Page 12 of The Billionaire's Wife

We fall into another bout of silence. This one a bit less comfortable. Probably because we’re both thinking about kissing each other. Or at least, I’m thinking about kissing him. What his lips would feel like against my own. If he’d be soft and sweet, or more aggressive and passionate.

I take a breath, trying to calm my racing heart.

“Maybe we should try out … some physical contact,” Alec breaks me out of my thoughts by saying.

I look up at him, slightly alarmed.

“You know, my arm around yours, holding hands? Just so we appear more comfortable when we have to do this in front of Marcus and his wife.”

“Oh,” I reply. “Yeah. That’s probably a good idea.”

Alec scoots toward me in his seat. The chairs aren’t terribly close to one another, but close enough that he can span the gap between us and loop his arm over my shoulders. His hand rests on my upper arm, gripping it softly. I lean into the crook of his body, inhaling the scent of him, feeling his muscular arm wrapping around me.

We’re both definitely stiff at first. His feels like a concrete brick. Or is that just muscle? Does Alec work out? Ella, stop. You’re not allowed to think these things.

Never in my life did I think I’d ever be this close to Alec King. And never in my life did I think I’d actually enjoy it. Because … am I enjoying this? Being wrapped up against him, feeling safe and secure and …

Ella!

I sit up, and Alec’s arm falls back to his side. “I think that’s good for now,” I say quickly. “I mean, I think we’ll be fine. Don’t you?”

He’s nodding before I’ve even finished my sentence. “Yeah. It’ll come naturally. I’m not worried about it.”

There’s another beat of uncomfortable silence. “Want to go back up with the others?” Alec suggests. “So you can get more acquainted with them? After all, we’ll have to pretend you know them well too.”

I nod. “That’s a good idea.” I stand before Alec has the chance to, making my way back to the front of the place, trying to rid my mind of the feeling of Alec’s arm around me and how badly I want it to happen again.

Chapter 8

Alec

We land in Miami about five hours later to bright sunshine and gorgeous palm trees. Ella’s face lights up the second she steps out of the plane and feels the humidity on her skin. She’d changed on the plane and is how wearing a floral, knee-length dress that’s modest but still hugs her curves in a way I can’t keep from noticing.

“Have you ever been to Florida?” I ask as we make our way down the steps to the tarmac below.

She shakes her head. “Like I said, I haven’t traveled much. The farthest I’ve been from Seattle is California. I have family in the Bay Area.”

She continues looking around in awe as we make our way to the car Marcus had arranged for us. Suddenly a feeling of satisfaction courses through me. A happiness that it turned out to be Ella in this whole arrangement. Despite the fact that she was so originally against it, I’m happy that she’s the one who gets to go on this vacation. Just from the look on her face as she gazes out the car window, I know she’s going to love this trip.

About forty-five minutes later, our car pulls up to a marina on the coast. Ella’s eyes turn saucer-like as we approach the dock lined with yachts. And not just any yachts—enormous yachts. Yachts meant to sail the seas, yachts that can hold dozens of people.

Our chauffer leads us to the end of the dock where the largest yacht sits, and one by one, we board across the railed plank between the dock and the yacht.

“This is … huge,” Ella whispers as we make our way inside what looks to be one of three or four floors. Inside, Marcus and his wife are sitting on a pair of couches by a window overlooking a view of the ocean.

Marcus grins when he sees us, standing and opening his arms in greeting. “Welcome!” he calls, striding toward us. He shakes my and my brothers’ hands, then looks to Olivia, Lilly, and Ella. “You three must be the better halves of these gentlemen.”

Olivia laughs, holding out her hand. “I’m Olivia, Asher’s wife.”

Lilly introduces herself as well, and then Marcus turns to Ella. “And … Ella, is it? I remember meeting you.”

Ella holds out her hand in greeting. “Yes,” she says with a warm smile. “So nice to see you again.”

I’m impressed by her composure. She doesn’t seem nervous at all—quite the feat considering all she’s had to deal with today.

I notice who I assume is Julia striding up behind Marcus. “Please,” Marcus says, turning to her. “Meet my wife, Julia.”

“So nice to meet with you all. Marcus has told me wonderful things about you three,” she says to my brothers and I. “And I’m excited to have some girl time with you ladies,” she directs at the women.

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