Page 64 of Buckled in Barbwire

“Can’t I compliment my wife?”

“If you actually mean it.”

“I do.” His smolder could make me sweat in a blizzard.

My mind reels under his bold claim. I can’t take my eyesoff him once he’s captured me. We’re coasting along dangerous territory and not for the first time. It would be too easy to let him sweep me off my feet, if only for the duration he needs a wife. The risk to my heart overrules the fantasy.

But I wonder how love would look on him. The deep, unconditional kind that makes us reckless. Has he ever fallen that hard for someone? Doubtful, but not impossible. Would his heart shine through those bottomless green depths I’m currently drowning in? Damn, I need to quit staring. There’s just something very irresistible about my husband.

I shift my gaze over his shoulder in search of a distraction. “Do you know what our private bay is called?”

Brody scans the slice of paradise. “Do you?”

“Lover’s Cove,” I croon. “A local told me yesterday, along with more information than I needed.”

“Sounds about right,” he chuckles.

“Mhmm, the cabin has a reputation. I got quite a few looks after revealing where we’re staying. Rumor has it that couples come here when they’re seeking an intimate vacation.” I wiggle my brows to a sultry beat.

“Might as well be a sign posted in the front yard.”

“Or a public service announcement.” I cup a palm around my mouth and shout, “Can anyone hear me? We’re about to bang beyond boundaries.” Amusement stretches my lips into a megawatt grin. “We’re in the clear.”

My husband shifts in his chair. “Leave it to my dad to find a place fit for the occasion.”

A blush burns my cheeks, which has little to do with the autumn chill. “Only one bed. Dennis is definitely a menace.”

Brody scrubs over his mouth to stifle a smile. “That he is.”

“He wants us to catch feelings.”

“Something like that.” His gaze slides to his phone again.

It’s strange that he turned it off completely. I’m getting jittery without mine, but choosing to use this opportunity to be off the grid. That urge to check notifications proves how addicted I’ve become. I can’t remember the last time I unplugged from technology. Even now, I want to snatch his cell and call Bianca. She’s home and we haven’t talked. But it can wait another hour or two.

If there’s an emergency, Brody has his available.

“Well, this swanky pontoon is a nice touch.” I exhale the demand to doom scroll, stroking the cream leather to occupy my hands. “Pristine condition. Wherever your dad rented it from must have strict rules.”

“Didn’t I tell you? This stud is fresh off the lot.” He pats the steering wheel. “Dad got it for us as a wedding gift.”

“Another present for a sham marriage. Why did he bother?”

“Keep up appearances,” he mumbles absently. “This way, we’ll be seen cruising around Lucky Lake back home.”

“A town spectacle.”

“It’s about authentic presentation.” His flippant tone suggests he’s familiar with the phrase.

Which sprouts a random thought. “Does your dad want grandchildren?”

Brody grunts and motions to our secluded surroundings. “Isn’t it obvious?”

I scrunch my face. “Please don’t tell me that’s the next contractual obligation.”

His shoulders bounce with soundless humor. “Nah, he didn’t push the limits.”

“Phew, I was about to jump ship.” I wipe fake sweat off my forehead. “I’m surprised he doesn’t care that our marriage is fake.”

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