Rhodes needed me, too, but that’s why we’d signed a contract. That was easy. That was safe. But he’d shocked me last night because we’d hadfuntogether. That was the plot twist I’d never seen coming—I had no idea the billionaire had a sense of humor or was playful. But in bed, he had been both generous and funny, making me laugh as much as he’d made me orgasm.
Didn’t see that one coming.
I wasn’t sure what to think this morning, in the afterglow of our tryst. I knew I wanted more of him. I was already coldwithout his touch. I tingled with anticipation of seeing him again, of wondering if he was thinking of me, too… And curious to know if he wanted to get naked again tonight. I hoped so!
The fact that he hadn’t pressed me for sex was slightly unnerving, though. It must’ve been in my file from the agency that I was a virgin, although Rhodes and I had never discussed it. Still, I had the sense he knew. He’d been gentle with me. He hadn’t even asked about sleeping together.
That was the other thing that was bothering me.
Iwantedhim to ask.
It had been clear to me last night that Rhodes was a skilled yet gentle lover. He made me Feel Things. I was going to marry him in a few days—it was a fake marriage, but still. Who better to take my virginity than my husband? Bonus points because he was insanely hot and muscular, witty, and great in bed (and I could tell he was just from what we’d done over the past several hours).
I was twenty-two. If not now, then when?
I stood to go—I should see if Luke and Maria were already outside—but I paused as I glimpsed my reflection in the mirror. My skin was flushed and glowing. An irrepressible smile lit my face. I somehow looked prettier, and it had everything to do with the fact that Rhodes had rocked my world last night. And this morning. And had promised to do it again.
But it wasn’t just the coming-attractions sex that had me glowing, and I knew it. If I was being honest with myself—which was dangerous, given the subject matter—I would have to admit that not only was I attracted to Rhodes, not only did I like him, but…
Something was sprouting inside of me. A small, tight bud. Warily, I recognized it for what it was:hope.
A tiny, fragile hope had sprung in my chest—a hope that maybe, even though our marriage was fake and we’d signed acontract,maybethere was the tiniest of all the tiny chances that something real could grow between us. Wouldn’t that be wild? What if I could really be Luke’s Aunt Rory? What if Josie and Bo could come live with us? What if we could all swim in the glorious Barrington Manor pool in the summers, have barbecues, and live happily ever after?
What if it could be that easy?
Smiling to myself, I headed off to find Luke.
MEETINGS
RHODES
Once again,my attorney called me.
“The guardianship petition for Rory has been filed. The mother will be served the paperwork as soon as it’s processed,” Alan reported.
“Good. Thank you, Alan.”
“My pleasure. Have you anticipated what will happen once she’s been notified?”
“No,” I admitted. “There’ve been too many other things to deal with. Are you concerned?”
“Of course I am. That’s my job.” He paused for a beat. “You should be prepared for her to reach out—she has a criminal record, remember? She might be an unsavory character.”
I grimaced. An unsavory character was the last thing I needed right now, especially one that was directly related to my fake fiancé. “Keep an eye on things, Alan. Let me know if there’s an issue.”
“Will do,” Alan said. “And if there is?”
“I don’t know. Offer her money—lots of it.” I swallowed a small gulp of guilt. Rory wouldn’t approve of me buying her mother’s silence. I vowed to keep this possibility to myself, so that I didn’t make her upset for no reason.
“Works for me. Now, about the board,” Alan continued. “The consensus is running in your favor, but it’s fragile. Two members are still uncommitted, and Miranda is working them hard. The wedding will help. A united front—the ceremony, the reception, the boy in the wedding party—it will go a long way.”
“Understood.” I stared at my desk. “Anything else?”
“Just one thing.” He paused. “The ceremony’s coming up. Try to look like a man who’s genuinely happy to be getting married. This is a crucial part of the process—you need this.”
“Iamgenuinely happy to be getting married,” I said, and then immediately wished I hadn’t, because Alan went very quiet.
He sighed. “That’s actually what I’m worried about,” he finally said.
