Page 30 of The Fiancé Hoax

Cooper laughed. “Didn’t know I needed my ex-wife’s permission to get married.”

“It’s just common courtesy to let the mother of your children know when you bring some”—she looked me up and down haughtily—“girl around the house.”

“You’re barely in Eva’s and Lily’s lives, Gen. I didn’t think you’d care.” He fixed an angry look on her. “You know, it hurts them when you cancel like this. Why did you come here if you’re not going to spend the day with them?”

“I came to get my necklace,” Gen huffed. “I must have misplaced it here when I moved out.”

Cooper rolled his eyes. “Not this again. Gen, I don’t have your emerald necklace. If I did, I’d gladly return it to you. You probably lost it on one of your cruises.”

Gen flicked her eyes over at me, as if she’d find her necklace around my neck. She puckered her mouth and glared at Cooper. “You know what I think?”

Cooper raised an eyebrow.

“I think you’re faking this whole engagement,” she said.

“Do you now?” Cooper said, his previous anger replaced by a cool exterior.

“Yes,” Gen huffed. “I think you just met this girl and hired her for this… ruse. You know your odds are terrible for keeping custody.”

“How do you figure?” Cooper asked, poker face on.

“My attorney told me Judge Graves favors mothers. You know you’ll lose this case, so you’re grasping at straws. Obviously.”

She flicked her eyes up and down my body again.

Oh, really?

So she wanted to play dirty. I could play dirty.

I put my arm around Cooper’s waist and cuddled my head against his chest, breathing in his masculine scent. I looked up at him, and he smiled at me. Then he wrapped both arms around my shoulders and pulled me closer.

Oh, God. I could die.

Was this really happening? Cooper Pierce was holding me in his arms. And it was amazing.

“Are we done, Gen? My fiancée and I would like some time alone now.”

Gen huffed and spun on her heels, slamming the door behind her. We heard her storm down the front steps, start her car, and speed off.

Cooper and I stood glued together, looking at each other.

Okay, time to let go now.

But I didn’t want to. I never wanted to let go.

His arms were so strong, and his chest so massive and muscular. He was warm, and I felt wonderful pressed against him.

Safe.

At home.

His eyes moved to my lips, and his breathing became faster. His chest pressed against my breasts, making my nipples hard.

“Felicity…” he murmured.

“Yes?” I whispered.

He moved his hands to my waist and grabbed me suddenly, holding me in place.

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