Page 7 of The Billionaire's Engagement

Twisting to face Mila, I snaked my arms around her waist, holding her. Mila draped her arms around my neck, our eyes locked. There was a sizzle in the air between us. My eyes lowered to her lips, then back to her eyes.

I cleared my throat then stepped back, releasing my arms. I caught her frown briefly, then she quickly masked it, curling her lips.

“Let’s get another drink and continue to mingle,” I suggested.

She nodded. “Sounds good, sweetheart.” Then she winked, continuing to play her role.

I took her hand and electricity ran up my arm, opening up my senses. I wonder if she felt this, too. I needed to resist the temptation to do anything with Mila. I could see the lust swirling in her eyes. I just have to remember that she is off-limits. My best friend—her father—would kill me if I let anything happen between us.

This was going to be a long trip.

3

MILA

“Ican’t believe it,” I said, laughing as we entered our suite. “Everyone bought our story.”

We stayed downstairs for a few hours, having about four cocktails each before we called it a night. I shut and locked the door, following Hudson into the suite.

He laughed out loud. “They ate up ourengagementstory and didn’t think twice questioning about our relationship.”

“We really played our parts well, wouldn’t you agree?” I asked.

“We sure did,” Hudson said, stopping by the couch.

“Your ex didn’t look happy to see me, by the way. She seems like a real bitch,” I pointed out.

“Don’t let her get to you. Sheisa bitch, and probably jealous that I’mengagedto a beautiful woman.” He winked, making me blush instantly, my cheeks heating up.

When we were mingling with the other wedding guests, it felt like Hudson and I were truly in a relationship. The way he kissed me on the forehead tenderly, gazed into my eyes, held me close, kept me by his side. It made everything feel all so real, like he had feelings for me. I knew all of this was just for show this week, but I secretly hoped this would turn into something real. The teenage crush I had on Hudson came flooding back the moment he asked me to be his holidate. Maybe I never really got over him and just pushed the thoughts aside, knowing that I’d never have a chance with him. But now, this was the chance I’ve been waiting for to be together with him.

“Thanks for doing this for me, Mila,” he said.

My lips curved to a warm smile. “Of course. I’m glad that I could help you out.”

I walked toward him, but my heel caught on something and I stumbled. He was quick to react and caught me as I fell into his arms. His arms wrapped around me, holding me tightly. I tipped my head back, and my breath hitched as our eyes locked. Heat flared in his eyes, the blues getting darker and more intense. I got a whiff of his warm, spicy scent. It was intoxicating and making me weak. There was a crackle in the air between us, our gaze not breaking. My heart rate sped up, heat spreading through my body at the close proximity of him.

His eyes lowered to my lips, then flicked back to my eyes. He leaned down, our faces close.Is he going to kiss me?

Then he stopped, clearing his throat and breaking away from me, shaking his head. I took a step back. Warmth spread on my cheeks, feeling embarrassed at the thought of Hudson wanting to kiss me.

Hudson’s never going to kiss me. I’m his best friend’s daughter. He’s never going to be mine.

Hudson ran his hand through his hair. “I’m getting tired. The jet lag is catching up with me,” he muttered. “We should get some rest. We had a long day.”

I swallowed the lump in my throat, then nodded, agreeing with him. “Yeah, I’ll see you in the morning. Good night, Hudson.” My voice was soft, giving him one last look before heading to the bedroom.

“Good night, Mila.”

I went to the bedroom and closed the door behind me, heading straight to the bathroom to get ready for bed. I changed into my pajamas, washed my face, and brushed my teeth before slipping under the covers.

I laid in the king-sized bed all alone, wondering how it would feel to have Hudson beside me, cuddling into him. I reflected back on the events of today, how Hudson and I were acting, touching each other and flirting. It felt so real, but I knew this charade was only for the week.

I wondered if Hudson felt that same electric charge that I felt when we were together. The look in his eyes told me he did, but I wasn’t one-hundred percent confident. I wanted more with him and would make a move, but I didn’t want to make it awkward if he didn’t feel the same for me.

I took a deep breath in and sighed, trying to relax my mind. My eyelids felt heavy, slowly closing and unable to stay awake much longer. Soon, I drifted off to sleep with Hudson on my mind.

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