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Chapter 14
Evangeline
Ishould have stopped one champagne ago. Okay, two.
But I needed the boost after I got back from the restroom. I don’t know what happened, but Phoenix suddenly started acting weird. Well, more bizarre than usual. He was distracted during conversations, kept frowning at me half the time, and I constantly felt his gaze on me, as if he was afraid I’d suddenly pull a gun out of my purse and shoot him.
The champagne helped calm my nerves, maybe too much. My laugh is louder, my grin wider, but at least that bubble of anxiety and dread in my chest has slowly disappeared.
So when the photographer from earlier comes around again sometime later, I’m ready to prove to myself and the entire world Phoenix and I are a couple in love.
The older man smiles at me. “I forgot to congratulate you earlier. I couldn’t believe my eyes when I saw the announcement yesterday.”
Ah yes,theannouncementour parents couldn’t wait tomake on our behalf. I had to hear about it from my friends. Thanks, Mom and Dad.
The photographer doesn’t seem to feel my mood shift, still wearing the same cheerful expression. “When’s the big day?”
Phoenix grumbles next to me, “We haven’t set a date yet.”
The photographer’s smile falls at Phoenix’s tone, so I playfully shake my head.
“The engagement was such a surprise; we just want to enjoy our time together for now.”
The man nods as if my statement makes total sense. “You must be busy with school. It’s your last year before you graduate, right?”
I take the breadcrumb eagerly. “Exactly. I want to be able to give my full attention to our wedding, which will be hard to do during the school year.”
He smiles as if I’ve given him an invitation to our wedding. His gaze lowers for just a second to roam over my body. At this point, I don’t even care. I’m too relieved he isn’t bringing up Phoenix’s prison sentence or my sister’s death.
But Phoenix stiffens beside me and turns to face me. I automatically gaze up at him, stunned because he’s much closer than I thought.
He frowns at me, but I’m not sure if that’s in reaction to the photographer or me. Next thing I know, he cups my face and brushes his thumb over my cheek.
My breath hitches.
Oh my God, why is he touching me like this?
My mind is in overdrive, quickly distracted again when his warm breath fans over my face.
Something flutters in my chest.
His hand stills as he stares deep into my eyes. “Or maybe I should drag you to the courthouse right now to make sure everyone knows you’re mine.”
“Phoenix.” His name sounds like a plea on my lips, and I don’t know why.
His gaze shifts to my lips, and he says, “Fuck it.”
Then he closes the distance between us and kisses me.
At first, it’s only a press against my lips.
Firm, almost angry.
A low and pleasant hum warms my blood, quickly heating up my entire body.
I gasp, and several things happen at the same time.
Phoenix’s other hand joins my face, now both cupping my cheeks, with his fingertips digging into the sides of my skull. He draws me closer, and I blindly reach out to steady myself. My hands land on his warm chest, where his heart beats wildly under my palm, almost a replica of my own.