Page 73 of Forever with the CEO

“I see. So, you trust that sexy CEO a lot?”

I paused. “Yes. Shouldn’t I?”

“Right now, I don’t even know what to tell you.”

Holy shit.Did he mean that he didn’t want to do this, or was he talking about our sexy night together?

“Nick, if you don’t want to get marrie—”

“I would never pull out at the last minute on something like this.”

“It’s not like you would jilt me at the altar or anything.” I felt sad at the idea. But I knew the deal, so I shouldn’t be upset.

“Allison, we’re going through with it. It’s just hitting me how insane this all is, that’s all.”

“Only now?” My voice squeaked like Annie’s sometimes did.

“It started some time ago, but now it’s even more real.” He sighed. “So listen, I know I’ve been dragging my feet with moving my stuff, but I figured there’s no reason to hurry. My brother Leo will drop by the house tomorrow morning with my suitcases, and you can tell him where to leave them.”

“Of course. You’ve decided to sleep on my couch after all?”

“Yeah. And if that’s too uncomfortable, we’ll switch it with mine. We’ll figure it out.”

“Of course.”

“By the way, Leo had an interesting idea. He offered to drive you.”

“Really? How come?”

“I don’t know. Sort of a ‘giving the bride away’ tradition, I guess.”

I smiled in the darkness. “I love that idea. Even though this is all unconventional, why not?”

“Then Leo will be picking you up.”

Silence followed his words, and then I heard him swallow audibly. What was he thinking about? My pulse quickened for no reason.

“I forgot to tell you that Bob emailed back. They’re coming.”

“For fuck’s sake,” Nick exclaimed. “I can’t believe them.”

“Yeah, I can’t either. He had the gall to lecture me about telling them last minute too. How about taking a hint, Bob?” I asked no one in particular.

“That’s frustrating, but we’ll manage.”

It was more than that. The Whitleys knew what was going on, and so did the two friends I’d invited. Which meant we didn’t have to pretend in front of them. But with Bob and Sophie, it was another matter altogether. Nick assured me that his family knew not to give us away, as did my friends. But still, it was all unnerving. I was afraid that Bob and Sophie suspected this was a sham marriage and were trying to obtain proof. Why else would they drop so much money on tickets?

I yawned, to my surprise.

Nick clearly heard it, as he said, “You’re starting to get sleepy. Good. I’ll let you get back to bed.”

“I’m not sure if that’s a good idea. I have to be up in five hours. I might be even more tired than if I don’t sleep at all.” Then I yawned again. “Nah, changed my mind. I’d better get to sleep before it goes away.”

“Good night, Allison.”

“Good night, Nick.”

After we hung up, it dawned on me that this was the last time we’d say good night on the phone. Tomorrow, it would be in my living room.

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