“I-I do…” I say, returning my focus to Nadia.
She smiles. “That’s great. Listen—I’m planning some events for the seniors at the community center, and I was wondering if I could maybe make a bulk order.”
“A b-bulk order?” I echo. “Have you seen my designs?” The messages on my T-shirts aren’t exactly PG.
“We showed her your online shop.” Greta beams at me with a grin that shows off at least fifty gleaming teeth.
Carol holds up her phone, and I see my website open on her screen.
These women did that? For me?
“The sassy broads in the seniors group will love these shirts,” Nadia says with enthusiasm.
“I, wow, yes, wonderful.” Is this happening? Is this really happening? Forme? For my business?
Nadia bobs her head. “Here’s my card. Give me a call next week?”
“Of course.” My hand is shaking as I take the card from her.
“Well, thank you all again for attending tonight’s gala,” Harry addresses the table. “Because of your generosity, the event was a huge success.”
Nadia smiles broadly. “Enjoy the rest of the evening, everyone.” She pats my shoulder. “Looking forward to hearing from you, Jules.”
“Definitely. Definitely, I’ll give you a call on Monday,” I say, not even bothering to hide my eagerness.
Harry offers her his arm and they turn to walk away. At the last second, Nadia looks at me again. “Andkillerdress by the way.” She winks.
I stutter again. “T-thanks. Yours, too.”
I’m using all of my power to keep my jaw from falling to the floor as I watch them walk away.
I feel Lincoln’s hands on my hips when he comes up from behind me. He whispers by my ear. “See? Told ya you’re a badass.”
44
LINCOLN
Quietly setting my phone down on the nightstand, I gently shift the covers and slide back into bed. Now wide awake, I prop myself up on my elbow and stare at the half-naked, sleeping woman who’s wrapped in my sheets.
Jules’s black hair shines in the early Monday morning light. Watching her as the day breaks reminds me of our very first morning after, an event that seems like forever ago.
I can’t help but huff out a chuckle. I’m pretty sure that from day one, a part of me was secretly hoping that all of our explosive attraction would lead to some type of future.
But being involved in a—surprisingly happy—marriage of convenience just weeks later would not have been my first guess.
I reach out to move a lock of hair out of her face. But when she suddenly speaks, my hand freezes mid-air.
“Stop staring at me, Romeo. It’s creepy,” she murmurs, her eyes still closed.
Busted.
I chuckle again. This woman is always making me laugh. Always. I’ve never been a giggly guy. I’ve always been the serious type. But ever since Jules entered my life, I’m…different.
I peel the collar away from her throat. I lean down, pressing a lingering kiss on her neck and enjoying the sound of her quiet moan.
“It’s not creepy ‘cause you’re my wife.” I undo a few buttons to get more access to her skin. Then I kiss a line down the center of her chest. “In fact, I’m pretty sure it’s called ‘romantic’.”
Her lips curve into a sexy, sleepy smirk. “Romantic? Or are you just trying to figure out how to steal your shirt back from me?”
