Page 49 of Misadventures With My Fake Fiancé

I moved to the bathroom to wash my hands, do something to keep busy. I was upset about the whole book thing and nervous even thinking about explaining it all to Mike—or anybody else, for that matter. I'd have to tell him at some point, but at least—for the moment—I was off the hook.

The voice was soft so I knew it had to be Mr. O. No one else in the house could talk that quietly.

After a minute, Mike leaned against the bathroom doorway, a small shipping box under his arm. “There are two plans for today. Uncle Bob, the twins and Goldie are flying down to Katmai to see the bears. My parents, Banks and family are taking the train to Denali, which is really amazing. Those going to Katmai will be back tomorrow, the others the next day. We can go to either one.”

Planes, trains and automobiles. I was exhausted just thinking about another excursion. I had no idea where Katmai was, but seeing bears sounded fun. I knew about Denali and was equally impressed. The state was enormous, making Montana look like Delaware. I was sure Mike would want to go on one of the adventures, but I was wiped out and really had no interest in either. Maybe it was the pregnancy, or the weight of Jubal's necklace, that was so exhausting. I lifted it over my head and placed the heavy piece next to the sink. “I don't think I can handle any more adventures today.”

The corner of Mike's mouth ticked up. “Good, because that's what I told my dad.”

My head shot up, looked at him. Surprised. “You don't want to go?”

He shook his head. “No.” We heard a few voices, the front door close, and then silence. “Sounds like they just left.”

I was so relieved I sagged against the vanity. He wanted to stay with me. Or, he had absolutely no interest in seeing bears—or being with Goldie—and had a been-there-done-that attitude with Denali.

“What's that?” I asked, pointing at the box.

“Oh. My dad said it's from Goldie. For you.”

I just stared at it as if it was a poisonous snake. It was one ofthoseboxes, I just knew it. Sure, it looked innocent enough with the overnight label on it and my name. Jubal's address. Goldilocks Adult Store, Bozeman, Montana written in the upper left corner.

Mike held it out to me and I had no choice but to take it.

“What did Goldie send you?”

“I don't know.” It was the truth. I didn't.

Mike's mouth quirked up in a sly smile. “But you have an idea.”

“Generally speaking, I have a good idea. But I really can't sayexactlywhat's in the box.”

“Why don't you open it and find out?” Mike smirked.

“Because once we find out what's in there, everything will change.”

Mike continued to lean against the doorjamb. He crossed his arms over his broad chest. “You think one little box has that much power?”

“Absolutely.” I nudged past him and into the bedroom, putting the box—unopened—next to George on the dresser. “You're familiar with Goldie's little packages. I remember Veronica telling me you had a toy party last winter and everyone got personalized gift bags.”

Mike grinned at the thought. “It was great. I might make it an annual holiday thing for the guys.”

“So what did you get in your gift bag?” I really wanted to know, but I tried to ask with as much nonchalance as possible.

Moving over to me, he stood close. Too close. How could one man suck up all the oxygen in a room? Every time his bodybrushed up against mine, it was difficult to breathe. He ran his knuckles gently down my cheek, then down my arm, his gaze following the path. Goose bumps rose across my skin.

“Goldie knew I liked a little kink and she gifted me accordingly.”

The mathematical equation of kinky toys plus Mike equaled one hot and flustered Violet.

“I see you like that idea. Too bad the toys are at home.”

My mouth fell open for a moment. “How can you...um...tell?”

“Your pupils just dilated like you're on drugs, your skin is flushed and you're breathing like a claustrophobic in a broken elevator.”

Yup, he could. I was practically panting, damn the man for noticing, so I took a deep breath to try and calm myself as I took a step back.

Mike chuckled, which I knew was directed at me. Irritation at his blasé attitude cooled my eagerness.

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