Page 8 of Kicking it for Convenience

“Then we’ve got a deal.”

I smiled wide, my chest light. “You won’t regret it.” I offered my hand for him to shake and he took it. His grip was firm and cool, and something about the way he squeezed when we shook sent an electric current directly to my groin. “A business deal,” I repeated.

We sat there, looking at each other, grinning like fools for a moment before Soren cleared his throat. “I’d better get back home. Well, to the theater. I want to make sure nothing else goes wrong tonight.”

“Yeah, of course. Wait—home to the theater? Are you…”

He hesitated before nodding. “I’m living in the upstairs apartment. Sleeping on the couch, actually. It’s pretty run-down, exactly like the rest of the theater, but it’s cheaper than renting a place and I can work long hours without worrying about how I’m going to get home.”

I frowned deeply. “You don’t have to do that. You can… you can stay with me. My place isn’t huge by any means, but it’s got to be better than what you’re doing now.”

Without hesitation, he shook his head. “I can’t do that. I can’t impose. You’re already helping out so much.”

“Seriously. Besides, it’ll make the whole thing look more believable if we live together.”

He bit his lower lip and worried it between his teeth for a moment before sighing. “You’re right. But not tonight. What’s your timeline on this whole marriage thing?”

“I’ll call my lawyer tomorrow, see if he’ll meet with us. If he can get the papers drawn up quickly, I don’t see any reason why we can’t get married this week. Here, what’s your number?” I pulled out my phone and slid it toward him. “Send yourself a text from my phone. I’ll text you tomorrow as soon as I know something and we can get together tomorrow or Monday to review the paperwork and sign the contracts before we tie the knot.”

He tapped a few things into the screen of my phone and his own cell lit up. “Done.”

The next morning, I woke early and sent my lawyer friend Grayson a text asking him for the favor. After a little back-and-forth, he agreed to get the contract drawn up that morning and said we could go see him after lunch to sign.

Levi: Great news. Grayson says we can come by after lunch and the contracts will be ready.

Soren: Perfect. When and where should I meet you?

Levi: I’ll pick you up at two if that works for you.

Soren: It’s a date.

My stomach fluttered at the idea of a date with Soren, but I pushed the feeling away and went about the rest of my day, trying to stay distracted from the big event. Not long after Soren’s message, he sent me another.

Soren: Do we need witnesses or anything? Could we get married tomorrow evening, after you get off work? Just get it all done as soon as possible?

We did need witnesses, at least five, but I had plenty of those available. I was sure the team would jump at the chance to help.

Levi: Leave it to me. I can make it happen.

The first thing I needed was an officiant. I did a quick online search and called the first number I found. No answer, so I moved to the next and the next until someone answered and agreed to marry us the next evening. Her voice was warm and reassuring, and she gave me instructions on how to obtain a marriage license on short notice to make sure it was a legal ceremony.

A moment after we hung up, I texted the group chat.

Levi: I have a strange request for you guys.

Parker: For the last time, you can get free porn on the internet if you don’t want to pay. You don’t need me to share my password.

I snorted and rolled my eyes. Of course Park’s mind would go straight there.

Levi: No, this is serious. I need the five of you to meet me at Grandlin Park tomorrow night at six. In nice clothes.

Jared: Don’t know if I own nice enough clothes, but I’ll do what I can.

Theo: I don’t know what this is for, but I’m in. Nate, too, if you need him.

Cam: Sure. Oliver’s working, but I’ll be there.

Bennett: I can’t. We have this business-y thing we have to go to.

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