Page 8 of Perfectly Wedded

I feel a zip of nervousness spider down me. How am I going to face everyone now that they think I’m engaged to Vale? For hockey fans, Vale is a freaking rock star. Not only is he a highly regarded public figure, but a sex symbol. Nobody’s going to believe we’re engaged.

When I return to the gala, I spot Vale across the room, talking to a beautiful woman I’ve never seen before. Other ladies walk by him and openly stare, and it’s no wonder. Even in his tux he gives off smoldering vibes, with his beard and dark hair grazing his collar.

I watch from behind the chocolate fountain, my eyes locked on Vale. I hate the twist of jealousy inside me. He’s not even mine. But as I watch her hand brush his arm, I can’t help the knot forming in my stomach.

Vale wheels around, then strides over. “Were you standing there the whole time?”

“Watching you talk to that gorgeous woman? Yes,” I admit. It kills me that I’m even feeling jealous right now. I know he’s just faking his attraction to me tonight, but I want Vale all to myself.

“She doesn’t hold a candle to you,” he murmurs, making something spiral inside me. Then he cuts into a piece of cinnamon creme brûlée and holds up his fork for me. “Try this. It’ll make you feel better.”

He watches as I nearly melt from how good it is. “Are you using dessert to distract me?” I say, lifting a brow.

“Is it working?”

“Like a charm. But I’m still not letting you off the hook.”

Vale offers me another bite and seems amused by how much I like it. “You think I’d ever want someone like her? Then you really don’t know me.”

I stop, mid-bite. “You’re just saying that.” That’s the thing about Vale. He’s always thinking of how he can cheer me up.

He holds up his fork. “I only speak the truth, my littleCinnamon Toast Crunch.”

I laugh. “Only you could make a cereal sound remotely sexy.”

“It’s one of my many talents—besides playing a role in your Kevin Costner fantasy.”

The music kicks up as couples flood the dance floor. Vale holds out his hand, and my pulse speeds up.

“Since we’re supposed to be practically falling all over each other, would you care to dance with me?” he asks.

Is this a good idea?Probably not. But right now, my decision-making skills are on vacation—somewhere far, far away. I nod and he intertwines his fingers with mine while I try to ignore the way my skin tingles.

My goodness, his hands are massively huge. How will any other man’s hands compare now that I’ve touched Vale’s?

He pulls me close on the dance floor, and it’s everything I can do to keep up the act. We move in sync, his body warm and solid against mine, and for a moment, I forget we’re pretending—everything about this feels too natural, too right. When the song ends, I step backward, feeling the tension rise between us, unsure of where to put my hands or what to say. Without missing a beat, Vale takes my hand, his thumb brushing over mine.

Vale strides confidently across the room, completely unfazed by the attention he’s getting tonight. He’s used to charming the socks off people, and he easily slips into the role of becoming my hype team as we make our way through the crush of people.

“Have you met my beautiful fiancée, Sloan?”he says to a stranger. The pride in his voice almost sounds believable. “She’s the best college skating coach in the country.”

I whisper under my breath. “Vale.You’re embarrassing me.”

“What? It’s true,” he whispers with that smile that makes me wish this night would never end. Vale’s completely lovely and charming, and he’s already perfected the role of playing my fiancé.

“What do you want to do after this?” he asks, handing me a glass of water.

“I’ll probably head to bed,” I say, taking a sip, cooling the heat in my body.

Vale’s smile drops. “You’re in the city that never sleeps, and you’re planning to go to bed?”

“What’s wrong with that?” I shrug. “I’m normally in my pajamas by this time, like an eighty-year-old lady.”

He frowns, while holding back a smirk. “At your age, you should definitely stay out until at least midnight.”

“I don’t even know if I remember how to have fun.”

“Then it’s settled,” he says, taking my cup and setting it down. “Tonight, you’re going to see the real Vegas with me. And I guarantee to give you the time of your life.”

---