luck before the wedding.”

“I know, but I need to talk to her before we walk down the aisle.”

Charlotte’s mother frowned at him as she blocked the door with her body. “You aren’t calling this off, are you? I’ll kill you if you are, Jack Fawkner.”

He shook his head. “I’m definitely not calling it off, I promise. I just need to see her for a few minutes.”

Sharon sighed and shook her head. “Wait here.” She ducked into the room, and a few moments later, opened the door and let him in.

She slipped out behind him as she heard him say, “Wow, you look spectacular.”

“Thank you, Jack. Now, why are you here? You’ve nearly given my mother a heart attack.”

“I know, I’m sorry.” He walked toward her as she watched him.

Don’t cry. Don’t cry. He’d never cancel.

He took her hands and the panic ratcheted up a notch in her body. “I just need to know that this is what you really want, Char. Are you truly okay with marrying me like this?”

“I thought I was. Aren’t you? Why did you leave it until now to have this conversation? All of our friends and family are outside!”

“I know, I know.” Jack hung his head and she could see the anguish written on his face. He was sweating slightly and he looked pale. “It’s unlike me to want to create a scene, but I have to know for certain.”

“Jack, we signed a contract. We made a commitment to each other that day, and so far, we’ve both held up our end of the deal. Our careers have moved along nicely which was the whole idea, wasn’t it?”

He locked eyes with her and pulled her into his arms as her breath caught in her throat. “It was the original idea,” he muttered, “but things are complicated, now. I don’t think you should marry someone you aren’t in love with.”

“I shouldn’t?” she frowned up at him. “Or you shouldn’t? If you don’t want to do this, just fucking say so.” She pulled away from him and went to the window. Guests were still pulling up outside and she could hear happy chatter floating in through the opening. “Is this because of Cindy?”

“What?” he looked startled. “No! Of course not. I already told you: I have zero interest in her.”

Charlotte turned to face him and crossed her arms. “Then what, Jack? Spit it out. If we’re going to cancel, we’ll need to go out there and tell them soon.”

I do not want to cancel this fucking wedding!

He walked over to her and pulled her close again. Their noses were almost touching as he gazed into her eyes. “You’re young, Char. I know how perception can change as you get older. I don’t want you to regret this, one day. Our careers have progressed enough that you don’t have to go through with it. A break-up would work just as well, if that’s what you need.”

She put her arms around his neck and moved closer. Her eyes were level with his lips and her heart melted a little as she saw a slight tremble. He was losing his cool over exchanging their vows. “Listen,” she said in her most calming voice. “This isn’t the end of the world. If we decide not to get married, I’ll just go out there and tell them I’ve changed my mind, and we’ll enjoy the huge party afterward. This happens every day, although not usually to celebrities.” She moved one hand to hold his cheek and smiled up at him. “If you can’t go through with it, it’s alright. After all, you did suddenly move the wedding forward by nearly five months. Don’t pull out because you think I can’t handle it or that I’ll be unhappy in the future, though. The future will take care of itself.”

He sighed and buried his face in her shoulder, and her veil snagged on his chin where the stubble had peeked out since his morning shave. His voice was muffled as he spoke into her neck, “You’d really go out there and cancel, instead of making me do it?” He held her tightly and she frowned into his shoulder.

What the hell is going on with him?

“Of course I would, if that’s what you want,” she whispered into his hair.

Finally, he pulled back and rested his forehead on hers. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to freak you out.”

“You haven’t,” she reassured him. “I’m worried about you, though. It’s unlike you to risk a scandal to be true to yourself. I may have rubbed off on you a bit too much.” Jack laughed and held her tighter as they heard a loud knock on the door. Sharon’s worried voice called out to them.

“Charlotte, is everything okay? Everyone is here, and we’re ready to start.”

