Page 56

Even with all the celebrating, her mind occasionally edged toward the eventual break up that would disappoint all of these lovely people. Not today’s problem. Thankfully, it seemed every time her mind drifted too far into the future, Rhett found her and brought her back to the present.

They danced. They had a cake cutting. All the typical wedding moments, with none of their family in sight. She couldn’t speak for him, but for her it made it all easier.

She loved her parents dearly. They’d always wanted to see her happy, they simply disagreed about how Trina should reach that goal. And they were wildly demanding when it came to proper traditions. Recent talk about legacy didn’t help matters. She wasn’t interested in taking over one of the family properties or shifting to desk work as part of the hotel management side of the Bollani business interests.

She shouldn’t be thinking about any of that right now. This was her wedding day and Rhett, with Ilsa’s help, had gone out of his way to pack it full of good memories for her. The least she could do was stay present. Lighthearted and happy, she did exactly that until the festivities wound down.

They left the ballroom in a hail of bubbles and laughter. Outside, he whisked her around the corner, cutting through a garden toward a service elevator. “This way no one will sneak up on us,” he explained.

Alone with him, surrounded by the lingering scent of fresh laundry, her nerves struck. A normal bride and groomwould be together tonight. In one bed. Focused on each other, exploring the physical joys of their first night as husband and wife.

If he hadn’t stepped up to help her, he would have that. Instead of… Her.

He ushered her out of the elevator and into the suite, locked the door and leaned back, his head tipped up, eyes closed. Her fingers tingled, eager to touch that strong column of his throat. She couldn’t recall anyone else inspiring this daring, unfurling desire.

He looked so good, casual and relaxed. Confident in who he was. She wanted to take some of that into herself, use it to mute the countless doubts that plagued her. “You look incredible,” she murmured. Incredibly tempting.

“Same goes.” He pushed away from the door. “Our first married kiss felt picture-perfect to me. You?”

Oh, right. They’d practiced at her request. She nodded, words failing her as he walked closer. Did he expect…? Was he hoping for a typical wedding night?

Was she?

“I’m sure the pictures will be convincing,” she managed. “And thanks for all the little moments at the party.” She was confident now that no one had any idea this was a scheme they’d hatched a couple of days ago.

“You had a good time,” he said.

It wasn’t a question. “Didn’t you?”

His smile lit up his face, his eyes dancing with amusement. “Yes.” He seemed a bit dazed by the admission. “The big reception wouldn’t have been my first choice, but it was the right one. Ilsa will be reminding me of this forever. And it was a blast.”

“You think our friends and family will see the pictures?”

“I’m sure of it.”

Which meant Luca would likely hear about it too once herstaff at the Inn started chattering. With any luck, pictures from tonight would be the catalyst that would propel him back to Italy ahead of schedule.

“Ready to call it a night?” He unbuttoned the vest as he walked toward the kitchen. “Or do you need a nightcap?”

She suddenly didn’t want the evening to end. Didn’t want to face the fact that they would sleep in separate beds. Not just tonight, but for the duration of their marriage. Trailing after him, she boosted herself up onto a counter stool. “Yes. If nightcap is code for a tall glass of water.”

He turned, bobbing his eyebrows. “It is, in fact.” He poured water for both of them.

“Gimme.” She wrapped her hands around the glass he’d filled with ice and water. “Being a happy bride is thirsty work.”

Across the counter, he faced her, gulping down the water and refilling his glass. She was certain that watching a man swallow shouldn’t be so sexy.

Then again, Rhett wasn’t just any man. He was the man who’d stepped in when she was frightened. He was her hero, saving her from the dreaded Bachelor Number Three.

Maybe it was the romance of the entire day combined with the marvelous high of dodging parental interference. Whatever the cause, she suddenly wanted this to be more real than fake. Even in private.

Did she dare ask? And if he agreed, would she be able to follow through?

That was the question that plagued her. The very issue that kept her locked down and set apart from normal relationships.

“You’re thinking mighty loudly, Mrs. Ellington.”

“Mrs.,” she echoed. She hadn’t thought of how it would sound. How she’d feel with a different name. It wasn’t horrible. She was proud of the family she came from, but this newness bubbled through her, much like those firstsips of prosecco as the sun set over the water. She was still her, but also someone new. A wife and partner. Someone newwithRhett.