I’ve never even seen him at this end of the house before. He’s been careful to respect my privacy and give me space, even though it’s his house.
He looks uncomfortable, standing there, staring at the rumpled bedcover in my room. He’s wearing a white button-up shirt, the top three buttons still undone, and a tie hangs loosely around his neck.
“I’m ready,” I say as I step out of the open closet.
His eyes travel up and down me. I found a cute cream-colored dress from an online boutique. It’s a one-shoulder dress and ends just above my knees. There’s a lace overlay that gives it character.
“I hope it’s okay,” I say as I pull at the hem. It’s shorter than I expected, and now I’m questioning my choice to wear a white dress.
“You look beautiful,” he says as he tugs at his tie. He fumbles around with it as he tries to tie it into a proper knot, but he forgot to button up his shirt.
I step forward and reach for the buttons. He freezes as I try to hurry and help him. For some strange reason, my hands are shaking, and it’s difficult to get that small button through the hole.
“Are you sure about this?” I ask him.
I guess I’m scared. This seemed like a good idea when we were talking about it a week ago. But now that we’re about to actually do it, it seems like the worst idea we’ve ever had.
“Well, anytime I’m second-guessing my decision, I always think about why I’m doing it. It helps me follow through—or realize it’s not worth it.”
I stare at Miles, studying that perfectly handsome face.
“So, is yourwhy am I getting marriedreason strong enough?” I ask him.
“Oh, you mean petty revenge?” he says. He quirks a brow.
I fight a smile and answer. “Yes. Is that enough of a reason to get married?”
He grins, and his dimple pops out. “It’s the perfect reason to get married.”
“You’re right. You have a reason, and I have a reason. Seventy percent of the prize is a pretty good reason.” I try to keep it lighthearted.
Miles winks. “Besides, it’s not like it’s going to change anything between us. We’re having a great time together, aren’t we?”
Something clenches in my stomach, and it won’t let go.
“We’ve been having a great time,” I agree.
Unfortunately, that’s what I’m worried about. Because I’ve been concerned about falling for my roommate.
How much easier will it be to fall for him when he’s my husband?
He nods. “This is mutually beneficial, right?”
I nod as I move to the next button. “Yes, but I can find other ways to pay off my student loan. I was thinking about selling feet pictures online.”
That gets a chuckle out of him.
“And we can help Ainsley get even with Preston in another way. I can be very creative…”
I move to the last button and am careful to avoid looking at Miles’s face.
When I finish, he grasps my chin and tips my head back so that I’m forced to look at him. “I’m not having second thoughts, but I will never hold this against you if you back out. Even if we make it to the courthouse and are about to sayI do.”
His eyes are warm and genuine as he stares down at me. If I felt any amount of pressure, I would walk away. Instead, I find myself wanting to walk down that aisle with him. So to speak. Since there won’t actually be an aisle.
“I haven’t even met Preston yet, and I can’t wait to see the look on his face when he finds out you’re already married.” I smile up at him.
“Lucy, you’re the best roommate I’ve ever had.”
