Page 45 of Love Beyond the Diamond

Not trusting my voice, I nod…and then keep nodding because maybe if I can convince him, I can convince myself.

This is no big deal. I’m not really Shane’s wife anyway. I’m his contractual arm candy against his ruthless family, and he’s my insurance benefactor.

It’s just…that kiss.

That kiss felt like something else entirely.

It existed beyond the rigid lines of mutually beneficial plans and prenups—even beyond the confines of cheeky napkin contracts.

Shane’s utilitarian ringtone sounds. He silences it, but it immediately starts up again.

“Go.” I push him away, setting a convincing smile on my lips. “We’ll be fine.”

“You’re sure?”

Shane steps in front of me, gently gripping my chin until I meet his gaze. I’ve never felt so solely possessed by another person than when Shane looks at me like this, like he can see right through me.

“Yeppers.” I give him a double thumbs up. “Enjoy your sportsball games, and I’ll see you in a week.”

Shane hesitates, his fingers flexing as his gaze ticks to my lips. I feel rather than see the rampant desire in that quick glance. It’s like being hit by an electromagnetic pulse, an earthquake, and a freight train all at once.

But then his phone rings again, and the spell breaks.

After murmuring a quiet thank you to Delilah, Shane gives me a tight nod, turns, and strides out of the courthouse.

“Shoot,” Delilah says after he’s gone. “I didn’t get any pictures of you two.”

“That’s okay.” I drag my eyes from the antique doors, giving my head a little shake. “This was all f-a-k-e anyway.” I letter-spell the last part just in case the marriage police are listening, ready to haul me away.

“Oh, Willow.” Delilah links her arm through mine, tugging me toward the bright spring sunshine and my new life—for the next twelve months, anyway. “Delusional, delusional Willow.”

Waves Group Chat

Shane

Who handles health insurance? I can’t find it in the team app.

Tenny