Page 78 of Charming Deception

“Yes.”

“Then let’s have a drink.”

I laugh nervously as he gets up and pours us both a glass of something over ice at the small bar in the corner. He hands me a glass and touches his to mine. “To our engagement.”

Shit. That really brings it home. This is getting very real.

Even though it’s fake.

“Yeah. To us,” I force out, and sip the drink. “Is this rye?”

“It is.” He settles back into his seat again, appearing totally comfortable with the situation, while I’m perched on the edge of my seat, tense as hell. “Do you like it?”

“I’m not sure. I’ve never been a whiskey drinker.”

“We just acquired the distillery. This is a new product.” He sips his, watching me over the rim of his glass. “I think there’s some room for improvement. But it might be nice to have my fiancée’s opinion on these things.”

I have no idea what to say to that. Or to him, now that it’s all settled. What the hell do I know about whiskey, or any of his business endeavors?

“So… that’s it? A one-year engagement, starting now?”

“That’s it. All I ask of you, other than playing the part of my devoted fiancée, is that you respect my family’s desire for privacy.”

“Oh. Of course. I’m not a gossip.”

“Good. My brother wants our happy relationship to be highly publicized. But other than that and the work I do with celebrities and the hockey team, my family prefers to stay completely out of the media.”

“I understand.”

“And what about you? Do you have any requests of me?”

Oh god. I can think of a few.

Most of them involve a lot less clothing than we’re currently wearing.

“Well… I guess it’s the same for me. I’m pretty introverted, and I value my privacy. But I’m not worried. I believe that you want me safe and secure. You know… like Cole does.”

I don’t know why I slip that in.

Maybe I’m taking his temperature.

He nods and sips his drink. “Well, the best way for me to ensure that you’re safe and secure is to keep you here, engaged to me.”

Yeah. A small, hot bubble within me bursts.

I brought it up. But maybe I’d hoped his response would be different.

Different, how?

He’s doing this for my brother, and for his.

It’s not personal.

I need to remember that, and make sure it doesn’t get personal for me. No catching feelings or romanticizing him, or getting swept away by all his Prince-Charming-to-the-rescue vibes. My heart needs to remain intact at the end of the year. He’s not looking for a wife, and I’m not looking for another broken heart.

For him, this is about his family’s expectations and his public image. For me, it’s about getting my new life on track.

That’s all.

---