"I'm aware." Chloe grins. "So, how's married life treating you two? Honeymoon phase still going strong?"
"We've only been living together for a day," I point out.
"And what a day it's been." I loop my arm through Jared's, enjoying his look of surprise. "My husband made me dinner last night. Salmon. It was divine."
Jared's arm tenses under my touch, but after a moment he relaxes, even shifting slightly closer. "Jen's moving in has gone smoothly."
"I'll bet." Chloe's expression is knowing. "Nothing like sharing close quarters to really get to know someone."
"We need supplies," Jared says abruptly. "Extra groceries. And more coffee."
"Sure thing, boss. Take your time shopping. Your store and all."
I release Jared's arm, but not before giving it a squeeze. "I'm going to browse. See what treasures your store holds."
As I wander the aisles, I notice Jared watching me. Not obviously, but I catch his reflection in a display glass, his eyes tracking my movements as he speaks with Chloe. It sends a little thrill through me that I absolutely should not be feeling.
The bell over the door chimes as another customer enters. An older man with a trimmed white beard and kind eyes.
"Calloway!" he booms. "Thought that was your truck outside."
"Dr. Matthews." Jared shakes the man's hand. "Just checking on things."
"And who is this lovely young lady?" Dr. Matthews spots me examining a display of handmade candles.
"This is Jennifer," Jared says, coming to stand beside me. His hand settles naturally at the small of my back. "My wife."
The word sends an unexpected flutter through me, even knowing it's just for show.
"Wife?" Dr. Matthews looks genuinely shocked. "When did this happen? How did you keep it so quiet?"
"A year ago actual, during one of my visits. I've been living in San Diego until last week, so we've been long-distance until now. We kept it quiet since I wasn't even living here yet."
"Well I'll be." The doctor's smile is warm. "Congratulations to you both. About time this young man found someone special."
"I'm very lucky," Jared says, and something in his tone makes me look up at him. His expression is softer than I've seen it, almost tender as he meets my eyes.
"The luckiest," I agree, playing along. But my heart beats a little faster at the intensity of his gaze.
"You must both come to the Christmas festival next weekend," Dr. Matthews insists. "The whole town will want to meet Jared's mystery wife."
"We'll be there," I promise before Jared can object.
After Dr. Matthews leaves with his purchases, I turn to Jared. "You never mentioned a Christmas festival."
"Because I never go."
"Well, we're going this year. It'll cement our cover story." I poke his chest gently. "Plus, I love festivals. Cotton candy. Rigged carnival games. Awkward community performances."
"You're enjoying this too much," he mutters.
"That was the deal. I pretend to be madly in love with you, you pay me twelve thousand dollars." I lower my voice. "And you did very well just now. The hand on my back? The besotted look? Almost convinced me."
"I wasn't giving you a besotted look."
"You absolutely were. Like I hung the moon and stars." I pat his chest. "Don't worry, your secret's safe with me. You're actually a decent actor under all that grumpiness."
His jaw tightens. "We should finish shopping. More people will be coming in soon."
