From Friend to Fake Fiancé by Jules Bennett

surprised Jenna.”
    â€œWhere’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.
    â€œIf 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.
    â€œNice job,” he muttered when they were far enough away. “I actually do have a jeweler in Italy.”
    â€œWhere I’m sure your female entourage is well supplied,” she tossed back.
    Was that a hint of...jealousy? Interesting. Definitely useful information.
    â€œIt’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
    T his 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.”
    â€œJenna.”
    She stiffened at his demanding tone. Starting this second, she was back in control. This was her life and she needed to remember