But that was exactly what it was like. She was acting out a role in a play. She was dressed in the costume. She had all the moves down pat. James was perfectly cast as her leading man.
And tonight’s event was their stage.
It was a highbrow affair with beautiful people dressed impeccably, the women dripping with jewellery, the men dapper in bespoke tuxedos. As well kitted out as Aiesha was in the black evening gown with its mermaid train, she still felt like a little brown wood duck surrounded by bright flamingos. She couldn’t help feeling that any minute now someone would tap her on the shoulder and tell her to leave. Call her out for a fake. Mock her for pretending to be something she could never be.
She could see several women looking at her and exchanging comments behind their gloved hands. Were they questioning James’s sanity in choosing her? Were they laughing at her behind their polite smiles? Nerves fluttered in her stomach like moths with razor-blade wings. What if she embarrassed James by doing or saying the wrong thing? What if she compromised his business deal? Hadn’t she done enough damage to his name and reputation?
James had his arm around her waist as he introduced her to the host. ‘Darling, this is Howard Sherwood. Howard, my fiancée, Aiesha Adams.’
Howard smiled a smile that made his light blue eyes twinkle as he took her hand. ‘You’re every bit as stunning as James said. Congratulations on your engagement. When’s the big day?’
Aiesha felt a hot blush steal over her cheeks. Couldn’t he see how much of an imposter she felt? She felt as if it was emblazoned on her forehead: FRAUD. ‘Erm...we’re still trying to sort out dates. We’re both so crazily busy. You know how it is.’
‘Well, don’t leave it too long,’ Howard said. ‘Never was one for long engagements, or for living together for years on end. Waste of time. Might as well get on with it, eh, James? Make an honest woman out of her.’
James smiled an easy smile. ‘That’s the plan.’
Aiesha waited until Howard had turned to greet some other guests. ‘You’re becoming a rather accomplished liar. It’s got me worried.’
His look was now unreadable. ‘What would you like to drink?’
‘Champagne.’ She took a steadying breath as more and more people swarmed into the ballroom, stopping to take photos with their phones of her and James. ‘Better make it a double.’
‘According to the latest news feed, we’re the new “it” couple,’ he said as he handed her a bubbling glass of champagne.
‘I can’t imagine why. Quite frankly, I’m surprised everyone’s bought it. Just shows how dumbed down people are these days to believe everything they read in the press.’
Aiesha drank half a glass of champagne before she realised he was still standing staring at her with a frowning expression. ‘What?’
He brushed an idle fingertip down her cheek, his dark blue eyes suddenly intense. Earnest. ‘What if it was real?’
She swallowed. ‘What if what was real?’
‘Us.’
She flickered her eyelids. ‘Us?’
‘We don’t have to pretend,’ he said. ‘We could have a real relationship.’
Aiesha licked a layer of her lip gloss off her lips. Her heart was banging against her breastbone like a window shutter in a high wind. Air was not getting down into her lungs. Her throat was as restricted as a clogged drinking straw. He was joking. He had to be. He had got her to take off her armour and now he was playing her at her own game. Leading her on, flirting with her, making fun of her the way she had with him. She gave a little laugh but it sounded grating. ‘Good one,’ she said. ‘You nearly had me there. Can you imagine what your father would say if you brought me home? He’d disinherit you on the spot. I’m surprised he hasn’t already done it.’
James frowned at her, about to say something further but stopped himself.
‘James, sorry to interrupt.’ Howard Sherwood came over with a flustered look on his normally congenial face. ‘There’s been a problem with tonight’s entertainment. The feature act has suddenly come down with a migraine. I just got the message from her agent.’ He swung his gaze to Aiesha. ‘Would you fill in for her, Aiesha? James told me you’re an entertainer. It’d just be for an hour till the dance band comes on.’
Aiesha’s stomach pitched. ‘I—I don’t think—’
‘Do it, darling,’ James said. ‘You’d be brilliant. Everyone will love you.’
‘Please, Aiesha,’ Howard said. ‘You’d be doing my charity and me a massive favour. There are some big international sponsors here and they’ll be disappointed if the programme is cut short. I’m happy to pay you if that’s what’s—’