“We’re fine, Mum,” Charlotte shouted in return. “Everyone will just have to wait. We booked the church for the whole day, so just sit tight.” She heard her mother muttering as she moved away from the door, and Charlotte gave a little giggle. “Fair warning: she’ll be pissed with you for days after this.”

“I’ll make it up to her, somehow. I’m more worried about you being pissed at me, though. Can you forgive me for freaking out?”

“There’s nothing to forgive. I’m sure you would have talked me off the ledge, if it had been me getting cold feet. Now, we have a wedding to attend, so you need to get out there.”

He didn’t move away, though, and instead caressed her chin. She watched his eyes on her lips and wondered what he was thinking. She soon had her answer. “Today will be our first kiss as husband and wife,” he murmured.

She tried not to read anything into those words and took shelter in her normal humour. “Perhaps we should have practiced?”

“I’m prepared to practice now,” he said quietly as his mouth moved ever so slightly toward hers. He was close enough to kiss her, when there was another loud knock on the door.

He squeezed her hand and took a step away as a voice called out, “Charlotte? Jack? Open the door, please.” Ed’s voice held a note of authority, telling them they shouldn’t argue with him, as Jack moved to let him in. Charlotte’s dad stood there, looking startled, as Jack grinned at him. “That shit-eating grin better not be because you’ve changed your mind.”

“Not a chance, sir. I’m just going out to take my place.” He turned to Charlotte, “Thanks for the talk. You look beautiful. I’ll see you in a minute.”

Ed turned back to Charlotte with a look of surprise on his face. “What was that all about?”

“It was nothing, Dad. Jack was just worried I might not be one hundred percent sure I want to be his wife. I told him I definitely am sure and we’re good.”

“Why would he suddenly worry about that? Surely you’ve already had these conversations?”

“It was just a mild moment of pre-wedding jitters. We’re fine, Dad, really.” Suddenly, she was reassuring all the men in her life; it was exhausting, especially when this wedding was only concocted to get her and Jack further in their careers. She was getting a little sick of pretending to be in love. Maybe she should have let him bloody cancel—or kiss her. “Are you ready?”

“I am. It’s not about me though, Charlotte. Are you ready? We’re all here for you.”

“Thanks, Dad. Yes, I’m ready. Let’s get this over with.” She pulled up her long skirt and headed toward the door, but he gently touched her arm.

“Getting it over with doesn’t seem like the right wording for the happiest day of your life. Are you certain you’re okay? I’ll go out there and tell everyone to go home, if that’s what you want.”

She giggled. “That’s exactly what I just said to Jack. I’m happy, Dad, I promise. I just want it to be done, so I can relax afterward. I want this day to go smoothly; it’s been a lot of planning.”

“Alright, then. Let’s go get married.” He opened the door for her and ushered his daughter to their starting point. Nikki was there in her bridesmaid dress, looking panicked, but Charlotte gave her a confident smile and she took up her place on the aisle. One of the ushers signalled to the priest that they were ready, and the first strains of the haunting music Jack had chosen drifted through the church to where Charlotte was dragging in deep, ragged breaths.

As they took their first step toward where Nikki had disappeared down the aisle, Ed leaned in and whispered to her, “Smile, honey. You look like you’re about to run screaming from the church.” She pasted a smile on her face and willed her racing heart to slow before she did something she knew she’d regret.

What. The. Actual. Fuck?

***

Jack looked like his usual, relaxed self when she finally caught sight of him. He smiled at her—the special smile that she loved—and she felt all her cares slip away. This was going to all work out. Her father delivered her to the end of the aisle and passed her hand to Jack. He kissed her on the cheek and shot Jack one last steely glare before taking his place beside her mother. As Jack tucked Charlotte’s hand under his elbow, she heard Reid give a low whistle and make a comment she couldn’t hear. Jack elbowed him and he became silent as they took their places in front of the priest.

The ceremony was short, just like they’d planned. Jack promised to love and cherish her, and as he said the words, he looked deep into her eyes and squeezed her hand. She could almost believe that he meant it.

