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While I sipped the champagne offered by the manager, I thought back to our conversation. I wasn’t lying to Vanessa when I told her I’d rearranged my life because of her. I didn’t fully understand why I had done it. All I knew was that Ihadto protect her. In doing so, I had to shift a few things on my priority list so that Vanessa was at the top. Somehow, she had become more important than Ashton. Nothing had swayed my vendetta until her.

The attraction between us had grown exponentially. I couldn’t wait for her to admit she wanted me.

After having her in my home, I couldn’t imagine anyone else there. This morning had been a lovely surprise I didn’t know I needed. I woke up early like I usually did. While makingcoffee, my security system informed me someone was in the yard. The motion detector had picked up squirrels, rabbits, and groundhogs before, but when I went to check on the computer, I saw my fiancée skipping in the yard and talking to the flowers. She had those curlers in her hair that looked ridiculous yet insanely sexy. I never thought hair curlers would turn me on, but since Vanessa, I found myself attracted to odd things. Her thin T-shirt had given me an unforgettable view of her gorgeous rack. I stood frozen as she danced and skipped in the yard outside the kitchen, my dick hard.

I wanted to strip her so I could touch and taste those breasts. This unpredictable woman had brought me more joy than I could ever have imagined.

The door to the changing room opened, and Vanessa walked out, knocking the breath out of me. I swore my heartstopped beating for a moment as I absorbed her beauty in the elegant gown that hugged her body and flared out at the bottom.

Smiling, she twirled. “What do you think?”

This was the dress she’d picked from the website and the dress I’d had in mind.

“It’s perfect.” I got up from the chair, grabbed my cane, and walked over to her. “You’re perfect. Stunning.”

“The dress is gorgeous on you,” said Chloe, the manager. “It’s from our new collection.”

“You think so?” she asked, then leaned in and whispered, “The price is too much for you-know-what.”

“I don’t care about that. If you love this dress, get it.”

She chewed on her bottom lip and glanced at herself in the mirror. “Let’s try on the other two dresses.” She turned to me. “I’ll decide after.”

The other two dresses didn’t suit her the way the first dress did. Her eyes didn’t light up, but she liked the more affordable price tag, saying she didn’t want me to waste money on a fakewedding. I’d pay anything to see her wear that perfect dress and promise herself to me.

“Get the first dress,” I told her. “I like it better on you.”

“I have to agree,” Chloe said. “Other women have tried it on, but it doesn’t look as good on them. I’m not saying it to make a sale. It’s the truth.”

Vanessa offered her a warm smile. “The other two are nice as well.” She looked at the dresses hanging on the rack.

“I know you prefer the same dress I do.” I inhaled a breath. “If you choose another, I’ll buy all three.”

Her mouth dropped open, and Chloe looked to the floor, hiding her smile.

“That’s wasteful and makes no sense at all.” Vanessa pouted.

“What’s wasteful and makes no sense isnotbuying the dress you love foryourwedding, Lily Pad.” I offered Chloe my credit card. “Ring it up.”

Chloe looked at Vanessa. “Would you like to look at the shoes, veils, or jewelry?”

Vanessa glared at me for a moment. When she knew I wouldn’t budge, she sighed. “Okay. Let’s rack up his credit card so he can stop being so bossy.”

Chloe whispered, “Most women want their men to shower them lavishly. You don’t?”

“I’m not most women. I’m an artist. I’m used to being poor.”

After paying for the dress, shoes, veil, and jewelry, we left the boutique to explore the surrounding retail area.

“Should we take everything with us now?” Vanessa asked outside on the street.

“No, someone will take care of it. A hair and makeup team is arriving tomorrow morning. They’ll bring the dress.”

She stared at me and shook her head. “You’ve planned everything, huh?”

“I’m a master at it.”

“You’re the maverick, an unconventional man who likes to do radical things like buy expensive wedding gowns for a fake wedding.”