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“Those were quite the praises you sang about me to Mrs. Johnson,” I say when I can’t take the silence anymore.

“Oh, you know me. I love a good opportunity to brag about you,” she responds dryly and continues looking out the window.

“Odette, I know that you’re upset with me and we need to talk about it.”

“Did you expect me not to be upset when you practically made out with me and then ignored me for two weeks?”

“Alright, I deserve that.” I take a deep breath. “Obviously, I enjoyed kissing you–a little too much, in fact. So, I tried to put some distance between us. I thought that maybe we were getting too close.”

She finally looks at me from the passenger seat. I’m driving, but I look over at her just long enough to see the hurt in her eyes. “But why? We’re going to have to kiss each other again, eventually. And I enjoy spending time with you. So why can’t we continue being friends?”

“Of course we can be friends. But... we’ll only be married for a few years. I mean, what if we developed feelings for each other? I’d never be able to make you happy. In past relationships, I was too focused on work to give the love and attention my partners needed,” I say, thinking about Jen. “I don’t want to repeat history. It’s probably safer if we keep some distance between us.”

“You don’t think we can be friends without wanting more?” Her voice sounds shaky.

I pin her with a serious look. “Odette, I couldn’t even kiss you for a photoshoot without it getting out of hand.”

“Okay, fair point.” She blushes and bites her bottom lip.

I look away. I can’t see her do that and not think about kissing her. “So let’s just stick to the contract and give each other some space, okay?”

“Alright.”

Chapter 20

Odette

“Aren’t you glad we talked you into getting this gorgeous dress?” Kate says as she finishes the last touches on my makeup from her bathroom, which she has magically transformed into a makeshift beauty salon.

Two days after the immigration banquet, we already have another big event to attend. Tonight is the Wichita Fine Arts Society’s annual gala. Everyone who’s anyone in Wichita will be there, meaning there will be lots of influential people and many deep pockets. It’s important that we convince the public that Madden and I are a real couple, especially since a Republican is now running against him for the fourth district.

According to Paul’s research, Larry Highman automatically looks like the better option because he’s 60-years-old, has been married for 30 years, and has three grown children. Tonight’s gala is the perfect place to gain new supporters and rub elbows with important business owners in the city, so Larry will undoubtedly attend with his wife.

As I attach the rhinestone belt to my violet mermaid-style gown, I take in my reflection. Kate swept my hair back in a sleek chignon and played up the drama of my makeup with smokey eyeshadow, long dark lashes, and glossy nude lips. “Wow, Kate. You missed your calling as a make-up artist. I look… beautiful.”

She hugs my shoulders from behind. “Of course you do, because you are beautiful! There’s no way Madden can keep his hands off of you tonight.” She winks at me in the mirror.

I chuckle awkwardly. “Right. I’m just excited about the delicious food and dancing.”

“I wish I could come with you. We could burn up the dance floor all night.” Kate breaks out into the macarena.

I laugh. “I’m pretty sure this gala is way too fancy-schmancy for the macarena.”

“Darn. I hope they chose a good caterer, at least.” Kate gives my hair one last mist of hairspray.

My phone pings with a text from Madden. “Looks like we finished up just in time. Madden is here to pick me up.” I give Kate a quick hug. “Thanks again for making me look presentable!”

“Of course! Have some fun and get that husband of yours to bust a few moves on the dance floor!” Kate says as she air-kisses my cheeks. I grab my clutch and fur wrap, then give her a brief wave as I head out the door of her house.

I doubt I could get Madden to hold my hand tonight, let alone dance. Our relationship isn't as amicable and light-hearted as it was before our kiss. What he said about keeping our distance made sense, but part of me wonders what’s so wrong about us being attracted to each other. What if this marriage actually became more than just a business arrangement? Couldn’t that be a good thing?

I feel a little sorry for him that he believes he could never make a good husband. Jen really did a number on the poor guy.

Pulling the door closed behind me, I turn and find Madden leaning against his Audi in the driveway. My jaw nearly drops at the sight of him. He’s wearing a black tuxedo complete with a black satin bowtie and matching cumberbund.

I hear someone say, “Wow, you look incredibly handsome.” Heat rushes to my cheeks when I realize I’m the one that said it. It just tumbled out of me before I could stop it.

“Thanks.” He shrugs awkwardly. “You look beautiful, too. I mean, not that you said I was beautiful… but you are.” He clears his throat, then quickly glances at my dress and back up to my face.