Page 367 of The Christmas Wife

I nod. "It’s why you’re moving in with me."

17

Mira

"This is your room. Mine is next door; the ensuite connects both rooms." He stands at the entrance to the bedroom, one hand braced on the doorframe. It’s a posture that declares his masculinity in no uncertain terms. When he said I needed to move in with him 'right now,' he meant it. He coerced me to pack what I needed in an overnight bag. He assured me the rest of my stuff would be sent over soon.

Then, he hustled me past my friends, who looked at us open-mouthed in surprise. He gave me just enough time to tell them I was fine, and that I was relocating to his place until the wedding, which is in approximately five days. Gio spotted the engagement ring. When she pointed it out, my friends gathered around me while Edward waited nearby, impatience writ in every angle of his body. Abby congratulated me, and Summer said she couldn’t wait to help me choose my wedding dress. She’s also recommended a wedding planner, who she said wouldcontact me. Penny said her friend, Amelie’s company would do the catering.

Only Gio remained unconvinced. She made me promise to call her if I need any help. I hugged them all, managed to keep the tears from falling, and left with Edward.

And I know, he mentioned we’d have separate rooms, but looking around the space, which is almost as big as my entire one-bedroom, I’m overwhelmed. I’m getting married in a few days, to a man I don’t know. And no one except me, him, and my father knows why. A shiver grips me, and I wrap my arms about my waist.

I hear footsteps, and the next thing I know, he’s draped his jacket over my shoulders. The scent of woodsmoke and that faint tingle of electricity surrounds me at once. It’s as if I’m surrounded by Edward. I’m not sure if I like him, but I could bottle his scent and sniff it all day. Not that I’ll ever admit that to him. I snuggle into his jacket. The weight of his hand on my shoulders sends a flush of heat over my skin. I shiver again.

"You’re cold. I’ll turn up the heating in the room."

"No, I’m good, I—" I begin to protest, then turn to find he’s pulled out his phone.

He plays with the screen. "All done."

"You’re able to control the temperature of my room with your phone?"

He raises a shoulder. "I want to be sure you’re comfortable."

"Right."

"I’ll give you a tour of the apartment tomorrow."

"I wouldn’t have envisioned you living in a penthouse." I nod toward the lights of the city which shine outside the floor-to-ceiling window.

"Why not?"

"You seem like a man who values history. I thought you’d live in a Victorian townhouse. Or in a heritage building."

A strange look comes into his eyes, then he banks it. "You don’t know me at all."

"Which is why you asked me to move in with you before the wedding, so we can get to know each other."

He tilts his head.

"When do we meet your family?"

"Tomorrow."

"What?" I gape. "I… I’m not ready."

"You’ll be fine."

"Easy for you say. You’re not the one on display."

His features soften. "My grandfather will be relieved I'm settling down. As for my half-brothers, their opinions don’t count."

"How can you say that. Aren’t they family?"

"I’m the odd one out."

"Why is that?"

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