In return, she promised to love him in sickness and in health and to definitely
not
obey him. That got a laugh out of the assembled guests and had Reid clapping Jack on the back. They exchanged matching rings after Reid pretended, for a moment, that he’d lost them, and then they turned to the priest for the final blessings of their union.

Jack held Charlotte’s hand the whole time, and as the time drew near for their first married kiss, she could feel her heart pounding in her chest. At one point, she looked down for a few moments and could see her veil moving with each beat of her heart. She was so nervous about kissing him in front of all of their family and friends. What if someone thought they didn’t look like they were in love? What if someone guessed? Especially after the delay to get started, it was conceivable that they didn’t look like a genuine couple. Her panic rose and she missed the priest asking them to face each other. Jack gave her a little tug and caught her eye with concern reflecting in his own. He raised an eyebrow to ask if she was okay and she gave a tiny nod as she faced him.

“You may now kiss the bride.” The fateful words fell from the priest’s lips, and Charlotte looked up at Jack to see what he would do. She gasped when she saw his face. He was smiling that smile at her, and his eyes crinkled as he gazed into hers. He held her cheek and pulled her closer with his other hand on her waist. She dared not breathe as his lips descended softly onto hers and finally made contact.

She’d dreamed of kissing Jack Fawkner like this ever since she’d been old enough to daydream about boys. He’d been her dream-man of choice, and she’d spent hours imagining what it might be like to feel his lips on hers. Now, all these years later, here she was. This kiss wasn’t like any of the kisses they’d shared before. Those had been in moments of excitement and completely unexpected.

This kiss was premeditated and in front of everyone they held dear. This kiss shot straight to her heart as his tongue gently ran over her lips and teased her. She opened her lips and let him explore, while she kept her eyes closed, and his hand tightened around her waist. This was the kiss you expected in a fairytale.

A cough from Reid reminded them where they were, and she pulled away in time to catch Jack with his eyes still closed. They flew open, and he gave her a self-conscious grin, like she’d caught him out. He gathered her up in his arms and spun her around, and the crowd cheered and clapped.

They were officially Mr. and Mrs. Jack Fawkner.

***

Jack didn’t leave her side all through the reception. They’d booked out a restaurant, so they didn’t have to worry about any catering. The restaurant manager was running the show, so Jack and Charlotte were free to relax and mingle with their guests. Several times, his mother tried to pull him away to talk to an industry heavyweight she’d brought as her date, but Jack put her off each time, staying with Charlotte.

They did their duty, though, and eventually chatted with the man for several minutes. Charlotte watched Jack’s manner change after they left his mother and her friend. “Are you okay, husband?” she whispered into his ear as they took a spin around the dance floor.”

“I’m fine. My mother whispered that she’s thinking of leaving my dad for that man.”

“What? She told you that at your wedding?”

“I told you she wasn’t quite normal.”

“Yeah, but I thought you had normal childhood gripes about your parents.” She smiled at him and he held her a little tighter. As the song ended they turned for their table.

Reid, however, materialised over Jack’s shoulder and claimed Charlotte’s hand for the next dance. She could tell Jack didn’t want to let her go, but Reid insisted. “Come on, dude. You’ve married her now; she’s safe from my charms. Just one dance.” Jack pursed his lips and headed to the table where the rest of the band was getting rowdy. Charlotte smiled to herself as she remembered there’d be no chance of a Cindy-show tonight, since she hadn’t been invited. “Smiling because you finally get to dance in my arms, Charlotte?”

“Hardly, Reid. It’s not like it’s hard to get a spot in the queue: you have surprisingly low standards.”

“Is that right?” he tipped her unexpectedly and she had to hold his arms tightly to avoid toppling onto the floor. He lifted her again with a grin as she glared at him. “I’ll have you know that women beg for these charms. If you ever decide Jack isn’t enough for you, remember that I’m happy to share.”