Page 120 of Charming Deception

“I almost forgot that you own the team,” she says.

“We’re a hockey family. None of us played, even recreationally, except Jamie. But our grandfather owned the team, so we grew up going to games.”

“Your grandfather must’ve been such an interesting man.”

“He was.” For the first time in fucking ages, a slight smile etches across Graysen’s features.

Then Harlan goes in for the kill, out of nowhere. “So, you two are in love?”

Of course, he doesn’t believe it.

I wouldn’t either, if our roles were reversed.

“I think it was love at first sight.” The words slide out fast and way too easily as I turn to Megan, seated next to me.

It’s too silent in here. Graysen could really put on some music or something. It’s like a crypt.

I sip my wine to loosen the knot that forms in my throat as Megan stares at me. Maybe she’s stunned by what I just said. But she doesn’t refute it.

And I’m not taking it back.

Because the more I think about it… there was definitely something between us from that first moment in the street. Something that hooked into me and didn’t let go.

Ever since then… everything feels different.

The whole world looks different now that I know she’s in it.

Shit. Maybe I’m drinking too much wine?

“What do you love about her?”

That’s Harlan again. Who else would be so fucking rude?

You can hear forks mentally drop around the table.

“Harlan.” Savi reprimands him. “What is your problem?”

“It’s all right. It’s a fair question. And it’s easy enough to answer.” Megan’s cheeks grow pink as I speak. “She’s got a big, warm heart. She cares about people, even people she’s just met. And people she’s never met,” I add, thinking of Romeo’s wife. “She’s sweet and thoughtful. She has strong core values and she lives by them. She’s so goddamn beautiful. And every time she smiles, it’s the best thing that happened to my day.”

I stop there because she seems embarrassed and my siblings are so dead silent. But I could list Megan’s good qualities all night.

It’s kind of disturbing how well I already know what they are.

* * *

As we finish dinner, my siblings mercifully let it lie that I only met Megan two weeks ago.

Maybe that little speech I gave about her stunned them into silence.

Maybe they’re surprised that I’ve become such a good actor overnight, that I had it so well rehearsed.

But I didn’t rehearse a thing.

I just told the truth.

Harlan, for his part, barely says a dozen more words. But he listens, like they all do.

As dinner’s being cleared away and we’re having a drink, it’s Damian who puts my fiancée on the spot.

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