Page 6 of Married to Mischief

“That’s a sight no one wants to see.” I kiss the side of her forehead. “So, what’s our play?”

“What do you mean?”

“It’s a high-end dress store. We need an appointment just to walk through the door. Luckily, I had the foresight to make one before we left Peru. But what is our occasion?”

“Why do I need an occasion to look at dresses?”

I raise a brow. “Because it’s monumental for you to look at a dress, period.”

“Fine. We’re…going to another gala.”

“Wow. Creative. Remind me to have you come up with our cover story every time.”

She shakes her head with a smile. “You’re a know-it-all.”

“And you love-it-all.”

“Ugh.” She grabs my neck like she wants to strangle me. “The cheese. Stop.” But she presses a kiss to my lips anyway.

“You’re giving off some very mixed signals right now,” I murmur against her lips.

“Let me clear it up then.” She continues to kiss me when the car stops in front of the boutique. And when the driver opens our door.

And when the driver clears his throat.

I gently push her back. “I know what you’re doing, and it won’t work.” Though I’d love to give in and kiss her for the rest of the night.

Serena scowls as I pull her from the car and escort her inside like the proper gentleman I’ve become in my retirement… Ugh, I still hate that word. But I love the honest man I’ve become who is worthy—okay, that might be too strong. I’ll never be worthy of Serena, but I’ll never stop trying to be the man she deserves.

I give the attendant Serena’s name, and she motions for us to head to the private rooms in the back.

“Wait, if I’m getting fitted for a dress, how are we going to find the treasure?” Serena whispers, dodging around a wedding dress as if it might gain arms and reach out and snatch her up.

I cradle the dip in her waist. “That’s why I need you to try on a few dresses while I snoop around.”

“Are you sure this is the correct place?”

“Only one way to find out.” I push her inside the private room.

Abigail smiles when we walk in. “What are we looking for today?”

“Uh,” Serena’s eyes dart to me. “I need a… dress… for a—”

“Wedding,” I say, grinning. “Ours.”

“A wedding dress?” Abigail claps her hands. “I’ll go pull some and be right back.” She strides quickly from the room.

“What was that?” Serena hisses when she’s gone. “I thought you were letting me take the lead.”

“You were dead in the water, and I find it hard to give up control.” I shrug. “Also, I just really want to see you in a wedding dress. Sue me?”

“Can I?” Her eyes twinkle with mischief. “I could use a new car.”

“You know I’ll get you a car, a house too, if you just ask.”

She shakes her head. “I will try on three dresses, that’s it.”

“That’s all I need.” I press a kiss to her cheek. “I’ll be right back.”

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