She could do this. One simple kiss.
Just as the thought crossed her mind, the groom moved in to close the gap. Ever so softly, his lips touched hers for their first sweet kiss.
His mouth was warm, smooth, and more tempting than she ever imagined. His face was freshly shaven, she’d noticed that much, but even still Kat sensed the slightest feel of scruff against her bottom lip. That, along with his heavenly scent, exuded masculinity. She wanted to revel in it. To pull him in for a longer, stronger kiss and assure herself that the moment was real.
Instead, she pulled away, putting a quick end to their kiss, and smiled shyly. The sheer desire for more pulsed through her blood as she glanced down.
The electric hum of a zooming lens reminded her that this was, in fact, airing on live TV. At once the guests’ reaction went from soft claps and oohs and ahs to full on cheers and applaud.
“Ladies and gentlemen,” the pastor said. “Here are the new Mr. and Mrs. Duke Benton.”
Kat glanced up to see those gorgeous eyes studying her, a concerned look on his face. More cheers broke out over the crowd as the music started—their cue to exit the chapel, but the groom stayed in place, gaze set on her. He ran a thumb under her chin ever so softly, and tipped his head to one side. “You okay?” he asked.
The second act of kindness took her by surprise. His attentiveness too. She was sure he’d been given the same strict instruction she had—to hurry back down the aisle once the music started. But here he stood, making sure that she was okay. Already honoring his vows.
More heat circled her heart. “Yes. Thanks.”
The smile he gave in return made her overworked vessel flutter out of beat yet again. He reached for her hand, lifted it high into the air, and flashed a charismatic grin to the crowd.
“Shall we?” he asked, glancing back to her.
If her heart didn’t learn to control itself, she’d have that heart attack after all. Kat squeezed his hand in return. “We shall.” And with that, she fisted the length of her gown, and started down the aisle with her groom.
They’d done it. They’d both said I do.
In eight weeks time, the two would make another choice: to stay married or break things off. She hoped very much that this was the real thing. That when the trial period was over, they’d both happily agree to remain in a fresh marriage of bliss.
If first impressions were any indication, Kat would say things were off to a very promising start.
Chapter 8
Zander eyed the small crowd gathered toward the front of the chapel. Everyone from Michael and Mom to the newlywed clan was mingling with the bride’s family, probably whispering about the bizarre nature of the social experiment.
Exactly three and a half seconds after they’d taken their trip down the aisle as Mr. and Mrs., the camera crew whisked Kat away for a private video interview. Of course, the live filming was over. This footage, according to producer and business acquaintance, Marsha Langston, would be aired next week, along with other clips from the festivities.
Zander glanced down the hallway where they’d escorted his new bride. Marsha had asked him to stay close; he’d give his interview once Kat was through.
He thought back on the ceremony. In front of God and these witnesses…
Zander wondered if God himself would strike him down for making such a promise on his brother’s behalf.
The wedding is a test trial, he reminded himself. Sure, it was legal and lawful, and if they decided to stay together it’d be as binding as any other. But these nuptials weren’t necessarily the as-long-as-we-both-shall-live type. Heck, the couple had a live sit-down planned with the network where they’d announce whether they planned to stay married or get divorced.
Zander imagined Duke passing that live filming commitment onto him as well. Just uh…tell her that I’d like to get divorced but stay friends and that it’s not her, it’s me.
A groan worked its way to his throat. What had he done? Zander knew that—out of any of the Bentons—Duke was most likely to change his mind about this type of commitment. Especially when he’d never met the woman.
But Zander had.
Oh, had he ever. And it wasn’t just any woman either. It was the sassy (not to mention gorgeous) chemist who’d caught his interest a few weeks back. Duke, you lucky dog. Zander would be lying if he said he hadn’t thought about her a time or two since her heated visit to his office.
In fact, once the legalities for Milton and Brewster were in order, he planned to schedule a face-to-face meeting with Kat and explain how he intended to make the printing press an eco-friendly place. Moreover, he’d been quietly hoping to ask her to dinner once business was through, so long as she wasn’t seeing anyone.
And now she was married to Duke.
A wry chuckle sounded low in his throat.
Without invitation, Zander’s mind shot back to the kiss at the altar. The soft press of her silky lips to his. The way she’d backed away shyly and blushed. In truth, his first kiss as an adolescent lasted longer, but it hadn’t been nearly as sweet.
