Page 27 of Her Billion Dollar Groom

“What for?”

“Tonight. For coming with me, for defending me. You didn’t have to do that.”

“Yes, I did,” he says, frowning, his brow furrowing as he tries to understand why I’m brushing him off. “I’m your husband. It’s what I’m meant to do.”

“It’s sweet of you to keep pretending.” I smile softly, sadly, staring down at my feet. “There’s probably even some people out there who believe us when we say it.”

“Hey,” he says while taking a step forward, closing the distance between us. “Everyone believes us. We’re doing a great job pretending. Anyway, you’re my friend. It matters to me that you’re alright.”

“That might be the sweetest thing anyone’s ever said to me,” I say, my voice barely louder than a whisper, my heart clenching in my chest.

I want to tell him that no one’s ever cared about me like this before, but I also don’t want to embarrass him for being kind. And I definitely don’t want him to double down on the compliments. I don’t know how much of that I can take.

It’s weird enough hearing him say these things unprompted, let alone anything else it’s making me feel.

He stares at me for a long second, and I wonder what he’s thinking.

But before I can say anything else, he sighs his way into a smile and says, “Come on then, let’s get you to bed.”

“I didn’t drink that much at all,” I protest. “I can walk.”

“I didn’t say you couldn’t. I just said I would escort you.”

I narrow my eyes at him. “Fine, I’ll allow it this time, but only because you’re so cute. “

He tilts his head. “I’m flattered.” His eyes twinkle with a mischief I’ve grown fond of.

That’s the other thing about him that you wouldn’t realize to look at him. He’s funny, and he has a wicked sense of humor. Jason is like a gold mine — you have to dig a little to get to the good stuff, but once you crack through, you see how precious he is.

Wordlessly, we head down the corridor. A million thoughts are racing through my head right now, and much as I would love to blame the alcohol, I honestly didn’t drink much at all. I know these thoughts and feelings I’m having about Jason are completely organic, completely coming from my heart.

Now that I’m aware of these thoughts, it’s like a floodgate, a torrent of affection for this guy who has changed my life and barely even seems to want my gratitude for it.

When we get to my door, we both hesitate. I’m not sure what to say next. It feels like he’s looking deep into my eyes, deep into my soul.

I feel like he can read my mind.

He smiles gently. “Good night, then.”

I suppose this is my chance. I have to take it before it gets lost forever. And unfortunately for Jason, I am an impulsive person.

“Wait, Jason,” I say, reaching out for his wrist. He wheels around but misjudges how close I am behind him, so when he turns, our bodies are pressed almost flush together. I look up at him, my heart pounding.

“What is it?” he whispers, his chest rising and falling as he breathes.

“Kiss me,” I say, barely audible.

“What?” he blinks.

I stare into his eyes and smile. “You heard me. Kiss me. Unless you don’t want to…”

I can barely even begin to pout before he says, “Of course, I want to,” and leans in, sweeping me up in his arms, pressing his lips hard against mine.

I almost gasp with the shock of it before I melt completely into him, wrapping my own arms around his back, tracing his shoulder blades with my fingers. He groans, and the kiss deepens, our hearts racing at this growing desire.

For a second, I pull away. “Jason, what is this?”

“You started it.” He smiles, the kind of smile you give a child that amuses you. Doesn’t he realize that this is serious to me?

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