Page 9 of Fake Fiancée for Dad's Best Friend
Snow White died right before I went to college, and I cried for many days because of that.
“Want me to get you another one?” Alex asks.
“No thanks,” I chuckle.
Alex ordered sushi sashimi for lunch because they wouldn’t require reheat. Served on a wooden platter, they’re so pretty besides being delicious. I’ve had raw tuna and squid before, but it’s the first time I’ve ever had raw scallop and sea urchin. I had no idea they were so sweet. I’m stuffed before I even know it.
After having my favorite crèmebrûléefor a dessert, Kim takes away the plates and folds the table.
Alex moves to the seat next to me and then fishes a Tiffany velvet box from his pant pocket. He opens it and shows me an elegant diamond ring. “Give me your hand,” he says.
I expected this because he texted and asked me for my ring size a few days ago. I blush even though it’s just for a show. I watch him pushing the ring onto my finger. It fits me perfectly. “It’s so beautiful,” I murmur as I gaze at the brilliant diamond on the white gold band. The engagement might be fake, but the stone isn’t. I’ve taken jewelry design classes at FIT, and I have basic knowledge about precious stones. This heart-shaped diamond is flawless and colorless and cut to maximize beauty.
“You have beautiful hands.” He strokes the back of my fingers while melting me with his gaze. “I’ll have to hold you from time to time and kiss you on the lips, too. You’re okay with it, right?”
My lady bits clench at the prospect, and I chuckle nervously. “Yeah. It’s totally fine, Alex. I know what to expect,” I lie. I didn’t give the details much thought in the past week. What I had in mind was sketchy. Well, I knew we would kiss, but I only expected cheek kisses. Silly me.
“Good,” he says, his voice suddenly turning gruff and eyes twinkling as he leans closer. “Let’s practice.”
I gasp. Ohmygod. Is he serious? My heart jumps frantically in my chest, and I close my eyes.
I stiffen, sensing his champagne-scented warm breath tickling my neck. His breathing is as quick as mine, betraying his excitement even though he looks calm and he’s taking his time. The tip of his nose touches my ear first, and then slowly, it glides across my cheek, leaving a trail of sensory arousal. Just when I think I’ll die of impatience and anxiety, I feel the feathery touch on my lips, and I shudder.
They linger just long enough for me to part my lips and utter a tiny noise, and then I open my eyes and see Alex’s stormy eyes staring me back. The corners of his lips twitch as he moves away from me, his breathing still fast.
“Not bad, isn’t it?” he asks.
“N-not at all,” I say, gasping for oxygen. What the hell is wrong with me? It’s not like I haven’t been kissed before. I have. A few guys, including Cody, kissed my lips. But I’ve never parted my lips and never felt this way before. It was as intoxicating as the champagne.
Shit. I’ll have to be careful not to start my crush again. I just want some easy, quick money. I don’t want to get hurt. I remind myself. What’s wrong with me? My heart seldom beats so fast around guys. I’ve maintained my friendship with Cody despite him being charming all the time. I can do it with Alex, too. Right?
I convince myself I’m just muddled by the alcohol and the sumptuous meal. “I think I need a nap,” I say to Alex as he picks up a magazine Kim brought him.
“Sure,” he says, looking up from his magazine. “Would you like Kim to reconvert your recliner into a couch so you can lie flat?”
“No thanks,” I say and close my eyes. “It’s comfortable enough.”
The truth is I don’t want to be too comfortable and sleep too deep. What if I start sleep talking? I do that sometimes. That’ll be embarrassing. I shift in my seat, being aware of Alex’s presence and the sound of flipping pages. From time to time, I crack an eye open to look at him. He seems so absorbed in his reading that I wish to do something naughty to distract him. I imagine climbing onto his lap and rumble his hair, which is still in its place, looking perfect. I’m sure I’m as disheveled as a street girl. Shit. I need to spend some time to groom myself before getting off the jet.
I fall into oblivion in no time. In my dreams, I savor the brief but delicious kiss over and over. And needless to say, I do a lot more than parting my lips.
“We’re almost there,” I hear Alex’s gentle voice and feel a gentle tap on my arm. “Wake up, Vivian.”
I open my eyes and blink. Realizing my head is on his shoulder, I apologize and sit straight.
“You want to use the restroom?” he asks me while I rub my eyes.
“Yes,” I say and stand up. I need to fix my hair and makeup.
Chapter 4
Alex
I try to force my attention onto the article I’m reading, but nothing on the page registers in my head, not even the colorful pictures. All I hear is Vivian’s uneven breathing and the tiny noises she makes while shifting in her seat. Is she asleep? I glance at her curiously. Her eyes are closed, but her eyelids twitch from time to time. Her lips also move as if she’s talking.
These adorable signs remind me she’s still a child, and I shouldn’t have improper thoughts about her. Christ. I almost forgot how to behave when I kissed her earlier. As I said, it was just for practice, but the moment I touched her, I felt a strong electric current zipping through me. I’m pretty sure she felt the same because she trembled. When she whimpered and parted her lips, I almost lost it.
Hell. It’s a mistake to agree to her plan. What was I thinking? I should’ve insisted on loaning her the money for Paris and found a stranger to do this. Two days and two nights’ being with this attractive girl without crossing the line would be impossible. It’s been only a few hours, and I’m already in trouble. I have an unquenchable urge to touch her and to kiss her.
