Total pages in book: 154
Estimated words: 148473 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 742(@200wpm)___ 594(@250wpm)___ 495(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 148473 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 742(@200wpm)___ 594(@250wpm)___ 495(@300wpm)
“Hi,” I say, too breathy. Too excited.
“Hey,” Asher responds, scanning the table. Five women, one man. “Hey, Fable, Josie, Everly, Leighton. Everly, good to see you again. Leighton, how’s everything going with your photography? Maeve said your business is growing a lot? The studio work and the sports photography?”
“I did. And I’m keeping busy. Thanks for asking,” Leighton replies brightly, twirling her cup of tea. She’s doing more than keeping busy—business is booming for her, especially in boudoir, but she’s also shot a few promo events for the Sea Dogs.
He shifts his gaze to Fable. “Fable, fantasy baseball season coming up?”
“You know it, and I might even let you into my league,” she shoots back with a grin.
“Hold a spot for me. I can’t wait. And Josie,” Asher adds, turning to my librarian friend. “Your love of lists is rubbing off on Bryant.”
Josie pumps a fist. “It’s all part of my master plan.”
Holy shit. Asher just acknowledged each of them individually. That’s not new—he’s always been thoughtful and considerate. But now, it feels different. Like I’m seeing him in a new light. Most men admire women, want them, date them, but many don’t always see them as people. And here’s Asher, taking time to genuinely connect with my friends about their interests, and warmth spreads through my chest, like that honey-hazy feeling I get when I start a new painting, that glow of inspiration that lights me up.
Asher turns to me, his gaze softening. “Did you have a good time catering on Sunday?”
Catering? I can barely remember catering. My chest is tingly, and my head swims with new ideas and possibilities. With images of him and me, all over again. Him and me, not stopping. I’m at a loss for words, and Josie jumps in.
“We were just helping Maeve with some tips,” she says playfully. “She asked us for some.”
Asher arches a brow, intrigued. “What kind of tips?”
“Marriage tips.” Josie pats the empty chair.
“I asked for tips on the brunch with the owners,” I point out, finally managing to snap out of my thoughts, then gesture to my outfit. I’m normally all about cute skirts—either short denim or long and flowy, but today I went a little fancier, just in case. Slacks. Gasp. I paired them with an orange and white polka dot blouse, so at least I’ve got a little splash of color.
“And we just decided we’ll give you marriage tips,” Josie says.
I sigh.
Asher slides onto the chair, playing along. “Lay it on me.”
Fable’s grin turns wicked. “We have a lot to teach you, Asher.”
Where are they going with this? No place good. “And I’m officially terrified.”
Leighton leans forward, locking eyes with my fake husband. “First rule: Maeve gets super grumpy when she’s hungry. So, you’ll want to keep snacks handy at all times.”
I scoff. “That’s not true.”
Fable gives me a deadpan look. “I’ve seen how you look at a bag of chips, Maeve. Don’t lie.”
“I feel attacked,” I mutter.
Asher laughs. “I’ve noticed she does have a thing for…warm nuts.”
“Oh, she’s into the whole package,” Leighton adds. I want to strangle her but she’s too fast with her sass. “You’re not denying it,” she points out before glancing back at Asher. “Maeve loves surprises, so take her on dates—just don’t tell her beforehand.”
“That’s not what this arrangement is about,” I say, but my heart lurches as I glance at Asher, checking in. Did I hurt his feelings with that comment about dates? I hope not, but his expression is amused, so I quickly push the worry away. He hasn’t given me any indication he wants to go on dates. He needs me as his wife for his new charity, and that’s it. That’s also fine with me.
Fable jumps in next. “Oh, and remember, Maeve loves her independence, so don’t crowd her. But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t cook for her.”
“I never said I wanted anyone to cook for me,” I protest.
But the thought lingers. That sounds really nice. I do like food. Except, wait—why would he be cooking for me?
Everly, who’s been mostly quiet, adds, “And she might act like she’s not up to speed on hockey, but she knows all your stats, Asher. Every single one. Do with that what you will.”
Asher turns to me, his minty green eyes lighting up. “So you’re a closet fan, Maeve?”
My cheeks burn. “It’s not a secret!”
“Feel free to quiz her later,” Everly whispers with a sly smile.
Before I can protest, Josie jumps in again. “And don’t forget, Asher, you’ll have to make some changes too.”
He rubs his palms, bring it on style. “I’m up for it. What have you got in mind?”
“Marriage is all about compromise,” Josie says with a teasing smile. “That means one reality show for every two football games.” Then she pauses, tapping her chin thoughtfully. “But you should probably establish a chore list too. No one likes fighting over who’s doing the dishes.”