Eyes too big in a face too pale, she only stared at him.
“Andrea?”
“Just like that?” The words escaped on a whisper from her lips.
“Why not?”
Color flooded back into her cheeks. “You know what you can do with your proposal? You can shove it where the sun doesn’t shine.”
Eyebrows raising, he said, “Okay, I can see you feel a little strongly about this.”
“I feel a little strongly? Are you for real right now? People don’t just get married to solve all of their problems and divorce when it’s convenient.”
“I don’t know why the hell not.”
Standing up, she hurled the wadded-up napkin at him. It struck his chest and bounced off, falling still on the floor.
“You are such a... Such a man!”
Rising, he placed his hands on the table, leaning forward. “What do you want? Hearts and flowers? This is an arrangement to help solve a problem. What’s the big deal?”
“I’m not just going to marry you! And then divorce you!”
Jamming a hand through his hair, he expelled a breath forcefully to keep from cursing. He knew she might not like getting married just for the sake of getting married. He hadn’t known that the idea would be so repulsive to her.
“Shit, Andrea. I realize I’m not anyone’s ideal marriage partner, but-”
She blinked, some of the anger draining from her face. “Is that what you think?”
Some of his guard stripped away, and he hated how hesitant he felt. This wasn’t a feeling he was used to.
“Yes.”
She shook her head. “Benton, it’s not that at all. Getting married is a big deal. You don’t just,” she flung her arm out, “do it and then divorce.”
Something must have shown in his expression, because she walked to him, placing a hand on his chest. The feel of her fingers on his bare skin scorched a path that went straight to his groin.
“This time spent here with you... I’ve enjoyed it. It’s nice. Any woman would be lucky to have you.”
Of its own volition, his hand came up and covered hers. “I don’t want just any woman.”
He was about to make a mistake, and he knew it, but he couldn’t stop it even if he wanted to.
Hands coming up to lightly grip her arms, he pulled her into him, the thin fabric of her nightgown a paltry barrier. The heat from her skin bled into his, until he wanted nothing separating them. Dropping his head, he brushed his lips across hers. When her mouth opened on an invitation, he took what she offered, pulling from her until it was all he could do not to toss her clothing over her head and have her on the table.
She made little mewling sounds, her arms coming up to wind around his neck, and he buried his fingers in her hair, pulling her up onto her tiptoes so he could get better access. Every part of him wanted her, in his bed, beneath him, on top of him... But that little voice in the back of his mind, the one that told him that if he took this from her, there was no turning back, had him pulling away.
“All right,” she murmured.
“All right, what?”
“I’ll marry you.”
Something like irritation filtered through him. “I didn’t kiss you so you’d say yes.”
“I know,” she told him, with one of those mysterious feminine smiles.
“I thought marriage was a big deal?”
“It is.”
“Then, what the hell, Andrea?”
“I know you’re just trying to help me. And you said, we could end it when both of us is ready.”
He did say that. It didn’t mean he liked it. Despite what she seemed to think, he wasn’t a man to just get married for the hell of it. If it wasn’t to protect her, to help her, he wouldn’t have even suggested it.
“We need to lay a few ground rules.”
She narrowed her eyes on him. “Ground rules? What, do you think I’m going to take you for all you’re worth?”
“Of course not. People can get hurt, Andrea, if we aren’t careful.”
“People like us?”
“Yeah, people like us. So, let’s agree, we’ll remain friends.”
Her hands went to her hips. “Do you think I’m going to attack you and steal your virtue?”
“Honey, there isn’t a virtuous bone in this body.”
Color came into her cheeks. He couldn’t know what she was thinking.
“I know what you mean, Benton. Friends. Neither of us needs this to get messy.”
Why did he feel insulted when she used a word he probably would have, had she not beat him to it?
He held out his hand. “Deal?”
She looked at it before shaking. “Deal.”
Chapter Eighteen
What had she been thinking?
Carefully picking up the broken glass of her lamps, she slipped them into a garbage bag, mind only half on her task. Next to her, Emme did the same. Benton and Ryan were carrying out the ruined furniture to the back of Ryan’s truck. Everything was going smoothly; except for her rocky thoughts.
