Page 36 of Nova

It’s not me. It’s my animals.

“Oh god! Are you allergic?” Why on Earth wouldn’t he tell me that?

Here, I thought he was reacting to me. A perfume, my skincare, or something else that would have gotten on him during our escapades last night.

“Must be. Never been around so much pussy in my life.” My eyes widen.

“But you’re an escort that runs a strip club.” My brain is having a hell of a time keeping up with his sarcasm this morning.

I blame the lack of coffee.

“Trust me, I’m aware of the irony. I should be fine once I get those meds in me.” Oh right!

I jump out of bed and get him the allergy relief, then some water. By the time I’d brewed a pot of coffee and made us breakfast, the swelling around his eyes had gone down enough for me to see the bright blue orbs tracking me around the kitchen.

“You’re antsy this morning.” His observation has me slowing down.

“Maybe a little.” I try to shrug it off.

“Why?” He tilts his head slightly to study me closely.

“We’re getting married today?” I meant for it to come out as a statement, but all my insecurities are laid bare in front of him with that one simple question.

“If you would do me the honor, yes. I would never force you, Simone.” Crap on a cracker.

He thinks I don’t want to.

“It’s the opposite, Maddox. This was supposed to be a fake relationship. I paid you to be here! No matter what my family said, I can’t force you to do this. I don’t care if they disown me. I won’t marry a man who doesn’t want me, and I sure as fuck won’t marry Tyler just so my father has job security. My mother can kiss my ass. Why aren’t you paying attention!” I snap at him when he starts fiddling with his phone.

“I’m returning your money and canceling our contract. I’m also informing my client network of my retirement from services. I will no longer be taking any appointments.” He puts his phone down and looks back up at me.

My phone dings on the counter, but I don’t bother to pick it up.

“You quit without notice?” He chuckles as he shakes his head.

“I’m the boss.” Oh, right.

“Just like that, no questions asked?” He stands and comes over to me.

“Dove, you are the only thing that matters to me.” No, that’s too much pressure.

“Your family, friends!” I remind him.

“You will be my family, and we are friends.” I try to step away, but he doesn’t let me.

“Simone, don’t run from this.” I swallow hard.

“You are more than I ever dreamed of. I have thanked the universe countless times for walking into that bar. I dreamed of you every night. Hell, I couldn’t get hard without thinking of you.” Ok, that was not necessarily something I needed to know.

“Excuse me?” He rolls his eyes at me.

“Alright, that was probably a dumb thing to say.” I shove him.

“You think!” He catches my wrist and holds me still.

“The point is you are it for me.” Oh.

“What about love?” I can’t look at him when I ask.

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