Page 19 of The Billionaire's Engagement

My eyes widened as I stared at Mila in front of me. She took my breath away. She’s so fucking gorgeous. Of course, she always was. She had her long, dark hair in wavy curls, cascading down her back. Her make-up was flawless and natural, except for the rose-colored lipstick on her full, pouty lips. She wore a long, strapless, navy blue dress with black heels. The wedding ceremony and reception wasn’t on the beach. It was going to be in the garden area of the resort, overlooking the ocean. From what I heard, Courtney didn’t want sand to get on her wedding dress or everywhere.

“Wow.” That was all I could mutter. My eyes raked down her body and back up, taking every inch of her beauty. Our eyes locked, her chocolate brown eyes sparkled.

I closed the distance between us, snaking my arms around her waist, tugging her closer.

“You look absolutely stunning, angel,” I said, smiling.

Her lips curved, her beautiful smile appeared across her face.

“Thank you, baby,” she said, her cheeks tinged pink.

“You’re adorable when you blush, you know that.”

Her cheeks deepened, the pink darkened.

“You look so handsome as always,” she complimented.

“Thanks, angel.” I leaned forward, placing a slow sensual kiss on her lips.

Electricity ran through my body, awakening my senses. The effect she had on me was indescribable. It was an aphrodisiac that I wanted to feel over and over again. I released the kiss, stepping back. We’ve crossed the line this week. It’s blurred and messy. I’m her dad’s best friend. I was given the title ofunclegrowing up. At first, I thought this would be fun, a secret we’d keep when we returned to our lives back home, but I can see Mila as part of my future. My heart’s telling me that she was mine.

I gazed at her, knowing that we are going back home in a couple days and she’ll be back to dating guys her age. I clenched my jaw at the thought of other men with her. Mila’s mine and I don’t want her with anyone else.

You’re crazy, Hudson.I couldn’t claim Mila as mine. All these feelings I have for her are just lust. Even if I felt some type of way for her, there’s no way that she’d return those feelings. This was all for fun, right?

I pushed those thoughts aside, just needing to live in the moment right now and enjoy what we had. I took a step back then offered my arm.

“You need a proper escort,” I said. She threaded her arm in mine, looking up at me. She had the most beautiful, dark brown eyes, a hint of gold sparkled in them from the light.

“Why, thank you.” She smiled, dimples appeared on her cheeks, making my knees weak.

I led us to the front door, opened it, and Mila stepped out first with me following her. I took her arm again and we headed downstairs and walked to the garden area. There was a large arch adorned with native Hawaiian flowers and crystals hanging, flower petals scattered down the aisle with white chairs placed on either side and fairy lights hanging above us. Behind the arch, the ocean was in the background, the sun setting.

This setting is just like Courtney—over the top and extra. My ideal wedding would be one that was intimate with our close loved ones, something classic and timeless.

Mila and I took our seats, waiting for the wedding to start. I glanced at Mila, admiring her soft features, the beautiful contours of her face. She was looking around in awe with the wedding decor.

I wondered what type of wedding Mila would want.What the hell are you thinking?I wouldn’t be the one she would marry. She’d find someone her age that she’d fall in love with, get married to, and have a family with. Those thoughts brought so many different emotions that swirled in my head. I was upset, angry, and sad. I needed to face reality and stop dreaming of something that could never be between Mila and I.

I cleared my head, turning my head and looking away from her.

“Hey,” Mila said, her hand cupping my cheek. She gently pulled my face, twisting my head until our eyes met, worry filled her eyes. “Are you okay?”

I gave her a gentle smile and nodded. I placed my hand over hers on my face. “I’m fine,” I said, lying to her. I don’t know if I’m okay or not. I’m trying to be, it’s just that I’m so confused with my feelings.

“Are you okay?” I asked.

She flashed her beautiful smile. “Yes, everything’s perfect.”

I took her hand away from my face, then brought it up to my lips, kissing her palm, then grinned.Everything is perfect right now.Tomorrow’s another story.

11

MILA

Icouldn’t help but think that something was wrong with Hudson. He seemed a little distracted with his thoughts. I wondered if he was sad or jealous that his ex-fiancée was getting married today, and thinks that it should’ve been his wedding. I turned away from him and frowned. What if Hudson regrets breaking up with Courtney? Why wouldn’t he want to be with her again? She was beautiful and looked like a model.

But the way he looked at me told me otherwise. He looked at me as if I was the only woman in the world. This was temporary, anyway. I was here on a holidate and tomorrow night our agreement ends. I’ll give his engagement ring back on the plane and will go back to being his best friend's daughter.

---