He’s not amused.
We must have broken a religious protocol or something.
“Sorry,” Phoenix says to the priest.
For the first time since slipping into this outrageously expensive designer white gown, I smile. A real smile.
The priest carries on.
Phoenix winks and I respond with another genuine smile.
Even in my sheer terror, I must admit the man is drop dead gorgeous in his bespoke black tux. He’s something else in a suit, but the tuxedo takes the concept of suit porn to unprecedented levels of hotness. Under the bright LA sun, the hazel tones in hiseyes turn into a seductive and enchanting kaleidoscopic range of colors, making the blue in his irises stand out.
My fake husband is a glorious package.
“You may kiss your bride.”
I turn around and hand my best friend the beautiful bouquet of blush pink roses I’ve been holding onto for dear life.
Keira offers me a warm smile.
I attempt to return it, but fail.
The priest’s words come crashing through my consciousness like a wrecking ball.
Oh God.
This is it.
It’s official.
I’m a wife.
Ball and chain for one full year.
I turn to face the near stranger I’ll call husband until the terms of our contract expire.
Phoenix flashes me a dazzling smile that takes my breath away. He cups my face and stares into my eyes for a few long seconds.
“You’re all mine now, Mrs. König,” he says. “And I get to kissmywife.”
I’m taken aback by the sincerity in his declaration, unsure if it’s an act or not.
I don’t have time to overthink it.
Phoenix brings his lips to mine and kisses me. It’s nothing inappropriate, but it’s still enough to consume every part of my body.
It’s a dizzying feeling and one I could get used to.
The thought terrifies me.
Get it into your head. Three hundred and sixty-five days left…
Chapter 20
Phoenix
The intimate wedding and garden reception under a large, fancy canopy were a coup—simple, elegant, and upscale. The chefs at the Pompadour pulled out all the stops.
