Page 25 of Who Needs a Billionaire

Husband and wife.

Alone.

ELEVEN

Do you want dinner?” Gus wandered into the kitchen and opened the refrigerator. “We could order something? There’s not much in here right now.” He hadn’t thought to stock the kitchen before Merritt moved in. At Adelia’s, there had never been a lack of food.

Merritt stood on the other side of the kitchen island, twirling a loose piece of her hair around her finger. “I’m not very hungry.”

“If you change your mind, there are some really good restaurants around here that deliver.”

She nodded and wandered out of the house onto the back patio. The moon was bright and reflected across the pool, silhouetting Merritt in a halo of light.

Gus wasn’t sure if he should follow her out there or give her some time alone, but he chose to join her.

She took a seat on the end of one of the chaise lounges, and he sat on the one beside her and flipped his feet up, lying back to relax. She glanced over at him then quickly away.

“This is awkward, isn’t it?” he asked.

“I expected it to be.” She turned her gaze up at the night sky.

“It will take a little getting used to.”

“Yeah.”

“Not exactly a typical wedding night, huh?”

Her eyes shot to his at that comment.

“I didn’t mean … I wasn’t suggesting—”

“No, this isn’t a typical wedding night, because it’s not a real marriage.”

“I’m well aware,” he replied.

“And just so you know, I am fully aware we will have to pretend to be in love when we see your family, but I have ground rules.”

“Of course you do.” He was not surprised by this in the least.

She narrowed her eyes at him. “You may hold my hand and put your arm around me, but no wandering hands. Also, you can kiss me if absolutely necessary, but no more than three seconds. And no tongue.”

Gus smirked, a small huff of air escaping his nose.

“I’m serious, Augustus.”

He chuckled. “You totally sound like an angry wife right now, using my full name.”

“You think I’m joking, but if I so much as feel your tongue brush my lip, I’ll bite it off.”

He burst out laughing.

“This isn’t funny.” Her expression was so serious that it made him laugh harder. “I’m being serious.”

“Oh, I know you are.”

She stood and stared down at him. “You are exhausting. I’m going to bed.”

He pressed his lips together to stop the laughter as she marched into the house.

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