Total pages in book: 77
Estimated words: 73225 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 366(@200wpm)___ 293(@250wpm)___ 244(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 73225 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 366(@200wpm)___ 293(@250wpm)___ 244(@300wpm)
“Because Wade’s always been... intense,” she says, choosing her words carefully. “He’s never been great at taking no for an answer, has he?”
I shake my head, turning back to the closet to hide my expression. “No, he hasn’t.”
She sighs, leaning back on her hands. “Well, forget about him. You’ve got Asher now. Honestly, Charlotte, if I were you, I’d be swooning every time he looked at me.”
I roll my eyes, but my cheeks warm at her words. The truth is, I am swooning, more than I’d like to admit. Asher has this presence that’s impossible to ignore. The way he looks at me, like he’s trying to figure out all my secrets. The way he stood by my side in front of Wade, so solid and steady, like nothing could shake him.
And then there’s what he said earlier: We have to prove you’d rather marry me than Wade.
The thing is, I already would. Asher is a stranger, but he’s nothing like Wade. He’s protective, thoughtful in his own gruff way, and so infuriatingly handsome it’s distracting. I can feel my heart racing just thinking about it.
“Earth to Charlotte,” Melanie says, snapping me out of my thoughts. “You’ve been staring at that dress for five minutes. Are you okay?”
“Fine,” I say quickly, pulling the dress off the hanger. “Let’s get ready. Dinner’s going to be... interesting.”
“Interesting how?” she asks, raising an eyebrow.
I hesitate, then shrug. “Let’s just say, Asher and Wade in the same room is not a great mix.”
Melanie grins. “Oh, this I have to see.”
We spend the next thirty minutes getting ready, and as I slip into my dress and glance at myself in the mirror, I can’t help but wonder how tonight will go. Asher’s words replay in my mind, and I realize with a jolt that I’m not just worried about convincing the others—I’m worried about convincing myself that this is all pretend.
When we’re both ready, Melanie links her arm through mine and gives me a sly grin. “Let’s go, bride-to-be. Time to knock their socks off.”
I step out of my suite with Melanie, half-focused on the to-do list in my head, when Wade materializes like an unwelcome magic trick. He blocks the carpet runner with that lacquered smile I used to find charming when I was thirteen and easily impressed.
“Evening, Charlotte.” His gaze flicks to the closed door behind me. “Leaving the fiancé unattended already? Tsk.”
The implication curls my stomach. “He’s already downstairs,” I say, voice flat.
Wade’s grin tightens, but I pivot before he can launch into whatever power play he’s rehearsed. Melanie hustles to keep my pace as we head toward the far elevator.
Behind us Wade calls, “Give him my regards!”
I toss a careless wave without turning. If I look back, I might throw a shoe.
Once we’re safely around the corner, Melanie whistles low. “Girl, that tension could cut glass. FYI, I’ve never rooted for Wade in the Rom-Com of Your Life.”
I blow out a breath, slowing my pace a little. “Thanks. Nana Peg might hand him a crown, but I’d rather gargle thumbtacks.”
We reach the long gallery leading to the grand staircase, its chandeliers dimmed for the night. Our heels echo in the hush. I catch Melanie’s arm, needing lighter conversation. “Your turn. Anyone special orbiting Planet Mel?”
She rolls her eyes skyward, feigning deep thought. “No meteors. Just…this one guy I talk to online. Funny memes, decent grammar. Haven’t met in person yet.”
I stop at the balustrade, heart stuttering. “You’re kidding. Stranger-danger 101, Mel. Screens hide everything—age, motives, murdery tendencies.”
She laughs, her glossy head tipping back. “Relax, Mom 2.0. I’m not handing over my Social Security number. We’re chatting, that’s all.”
“But it starts with chatting.” My voice slips into the tone Asher uses when mapping threats, and I dial it back. “Promise me you’ll vet him. Background search, video call, meeting in public daylight with GPS enabled.”
Melanie pats my cheek, amused. “Look at you… you’re engaged and now you’re an expert.”
I snort, linking my arm through hers as we start down the staircase. “Hardly. Seriously, be careful.”
She squeezes my hand. “I’ve got this, Char. But if he’s a creeper, you and your six-foot wall of muscle can come scare him straight.”
I smile, but the worry lingers like a faint bruise, like the kind you don’t notice until someone presses.
9
Asher
I’m standing at the bottom of the grand staircase, hands stuffed into my pockets, trying to look composed. But the truth is, I’m anything but. Tonight’s going to be a performance, and I need to bring my A-game. That’s what I tell myself, at least. But then my eyes drift to the top of the stairs, and all coherent thought goes straight out the window.
Charlotte.
She’s... stunning. That’s the only word that comes close to doing her justice. She’s wearing a midnight-blue dress that hugs her curves in all the right places, with a neckline that’s classy but just daring enough to draw the eye. The fabric catches the light as she moves, shimmering faintly, and her hair is swept up, exposing the elegant curve of her neck.