by Ava Walsh
“Hang on. We were drinking. Then you told me you were a virgin. And I finally kissed you again.”
“I don’t remember a thing. Are you sure?”
“Positive.” He walked into the living room of the suite and looked around. The place had been trashed with empty bottles and glasses she could see from the doorway. “And then… oh, my God.”
She ran into the living room, clutching the robe together. “What? What happened?”
“You said you weren’t having sex until you found the perfect man and married him. Remember?”
She motioned for him to go on. “Sort of.”
“Well, at some point, between the, ‘I’m a virgin waiting for marriage,’ and the kissing… I’m not positive, but at some point, we decided we should get married.”
“We what?” Her voice bounced around the room and Matt put his head in his hands.
“I said no more yelling.”
“That was before you told me we got married. Oh, my God. I can’t breathe.” Brooke plopped down on the couch and let her head fall back. “I think I’m going to pass out.”
Matt started picking things up and looking under them—bottles, pillows. The room was wrecked.
“What are you doing?”
“Hang on.” He walked out of the room and came back with a single sheet of paper. “This was on the bathroom sink.”
“What was?”
“Certificate of marriage.”
Brooke couldn’t help it, she burst into tears. This was nothing like what she’d imagined her wedding night would be. Matt wasn’t the perfect man, whether she had a serious crush on him or not; he was a playboy who wasn’t in love with her. And she didn’t even remember the wedding night.
Matt crossed the room and settled on the couch beside of her. He gathered her in his arms. “Shh, it’s okay.”
“It’s not okay. It’s awful. I’ve waited twenty-eight years for this night and I don’t even remember it.”
“Don’t worry, sweetheart. I remembered what happened when I found the license. I put it there before I got sick. I brushed my teeth, came out to claim my bride, and you were passed out.”
“Then why are my clothes off?” She clutched the lapel of the robe, pulling it tight over her breasts, and buried her face in his chest. “Did you see me naked?”
“I hope that if I did, I’d remember it. But, I’m pretty sure you changed while I was in the bathroom.”
Matt held her while she cried, making little shushing sounds over her, which made her even sadder. If Matt weren’t such a player, he’d make a great husband. He was a good, decent man—he just couldn’t keep it in his pants since his divorce. As far as she knew, he’d never cheated on his wife.
His first wife. I’m his wife now.
Taking her by the shoulders, Matt held her away from him and looked at her. She couldn’t believe she’d let herself get so blind drunk that she’d married him.
“Look at me, sweetheart.” When she lifted her face, he gave her a small smile. “If no one knows, then we can just get an annulment. We didn’t consummate the marriage. You can still wait for the perfect man. Obviously, that’s not me.”
Brooke sniffled, then swiped at the tears on her face. “Why if no one knows? What difference does that make?”
“Hang on a minute.” He stood and walked back into the bedroom.
Brooke ran her hands through her messy hair, trying to smooth it down. She’d behaved so unprofessional, so unlike herself. It was the kiss on the plane—it had shaken her to her core. She’d always wanted Matt to notice her, but it didn’t matter if she wanted him or not. She’d never have him because after his horrible ex-wife ran off with the chauffeur, he’d sworn to never marry again.
Matt came out with his iPad and handed it to her without a word. His face was set in grim lines. “Take a look at this.”
On the iPad, he’d pulled up a celebrity news site. Matt dated so many famous women, he was always in the news himself. On the top of the page was a picture of the two of them in some tacky wedding chapel, full of fake flowers and pink velvet, and they were clutching one another in a passionate kiss.
“I have no memory of the kiss. Vague memories of the chapel. It was awful.” He sat down beside of her, put the iPad aside, and took her hand. “This changes everything.”
“No. No, it doesn’t. We’re getting an annulment.” She looked down at their intertwined hands and nausea churned in her stomach.
“It won’t take long before my father finds out. He’ll think I’m completely irresponsible if I get an annulment.”
Brooke extracted her hand from his grip and stood up, putting some distance between them. “I can’t stay married to you so your father doesn’t know we got drunk and impulsively decided to marry. We have grounds for an annulment.”
“Look, it’s just for a few months—until my dad retires. I can give you money, Brooke. As much as you want.”
Brooke recoiled as if he’d slapped her. How dare he think he could just buy her off. There was no way she’d stay married to him—she was waiting for her dream man. “I don’t want money from you.”
“I won’t cheat on you.”
“We’re not really married!”
“This piece of paper says otherwise.” He snatched it up and waved it at her. “It will destroy any chance I have of becoming president if we annul the marriage.”
She covered her mouth with her hands, horrified. She didn’t want to ruin his life, she just also didn’t want to ruin her own.
Crossing the room, he tucked a finger under her chin until she lifted her face to look at him, letting her hands fall, numb, at her side. “I’ll pay for an assisted living home for your father for the rest of his life.”
Brooke twisted away, eyes shut. Could she really consider doing this? She had everything to lose, but… her father needed that home. It was just a small exchange—a few months of her life for a lifetime of safety and comfort for her father. “I want to keep my job.”
“So you’ll do it?” He moved to stand in front of her and she looked up into his eyes.
