Page 47

His entire body went on alert. “Yes. Unless we ask him not to.” He was primed, every cell in his body, already eager for that kiss. Until she sagged with relief. “We’ll tell him to skip it,” he said in a rush. “Couples who elope don’t usually have the event as well documented as we will anyway.”

She rubbed her palms on her hips. “No, Rhett. He can’t skip it.” Once more, she was walking toward him. “Just kiss me. I need to get comfortable with it.”

He was frozen, rooted to the spot. “Not for me,” he said, ignoring the voice in his head that was clamoring for her attention and affection.

“Yes. For both of us. Please. Ilsa and Max might have suspicions about our story, but we can’t allow anyone else to have doubts.” Her tongue slid over her rosy lips. “I trust you, Rhett, or I wouldn’t be here.” She smiled, the expression fraught. “You may kiss the bride.”

She was adorable. Her face tipped up and her lips puckered. Her eyes were not closed. No, she was watching himcarefully. Her claims of trust were weak at best. He didn’t fault her for it, but he sure wouldn’t let her down.

“We’ll probably be holding hands at that point,” he said. He’d been at a buddy’s wedding a few months back and after the exchange of rings they continued to hold hands when the minister said those very words.

You may kiss the bride.

She offered her hands to him. “Okay, go.”

He supported her hands, felt the hint of a tremor. “You’re sure? Because we really don’t?—”

“Do it already,” she demanded.

“Yes ma’am.” With her watching his every move, he slowly bent his head, giving her plenty of time to pull away or call a halt before his lips touched hers.

He took stock of every detail, the incredible depths of her brown eyes, her shallow breaths, the sweet softness of her lips.

The bolt of awareness shot through him, shocking and soothing at the same time. That was brand new. And far more inspiring than a brief, innocent kiss should be.

He eased back, his gaze still locked with hers. “Will that work?”

Her tongue slipped over her lips again. “Yes. Thanks.”

“Okay.” He tucked his hands in his pockets. It was the only way to keep from touching her. “Good night, Trina.”

“Good night,” her response floated softly behind him.

Although his suite was roomy, he heard every sound as she got ready for bed, including the squeak of his mattress springs. Every sound amped up his desire, left him aching for more. In an unlikely decision that startled him even as it settled on his heart, he vowed to win her over. And make this marriage real.

Chapter Thirteen

Trina had had a remarkablyrestful night. When her alarm went off, she hopped out of bed in a great mood. She refused to blame itallon that amazing kiss, though she knew it was a factor.

It was her wedding day. For a woman who had been convinced she had the worst luck with men, Rhett was proving her wrong at every opportunity. Nothing more unlikely had ever created so much happiness.

She pulled on a t-shirt and shorts and hustled out to the kitchen. Driven by a need to give back, she’d contacted the concierge last night. Groceries would be delivered any minute and she would make breakfast for her soon-to-be-husband. Incredible, but true.

Her kitchen skills wouldn’t pass for expert-level, but she had invested time to get really good at a few dishes. Working from the recipe in her head, she had the frittata nearly done by the time Rhett joined her in the kitchen, smelling fresh and clean from his shower.

“Youmadebreakfast?” He stared at her. “I thought you were just setting up a room service delivery.”

Had she made a misstep? Suddenly unsure, she avoided his gaze. “Is it a problem that I cooked?” She handed him a cup of strong black coffee. He might be better at selling the story, but she’d been paying attention. Because she did care about him as a friend at the very least.

Her lips tingled with the memory of the way he’d kissed her, refusing to let her get away with the white lie inside her head.

The main reason they’d been rivals came down to her fears and the pain she carried all by herself. She had to own that, though she didn’t believe she had to confess everything to him right here over breakfast. But she wanted to change the dynamic so that when this ended they could still be friends.

One brief kiss had shifted her focus, given her another idea. Would Rhett be patient enough to help her break down the walls she had built up to protect herself?

Would he even be interested? He’d said he was attracted to her, but could he mean it?

“No, not at all.”