There was more cheering and drinking.
“Power couple?” I looked up at Wyatt.
“You’re the power, baby.” He winked at me.
“I’ve got something to say about Salvation’s power couple.”
“Oh fuck,” Wyatt said under his breath, as the over-coifed and polished Simon Stark took the microphone.
“Stark. God, we should have hired guards.”
The crowd was silent, but I got the feeling they felt more like I did; unease, not an eagerness to hear what he had to say.
Stark cleared his throat. “You think these two are out to help you, the average family farmer, but nothing could be further from the truth. This marriage is a business deal, a farce all to help Sinclair Simms become mayor.”
“It’s deputy mayor Jones, to you,” Trina shouted.
“Boo,” my brother called out.
“I’m the one that’s offering to help you out of your financial woes-”
“Can it, Stark. No one wants to hear your bullshit,” someone else yelled.
“I’m telling you; your bride and groom are only out for themselves. They’ve duped you all and what’s worse, they’ve brought a young innocent girl into their scam.”
“That’s it,” Wyatt seethed as he made his way up to the microphone.
“Yeah, Wyatt, tell that asswipe what’s up,” a man called from the back.
Worried that Wyatt might do that using his fists, I followed him up to where Stark stood.
“Honey, no bloodshed on my wedding day,” I said as I reached him.
“No blood today, baby, I promise.” He ripped the microphone from Stark’s hand and put his other arm around me, pulling me close.
“Just so we’re clear. I’ve loved Sinclair since I was sixteen-”
“Sixteen?” Ryder gaped.
“She finally seduced me when I was eighteen…under that oak tree over there.”
“Oh God, I thought you didn’t want people to know about that.” My face had to be beet red in embarrassment.
He grinned. “Just letting the good people of Salvation know that I’ve always loved you and will always love you.” Then he fused his lips to mine in a fiery kiss that had my knees wobbling.
Hoots and whistles sounded from our guests.
“Oh my God. Stop already,” I heard Alyssa. “This is so embarrassing.”
“Any questions?” Wyatt asked when he finally pulled back.
“Yeah, what happened under the tree?” someone asked.
I blushed. Then turning to Stark, I said, “You can bring your worst, Mr. Stark, but we, and by we I mean the good people of Salvation, aren’t going to go down without a fight.
“Here’s to Salvation,” Wyatt said, reaching for a glass of champagne. He handed me a flute and took one for himself. We clicked and drank as our guests cheered Stark out of my parents’ yard.
We were in a crowd of people, but when I turned to look up at Wyatt, he was the only person I saw at that moment.
“You know, you’re the perfect husband.”
He grinned. “No kidding? That’s convenient because you’re the perfect wife.”
“So, will we be consummating this marriage under the oak tree?”
He nodded and leaned over to whisper in my ear. “Next time.” And then he kissed me.
Read on for a sneak peek of Accidental Baby, featuring Ryder (Sinclair’s brother) and Trina (Sinclair’s best friend).
Pre order your copy of Accidental Baby here.
Accidental Baby (Preview)
Description
A perfect example of an innocent bet turning ugly.
An almost innocent bet.
My best friend challenged me to fake marry her (very hot) brother.
The same brother who picked on me throughout high school.
I didn’t see any harm in playing along.
Not like I’d actually fall for the enemy, right?
So there I was…
Playing the role of Ryder’s fake wife.
Desperately trying to draw the line between fake and real.
While his tempting muscles stared me right in the face.
While his fingers raked over my curves.
Ruining any attempt to not fall in love.
What the heck had I signed up for?
Was the bet even worth the fake marriage?
Especially if I ended up with a real baby?
Prologue
Trina
I’ve gone mad. That was the only way to explain my current predicament. Up until a few days ago, I’d been a sane, reasonable person who did everything according to plan. Somehow, I’d gone completely off my rocker and was now in bed in Ryder Simms’ house. Not in his bed, but still, in a bed in his house instead of my own bed in my own apartment. The only explanation was that I’d gone nuts. Around the bend. Coocoo for cocoa puffs.
Everything that man did was infuriating. The latest annoyance was his recent shower. Who took a shower in the middle of the day? Ryder, apparently. Hopefully, he’d get dressed and leave the house so I could have peace and quiet. Sundays were my self-care days, which, among many pampering activities, included a nap. Just when I’d laid down, he’d turned on the shower. The pipes groaned and rattled until the water settled into a steady stream.
Just as I got used to the sound of shower, he started to sing. I thought singing in the shower was just a saying, but no. Ryder actually sang as he lathered up his … well, no, I wasn’t going to think about his hard, lean body that was infuriatingly perfect.
When the water went off, I thanked the lord and turned over to enjoy my nap. I could feel sleep shimmering at the edge of consciousness. I was nearing bliss when the twang of a guitar being tuned made me wince. Seriously? Now? Again? Did he ever stop plucking that old thing? I pulled the pillow over my head, trying some deep breathing to calm me down and lull me to sleep.
He strummed the guitar and began to sing.
Good God! Not that his singing was bad, because it wasn’t, but come on, grow up Ryder. Stop pretending to be a rockstar and get a real life.
Unable to stand it any longer, I jumped out of bed and stomped down the hall to his bedroom. I didn’t bother to knock as I barged
