Page 39 of Fake Married to the Grumps

What can it be?

Chapter 15

Nelly

It’s Ethan’s idea to take more couple photos that look official and well-edited to make our entire ruse more believable, so I make an appointment with my friend Josie, the best photographer I know in L.A.

Josie West’s studio is on Benton Way, Silver Lake, and she is just finishing a session with a celebrity couple when Ethan and I arrive. Makeup takes a few minutes, and Josie’s team sets up for our shoot while we’re at it.

The white dress I’m wearing fits perfectly, and its bare shoulders expose my neckline, reminding me of the feel of Ethan’s warm skin there when we hug. My mind replays those moments far too frequently, and I can’t deny the tingles it leaves behind.

“So,” Josie says behind me as she sets down her camera on the dressing table for a bit. “How’s being married?” She smacks my arm playfully.

“Why didn’t you say anything when you two started dating? You didn’t even invite me to the wedding.” Josie pouts a little, but I know she’s not offended because there’s a light smile tugging on the corner of her lips.

“We wanted something quiet. I’m really sorry, Josie, but you’ll be the maid of honor for the large ceremony,” I reply while toying with the ring on my hand.

“I’d better be,” Josie comments before chuckling.

I offer her another smile and she moves on to talking about the concept for the photos we’re about to take.

I glance over to Ethan while she’s talking about relaxing in his arms and letting her work her magic. When his gaze skitters across the room to meet mine, my breath hitches in my throat a little.

These past weeks have revealed more about Ethan than I’ve ever known, and realizing his hurtful past makes me even more doubtful about this fake marriage.

I can’t fall for a man who might not be willing to give love a chance.

When I simply thought of him as a playboy, I could manage the turmoil he caused inside of me. Now, I find myself wanting to learn more about his emotional side and draw as close as I can to it.

“We’re ready,” an assistant yells, and Josie pats my shoulder before heading out of my dressing room. I take one last look in the mirror, then head out to meet Ethan.

He beams once he spots me and adjusts the lapel of his brown suit. The color perfectly complements his creamy skin, and the sweep of his hair to one side exposes the contours of his face.

Ethan takes my hand and links our fingers.

“This is ridiculous,” I whisper as I gaze into his eyes. “We don’t need to pose for a couple of wedding pictures to make it realistic that we’re married.”

“How do I prove I have a wife when there are no photos of her or us together? Doesn’t that sound ridiculous?”

“But …”

He swoops his right arm around my waist and tucks me to his side. “No buts, sweetheart. Let’s just do this.”

I stop protesting as we step in front of the background set out for us. Ethan puts a hand under my chin and draws me to himlike we’re about to kiss. In the next pose, he wraps both hands around my waist and presses my torso against his.

Every second I spend so close to him makes the heat waves rushing through me more dangerous. It drowns me, making it harder to breathe or think.

“Okay, one last one of you two kissing,” Josie calls out and winks at me when I shoot her a death glare.

Ethan clears his throat as he angles his head to mine. I slide one hand up his chest, and his brows furrow as his eyes search mine.

My heart thunders and I don’t think I can handle the pressure of being this close to him any longer. Thankfully, Josie’s phone rings before his lips brush over mine, and the sharp sound interrupts our moment.

“Oops, our time’s up, and I’ve got another gig. You two look so great together,” she compliments and smiles at me again before dishing out orders to her team as she leaves the room.

Ethan and I jerk apart, and I brush off the strands of hair clinging to the side of my face.

“I … Uh … I should head to the office. I need to prepare some documents for George. He’s agreed to back me up for the vote.”

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