Somehow, nothing feels simple anymore.
I’m still clinging to him as he lifts me upright. He looks down at me, perfectly composed, and winks, the casualness of it telling me everything I need to know—I might be in over my head.
A second later, he points to the camera, a sudden reminder of the script we’re following. I swallow, turn to our friends, and smile like I just married the man of my dreams.
11
JACE
Leaning backagainst the kitchen counter, I watch Rory play with Layla in the living room. We hit the road tomorrow, but for the last few days, she’s been coming over to hang out with Layla so my daughter can get used to her. I hadn’t thought to do that.
But it’s been a whirlwind. More like a tornado. Rhett contacted a family law attorney to help us figure out how to legally get custody of Layla. The lawyer said Deanna should sign an affidavit of relinquishment, which shows the court her willingness to give up custody. It stressed me out, and I worried Deanna would want Layla back, but she didn’t have a problem with it. We also filed docs establishing paternity.
I’ll likely have to wait for the sixty-day revocation window to expire, which is the time Deanna is given to change her mind. Given how quickly she signed the affidavit, I don’t think that’ll be an issue. Then we’ll get a court date where a judge hopefully will grant me official custody.
In the meantime, I packed my gear and moved Rory’s stuff to a storage shed on Maverick’s farm. Honey’s babysitting Rory’s houseplant.
“Rory’s great with the baby,” Rhett says quietly. “Bet that will give you some peace.”
“I can’t believe she’s going along with this.” As I stare at my little bookworm, I’m glad I bought her a pretty ring even if I had to hock some stuff to afford it. I thumb the band on my ring finger as I watch her.
As busy as I’ve been, I have to admit I keep thinking about our wedding. About our vows. About that kiss.
Fuck, that kiss.I’ve never believed people who say they felt a spark kissing someone, but I get it now.
Rory looked beautiful on our wedding day. She had a flush on her cheeks, and her eyes were so bright, they looked like copper pennies.
Rhett grabs two beers from the fridge. “Follow me outside. Wanted to talk to you about a couple of things.”
Here we go. Rhett wants to make sure I stay out of trouble. I’ve been waiting for him to break out the big-brotherly advice. “Sure.” I follow him, and we sit across from each other at the picnic table in the backyard. “What’s up?”
“Just wondering if y’all have figured out the rules yet.” He hands me a beer.
“Rules?” I pull at the collar of my t-shirt. Following rules isn’t usually my strength.
He pops the top off the bottle neck and takes a long draw. “Yeah, rules. Parameters. Things you and Rory set out so no one gets hurt when this is over.”
“Is this what you and Paige did before you fell headfirst in love with her? Because I don’t need that. I’m not gonna fall in love or get hurt or anything.”
“Not you, doofus. Her.”
I frown. “Pretty sure she doesn’t even like me very much. You know, as a human.” It’s funny that my family used to think she had a crush on me because she barely tolerates my presence. Isniff under my arm. I don’t stink. I shower daily. There’s no legit reason she shouldn’t like me.
He chuckles and sets his beer down. “I gathered that, but y’all will be living in close quarters for a long stretch. Plus, you’re gonna have to pretend to be a couple. When you kissed her at the courthouse, she looked like she’d been struck by lightning.”
Chuckling, I buff my nails on my tee. “What can I say? I’m a good kisser.”
“I’m serious, Jace. She’s not like the girls you usually run around with. Groupies know the score with you. They know you’re not looking for commitment, and they’re good with that. Rory’s more introverted. She’s not gonna toss her bra in your face when you’re on stage.”
Maybe it’s ’cause I haven’t had sex since last fall, but the thought of Rory whipping off some lingerie derails my thoughts. I bet she has great tits. Small but high and firm with cute little nipples. Suckable.
Son of a bitch.
I shake my head hard enough to knock some sense into it. “We’re just playing pretend. No one’s gonna get hurt.”
“I think y’all need to discuss how affectionate you’re gonna be in public. Set out expectations. What’s the sleeping situation gonna be?”
I peel the label off my beer bottle. “Frank said we’re probably getting bunks, so the baby will sleep with me or Rory.”