“I keep my job, you’ll pay for the assisted living as long as he lives.”
“I’ll have my attorney’s draw it up in a post-nuptial agreement, detailing everything.”
She wasn’t interested in his money, and her feelings were a little hurt that he felt he needed to spell that out on a contract. But, really, what choice did she have? This would change her father’s life.
“Fine. But, it’s only a marriage for looks. We’re not ever having sex. Understand?”
“If that’s what you want.”
“It is.” She wanted Matt, but not at the cost of her dreams. She’d hold onto those as long as she could.
***
One week later, Brooke couldn’t believe how her life had changed. Matt had found her father a top-of-the-line assisted living home and helped her—as in paid other people to do it—get her father settled. She’d moved from her cluttered apartment to his huge penthouse.
It only made sense to keep her apartment because she’d be moving back there in a few months’ time. This way she could go in on her days off to get everything sorted and store her father’s things he no longer needed or didn’t take with him when he moved.
Matt didn’t have any live-in staff, so it was safe for Brooke to sleep in the guest bedroom without anyone finding out. He only had a housekeeper who came in the morning to tidy up and make dinner. The only thing Brooke had to do was get up early and make the bed back up before she came.
Today, they were going to see her father in his new apartment at the assisted-living center. Matt came out of the master bedroom, looking delicious in a black suit, to find her sitting on the stairs.
With a sigh, she stood up.
“I wish you’d cheer up, Mrs. Cross.”
She rolled her eyes. “I wish you wouldn’t call me that.”
“Well, you’re no longer Miss Monroe. What should I call you?”
“Brooke is fine. Come on.” She started down the stairs. There was this odd tension between them now. She was equal parts annoyed by him and filled with lust for him. She’d always wanted him but in a distant sort of way. A never-going-to-happen way. But since the kiss, since the night he’d married her so she’d sleep with him, since he now slept one door down the hall from her, it was all too real.
He caught up with her at the foot of the stairs and put a hand on the small of her back. Jolts of electricity snapped between them, shot straight to her center. How could she want this man so much? She’d never really wrestled with desire before, and it was an awful thing to know if she wanted him, all she had to do was say so.
He led her to the door and opened it for her. He was so solicitous. When she needed something, he was always a step ahead of her, taking care of it. They made their way downstairs, where a doorman opened the door for them. Outside, a chauffeur awaited them, the car double-parked so they wouldn’t have to wait.
His lifestyle was so different from the constant struggle of her own, and it was hard to get accustomed to.
In the car, he offered her a water, which she took, grateful. Anything to cool her down. Heat flooded her face when she caught herself watching him instead of the scenery outside the window. The assisted-living center was close to her old apartment, so she could easily go visit once she was back to her old life.
“I bet you’re excited to see your dad.”
“I am. The staff calls me every day to let me know how he’s doing. It’s such a wonderful place. I’m glad you could go with me today, so you can see for yourself what you’re paying for.”
He tilted his head and examined her. “Seeing those worry lines gone is all I need to see.”
“Still, it’s your money going for it. You should see what you’re getting for the price. It’s really too much.”
“It’s not too much. You and your dad deserve the best. I’d have paid for it if you didn’t marry me, you know that.”
“But I couldn’t accept it then. At least this way, it’s like I’m earning it.” She curled her hands together in her lap. “How are things with your dad?”
“Well, once he got over the initial shock of me marrying my assistant out of nowhere, he’s pretty pleased. He likes that you know the business. Says that makes you a real valuable member of the family.” Matt spread out, putting his arm along the back of the seat.
His hand dangled at her shoulder, fingertips barely grazing her shirt. Brooke closed her eyes and turned her head away from him. Why did she have to be so aware of him all the time? He was like an oasis in the desert, this wellspring of everything she could possibly want, except for one thing—he didn’t want to be married to her.
In just a few months, they’d divorce and both walk away. She had to make sure until that happened, she didn’t let her guard down.
***
Matt was in his office, having a drink. He sat on the couch, his feet up on the coffee table. He rarely drank at work, except when he had to deal with his father, but he’d become damn frustrated in the last week.
It was killing him, being so close to Brooke and not touching her. At night, she was just down the hall. Right now, she sat at her desk, just outside his office. The sound of her fingers flying over the keys of her laptop drifted through the cracked door.
He knew they shared a mutual attraction—he had a marriage certificate to prove it. Had they not both been too drunk, he’d have had her that night. He closed his eyes, easily fantasizing about holding her naked body against him. What he’d love to do to her, to bring her pleasure, make her come, over and over.
Lost in his fantasies, it took him a moment to realize his father’s voice boomed outside the office. His father had a natural, deep voice that carried far. Matt stood from the couch, putting his drink aside. That’s all he needed—for his father to find him loafing when he should be working.
Unsure what Brooke and his father were discussing, Matt made his way to the door to rescue her. He paused with a hand on the doorknob.
“I’m sorry, sir, but I have to disagree with you. Matt is more responsible than you give him credit for. He’s generous and giving with everyone, to a fault, maybe. And he loves this company. He wants to do what’s best for the future of everyone who works here.”
