Page 15 of Fake Fiancée for Dad's Best Friend
“I can’t let you do that, Vivian.”
“We could share the bed,” I suggest after a moment’s hesitation. “It’s large enough for both of us without accidental bumping into each other.”
“That’ll work, too,” he says, his eyes twinkling.
I regret it in an instant. What if I did or said something silly in my sleep? “We should probably put a barrier in between, though,” I say. “Because I…err… tend to roll around, and I don’t want to wake you, you know?”
“Sure,” he says with an amused look. “We could use some pillows.”
He opens the closet door, takes out two more large pillows, and places them in the middle of the bed. “Better?”
“Perfect,” I say with a thumbs up.
Alex sits on the couch to answer some emails on his laptop and tells me to shower first.
I decide to take a bath because the tub is luxurious and inviting. I take longer than usual because it’s so enjoyable, and when I’m out in the bedroom, Alex is already asleep on his side of the bed. Instead of waking him, I leave him alone. I turn off the lights and get onto my side of the bed.
For the first hour, I can’t sleep at all. My mind is still overactive, although it’s past my regular bedtime, I toss and turn. The masculine scent coming from the other side of the barrier keeps assaulting my senses. I hear his breathing, too, which isn’t quiet at all. I bet his heart is beating as loud. Oh my God. I want to put my face on top of his firm chest and let him cradle me to sleep.
I nearly drift off when the window rattles and the house shakes. My eyes fly open. “What is it?” I mutter.
Alex’s strong hand reaches over and pats me. “It’s an earthquake, sweetheart. But not to worry,” he says as he yanks the pillow barrier away and pulls me into his arms.
“Oh my God!” I whimper despite Alex’s hugging and patting. This California, of course there are earthquakes. I’ve never had it before in my life and never thought I would experience it at all.
I snuggle against him, seeking refuge in the harbor of his broad, firm chest. The shake stops a moment later, but I keep clutching against him, expecting the worst. Will the roof collapse like I see on TV? What about the ceiling lights?
But soon, his solid, warm body and powerful arms convince me I’m safe, and no disaster will harm me as long as Alex is protecting me. With that comforting thought in mind, I relax. There’s another short interval of rattling, but I’m not scared anymore. Soon I fall asleep in his arms.
Chapter 8
Alex
I wake with Vivian’s soft body in my arms, her leg crossing mine trustingly. Her face rests against my chest, looking peaceful and content. I run the back of my finger over her lovely cheek and watch her eyelids twitch. She lets out a whimper but doesn’t open her eyes.
The ribbon around the neckline of her gown is loose, and I catch a glimpse of her round, creamy breasts with rosy peaks—my morning wood jolts against her thigh.
As if it isn’t enough torture, Vivian squirms, rubbing my hard manhood. Fuck me. It’s a mistake to get her involved in this. I shouldn’t have let her talk me into it. It’s a trial I must endure for two more days. Damn. I want her bad. She’s such a passionate girl, not to mention beautiful, cheerful, and headstrong. I don’t know that many young people know what they want. Even fewer are as determined as her.
She reminds me of myself when I was her age. I knew I didn’t want to live off family fortune and wanted to prove my ability. I build an empire by myself, and I committed to my work a hundred percent without looking back.
This fiery little girl will get what she wants, whatever she sets her mind to. And I’ll see to that, too. I’ll help Vivian to succeed. She wouldn’t want success to be handed over to her, but there’re other ways I can help.
I lean forward to kiss her lightly on the cheek, and she stirs. Her gorgeous hazel eyes blink for a second and then come to focus on me. She takes a moment to register my existence, and then she blushes as she moves away from me. “Gosh. I’m so sorry.”
I chuckle. “No worries. Vivian. I’m sorry about the earthquake. Was it your first?”
“Yeah,” she mumbles. “It was quite scary. I used to worry about blizzards, but now I think I’d rather be trapped in the house for a week than going through that fright.”
“I guess you wouldn’t want to move to California anymore, would you?”
She giggles with embarrassment. “I guess not!”
I chuckle. “Now, let’s get ready for breakfast and then your first riding lesson.”
She groans. “Do I have to?”
“What? Are you afraid of the horses?”
