He goes off in the other direction, and Kelly turns to me. “What’s up?”
I explain what I just proposed to Holly in Russian and Kelly just stares at me.
“Viktor, this is absolutely ludicrous!” She looks at me like I’m nuts.
“It’s not,” I say patiently.
Kelly is a good friend. Technically old enough to be my mother but more like a big sister. We bonded because she’s the only person I know here in Atlanta who speaks Russian and she’s been helping me improve my English. Her friendship is important to me, and I know she means well, but nothing is going to change my mind.
“Kelly.” I try to remain patient. “I know it’s unconventional, but this is important. I can’t have this hanging over my head all the time. Worrying about the next bride my mother is going to show up with. I have to focus on hockey, and it’s become a distraction.”
“Can’t you just talk to her?” she demands.
I chuckle. “Obviously, you have not met my mother. And the answer is no. I’ve talked nonstop since the wedding disaster, and she won’t budge. She thinks the best course of action is for me to just find another woman—that she chooses.”
“Well, that’s what you’re doing, isn’t it?”
“Is not the same,” I say quietly. “This is a business arrangement. We get married and then there’s nothing for my mother to do but accept it.”
“You’re paying someone to marry you.” The disapproval in her eyes is unmistakable and I sigh.
“I don’t want to argue,” I say finally. “Holly is on her way over and we’re going to discuss the logistics. Please be nice.”
Her lips flatten into a thin line of displeasure.
“I already have a mother I disappoint regularly,” I say quietly. “I don’t need another person in my life that falls into that category.”
Her expression softens and she just shakes her head. “You’re such a great guy—why would you do this to yourself? You’re giving her two million dollars! That’s a life-changing amount of money.”
“So is losing a year of your life pretending to be in love with a man you don’t have feelings for. No dating, no sex, no nothing.”
That’s something to think about another day. Right now, I have to talk Holly into doing something mutually beneficial, no matter how unconventional it may seem from the outside looking in.
“Hey.” Holly joins us looking serious, but the fear has now been replaced with what I sense is determination.
“Hello, Holly.” Kelly’s greeting isn’t exactly warm but it’s not icy either. I guess I should be grateful.
“Kelly will explain my idea with the details,” I say quietly, looking to Kelly. She gives me a look that tells me she’s not happy but will do as I ask anyway.
“I’m not sure I understand,” Holly admits. “You want to give me money to marry you?”
Kelly starts talking, and though I understand most of what she says, I’m glad it’s her talking and not me because I would stumble over some of it. And with each passing moment I can see the changes in Holly.
First, it’s disbelief.
Then suspicion.
Once she realizes I’m serious about the two million dollars, it changes to curiosity.
And finally, acceptance.
She’s going to say yes.
Holy fucking shit.
We’re going to get married.
Chapter One
