Page 41 of Wed to You

Chapter Six

Jagger tookChelsea’s hand as they watched Kaden ride along the small roller coaster track. When he’d seen her walking toward their picnic area, relief the size of a tidal wave washed through him. She was his best hope for retaining custody of Kaden, and if she hadn’t come, he wasn’t sure what he’d do.

Her showing up told him she was in on the ploy and he decided to start right there by giving her a kiss. Not a kiss a friend would give, but one of a lover. Of a man in love. The minute his lips touched hers, another wave swept through him, although it wasn’t relief. It was something different. Chelsea was the ideal choice for a wife in this situation because she was the girl next door. Wholesome. But there was something in her kiss that hinted at sensuality and daring. It had taken him off guard. Just for a few seconds and then he wanted more. So he kissed her again, this time not to start the show, but to discover more about what was hidden inside Chelsea Beemer.

At first, she seemed taken aback by his sudden display of affection, but almost immediately, she’d sunken into the kiss, adding to the thrill of it. Her eyes were dreamy and dazed when he’d lifted his head to look at her; pulling off this scam might not be so hard after all. He’d glanced around the area to see if anyone had noticed their interlude. He was sure they were convincing.

At that point, something in her had changed. He’d promised not to touch her in the bedroom, but if they were to succeed, they’d need to look like a couple out in public. People in love held hands, kissed, and showed affection, so she’d need to allow him that.

He let go of her hand and instead, put an arm around her, as Kaden’s train started off. She looked at him again with surprise and wariness in her eyes. “Do you think people are going to buy this?”

“Why wouldn’t they?” He forced a smile.

“Because we’re not a very likely couple.”

He released her so he could turn and look at her. “I get that I’m not good enough for you—”

“I never said that.” Her eyes widened as if surprised by his statement. “Is that what you think?”

“Yes. Don’t you?”

“No. We’re not a likely couple because you’re a rich man from New York and I’m an average woman from the middle of Virginia.”

He frowned. “Is that what you think?”

She nodded. “It’s the truth.”

He shook his head. “You don’t think I’m good enough for you because I’m rich and from New York?”

“No.” She gave an exasperated sigh. “I think you’re good enough. I just don’t think I’m your type.”

Back to that.Jagger wished he could go back to his twenty-something self and warn him that seeing all those women would come back to haunt him. “Why not?”

She shrugged. “I don’t think I’m unattractive, Jagger, but I’m nothing like the women you’ve dated before. I’m not like Dana Dalton.”

Jagger jerked back. How’d she know about Dana? God, did everyone know? He gathered his thoughts and leaned closer to her. “You’re clear on where we stand as far as bedroom games, so I know you’re not like Dana.”

Chelsea looked down, as if she didn’t want him to see her.

He used the crook of his finger to lift her chin to look at him. “Thank God you’re not like her.”

She pulled her chin away from his touch. “I get why I’m good for this situation. My family has been here forever. I’m a teacher. But if not for that, I’m not a woman you’d pursue.”

“That’s not true. I was interested in getting to know you but Mitch…” He didn’t want to delve back into that conversation.

Her deep brown eyes studied him and he hoped to hell she saw something she liked. He needed her. She was the only one who could help him and Kaden.

“Chelsea, you’re beautiful and smart.”

She gave a snort of derision as she leaned forward conspiratorially. “I know you’re saying that for show.”

His brows pulled together in a mixture of annoyance and puzzlement. “No, I’m not. When I kissed you the first time, and held your hand, that was for show. Right now, it’s just you and me. And I’m telling you, I think you’re beautiful and smart. More than that, you’re down to earth and genuine, qualities I’ve come to appreciate because they’re not that easy to find.”

“What we’re doing isn’t genuine.”

He swore under his breath and turned away, resting his hands on his hips.

“Jagger!” Kaden’s train came around and he waved.

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