Total pages in book: 77
Estimated words: 73225 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 366(@200wpm)___ 293(@250wpm)___ 244(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 73225 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 366(@200wpm)___ 293(@250wpm)___ 244(@300wpm)
Yeah, I enjoyed that kiss way too much. Last night’s kiss was amazing, however this one amped up the ante. And judging by the look on her face, she’s just as rattled by it as I am. This might be more complicated than I thought.
10
Charlotte
I can still feel the heat of Asher’s lips on mine as we step into the dining hall. My pulse is racing, my cheeks are burning, and my brain feels like it’s been fried. That kiss was supposed to be an act, but it didn’t feel like one. Not even close. And it was so much more than last night.
So. Much. More.
I glance at him out of the corner of my eye, trying to gauge his reaction. Of course, he looks completely unaffected—cool, calm, and collected, like he kisses fake fiancées for a living. Meanwhile, I’m over here trying not to trip over my own feet.
“Charlotte,” Melanie whispers, sidling up beside me as we make our way to the table. “Wow, is he always like that?”
I blink at her, trying to play dumb. “Like what?”
She raises an eyebrow, her expression somewhere between amused and incredulous. “Don’t play coy with me. That kiss. That scorching, toe-curling kiss. You two looked like you were auditioning for a romance movie.” She swoons. “Is he always that intense?”
“It was... nothing,” I mumble, waving it off as we sit down.
“Nothing?” she echoes, her voice dripping with sarcasm. “Honey, if that was nothing, I’d like to see what something looks like.”
“Melanie,” I hiss, trying to keep my voice low. “Can we not do this right now?”
She smirks, leaning closer. “Fine, but let me just say... now I see why you’re marrying him.”
I roll my eyes, but the blush creeping up my neck betrays me. “It’s not like that.”
“Sure, sure,” she says, winking. “Keep telling yourself that.”
I open my mouth to retort, but then Wade’s mother, Nancy, clinks her glass, drawing everyone’s attention.
“Now that we’re all here,” she says, her voice sweet but firm, “I have the most wonderful idea.”
Oh no. Whatever it is, it’s not going to be wonderful. I can feel it in my bones.
“I was thinking,” Nancy continues, her gaze flicking to me and Asher , “since we’re all together at this beautiful resort, why not have the wedding this weekend?”
Time stops. I’m pretty sure my jaw actually drops. Beside me, Melanie gasps softly, and I can feel the weight of everyone’s eyes on me.
“The... wedding?” I manage to choke out.
“Yes, dear,” Nancy says, beaming like she’s just suggested the most brilliant idea in the world. “Wouldn’t it be lovely? A small, intimate ceremony with family and close friends. It’s perfect.”
Perfect? It’s a disaster. An unmitigated, flaming disaster. My brain scrambles for a response, but Asher beats me to it.
“That’s very generous of you, Mrs. Sinclair,” he says smoothly, his hand sliding over mine on the table. “But Charlotte and I were hoping to take our time planning the wedding. We want everything to be just right.”
I glance at him, startled by how easily the words roll off his tongue. He meets my gaze briefly, his expression calm and reassuring, like he’s got this completely under control.
Nancy’s smile falters slightly, but she recovers quickly. “Oh, of course. I understand. But do think about it, won’t you? It would be such a lovely way to celebrate your engagement.”
“Of course,” Asher says with a polite nod.
The conversation shifts to other topics, but my mind stays stuck on the idea of a wedding. A wedding. This weekend. With Asher. The man I barely know but just kissed like my life depended on it.
I sneak another glance at him, watching as he engages in polite conversation with my father. He’s so composed, so confident, like this whole situation isn’t completely insane. And yet, despite his calm exterior, I can’t stop thinking about the way he kissed me. The way his lips moved against mine, the way he pulled me close, the way my heart felt like it might actually burst out of my chest.
It was too real. Too much.
And now I have to sit here, pretending that kiss didn’t shake me to my core, while Nancy Sinclair is out here planning our fake wedding.
“Charlotte,” Melanie whispers, nudging me with her elbow. “You okay? You look like you’ve seen a ghost.”
“I’m fine,” I mutter, forcing a smile. “Just... tired.”
She gives me a knowing look but doesn’t press further. Thank God.
As dinner continues, Asher and I keep up the pretense, playing the part of the doting couple. He’s attentive, pulling out my chair when I sit, resting his hand lightly on my back when we talk, even brushing a strand of hair from my face at one point. It’s all for show, I remind myself. But every touch, every glance feels too natural, too easy.
By the time dessert is served, my nerves are completely frayed. I excuse myself from the table, needing a moment to breathe. As I step out onto the terrace, the cool night air hits my skin, and I let out a shaky breath.