Page 58 of The Christmas Trap

Exactly.

“I don’t understand how I missed the signs.” She tosses her head, hair flying, eyes flashing.

“It wasn’t your fault—” I begin, but she cuts me off.

“You bet, it’s not my fault. He made sure he traveled as much as possible. He kept out of my way and made sure I never got a hint of what he was up to.”

She squeezes her eyes shut and gulps a few deep breaths. When she opens her eyes, she seems more composed. “Thanks, anyway, for the backup.”

She hasn’t pulled away from me. Maybe I should feel like a heel for taking advantage of the fact that I have my arm about her, but she’s single. And so am I. And I love the feel of her curves against me. So, I don’t release her either.

“You’re welcome. I’m glad I could be of help,” I rumble.

“It did feel good to get my comeuppance against my numbskull of an ex”—she rubs at her forehead—“but I’m not looking forward to what comes next.”

“You’re not marrying him. End of story.” I snort.

She gives me an if-only-that-were-true look. “I have to pick up the pieces.”

I heard the last part of her conversation with the douche, so I lower my chin. “You mean, having to tell your friends and family that the wedding is off?”

She hangs her head. “That is going to be agonizing. I’m going to look like such a loser. And my parents are going to be so disappointed. And I’m going to lose my deposit at the Town Hall and at the pub.”

“The pub?” I frown.

“That’s where we were supposed to have our reception.”

At a pub?I let her ex off easy. I should have kicked his arse for how much he let her down.

“This is horrible. And I had everything planned. I really thought—” She swallows. “I thought I was finally getting my dream life.”

“With him?” I stare at the door through which the arsehole walked out earlier.

She scowls up at me. Then as if realizing that she’s in the circle of my arms, she pulls away.

I miss the feel of her body against mine. Which does not surprise me. I’m realizing, where Ms. Lark Monroe is concerned, the more I have of her, the more I want of her.

“It may not seem like much, but I had the life I wanted all planned out, and now—” She swallows and looks away. “And now, all I’m left with is having to send out emails cancelling the wedding and a stack of unpaid bills.”

Her chin wobbles, and fuck if my heart doesn’t hurt. And if my chest doesn’t tighten. And if every part of me doesn’t want to do something… Anything to help her. In fact, I could help her and myself.

An idea forms in my head. One which excites me in its simplicity and its ease to carry out.

“I don’t even know why I’m telling you this.” She hunches her shoulders. “It’s not like this has anything to do with you.”

“What if it did?”

Even as I say the words, the idea takes root in my mind.

It’s Arthur’s suggestion that made me look at her in a new light. And now that the opportunity has presented itself, I can’t help but consider that it’s perfect timing.I could marry her.

The better I’ve gotten to know her, the more I realize how compatible we are. She’s the best match for me.

It’s also going to help salvage her dignity, so it’d work for both of us.

Now, I only have to convince her.

She looks around the room, but I know she’s not really seeing it. “I’m not sure I follow.”