Page 61 of Accidentally Falling for My Fake Wife

“Oh!” I feel like she just told me I was getting the biggest present in the world. “Will I be able to read it?”

“When it’s done, sure.” The look in her eye is hesitant. I gently lower her down to the floor and push her hair behind her ear. “But you need to be—”

“Hey,” I cut her off. “If you don’t feel comfortable letting me read it before it’s ready, it’s okay. I can wait. I’m just excited.”

She bites her bottom lip and lowers her chin. “I know, and that makes me happy.”

“But?” I ask, gently lifting her chin up.

“When I write—” she glances to her left before looking back at me. “I’m pouring my heart and soul into the words on the pages. When people read them, it’s like they are getting a glimpse inside me.”

Seeing that she’s searching for more to say, I wait quietly.

“Strangers reading them is one thing, but when it’s someone I care about and care what they think reading them,” her voice drops to a mere whisper. “It’s scary.”

“Susie.” I wait for her to meet my eyes; the trepidation I see there tugs at my heart. “I have loved your work from the very first moment Nicole put your book in my hand. I was captivated by the words on the page of that one and every book I’ve read since. You have enchanted me since the first moment we met and I want to know all the parts there are to you. I’m not sure you could disappoint me. I’m pretty sure you’re perfect for me exactly as you are.”

“Adam,” she whispers, but I don’t let her speak.

“I’m in absolute awe of the woman you are, and I would be honored if you would let me read your books through their transformational periods. But I will also understand if you aren’t comfortable with that.”

The emotions in her eyes as she looks at me makes my gut clench and my heart pound.

She stands on her tiptoes and gives me the sweetest, softest kiss, making every inch of me melt. Yeah, I’m a goner. “Thank you,” she whispers.

“You’re welcome.” I smile and run my thumb across her chin. “I have to go. If I don’t leave now, I’ll miss the plane, and Coach will not be happy.”

My thumb traces the curve of her lips. Unable to stop myself, I press my lips to hers one last time before grabbing my luggage and heading toward the door. “I’ll call you later.”

“I’ll be waiting.” I look over my shoulder to see her watching me from the porch. The smile she beams my way has my heart hammering inside my chest. I pause before opening the Jeep door and sliding in.

I never thought there would be a day when something would compete with my love for the game of football. I was wrong.

Susie does, and I’m positive she’s winning.

Walking through the entranceof our hotel, Josh brings up the conversation I’ve been dreading.

“So, were you ever going to tell me you liked my sister?” He nudges me, giving me a mock glare. With Susie not telling her family we’re married yet, Josh assumes we’re dating. My stomach drops, and I raise my hand to my chest, rubbing it lightly. Guilt assails me, knowing I can’t be honest with him. His teasing tone helps to alleviate some of the tightness squeezing my chest, but not the guilt. “You know you better not do anything untoward, right?”

“Untoward?” I scoff. I have no intention of hurting the woman that I’ve fallen head over heels for, but until I tell Susie how I feel, I’m not ready to tell her brother. I give him a hard pat on the back just as we head into the lobby. “Did you really just use a big word? Looks like Brie is rubbing off on you in more ways than one.”

ly grin covers Josh's face at the mention of Brie’s name. I know that look; the man has it bad. “Hey. I’ve always used big words.”

I throw my head back and laugh. “Not since I’ve known you.”

“Which hasn’t been very long,” he counters.

I thank the receptionist as she hands me my room key and tune out the guys as they start to rib Josh about Brie. It’s become an Olympic sport with them. Normally, I’d be joining in, but not today.

I’m relieved Josh seems okay with me and his sister as a couple, but I’m still nervous about how he’ll react when he finds out I’m married to her.

Especially considering the circumstances of how our marriage came to be. I chew on the inside of my cheek, thinking of exactly what to say.

I could always blame Finn. I mean, he is responsible for both my marriage and his relationship with Brie. Maybe, just maybe, he’ll get it since he’s in a similar situation.

“We’re not done talking about you and Susie. I still need to know what your intentions are,” Josh whispers behind me, causing me to flinch. I can’t tell if he’s serious or joking. He may be both.

I’m pretty sure I would be if Susie were Olivia.

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