Page 36 of The Love Hoax

“When do they need it by?”

He chews the inside of his cheek. “She’s at her computer, ready to rush order the collage or it won’t arrive on time for the wedding. She needs photos from all the family couples. My folks, grandparents . . . us. Apparently, she’s waiting only for ours. Clearly, Mom’s putting on the pressure. But honestly, I think this collage is a creative ruse to prove I’m really telling the truth about the engagement. I mean, they never did meet Ronna. Obviously.”

I find his rambling adorable.

“Soooo,” he goes on. “To answer your question, zero minutes.”

I laugh. How hard could it be to kiss Adam? “Okay, fine. In for a pound, right?” I ask, trying to keep it light.

The look on Adam’s face is priceless. Like a teenager about to score. “Really?”

Quickly, he steps closer, as if fearful I’ll change my mind.

I feel a strange mix of anticipation and qualms. How did I get into this situation? I’m in a stranger’s kitchen, about to kiss him, to satisfy his mother!

Correction. Avery handsomestranger.

Goosebumps line my arms. “Ready?” he asks.

I can’t speak, only nod. He takes my hand and pulls me close. He smells of musky cologne. I look up at him, his blue-gray eyes catching mine. I’m speechless.

He lifts my chin and leans in.

“Adam?” I whisper.

He pauses a millimeter from my lips. “Hmm?”

“The photo?”

The phone is sitting on the counter.

“Right,” he says.

If I’m not mistaken there’s a mischievous glint in his eye.

He raises the device, taps open the camera app, aiming it at us and turns back to me. “Take two.”

And then he kisses me.

Chapter Twenty-Three

Adam

Sparks fly the moment my lips make contact with Evie’s. I place my free hand on her waist, pulling her closer, my heart racing with such intensity I think I may never recover. Evie’s full lips are soft as silk, her breath cinnamon fresh as if she’d prepared for the impromptu kiss.

For a split second, I sense her hesitation. Then she relents.

It’s as if a dam breaks, the torrent sweeping us away. I kiss her deeply, and she meets my passion full force. Every nerve springs alive with the thrill of her response and I lose myself in the moment. The kitchen, the house, the entire world fade into insignificance as I savor the taste of her lips

When we finally come up for air, I feel like I’ve been pulled back to reality, kicking and screaming.

Wow, wow, wow.

“Wow,” Evie says, breathless as I lower the phone. My mother, sister, and anyone else will never question our relationship.

Evie leans against the kitchen counter, as if finding her legs. “You should get the Oscar this year.”

“The Oscar?” My brain is on half-power.