Page 30 of Knot Really Engaged
“We already went through this, Dad,” Max is the one who takes over. “This is the twenty-first century. No one asks for anyone’s hand.”
Dad grumbles something I can’t understand and just the thought of my father being upset because of the wedding brings yet another wave of panic. I’m no doormat, but seriously sometimes it takes a lot to try to make these people happy. This is why I live on the other side of the country faraway from them, but cut the distance with phone calls and texts. The best of two worlds.
“But Grandma Cohen won’t be able to be there,” Mom and Liam’s mom say simultaneously, their voices blending together in a chorus of disapproval. They exchange a look, their brows furrowed in concern.
“Why don’t you let us worry about the details,” Liam offers. “Maybe there’s a way everyone can be happy. Grandma will get to see our wedding, while my gorgeous fiancée will get the wedding of her dreams.”
Good luck making that happen, buddy. I just smile and hope that we can get out of Boston alive and single by Sunday. Somehow, I have the feeling that one of those two might not end up happening. Either one of our mothers will commit first degree murder for lying to them or hitch us against our wishes.
I just don’t know what’s going to happen, but hopefully it won’t be as bad as it feels.
Chapter Fifteen
Liam
Family dinners are. . . something I haven’t missed in a long time.
The McCallisters decided to have an impromptu dinner to celebrate our engagement. Since we’re the guests of honor, we couldn’t excuse ourselves and leave the house, or the country, as Audrey suggestedwhen we were ambushed.
I’m currently sandwiched between Audrey and a tower of cream-colored peonies that will become the centerpieces for Saturday. The delicate scent of the flowers mixing with Audrey’s intoxicating perfume are like an aphrodisiac. My current thoughts are, how the fuck do we get out of here? And . . . how do I convince her to take the PDA to another level?
Kissing was great. No, it was fucking amazing. But I bet that fucking will be out of this world.There you go, you fucking bastard. Thinking with your dick. Stop it. She’s off-limits—unless she wants me to touch her that is.
Audrey leans on my shoulder and whispers, “Is it time yet?”
I shake my head because we haven’t had dessert yet and I doubt our mothers will let us go. I kiss her temple. “Sorry, babe. A little longer and I’ll get you out of here.”
This has been a long ass day and as soon as this dinner is over we’re both flying back to the hotel. I’m not dealing with the continuous interrogation for longer.
“Isn’t this just magical?” Max muses from across the table, his voice dripping with a sarcasm that’s almost undetectable to the untrained ear. I know the fucker is enjoying watching us squirm—mostly Audrey.
“Absolutely enchanting,” I respond, matching his fake enthusiasm while giving Audrey’s knee a gentle squeeze.
Which is a mistake, because her knee is soft and warm beneath my palm. My fingers tingle with the desire to caress higher along her silky thigh. Ever since I saw her wearing this red dress I’ve been having very sinful thoughts. Nah, that’s a lie. The thoughts started last night right when I saw her. And if I could just . . .Stop what you’re doing, Cohen. She’s Audrey, not some woman you can drag to the closet and fuck to calm your nerves.
I tear my gaze away, focusing instead on the contemptuous sneer twisting Max’s thin lips.
The weight of Audrey’s hand pressing against my thigh makes me stiffen, my breath catching in my throat. My body betrays me, heat coiling low in my belly as her fingers linger a little too long before retreating. I cut my gaze toward her, meeting those mesmerizing eyes that seem to see straight into my soul. A secret smile plays on her full lips, and it makes me wonder if she knows exactly the effect she has on me.
Youwish, Cohen? You wish?
Earlier today, I might’ve given a made-up story about the way we met, but a lot of that wasn’t fake. I did find her gorgeous the moment we reconnected. Also, I wanted to spend more time with her.
But . . . Well, I really can’t blur the lines between us. I swallow hard, trying to push down the desire that threatens to consume me. This is all just an act, I remind myself, a carefully crafted illusion to fool everyone around us.
“Isn’t young love charming?” Max’s voice drips with sarcasm. And fuck, what is his deal. I swear he’s pissing me off. “Though, the honeymoon phase won’t last forever, lovebirds.”
I open my mouth to retort, but Audrey beats me to it. “You’re just bitter because Angelina left you for her kickboxing instructor.” Her tone is light, almost playful, but her eyes glint with quiet challenge.
I gawk at her because we don’t talk about Angelina. She was . . . not exactly his girlfriend but they were together for some time, until the kickboxer instructor snatched her from him.
Max’s face flushes an ugly crimson. “That was more than three years ago. I’m over it.”
“Sure you are.” Audrey leans into me, resting her head on my shoulder. “Which is why you’re still single and desperately trying to ruin everyone else’s relationships.”
“Whatever you say, princess. So, when’s the big day?” Max asks in that obnoxious tone he always uses to rile his sister up. His lips curve into a smirk, and I can see the gleam of challenge in his eyes.
“Don’t start on her.” I warn my supposed best friend who’s all too aware of the fake engagement but digresses because he likes to give his little sister a hard time. I narrow my eyes, silently warning him to back off.
