Page 20 of Defending What's Mine

Melanie clears her throat from behind us, her voice laced with amusement. “Well, I think I just got pregnant from that kiss.”

Charlotte pulls away from me slightly, her hands dropping to her sides as she straightens her dress. “Let’s just... get on with this.”

“Whatever you say, sweetheart,” I reply, offering her my arm again.

As we step into the dining hall, and after checking the layout of the land (exits, staff, and if anyone looks out of place), I can’t help but glance at Charlotte out of the corner of my eye. She’s flustered, heart rate accelerated, her composure slightly cracked, and for some reason, it makes her even more beautiful.

Yeah, I enjoyed that kiss way too much. Last night’s kiss was amazing, however this one amped up the ante. And judging by the look on her face, she’s just as rattled by it as I am. This might be more complicated than I thought.

10

Charlotte

I can still feel the heat of Asher’s lips on mine as we step into the dining hall. My pulse is racing, my cheeks are burning, and my brain feels like it’s been fried. That kiss was supposed to be an act, but it didn’t feel like one. Not even close. And it was so much more than last night.

So. Much. More.

I glance at him out of the corner of my eye, trying to gauge his reaction. Of course, he looks completely unaffected—cool, calm, and collected, like he kisses fake fiancées for a living. Meanwhile, I’m over here trying not to trip over my own feet.

“Charlotte,” Melanie whispers, sidling up beside me as we make our way to the table. “Wow, is he always like that?”

I blink at her, trying to play dumb. “Like what?”

She raises an eyebrow, her expression somewhere between amused and incredulous. “Don’t play coy with me. That kiss. Thatscorching, toe-curlingkiss. You two looked like you wereauditioning for a romance movie.” She swoons. “Is he always that intense?”

“It was... nothing,” I mumble, waving it off as we sit down.

“Nothing?” she echoes, her voice dripping with sarcasm. “Honey, if that was nothing, I’d like to see what something looks like.”

“Melanie,” I hiss, trying to keep my voice low. “Can we not do this right now?”

She smirks, leaning closer. “Fine, but let me just say... now I see why you’re marrying him.”

I roll my eyes, but the blush creeping up my neck betrays me. “It’s not like that.”

“Sure, sure,” she says, winking. “Keep telling yourself that.”

I open my mouth to retort, but then Wade’s mother, Nancy, clinks her glass, drawing everyone’s attention.

“Now that we’re all here,” she says, her voice sweet but firm, “I have the most wonderful idea.”

Oh no. Whatever it is, it’snotgoing to be wonderful. I can feel it in my bones.

“I was thinking,” Nancy continues, her gaze flicking to me and Asher , “since we’re all together at this beautiful resort, why not have the wedding this weekend?”

Time stops. I’m pretty sure my jaw actually drops. Beside me, Melanie gasps softly, and I can feel the weight of everyone’s eyes on me.

“The... wedding?” I manage to choke out.

“Yes, dear,” Nancy says, beaming like she’s just suggested the most brilliant idea in the world. “Wouldn’t it be lovely? A small, intimate ceremony with family and close friends. It’s perfect.”

Perfect? It’s a disaster. An unmitigated, flaming disaster. My brain scrambles for a response, but Asher beats me to it.

“That’s very generous of you, Mrs. Sinclair,” he says smoothly, his hand sliding over mine on the table. “But Charlotte and I were hoping to take our time planning the wedding. We want everything to be just right.”

I glance at him, startled by how easily the words roll off his tongue. He meets my gaze briefly, his expression calm and reassuring, like he’s got this completely under control.

Nancy’s smile falters slightly, but she recovers quickly. “Oh, of course. I understand. But do think about it, won’t you? It would be such a lovely way to celebrate your engagement.”

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