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“Someone’s rather prickly,” I folded my arms and mimicked her movements.
“I have an idea, why don’t you move to New York and become my assistant?” She clapped her hands and gaped her mouth in a grand exaggeration of the offer.
“If I weren’t about to be king of a small country, I’d consider it.” I set my arms down and tried another approach. “If you asked me to marry you, I’d definitely do it though.”
She threw her arms up in the air and huffed in exasperation. “You’re impossible,” she groaned.
With a sly smirk on my face, I told her, “You have no idea.”
We made it to the theater in time and the show was incredible, we were both buzzing afterward, and her mood had brightened considerably. She was back to being the fun perky woman I’d met the night before. The limo took us to the steakhouse and our meal was exquisite. By the time we were sharing a dessert, I had a much more relaxed and happier woman to gaze upon.
“So, you’ve forgiven me?” I asked checking in her with her.
“You mean for asking me to marry you and be your queen after knowing you for less than twenty-four hours?” Luckily, she wasn’t pouting or brooding.
“Yes, that exactly.”
“Not, exactly. I’m just enjoying our day as you suggested, and it’s been amazing. The show, the gown… this tiramisu. It’s hard to resist you, Liam.” There she was… finally.
“Well, I hope you don’t in the end.” I fed her the last bite of our desert. “May I entreat you to return to my suite for a nightcap?” I rubbed her thigh under the table, being as overt and daring as I could in public.
My fingers grazed her sex, and I envisioned her lace underwear in my mind’s eye as I’d swiped a handful of sexy lingerie in her size and had saleswoman include them with my purchase. I was so looking forward to taking everything off her.
“I can’t resist you,” she confessed quietly surrendering.
“I hope you never do,” I squeezed her leg, paid the bill, and called for the limo.
The ride back to the hotel was quiet and tense. “A penny for your thoughts?” I asked.
“I’m wondering,” she started, “if I shouldn’t just let you drive me home.”
“Because you don’t want me to coerce you into marrying me and being my queen tonight while we have sex?” I stated boldly.
“Yes.” She laughed a little.
“Will you let me at least try to sway you?” My expression was as earnest as my heart.
It had been a delightful day and I hoped it was going to be an even more exquisite night.
“This is crazy, you know that, right?” She turned to me and was truly battling her desire.
“Yes, of course, it is, but it’s no crazier than marrying a woman I don’t love and never will. At least I’d be marrying a woman I might love someday. I haven’t got any more time. I have to make this happen now. Yes, I know I’m acting the maggot, and this is bonkers, but so is the monarchy. At least there would be one person in the castle I’d enjoy being around.” And there I dropped my confession like a bomb.
“Is life really that bleak for you?”
“It can be. I’d hate to be saddled with someone I’d hate forever; it would just make the whole thing more awful. I could let the monarchy go to my cousin, but he’s an even bigger tool. So, will you at least come back to the hotel with me and give me one more night to try and convince you that marrying a stranger is the best thing you’ll ever do.” I made sure to lay the charm on thick and dripping.
“You know you’re terrible, right?” She cracked a wide smile.
“The worst.” I returned the smile and exhaled a sigh of relief.
Chapter 9
Avery
My head was spinning, why was I even considering this? I had a great life, a great job that I loved, friends, family and… I was alone. The idea of being someone’s wife, even a fake wife, was intoxicating. The baby we’d share would be real and finally, I’d be a mother and have someone to dote on as Kylie did. That above all things was the reason I was considering Liam’s proposal. Beyond that, Liam was sweet, a little rowdy, and attentive. They were definitely things I could work with.
“So, I seriously won’t consider your offer if I can’t work. I’ve spent a lot of time building up my fashion line and it’s just now taking off. I can’t give that up.” I launched my ultimatum as I tossed my jacket onto the back of an armchair.
“As I said, I’ll speak to my people and see what we can arrange. I can’t make any guarantees without having that conversation, but I’m very happy to hear you’re considering this arrangement.” His smile could not have been wider.
