Page 17 of Chasing His Bride

“What type of ring would you like?” I ask as we look through the jewelry collection.

“I don’t need a ring. You should get one to show your grandfather,” she says.

“You need a ring.”

“I’m not wearing a ring. I said I’d marry you to help you out,” she says, her shoulders back, standing defiant.

“Just while you’re in Vegas. My grandfather will ask the Gold brothers if it’s genuine and we just need to make them think it is.”

“Oh, I’m not too sure anymore. This is getting deeper than it should,” she says.

I sweep her into my arms and pull her close to me. “It’s just a wedding ring, a plain band, nothing more,” I say and press my lips to hers. “We’ve got the documentation. Let’s get our rings and then we’ll see another show.”

I smile and kiss her again. My hand on her thigh slides upward, only to glide back down, and for a moment, I revel in the feel of her soft flesh. “And if you aren’t loving me by the end of the evening, we’ll call it off.”

She sucks in a breath, holding it, her eyes troubled as she stares into mine. “If I’m loving you, I’m running away, never mind marrying you. Love is too complicated.”

Chapter 7

Jack

The car passes through the buzz of the Vegas nightlife. For most of the time, Amber’s gaze remains fixed on the world outside the window.

When we pull outside a building that reads ‘White Chapel’ in flashing neon lights, we both stare at the building, and I’m sure I see Amber gulp.

I’m confident that she won’t be having second thoughts, not with one million dollars sitting in her purse.

“We’re here,” I say and when I realize she won’t move, I take her hand and smile, giving a little encouragement that it will be fine.

“Are you sure this will work?”

It’s the first time I’ve seen her look unsure. She seems like a black or white girl. There’s no gray area—until now.

“It’s perfect, two people, neither interested in getting married, living on different continents,” I say encouragingly.

For me, it’s the perfect solution.

“But you will send the divorce papers through and not leave it any longer than one year. Anything could change.”

I narrow my eyes at that. I know exactly what she’s saying.

“I’ll send the papers as soon as my grandfather hands the business over,” I say and smile. “It might be earlier.” He didn’t say I had to stay married, only get married.

Amber blows out a breath and wipes her hand over her forehead. But given we’re close to the desert, and she’s from England, the balmy weather could contribute to her glistening skin.

The driver opens the door, and Amber leaves the car first, wrapping her arms around herself. She looks at me with those beautiful eyes. The brown looks greener in the neon light.

It’s refreshing seeing her like this, vulnerable, nervous, unsure, not as put together as she always is.

Strangely, I don’t feel the same. I’m getting closer to getting what I want.

Ahead, a newlywed couple exits the door, stumbling and roaring with laughter. I take Amber’s hand and squeeze, taking away her worry, and we head for the chapel as I gently guide her along with me.

I open the door, and she hesitates one more time. “Are you sure this is a good idea?”

I nod. “Neither of us believe in it. It’s just a fake marriage.”

She purses her lips together. “With a real wedding.”

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