Page 42 of Unleashed
I nod. This is for show. It isn't real.
His lips land on mine. He's a good kisser, technically. But it does nothing for me. No heat. No electricity crackling down my spine. No one ever does.
He pulls away with a smile. "Thank you," he says against my lips.
I look up at him and fake a smile. Because maybe this arrangement can work. Maybe he's a friend. Someone who can help my career while I help his inheritance. A transaction dressed up in candlelight.
He slides the ring onto my shaking finger and threads his hand through mine.
Audrey is almost bursting. It makes me feel even worse.
"So, when is the big day?" she asks.
I clear my throat.
"Not for a while," Hudson replies. Almost stuttering.
Richard's eyes move between my fiancé and me. I see what Hudson means, he’s totally suspicious.
"I'd like to see my only son get married before I die," he says bluntly.
My hand falls from Hudson's. He doesn't let it slip. He grips tighter.
"Well, that is entirely up to my gorgeous bride," Hudson says with a smile that's working overtime.
I nod along. "I can see which dates we could make work. I have a big family back in Arizona, so it will be a lot to plan."
Richard chuckles. "Spare no expense, Harper. This wedding is on us."
I smile as best I can. "That's lovely of you."
Fuck, this is a rabbit hole I do not want to go down.
We sit back down, and I am reeling. I can barely touch my food. This was not the plan. One date. That was the deal. One date and my debt is cleared.
Now I'm wearing a ring. A huge ass ring.
I am not marrying my boss. At this rate, I might go back to New Falls and never return.
Course after course of things I can't taste fly by. I do my best to keep up, laughing when Audrey laughs, nodding when Richard speaks, letting Hudson's hand rest on my knee under the table because his parents can see our silhouettes through the candlelight, and this is the performance.
Then my phone buzzes in my purse.
And again. And again. Three calls.
I clear my throat and stand. "Hudson, where is the bathroom?"
"Out this door, take a right, it's there."
I nod, with my phone in my hand, I leave my purse where it is, and walk—don't run, walk as casually as I can to the bathroom. Lock the door behind me. Press my back against it.
Gianna's name on my screen. Three missed calls.
Fuck.
I hit dial and hold my breath.
"Harper. Hi. Are you busy?" Her voice is warm. I was expecting something huge, seeing as she just called me three times in ten minutes.