“Hmm,” was all his dad said after a long moment. “Maybe you’re right. In any case, welcome to the family.”
At this point, a normal man would’ve hugged Brooke. Brooke’s father had hugged him when they told him about their impromptu marriage. Instead, Richard held out a hand for her to shake.
She stood and took his hand, shaking it with both of hers. “Thank you,” she said.
“I hope you plan on quitting this job soon. Matt can get another assistant. You’re his wife now. His life-partner.”
Matt shook his head. Like hell he’d ever stay married, allow someone to be his “life-partner,” even Brooke, who he trusted implicitly. He’d never let his guard down that way again.
Did he believe Brooke would cheat on him if he let her in, gave in to the feelings that seemed to tug at him whenever he was with her? Not at all. But he hadn’t believed that about his first wife, either.
“Matt and I work very well together and I enjoy it as much as he does. I wouldn’t dream of quitting.”
Opening the door, Matt stepped out to greet his father. Another handshake. Hugs in the Cross household simply weren’t done.
“I overheard the last bit of your conversation. I think my father is right, Brooke. You shouldn’t be my assistant.”
Brooke gave him a forced smile. “We agreed I would keep my job. Remember?”
“I’m not suggesting that you stop working. Only that you receive a promotion to management. You’d still travel with me and help me fix what’s broken at our hotels that aren’t performing optimally.”
Brooke glared at him and shook her head, crossing her arms in front of her. “It’s ridiculous to promote me because I’m your wife.”
“Hear him out,” Richard clapped a hand on Matt’s back and Matt turned to him, surprised at the support. “Maybe with someone so competent at the helm, once he trains you, he can focus on the big-picture of the company.”
Matt should’ve known his father would have ulterior motives in agreeing with him. “I don’t know about that. But, we can continue to work together, just like always. You just won’t have to also answer my phone and do the filing.”
If he’d thought of it, he would’ve done this long ago. That was the whole problem for him now—he was seeing Brooke in a whole new light. Not only did he spend his waking hours obsessing about what it would be like to have her, to make love to the innocent, yet passionate woman he now recognized, but he also realized she did a lot of work to make his job easier.
Brooke looked from him to his father and back again. “Maybe we should discuss it later.”
“On this one, I’m overruling you, Mrs. Cross. At work, I’m the boss, and I say who will do what. Find me a new assistant and notify HR of your promotion. Tell them to call me to discuss the pay and benefit details.”
She narrowed her eyes at him. “Of course,” she said through gritted teeth.
“You’ll see this is for the best, Brooke. Congratulations.” Richard smiled at her. “Now, I’ve got to get back to work. I just came to welcome you to the family.”
When he was gone, Brooke glared at him. “I am not happy about this change.”
“I’m sorry to make you unhappy, wife, but I’ve made my choice.”
“Don’t call me that,” she whispered, “when you don’t really mean it.”
He wished he could mean it, wished he weren’t so fundamentally broken that he couldn’t allow himself to love again. “Let’s not confuse the issues. Please give HR a call.”
“I will, because you’re my employer. But don’t think we won’t discuss this again at home.”
“Fair enough.” He left her at her desk, pho
ne in hand, and went to his office and shut the door. Brooke deserved that promotion for all the work she did, right alongside him, but he also wanted to leave her better off after this marriage came to its logical conclusion.
Chapter Three
Matt had instructed Brooke to go home. His car was waiting for her and drove her back to his house around five. It was now eight p.m. and he dragged himself into the penthouse apartment. He was exhausted. Planning the changeover, from his father’s big-picture style of management to his own would take a lot of work.
She was making her way down the stairs when he put down his laptop and keys on the table by the door.
“Finally! I want to talk to you.”
“I’m too tired to argue with you, Brooke.”
“That’s unfortunate for you.” She stopped at the bottom of the stairs, one hand fisted on her hip. She’d changed into yoga pants and a t-shirt. She looked luscious, at-home in his home, and he found himself with a desire to undress her, slowly, and give her an experience she’d never forget.
And, really, why shouldn’t they? He knew Brooke had wanted to wait, but surely she realized that no one would believe her to be a divorced, twenty-eight-year-old virgin. No man alive would be able to keep his hands off of her.
The idea pissed him off, the thought that another man might ever touch her the way he wanted to touch her.
She’d been talking and he wasn’t listening. “I’m sorry, what?”
“You wouldn’t listen to me at work—the least you can do is listen to me now. I said I don’t want a promotion as some reward for being your wife.”
He advanced on her, furious that she couldn’t even see her own worth. “That’s got nothing to do with this.”
“Then why am I getting it now instead of two weeks ago?”
“Because I’m a fool.” Ignoring the part of his brain that told him to back off, to walk away, Matt wrapped an arm around her waist and pulled her close. “For the same reason I didn’t do this two weeks ago, or two years ago.”
His mouth found hers, claimed it as protests died on her lips. The scent of peaches washed over him, made his mouth water, and he slipped his tongue inside her mouth. Grasping the back of her neck, he tilted her head back to deepen the kiss and let his other hand wander down to cup her toned ass.