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)
“Relax,” Melanie says, grinning triumphantly. “Your secret’s safe with me.”
As we head to the checkout, I try to push aside the swirling thoughts in my head. Between Wade’s threats, Melanie’s revelations, and the lingering heat from Asher’s touch, my emotions are all over the place.
One thing’s for sure, I think I may be falling for my bodyguard.
Melanie and I are almost back to the resort when I spot them—Nancy Sinclair and my mother, standing near the front entrance. They’re deep in conversation, their heads tilted together like they’re plotting something. My stomach does a little flip. This can’t be good.
“Uh-oh,” Melanie says under her breath. “Incoming.”
Nancy looks up first, her hawk-like gaze zeroing in on us. Her expression brightens, but there’s something calculating behind her smile. My mother follows her gaze and offers me a small wave, though there’s a tension in her shoulders that I don’t miss.
“Charlotte!” Nancy calls out, striding toward us in her designer heels. “Just the person I wanted to see.”
I force a smile, clutching my shopping bags a little tighter. “Nancy. What a surprise.”
“I was just telling your mother how excited we all are about your engagement,” she says, her tone dripping with sweetness that doesn’t quite reach her eyes. “And how curious I am to know all the details.”
Melanie gives me a pointed look but wisely stays quiet. My mother steps forward, her smile practiced and polished. “Nancy, I’m sure Charlotte and Asher would love to share their story—another time. Right now, the girls have just returned from shopping, and I’m sure they’re—”
“Oh, nonsense,” Nancy interrupts, waving a hand dismissively. “It’ll only take a moment. I’m simply dying to know more about Asher. How did you two meet again?”
I glance at my mother, who gives me the faintest nod, a silent reminder to stay calm. “At a charity event,” I say smoothly, falling back on the story we’ve crafted. “A few months back. Like I told you before.” Is she waiting for me to slip up? I mean, I’ve told this story so much that I’m starting to believe it really happened.
I kind of wish it was real.
Nancy’s smile widens, but there’s a glint in her eye that sets me on edge. “How romantic. And when exactly did the sparks fly?”
“Right away,” I reply, keeping my tone light. “We stepped outside for some air and just... clicked.”
She hums thoughtfully, her gaze never leaving mine. “And how long have you been engaged?”
“Three months,” I say, sticking to the timeline we agreed on.
“Three months,” she repeats, her tone a touch too curious. “And you’ve kept it such a secret. Why is that?”
I open my mouth to respond, but my mother steps in, her voice smooth as silk. “Nancy, you know how Charlotte is. Always wanting to keep things private. Besides, with all the chaos of planning a wedding, it’s no wonder she’s been a little preoccupied.”
Nancy nods slowly, her expression unreadable. “Of course. Privacy is so important these days.”
My mother flashes me a quick look, one that says stay quiet and let me handle this. “Speaking of weddings,” Nancy continues, her smile returning, “have you thought any more about my suggestion? It would be so lovely to have the ceremony this weekend while everyone’s here.”
I can feel my stomach drop. I glance at my mother, who’s already shaking her head politely. “Nancy, as much as we appreciate the idea, Charlotte and Asher have their own plans. Isn’t that right, darling?”
“Yes,” I say quickly, forcing a smile. “We’re taking our time. We want everything to be perfect.”
“Hmm,” Nancy says, her eyes narrowing slightly. “Well, don’t wait too long, dear. You wouldn’t want people to start speculating.”
There’s an edge to her words, a subtle warning that sends a chill down my spine. I glance at Melanie, who’s watching the exchange like it’s a tennis match, her lips pressed into a thin line.
“Well, this has been lovely,” my mother says, looping her arm through mine and steering me toward the entrance. “But the girls really must be getting inside. They’ve had such a busy morning. And with the horse incident this morning, I’m sure Char is exhausted.”
“Of course,” Nancy says, her smile never faltering. “I’m glad you’re okay, dear. We’ll talk more later.”
I nod, my heart racing as my mother practically drags me through the doors. Once we’re out of earshot, she turns to me, her expression serious.
“Be careful,” she says quietly. “Nancy is... persistent. If she senses something’s off, she’ll pounce.”
“I know,” I say, my voice shaking slightly. “Thank you for stepping in.”
She squeezes my arm, her gaze softening. “Just keep your story straight, and don’t let her rattle you.”
I nod, but the unease lingers. Nancy’s questions weren’t just idle curiosity. She’s fishing for something, and I have a sinking feeling that she won’t stop until she gets it.