Total pages in book: 99
Estimated words: 95350 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 477(@200wpm)___ 381(@250wpm)___ 318(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 95350 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 477(@200wpm)___ 381(@250wpm)___ 318(@300wpm)
She sat straight as a board, her shoulders already by her ears, and I couldn’t remember a time I’d ever seen her look so tense, and we hadn’t even started yet.
“If we want to make this believable, we probably shouldn’t be so stiff.”
She swallowed, forcibly relaxing into the seat, rolling her shoulders and neck. “I know.”
“I’m a little worried right now that even if I rest my hand on your back when we walk in, you’ll jump.” It was such a normal touch I’d done a million times with her that I wouldn’t even think twice until it was too late. Unless… “I mean, I’m assuming we’ll have to have some contact. Is it okay if I touch you?”
She snorted. The tight line of her lips relaxed into a smile as she laughed like she couldn’t hold it in. I wasn’t even sure what she was laughing at, but I missed her smile so much that I couldn’t help but smile too. “I mean, I’ve only been trying to get you to touch me for years,” she explained, her voice playful.
She finally looked at me, one brow cocked high, and something loosened in my chest. Taking a deeper breath than I’d taken since Vegas, I slipped into our playful banter. “Well, then, today is your lucky day.”
We both laughed, enjoying the easy moment. It was…nice. Actually, it was fantastic, and I tried to stay in that moment right there rather than think of what would happen next.
“You ready?” I asked.
“Let’s do it.”
I got out and rounded the car. Being the gentleman I’d be with my wife, I opened her door and offered my hand. She hesitated for a second that stretched on for an eternity, and I held my breath, waiting for her to set the tone. Would she continue on the path we started in the car, or would she get out on her own and set us back two steps?
Her elegant fingers slid across the palm of my hand, sending shots of electricity up my arm to my chest, leaving a hum of warmth in its wake. The satin of her skin brushed the callous roughness of mine. We’d held hands a thousand times before—on planes, walking through a crowd, finding comfort in a friend when we needed it—but this was so much more. Pretend or not, she was my wife, and having her hand in mine as she exited the car like a revelation filled me with pride.
Even if it wasn’t for forever, for now, Raelynn Vos was mine.
As if they were waiting, a staff member greeted us at the door, Mr. Scott close behind.
“Welcome, I’m Jeremy Scott,” he greeted, his smile just as big and bright as his Hawaiian shirt. “I’m so happy to have such a beautiful couple as my guests.”
“We’re happy to be here, Mr. Scott,” I responded, shaking his hand.
“Call me Jeremy.”
Rae’s dad appeared behind him in a much more demure cream linen button up, his eyes bouncing between us as if waiting for us to give up the shindig and admit the truth.
“Thank you for having us,” Rae said. “Dad talks so highly of you, so I, of course, had to see if you lived up to all the hype.”
Jeremy barked a laugh. “I’ll do my best,” he promised her. Then he leaned toward me, covering his mouth for a stage whisper. “She’s a firecracker, this one.”
“The best kind of woman,” I agreed.
On instinct, I coasted my hand up her back to her shoulder. She stepped to my side as if it came naturally and wrapped her arms around my waist, leaning her head against my shoulder. Each touch, move, and hug sent small sparks flying as if it was the first time. I couldn’t help but give in to the role and let this mean more.
“Well, we’ll get you shown to your room and let you freshen up for dinner in a couple hours. Sound good?”
“Sounds perfect,” Rae answered.
“Austin,” Rae’s dad called before I could follow her up the stairs. “Do you have a minute?”
“Yes, sir.”
“And he’s got manners, too,” Jeremy crowed. “Rae, you found yourself a good man.”
“He’s okay,” she joked, winking at me.
Jeremy gave another bark of laughter before facing Rae’s dad. “Go ahead and use my office to chat, Kenneth. I’ll be outside with the ladies.”
“Thank you,” Kenneth said.
“I’m going to head on up,” Rae let me know.
I followed Kenneth to the smaller room. He shut the door, and I looked around at the dark wood shelves and desk, lightened by the white and blue decor. Not that I took any of it in because my mind was too consumed with what the hell he wanted to talk about. He moved to the bar cart in the corner and filled two glasses. Each second he didn’t talk screwed my muscles so tight I was surprised I could move my arm and accept the glass when he offered it.