Page 14 of Fate In Fiction

“We can enjoy each other’s company on a beautiful summer day walking the market. Two people falling head over heels in fictional love.”

“It’s showtime, baby.” She giggles, but remains stiff.

“Relax into the stride. My touch can’t be that off-putting.” I lean down to whisper in her ear.

Her hand lifts, lacing with mine as it dangles over her shoulder. “Better?” The side of her body inches closer to mine as we walk in a comfortable stride.

“Yes, ma’am.” Most of the vendors don’t catch my eye as we walk down the strip. Josie remains silent as a mouse and keeps her eyes ahead. Looking around, a large table with fresh veggies speaks to my heart.

“Are you buying food that needs to be cooked?” Her head tilts up, and as I look down, our faces are closer than they’ve ever been. I’ve been known to take opportunities for the hell of it, but with Josie, my ways need to remain respectful. I blink, swinging my eyes to the zucchini so they don’t fall to her lips.

“It’s been a while since I’ve made time cook, but I enjoy it.” Her head shakes.

“I don’t even cook.” There’s an ounce of sadness as she speaks. “Why would a billionaire learn?”

“Why not?” I wonder how restricted her life has been if her family wants to rely on staff for even basic tasks. I purchase some produce and thank the vendor before we continue walking side by side.

Josie lifts my arm back up over her shoulder, as her fingers slide through mine, holding us in place. My chest feels lighter now that we’ve naturally fallen into a comfortable position like a normal couple would. A little petting zoo up ahead catches her attention as goats start bleating. Her quickening steps pull us up to the gate.

“They’re so cute!” she squeals, but only the pot-bellied pig walks over to us.

“Look, he knows you speak his language.” I chuckle before she turns her head, sinking her teeth straight into my hand. “Jesus,” I hiss, jerking my hand away. Sensation fires straight to my cock with her unexpected action.

“I told you, no more pig jokes.” Her head stays locked against my shoulder as I attempt to halt my erection.

“You’re lucky we’re in public, little darlin’.”

She stills instead of shooting me with a comeback. Leaning forward, I take in her pinkening cheeks as she blinks, looking around the crowd. But then she’s straightening her spine, her poised self taking over and reverting her back to the formality of how she’s been conditioned to act. Robotic and proper. The perfect good girl.

“Loosen up, Josie. I enjoy joking with you.” My chin rests on the top of her head as her throat clears.

“We are in public. I can’t believe I bit your hand.” Her voice pitches with disbelief.

“These next few months are going to be a drag if we can’t enjoy ourselves. We’re a new couple excited to spend the morning at the market. This isn’t a fancy dinner party or event where a stick needs be in inserted into the ass to keep you on the straight and narrow.” She giggles as she relaxes against me. “If we want outsiders to believe what we have is real, I need parts of the real you to shine through.”

“Fine. But I’m not snorting at a pig.” Her head tilts up, as her lips hover close to mine.

Would they taste as soft as they look?

Dammit, Emmett.

A fitting snort escapes my mouth as my head turns to the pigs. Josie’s boastful laugh joins a group of children as the kids copy my pig noise. With a shake of her head, she joins the fun and snorts about.

“Phinie.” The firm voice of her father shapes us both up. “I didn’t expect to find you near farm animals.” She opens her mouth as her eyes drift to me.

“Beautiful day, sir.” I feel myself tense up, but am quick to justify our actions. “Your daughter and I got carried away entertaining the children.” The last thing I need is for her father to refuse her seeing me.

“I see that.” Mayor Callahan nods, void of a smile. “I hope to see you both at the council booth shortly?”

“We will be by shortly to help charm voters in your favor.” My smile is wide, and Josie smooths her dress, drawing my eyes to her expanding chest.

“Very well.” He swings his eyes to Josie with silent disapproval of her actions and disappears through the crowd.

“Let’s check out the end of the market, and then we can head back to your father’s booth.” My hand rests on her back as I guide us through the crowd.

“Wanna spin me around and dance?” Josie’s eyes light up as the upbeat swing music flows through the air.

“I don’t dance.” Not the type she’s referring to. “Plus, I think I’ve gotten a stern look from your father one too many times today.”