Page 54 of Great Pretender
Something has changed between us: the air, the feelings, the mood.
It’s all changed. And if I thought I might be wrong and seeing what I wanted to see, the evidence is right there in the way she looks at me. The way she’s been looking at me all evening since I got home and we got ready for tonight.
Last night’s kiss started it.
I hadn’t meant to kiss her. It just happened and changed everything.
We didn’t talk about the kiss. When I saw her this morning, she acted normal, but it was clear we’d changed.
Tonight, I’m supposed to propose to her.
We planned the whole night, from the meal right to how we’d do the actual proposal. But she doesn’t know I added a few touches I thought she’d like. I also picked the ring I thought she would like. She hasn’t seen that yet.
She’s been talking about the cakes and the charity event. She said she took the cakes she baked and donated the rest of the money where she fell short in baking. Since I’m to blame, too, I offered up a sizable donation as well.
I’ve been so lost in watching her as she spoke that her words blended into one, and I find myself looking at her lips again, completely missing the question she asked.
It’s the tug of her hand on my arm that snaps me out of my reverie.
“Sorry, what?” I ask, and she giggles.
“I was asking you about Friday. I can wait until you get back, then we could go together.”
I have a damn two-day conference in Philly. I have to leave bright and early tomorrow. So, the next time I see her will be Friday at the castle.
“No, they’ll want you there early. I won’t be far behind. Maybe an hour or so. My mother is really looking forward to seeing you, and you know she’s gonna go crazy when she sees your ring.”
“I know. So, what does it look like?” She’s been asking me that all day.
“You’ll find out in ten minutes.”
“Can’t you just give me a clue since I already know what’s happening?”
“No.”
“Why?”
Because I want this part to be special. “You’ll see why.”
She sighs with exasperation and rolls her eyes. “That’s so mean.”
“You won’t be saying that when you see it.”
She sucks in a breath and stares back at me wide-eyed. “Now, I can’t wait. I’m excited and—” Something steals her words.
She’s looking over my shoulder at something.
I follow her gaze and see good old Heath and that secretary of his. They see us too.
I look at Piper, who returns her focus to me, and when she smiles, it’s the best thing ever.
I can see she no longer cares for Heath or about what he did.
I remember seeing them together, and, unknown to anyone, I was jealous as fuck.
I’m glad I had nothing to be jealous over. Fake or not, Piper is with me, and tonight she looks like a million dollars. That’s why the bastard is still looking.
Tonight, he’s seeing what he lost, even with Sheila perched next to him like a little woodpecker with her fiery hair.
