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I watch him intently, feeling a surge of desire coursing through me. The tension between us is palpable, the air thick with anticipation. But then he breaks the spell he put me under with a laugh, his laughter vibrating through me, sending shivers down to my core.

“You suck, Beau Montgomery,” I tease. It’s all I can do. I know he wasn’t purposely trying to turn me on, but he did. And now I’m stuck with him in a booth when we should be going over the day. Well, screw this. Lists be damned. We are about to improv the hell out of this day.

“Scoot over, Leonardo DiCaprio. We have a wedding to plan.”

But he doesn’t budge.

“Seriously?” I put my notebook in my tote. “Let’s go.” I smile, speaking through my teeth like I’m a damn ventriloquist.

“Not before you give me a kiss.” He taps his cheek.

“Are you kidding me?”

“Nope.” He shakes his head and raises a brow as if he’s daring me to do it.

“Beau.”

“Your grandmother.”

Oh!

Here I thought I was getting a taste of Mr. Penthouse, but instead, he was just reminding me that my grandmother is still there, and she’s still very aware of me and my new fiancé. Actually, I’m pretty sure Betsy, her bridge partner, is recording us right now.

“Fine.” I lean in and close my eyes, placing my lips over his for a quick peck, but his hands cradle my face, and he increases the pressure of his lips, kissing me… for real, causing a little moan to escape my mouth right into his.

I feel eyes on my and hear the old ladies oohing and awing.

When the kiss ends and I open my eyes, I look into Beau’s hungry gaze. And in this light, for the first time, I realize his green eyes aren’t really green. They’re hazel.

Tiny flecks of golden brown shimmer.

“Time to go pick out flowers.” I blink away the moment.

Beau stands and offers his hand. “After you, milady.”

Oh, he’s really laying it on thick.

I can’t help but feel grateful for Beau and his charm. Maybe it’s just an act, but his ability to handle even the most unexpected situations is reassuring. I might have doubted this fake fiancé thing, but with Beau Montgomery leading the way, I feel like nothing can go wrong.

It’s when we’re alone in the security of my apartment that I’m not sure what role to play.

Chapter 14

Beau

I hold the door open for her, and Lucy and I walk into the Twisted Tulip, the flower shop next door. The air inside is cool and fragrant. The shop is filled with vibrant colors and flowers that I have no idea what they are called. We’re here to discuss the floral arrangements for our upcoming wedding, a concept that still feels surreal to me. Raelynn, one of the florists, greets us with a bright smile as she emerges from the back, her arms cradling a bouquet of yellow blooms.

“Lucy, it’s so good to see you! And you must be Beau,” Raelynn exclaims, her enthusiasm genuine. She places the bouquet on the counter and wipes her hands on her apron.

“That’s me. Nice to meet you.” I put on my best charming smile.

“Let’s sit down and chat about what you’re envisioning.” We follow her to a small, neatly arranged consultation area at the back of the shop. The table is already laid out with a variety of floral catalogs, fabric swatches, and a notebook page filled with sketches and notes. No doubt this is Lucy’s handiwork.

As we sit down to discuss our options, I glance over at Lucy, noticing the way her eyes light up as she talks about her preferences for the ceremony and reception.

I’m reminded of the game of pretend we’re playing. It almost doesn’t feel like a pretense. My eyes are always on her when she’s near, and that’s not just for show.

As if sensing my eyes on her, Lucy looks over and smiles up at me.