“Wh—what?”
“I might’ve forgotten that part.”
“Yes, you did.” She purses her lips. “That’s kind of important.”
“Everything is so surreal. I might have omitted that detail as a way of pretending it’s not actually happening.”
“The enormous rock on your finger says it’s most certainly happening.”
“Four more days…” I nod. “We’re going to keep it intimate. Phoenix’s father, Slate, Wilder, and his extended family members on his dad’s and mom’s side will be there. Roman can’t fly, but he’ll join us virtually. On my side, we don’t want to risk getting exposed. So, it will just be Daddy and Uncle Ian––”
“Does your uncle know the truth?”
“No. He doesn’t. He thinks I’m in love. He’s been following the buzz online. He’s too close to Daddy not to invite him. He’ll be present, but oblivious.”
“It’s easier to keep him in the dark,” Keira says.
“One less person to worry about.” I hold her gaze. “I hope you’ll be my maid of honor, even if I won’t have any bridesmaids.”
“I’d be honored.”
“I hope Rhys will be in town.”
“Oh, trust me, I’ll make sure he’s present.”
I could use another ally in my corner.“Thanks, Keira, for being such a good friend.”
“You should thank your lucky stars your father picked the Bugatti of fake husbands.”
“He did… in more ways than one.”
Keira cocks an eyebrow. “Why do I sense you’re hiding something from me?”
I pick up a discarded pen sitting on the kitchen island, tapping it a few times on the surface as I weigh my words.
“I’m waiting,” Keira says.
I let out a frustrated sigh. “Phoenix is sexy as hell. He has the most incredible eyes I’ve ever seen. He’s gorgeous. He’s demanding in an all-encompassing-take-charge kind of way. He’s annoyingly sure of himself and drips with confidence. He redefines suit porn. When he smiles, I freaking need shades. He’s gorgeous. Even his hands are freaking sexy. I’m sure it’s the same for his feet. In other words, he’s the kind of man I would avoid in New York,” I say. I’m not sure I took a breath, but I still have more to say, so I keep sharing. “And who the fuck has hazel-blue eyes? How am I supposed to not get distracted every time I lose myself in them?”
Shock flashes over Keira’s face and she stares at me like she’s never seen me before.
I don’t blame her.
Since Phoenix came crashing into my life–– Okay, I guess it’s the other way around because I barged into his office unannounced. Regardless, in the short time I’ve known him, he has an undeniable effect on me. And I hate it.
“Did he drug your coffee?”
“Why would you say that?”
“Not only was that verbal diarrhea a departure from your earlier description of him, but you used the words ‘he’s gorgeous’twice,and you mentioned his eyes,also twice.”
“No, I didn’t.”
She shoots me a sideways glance like I grew another head. “Yes, you did.”
I brush a dismissive hand in front of my face. “I was agreeing with you. Thank God he’s a Bugatti and notConsumer Reports’worst compact luxury sedan on the market.”
“That man is a fine ride.”
