Page 10 of Nothing to the Wedding

“Is it the money?”he asked.“The exposure?Is the relationship even real?”

“Why would you ask that?”

“You spend a lot of time apart.Now we find out he has this girl on the side—or is he responding to the obviously intimate relationship you have with Tripp Breckenridge?”

“Obviously?”

“You’re not alone.He keeps his options open.A lot of women fall for it.”

Her half smirk wasn’t easy to subdue.“Fall for… Who are we talking about now?”

“Breckenridge.”

“Any one in particular?”

“This is your story, Ms.Kyst.You came into Zairn’s life… things haven’t been the same since then.”

She filled her lungs.“The same for who?”

“Zairn.His life.The people in it.Public perception.It’s no secret there are those who doubt your sincerity.”

“Do you doubt my sincerity?”

“It’s not my job to judge.”

“You’re just the messenger?”

“Tough job, but someone has to do it.”

She didn’t believe for a second that he was humble or modest.

“Whatever it is you’re trying to say, Reeve, say it.”

“I get it.You want the man for the lifestyle and credibility he can give you.In exchange, you improve his image by overtly displaying a relationship.While in the background he…” She could tell he anticipated her filling in the blank.She didn’t, just folded her arms.“You know… you’re a beard.”

“Oh, is that what I am?Didn’t your momma teach you it’s not nice to call people names?”

“I’m on your side, Roxie.You were plucked out of nowhere.You didn’t ask for this.The life you lived before is gone.You can’t fade into obscurity now, people are too invested.He has you.”Damn right.“Fans, Zairn lovers, even Zairn haters, are intrigued by you.This is where you are, and you have to make the most of it.”

“Is that what I’m doing?”

“You tell me,” he said.“What’s really going on here?Is it really going to happen?”

“The wedding?”

“It’s a big commitment if you’re not invested.”

“What makes you think I’m not?”

“You have pride.This man’s making a fool of you.He’s having an affair.”

“What makes you so sure?”

“I don’t have to be sure,” he said, almost shrugging her off.“I’m not the one walking down the aisle in eleven days.”

“Twelve.”

“I’ve heard he’s got a week of bachelor parties lined up in various states.”