Page 45 of Igniting Sparks

Mina

“Wow.”

Look, I get that it’s hardly the most eloquent description of Aurum Ridge, but at the moment, it’s all I’ve got.

The resort is stunning and larger than life, but it also serves as a beacon to the rich and upwardly mobile—and I am neither of those things.

“It’s something, isn’t it?” Braden remarks, pulling into a spot in a side lot. “Aurum Ridge is a true testament to the power of design—understated and yet opulent. The resort covers over 100 acres on the mountainside, but it’s hardly your typical luxury hotel. The owner, Benjamin Hartwood, worked closely with environmental engineers to incorporate the ecological surroundings into the design, so there’s a flow to the place that feels natural—not forced.”

My mouth drops open at Braden’s observation. “Who are you?”

Braden chuckles. “I enjoy architecture and design, so when Aurum Ridge was being constructed, I paid attention.”

“You sound like a college professor, reciting allthe highlights of the resort. You kind of look like one, too.” I smile, motioning to his glasses.

“Is that a bad thing?”

“Definitely not.”

Actually, the whole glasses and button-down shirt are a total vibe on Braden. It shouldn’t work, but trust me—it does.

It’s unfair how good he makes boring look.

Then again, he looks gorgeous all the time. Doesn’t matter if he’s kicking around in a T-shirt and jeans or dressed to impress my haughty-as-hell aunt.

“I wanted to look nice.” Braden flips down the visor mirror and adjusts his collar.

“You look more than nice.”

Braden smiles and grabs my hand, giving it a squeeze. “You’re beautiful.”

Truthfully, I look like I’m trying too hard, between my fancy cocktail dress, pinch-my-toe heels, and heavy makeup—but I appreciate his sentiment.

Even if it’s total crap.

“Are you ready for this?” he asks, stepping around to open my door.

A nervous laugh escapes my mouth. “No. Not in any way, shape, or form.”

My reason is threefold.

First, I’m a terrible liar, so this entire ruse doesn’t sit well with me.

Second, I know Aunt Bitsy will be on her haughtiest behavior, with one goal—finding fault with Braden, and with me.

And third, and most importantly, I’m head over heels in love with my fake fiancé. A man who is kind, generous, and confusing the hell out of me.

He’s affectionate, holding my hand and giving me all the soft kisses a girl could want—but when I threw myself at him and begged him to make love to me, he begged off.

The rational side of me understands, andgrudginglyrespects, his reasoning, but my heart remains wounded, and let’s not talk about the ass-whooping it gave my ego.

Then, there’s my ring. I study the diamond as it flashes in the low light. I would have been fine with a knockoff—something to pass my aunt’s cursory glance—but Braden insisted on this stunning piece. A ring I’d be proud to wear for the rest of my days.

Basically, I’m a bundle of emotions and nerves, and fully prepared to remain this way for the duration.

I’ll follow Braden’s lead this weekend and act the part of the devoted fiancée. Not that it’s much of a leap.

But what happens when we’re alone? Everything has been such a whirlwind since my aunt sprang this weekend on us. We’ve had barely any time to talk—just a quick good morning as we rush out the door.