Page 16 of French Martini

“Oh, I didn’t mean that. Just that you shouldn’t have to be out of pocket for helping me.”

“Well, gorgeous, I appreciate that, but I’m good. I happen to own a tux already. It was cheaper to buy it for my sister’s wedding. I own a suit for funerals. I probably just need one or two more.”

Lowen nods. “Tuesday is another cocktail party. Wednesday is a design presentation. Going over new trends and highlightingup-and-coming designers. Then a sit-down dinner at a popular restaurant in the city.”

“Okay.”

“Thursday is the worst. I have to be there to practice for the awards ceremony and do several interviews.”

“How can I support you for that?”

“What?”

“Support you. I’m your fiancé, remember?”

His expression softens. “Right. Being there is enough. They may ask you questions about me and our relationship, but keep in mind almost none of it is well intentioned. They’re looking for nuggets of anything that will get people talking.”

“I’ll only say what you want.”

“We can go over that later. How we met, fell in love, how you proposed—all that stuff that is no one’s business at all.”

“Then let’s do it up. Let’s go over the top. Whatever you’ve always wanted, that’s what I’ll be.”

He eyes me with suspicion. “And if I’ve never wanted anything?”

“Dream. Imagine it. What would make Alain sick with envy? What would make all those assholes bite their tongues? What would make them have nothing but wonderful things to write about your new life?”

He exhales slowly. “Food for thought.”

I lift his hand from my thigh and brush it against my lips. Lowen’s eyes heat and my stomach does a flip before desire spreads through me like lava, heading straight to my dick. All thoughts of what’s coming are gone, replaced by this quiet moment between us.

I’ve often wondered if he resists me because he can’t see himself tied to a blue-collar, small-town guy like me, and yeah, it still pokes the back of my brain, but when he’s looking at me like this, I can’t help but imagine a moment when his walls comedown for good and he lets me do all the things I want to. I’d give my left nut to unravel this beautiful man, thread by thread, until he was mine.

“Um, Friday,” he says, his voice breaking slightly. “Friday is the main event.”

“Uh-huh.”

“There will be lots of media, photos, impromptu interviews. Of course the ceremony. I’m presenting an award and accepting one.”

“I’ll be your biggest fan, Low.”

Slightly flustered, he continues, “They’re providing a suite at this swanky new boutique hotel for the night so we can stay in town.”

“Nice.” Another night to share his bed? Fuck yeah.

“None of it’s going to be fun, Oak. Just know that upfront.”

“Maybe we have different definitions of fun.” He scoffs, but I continue. “I’m looking forward to seeing you in your element. I think it’s wonderful you’re being recognized for your talents. You’re incredible, Lowen, and you’re inspiring to work with. You’ve added new life to my projects.”

His brow crinkles. “Are you just practicing or do you mean that?”

“Our engagement might be fake, but nothing I say to you is.” I set my cocktail on the table then take his glass and do the same. “Your ex is gonna choke on his envy over losing you. I can promise you that.”

“He doesn’t care about losing me. I just need him to know I landed on my feet just fine.”

“Like a kitten.”

A smile pulls at his pretty mouth. “It’s growing on me.”

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