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It’s a soft green with a scoop neck, a banded waist—and a deep V between the two. Besides flashing me a hint of cleavage, it clings to every curve God gave her until it comes to an abrupt ending a scant few inches down her thighs. She’s accented the look with a pair of beige wedges, oversized earrings, and her engagement ring that winks right at me.
“Is that Corinne?” Maxon asks.
I can’t speak, just nod.
“When did she first approach you about this scheme?”
“Two days ago,” I manage, watching her scan the crowd for me.
“And you’re already looking at her like that?” Maxon laughs. “You’re so fucked, dude.”
I turn to glare at him. “What does that mean?”
“You’re falling for her.”
“It’s an act,” I protest, because what I’m feeling is crazy.
“I know it’s supposed to be, but… Use your smarts. If you’re this into her, grab her fast. Convince her to marry you for real before she gets away.”
“That’s your advice? You don’t even know her. She might be a horrible human being.”
He shakes his head. “You’re too smart to fall for someone like that, bro. And if you’re already halfway in love with her, she’s the real deal.”
Maxon only thinks I’m not stupid because he doesn’t know about Hadley—proof that my dick sometimes overtakes my brain.
On the other hand, what if he’s right?
Across the big, open house, Corinne tenses and reaches for her phone.
“Excuse me,” I mutter to my brother, then close the distance between Corinne and me. I can’t stop staring at her, and the relief on her face when she spots me makes me smile. “Wow, you look gorgeous. Obviously, you had no trouble finding the place.”
“I thought for a minute I had.” She glances around me at the suddenly silent family gawking at us. “The party is underway, I guess. That’s a lot of people.”
“This is just the family. Come here”—I wrap my arms around her and pull her close—“before they get suspicious. Only Maxon, Keeley, and Griff know the truth.”
Corinne fits her body against mine and looks up at me with a smile. I can’t resist kissing her cheek, her neck, her bare shoulder, then tipping her chin up for my lips.
“Don’t mess up her lipstick,” Harlow screeches.
Keeley, Nia, and Britta—my brothers’ wives—all rush to concur.
“Instead of making out with her, why don’t you introduce us?” Bethany raises her brow at me as she emerges from the study in the back of the house, Clint right behind her, the familiar case for her breast pump in hand.
The family crowds closer and, one by one, she meets them all. Even before I finish, Noah’s younger brother, Trace, and his wife dart in, grab a drink, and sidle up to us.
“Hi, Masey.” Corinne smiles and hugs the pretty, pregnant brunette. “I’m glad you’re here. I could use a familiar face.”
“You’ve met?” I frown.
Trace’s wife nods. “Harlow asked me to do her makeup, so I met her at the salon. Your fiancée has great skin.”
“Thanks.” Corinne smiles at Masey. “But if I look good, it’s because you’re incredibly talented. No wonder you have such a massive online following.”
“It’s my pleasure. As a beauty influencer, I love to help people feel like their most beautiful selves, whether that’s with makeup or not. But you happened to be naturally blessed.”
Suddenly, all the women surround Corinne and introduce themselves. I can’t even get near her. Talk quickly turns from cosmetics to her dress, to all the kids with the sitters at Griff and Britta’s place, then everyone’s Saturday, drink refills, and finally the reason we’re all here.
“Guests incoming!” Keeley shouts as she starts up some tunes. Queen’s “Crazy Little Thing Called Love” is pretty apropos mood music.
Corinne gravitates back to me, and I wrap an arm around her, burying my face in her curls, inhaling her addictive scent. “You ready for this?”
She nods, but she’s trembling. “I think.”
“We’ll get through this together. Don’t get too far from me. I know this crowd, so watch me for cues. If you’re not sure about something, either be vague or defer to me. I’ll—”
“Take it from there and make sure everything goes smoothly. We’ve been over the game plan a thousand times.”
She’s right. “We’ve got this.”
I squeeze her, and she sends me a nervous smile.
Then guests start pouring in. My sisters-in-law’s friends—yoga buddies, fellow moms, and neighbors, along with their spouses—all bring celebratory bottles of wine and other gifts that make me feel like a shit for this subterfuge. But this isn’t just for my revenge; it’s for Corinne’s independence.
My assistant, Lisa, appears, secretive smile in place. Yeah, she’s got my back. Her husband, Dan, is his usual affable self, waving at me from across the crowd.
Local reporters turn up then. One of Noah’s former football buddies and his wife enter in with smiles. Some of my clients who live on the island appear, too. Caterers follow, and before I know it the party is in full swing.
