Page 42 of His Fake Wife

“I didn’t agree with you changing the terms.”

“I don’t care, just like you don’t care about my feelings.”

“That’s not true and I’m here to prove that.”

Beth rolled her eyes and dug into the ice cream carton.

“Can you look at me, please?”

“No need, I have ears. Talk.”

“For Christ’s sake, give me that,” I hissed, snatching the wretched box. She was giving the damn thing the attention that I needed.

“Hey!”

“I’m sorry but I need you to pay attention for a minute.”

She harrumphed and crossed her arms under her breast, momentarily distracting me. My gaze dropped to her chest but her gasp pulled me back from the part of my brain that went stupid at the sight of female parts...her female parts, in particular.

“Nice, Adam. You came to apologize and you’re staring at my chest. No wonder you couldn’t resist getting your paws on another woman.

“News flash, Beth, I only have eyes and paws for you now.”

“You don’t expect me to believe that?”

I held up the phone and she eyed me dubiously.

“Just watch. Please.”

With an impatient sigh she took my phone. I’d already watched the video several times so I watched her the entire time. Her expression gave nothing away. I wish I could have read her mind. The video showed me?a very drunk me?telling that woman to get lost after she planted herself on my lap. I could be heard telling her I had an incredible woman waiting at home.

Beth handed me the phone, her eyes avoiding mine.

“So, what? Am I supposed to be flattered? You turned that woman down, kudos to you.”

My gut sank with disappointment. It was supposed to be my big gesture and it apparently fell flat. “Come on, Beth, I just showed you proof that I didn’t cheat as the media suggested. Give me something.”

“You didn’t come home all night, I have to wonder what you got up to when the cameras weren’t rolling.” She hung her head and groaned. “Great. Now I sound like a jealous wife, which I’m not because our marriage is a damn business arrangement.” She sighed and grumbled. “Now I sound bitter too.”

“That’s good!”

“Excuse me?”

“I mean, I’m relieved that you feel something. It means you care.” I studied her intently, trying futilely to read her. I got nothing so I took the risk and added, “about me…”

Finally, her eyes lifted to meet mine. She crossed her arms and shrugged. Nibbling her lower lip, she muttered, “You’ve... grown on me.”

I had to fight to smother the satisfied smile that wanted to push through. “I care about you too.”

Damn it!

I had the perfect opportunity to admit my true feelings and I just told her I cared. What was wrong with me? Still, she noticeably relaxed and I let out a relieved breath. Shoving a hand through her hair, she leaned against the counter.

“I’m not accustomed to this part of your life, Adam. The publicity isn’t for me. I was so embarrassed and I thought maybe that headline was right. Maybe you are bored. It was only a matter of time, I guess.”

The dejection radiating from her made me want to kick myself in the ass.

“That couldn't be further from the truth. How could I be bored? I meant what I told that woman, Beth. You are incredible. Hell, you’ve put up with me for months, you deserve a medal.”

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