Page 39 of Reluctantly Married

Leon’s face brightened. “They want to have it on the fall schedule. They’ll start taping immediately. But the last show, the wedding, they want to do live.”

Live so they could embarrass her. She’d just have to think of a way to turn it on them. Make them look like fools. She turned to Adam. “What do you think?”

Several emotions played across his face before he spoke. “I think a hundred grand is difficult to turn down. I also think this could help both of our careers.” He held up his hands. “But I don’t want to force you to do anything you don’t want to. I’ll go along with it if you do, but if you say no, I’ll back you up.”

Leon coughed, and she could have sworn she heard the word ‘wimp’ in there somewhere. She tossed him a dirty look. “If I say yes, and that’s a big ‘if,’ our marriage wouldn’t be real, even if it’s legitimate on paper. So, separate beds.”

Adam squirmed. “Of course.”

“And if I go through with this, we’ll plan on getting a quiet annulment a few months after the show airs.”

Adam nodded, a slight grimace crossing his features. “Sure.”

Megan stared at the men, shocked at what she was about to say. Sighing, she plopped down onto one of the cheap lobby chairs and placed her head in her hands. “Fine. I’ll do it.”

Adam folded his arms across his chest, frowning. “Not exactly how I imagined a woman would accept my marriage proposal.”

Megan tried to laugh at his levity, but all she could do was moan, already regretting her decision.

Adam walked across the room, smiled at the camera, and sat on the plush leather seat. They had rented some swanky mansion to tape the show in, and all he could see were crystal chandeliers and gold accents shining from the bright film lighting. The infamous Doctor Lemon sat opposite him.

“Adam, before we begin, I’d like to ask you some questions regarding your relationship with Megan.”

He nodded. “Of course.”

“My analysis of you showed deep feelings for Megan, even before you started dating. Had you realized your feelings at the time?”

Great. Just what he wanted to do. Talk about his feelings on national television. Heat crept up his neck, and he adjusted his tie. “Um, no. I mean, I’ve always liked Megan. She’s spunky. But I hadn’t thought about her in a romantic way.”

“And how has that changed?”

He squirmed and thought about the time he’d spent with her over the last few weeks. If he were being honest, he’d have to admit his attraction had grown. But what was he supposed to say on camera?

Doctor Lemon leaned forward and put her hand on his knee. “I sense your hesitation.” She glanced around the room. “Ignore the cameras for a minute. Try to relax. We’re just having a conversation.”

Adam drew in a shaky breath and let it out. “Okay.”

“You’ve spent the last few weeks dating Megan. How has that affected your relationship?”

“I’ve gotten to know her. We’ve become friends.” He cringed at his own use of the word. That wasn’t what he had meant to say.

Doctor Lemon peered at him over her glasses. “Now you’re parroting Megan’s words. Is it because you are afraid to admit you feel more for her than she does for you?”

“No. I mean…” He ran his hand through his hair. Was she right? He thought back to the times when he pulled her close, and caressed her soft lips with his. Was she only kissing him because of the camera? Did it mean more to him? “I do like Megan. A lot.”

She pursed her lips. “If she were ill, would you stay by her side and nurse her back to health?”

Adam stared at the woman. Did she know? Was this a trick? He slowly nodded. “Of course.”

“Would you be willing to put yourself at risk to save her, if she were in danger?”

He chewed his bottom lip. Of course he would. He couldn’t bear to see any harm come to her. “I would.”

“How far would you go? Would you risk death to save her?”

He imagined a situation where Megan was held at gunpoint, a man in a ski mask holding her throat. His gut clenched. What would he do? The answer came as his emotions surged. He’d run to her and pound that son-of-a-gun into the pavement. “Yes.”

“Would you die to save her?” Doctor Lemon’s voice was barely above a whisper.

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