Page 9 of Flawless Aria

“Sorry I’m late. Picked up a few things before coming home.”

“It’s fine. I was just taking a walk in the gardens. I can’t wait until everything’s in bloom. Too damn cold now for anything to survive.”

After he opens the door, he walks into the kitchen. I’m ready to make myself comfortable when he shouts, “Come sit in here so we can chat while I put things away.”

Sounds like he doesn’t want to waste a second before planning our fake engagement. Why do I get so giddy at the thought? Maybe it has something to do with the look on everyone’s faces as he gets down on one knee. Then another thought hits me. Could my heart handle the deception, or will I fall for my fake fiancé? Is that a chance I’m willing to take? Time will tell.

The aroma that wafts through the air as I step inside the kitchen is out of this world. It’s def not chip and dip, that’s for sure.

I’m speechless when he reaches inside a bag and pulls out a strawberry salad, steaks, and baked potatoes. His smile is contagious.

“Now you’ll have a chance to eat your strawberry salad without being so rudely interrupted. I ordered a few extras so let’s dig in. I don’t know about you, but I do my best work when I have a full belly.” I’m touched that he thought enough about me to get me another salad. This man. How had I not remembered how truly thoughtful he is?

“Thank you, Jax. After everything that’s happened you’ve been so kind to me these last few days. I’m truly grateful.”

“You’re not the one who burned me, Aria. So there’s no reason for me to be upset with you. We’ve always been friends and that’s never going to change. Unless it’s too awkward for you and you don’t want me in your life. If that’s the case, just let me know and I’ll never bother you again.”

“Not awkward for me unless it is for you. Besides, how can you be my fake fiancé if I ask you to leave?” I pop a juicy strawberry in my mouth as I catch him mid-bite, staring at my lips. Kind of hot. “Okay, hotshot, tell me your plan.”

For the next few hours while we eat and sip a few glasses of wine, we come up with a plan. Since the gala is only six days away and I have to work, we don’t have much time. It’s now or never.

By the time I get ready to leave, I feel like maybe we can pull this off. ‘Maybe’ being the keyword. I might write a damn good column about love and relationships, but truth be told, I’ve only had one serious relationship in twenty-six years. I’m still single, so you see how that turned out.

“I should get going. I’ve imposed on you enough. We’ll meet up sometime this week.” Grabbing my purse, he walks me out the door with enough leftovers for the week. Bless his heart.

“Stop by for lunch tomorrow and let me know how it goes with Maggie and Rex. Snap a pic if you can so I can see what those idiots look like. I want to rub their faces in all their bullshit come Saturday night.”

“I don’t have a set schedule for lunch. Sometimes I skip it all together. I don’t want you waiting all day for me.” I lean against my car door and he’s standing so close that it feels intimate. I’m not complaining and that should scare me, but it feels as natural as breathing.

6

JAXON

Aria stoppedby for lunch the next day and I didn’t waste a second before stepping into my role of fake fiancé. Or soon-to-be.

“If we’re going to pull this off, we need to practice. Otherwise, it will look forced and fake. Wouldn’t you agree?” I hide my smile by tucking my tongue inside my cheek. Aria looks clueless until a light goes off in that pretty little head of hers.

With her hands resting on her hips, where mine itch to be, she snips. “You’re joking, right?”

“Not in the least. I’m dead serious. We do not want our first kiss to be the night I propose in front of all your coworkers. Not if we want to convince them that we’re really together. Time is ticking and we only have five days to prepare. No pressure, just something to think about.” I head into the kitchen to give her some time to mull it over.

I start unpacking my groceries that were just delivered, trying to keep myself busy. After placing all of the cold stuff in the fridge first, I open my kitchen cabinets and finish putting everything else away. After tossing the paper bags into the recycle bin, I glance at the clock on the microwave. Great, that took all of seven minutes. Now what?

When she walks into the kitchen, I’m relieved I won’t need to busy myself until she makes her decision. Truth is, it didn’t take her as long as I thought it would.

“Wouldn’t it be less awkward if we just got caught up in the moment?” She’s got to be kidding.

“You’ve known me for a long time, and I consider you a good friend. With that said, I’ve never tasted your lips, threaded my fingers through your hair, or held you so damn close that I felt every curve. So, take my word for it. We won’t fool a soul if we don’t practice beforehand.” I’m stunned when I’m suddenly standing in front of her without realizing I moved while we were talking.

She’s biting her lip when my hand lands on her hip, bringing her closer. While the other clutches the nape of her neck with a possessive flare. She sucks in a breath and before I change my mind, I lean down and capture her lips with mine. Instinct kicks in and my tongue tangles with hers. All inhibitions are thrown out the window as my mouth steals her every breath. As my dick instantly comes to life.

She whispers on a breathy moan, “Jax.” Which is all the encouragement I need to keep going.

This certainly doesn’t feel like we’re practicing, since it’s as effortless as walking. With her heart beating in perfect sync with mine, I cup her face and nip her lower lip. When she grabs my wrists, I assume I went too far. Until her eyes flutter open and her tongue flicks across the sting. When she doesn’t pull away, I glide my thumb along the wetness her tongue left behind before slanting my mouth against hers.

We’re a tangled mess as our slow kisses become volatile and explosive. Our teeth clash, tongues dance and curl as our breathing becomes erratic. It takes all of my willpower not to throw her over my shoulder and bring her upstairs to my bedroom. Whether she’s feeling the same or suddenly realizes this isn’t practicing, she pulls away. Wiping her mouth. I’d be lying if that doesn’t hurt like a bitch, but I understand.

“I need to go. Practice is over.” She’s in such a hurry to get the hell out of here that she stumbles out the door and forgets her purse. Without her keys, she’s not going anywhere.

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