Page 42 of The Marriage Deal
“Now I cook for you.”
18
SALT IN THE WOUND
LILAH
Ican’t deny the man can cook. I also can’t deny he looks damn good doing it. He ditched his worn leather cowboy hat at the front door, so he’s in dark jeans that hug his thighs and hips in a way I’ve never really noticed jeans hugging a man. And the white T-shirt he wears is stretched tight over his broad chest and back, teasing a show of the muscles I just know are beneath.
He looks good, standing at the barbecue. Good enough to dry my tongue, which is why I take a sip of my wine. I’d cracked and traded the bottle of water for a glass of pinot gris from the backstock of Alder Wines. It’s good, but everyone knows Alder Wines makes good wines. The notes of crisp pear blended with just the right amount of spice gives me the refreshing bite I was looking for after that kiss.
I’d hoped to wash away the taste of Briggs on my tongue, but so far, the wine had failed me on that front.
I take another sip and move from the patio sectional where Briggs left me to go grill. The man has a whole-ass outdoor kitchen on his back deck. The thing is equipped with not only the grill, but a fridge, sink, and stretch of cabinets that honestly looks better than most people’s primary kitchen.
I can’t get over the splash of money this man has. When you’re not used to it, it sort of hits you straight in the face. Like a punch.
I lean a hip into the stone countertop beside him. Ignoring the flutter of warmth that leaks from some dark place inside me when he casts those green eyes on me, I say, “So, you cook.”
“I do.”
I dip my chin into my chest. “How are we doing this, Briggs?”
“What do you mean?”
“I mean…” I take another sip of wine. He watches me. I pretend I don’t notice. “I mean are we going to get to know each other? At least a little.”
“Of course. You’re wearing my ring on your finger. You’re to be my wife.”
“Fake wife,” I correct.
He doesn’t reply.
I pull in a breath and adjust my stance so the small of my back is leaning against the counter. We’re now facing opposite directions. It doesn’t feel any lessintimate. “I just want to know how this is going to work.”
Briggs gives the roasted potatoes a gentle spin on the grill. They are perfectly crisped, and the veggies are perfectly grilled. He adds two massive steaks to the grill. The meat sizzles.
“We’re going to announce our engagement to the town as soon as possible.” He flashes me a wry grin. “I was thinking we’d do it tomorrow morning when I take you out for breakfast.”
There’s a lump in my throat. I swallow it down with another gulp of wine. “You’ve got it all planned.”
“After, because you can’t imagine being parted from me—” the man winks. “You’ll move yourself and yourdogin.”
I can’t help my smile at the way he says dog. When I glance up to peek at him, I find he’s already watching me. My heart flips.
“And then?”My goodness, I’m breathless.
“And then we’ll start what we came together to do.”
“Which is?”
He raises a brow. “Easing the town into the construction of Fire Falls Ranch and Resort and Fire Falls Estates. With you, a face everyone trusts and adores, as the face of change.”
“What about us?” The words feel stuck in my throat somehow. Still, they fall between us. Tumble. Splat. Absolutely zero decorum. I avert my gaze, but from the corner of my eye I watch him.
Briggs flips the steaks. “We’ll be what husband and wife are in public. Loving, tender, and supportive.”
Good heavens, why can’t I catch my breath?“In private?”
