Page 83 of Reckless Kiss

“I said I was coming back. I’ve answered every wedding question he’s asked.”

“Yeah, but they weren’t with much feeling, just simple yeses or nos.”

“What more does he want? It’s a wedding for show, to get you all the business so you can settle together. It doesn’t matter much if the flowers are yellow or white.”

“You have added two names to the wedding party, and you’re one of them.”

“Yanny would kill me if I didn’t invite him.”

“What about the rest of your family?”

“I don’t really see them. We’re not close, and I’m anonly child. Plus I’m not dragging anyone else into the lie that doesn’t already know. By the time we separate, I hope my parents won’t find out, and they can pretend to disapprove of their daughter with one divorce.”

“I’m sorry you feel that way. Are you having second thoughts?”

“Completely. I don’t think this is a good idea. But I made an agreement, and for the sake of all of you, I’m still returning to the island in a couple of days. I’ll talk to Archer then, tell him my fears, and if he still wants to get married, I will walk down the aisle and smile for the cameras. Lord knows I’ve done that a thousand times on the red carpet.”

“Erica,” Jason said, stretching his hand out and clasping hers. “You’re making me sad. I think Archer cares for you a great deal. He is busting his ass to get everything ready for when you come back.”

“That’s the problem. Why is Archer doing that when he said I was faking how I felt? I don’t sleep with just anyone. I’ve never felt more like a whore when he told me I was acting. I shared stuff with him I’ve never confessed to anyone.”

The waiter came out with their food, and Jason pulled his hand away to make room for his food. Then, Jason leaned forward and dropped his voice when they were left alone again.

“There’s no reason why you two can’t get married for real.”

Erica mirrored his position, holding her hair back out of the way of the food.

“The ink is still wet on my divorce papers. My ex-husband cheated on me with a much younger woman. My ego and heart are still bruised, Jason. Getting married to a good man like Archer and believing we have a shot? Thatwould be foolish because I don’t trust my judgement or feelings.”

“Then let me judge. Archer has sent an SOS for us all to return to help. Daisy has been there for a week and a bit. Luke is on a flight home, and I’ll be coming back in a couple of days.”

“Do you need a lift?”

“I can book my own flight.”

“There’s space on my flight. I’m taking across a heap of stuff for a charity organisation on the island, but all that is going in the hold. There are spare seats. It would be ridiculous for you to book another flight. Yanny is coming too, but that still leaves two more seats. Are you staying in London?”

“I have a hotel room.”

“Let me know where you’re staying, my driver will pick you up the day after tomorrow, and he can drive us down. You can spend the time catching me up about your family history and why you think Archer and I make a good match.”

“I’m up for the challenge,” Jason said.

“Good. Let’s eat.”

*0*

When Erica arrived back at her home, there were a couple of photographers waiting for her. Unfortunately, one got too close, and she held up her hand—the one with her engagement ring on.

“Who was your lunch date, Erica? Is he the man you’re engaged to? Is Jason Turner your fiancé?”

Erica was still amazed at how quickly information was sought or bought. Making no comment, she entered herproperty, leaving them on the pavement, behind locked gates. Yanny was her first call.

“Two things,” she said. “One, we have an extra person travelling with us to Copper Island, and second, the paps think I’m marrying Jason Turner.”

“Was he the guy you had lunch with? It wasn’t on your schedule,” Yanny said.

“He’s Archer’s brother and the person we’re giving a lift to Copper Island. How did the press get wind of it?”

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