She couldn’t believe, in the light of the day, that she agreed to marry Benton for a house. The man kissed her like he wanted to suck the very soul out of her, and then he went on to say they could only be friends. And like an idiot, she agreed.
“Andy, what is up with you this morning?”
Blinking, she looked behind her to make certain Benton and Ryan wouldn’t hear. “I did something very stupid.”
Emme looked excited. “Did you sleep with Benton?”
“No, no. Nothing like that.”
“Then, what?”
“My great aunt died, leaving me her house. It’s a beautiful, old house. If I don’t take it, the city will and I’m worried they’ll tear it down. I used to spend summers there. My aunt was wonderful,” she added, eyes growing moist.
Emme stopped her ministrations, reaching out to rub her back. “Hey, I’m sorry.”
“Thanks. I knew it was coming, it just caught me by surprise.”
“Okay, but none of this tells me what stupid thing you did.”
“To get the house, I have to be married. Worse, I was talking to my mom on the phone last night and I let it slip that I was living with Benton. It got out of control, and they thought we were engaged.”
“Go on.”
“Benton asked me to marry him. And I said yes.”
Emme dropped the piece she had been holding. “What? Are you serious?”
“Shh, keep your voice down. It’s just temporary.”
Emme sat back on her heels. “Andrea, I’m a wedding planner. Marriages shouldn’t be temporary.”
“Well, we wouldn’t be married for the usual reasons, Em.”
They could hear Ryan and Benton coming up the steps. Emme leaned forward, whispering furiously. “This is nuts.”
‘Tell me about it,’ she mouthed.
“How’s it going, ladies?” Ryan asked.
Emme threw Ryan a grin. “Just fine.”
He winked in return. If Andrea didn’t know better, she would have thought something was going on. But Emme flirted with men she thought were attractive. Funny, how the thought of her friend flirting with Benton now raised the ugly green monster in her head. She knew it shouldn’t. Just because they were getting married didn’t mean she had any claim on him. It was frustrating to realize that, and humbling.
Benton and Ryan disappeared with her loveseat. Emme scooted closer. “Andy, are you sure about this?”
“No,” she confessed. “I’m not sure about anything.”
“So, Benton suggested this. He isn’t a man to just go about asking ladies to marry him. Maybe...” Emme trailed off, grinning.
“Em, we promised to be just friends.”
Emme snorted her displeasure. “What sort of agreement is that?”
Andrea sighed. “A smart one.”
“Well, if you’re going to go through with this, then I’m planning your wedding.”
“Of c
ourse. He wants to get married on Christmas.”
“A week away... What is it with my friends and getting married in a week?”
“You did it for Ashlyn.”
“With Josh’s help.”
“I guess we better call Josh.”
Emme whipped out her phone. “He is going to flip out.”
“Right now?”
“Yes, right now.” Emme shook her head, as if Andrea was asking a stupid question. “Hey, Josh. No, no. Everyone is fine. Listen, we have another wedding to plan. No, idiot, not mine. Andrea’s.”
Andrea could hear his exclamation through the phone.
Emme laughed. “Pow wow. Tomorrow, at Benton’s. Be there. I need your help.” After a few more words, Emme hung up. “Easy as that.”
Andrea fiddled with the hem of her sweater. “I always thought my mom would be here to help me.”
“She can help you plan your next wedding.”
Andrea closed her eyes. “Oh, Lord, Emme. That is not funny.”
The cleaned up as much as they could, with Benton’s promise to take her furniture shopping soon. Since they spent the better part of the morning working on her apartment, they decided to go for lunch. Emme dominated the chatter, which was fine with her. Her stomach was in knots and she could only pick at her sandwich. Benton’s eyes were on her, questions in them that she couldn’t answer in front of her friends.
Later, after Ryan and Emme departed, they rode in silence in his Jeep. She didn’t know what to say to him. A marriage of convenience was not what she ever expected for herself. She had hoped someday to marry for love. While they were attracted to one another, that much was obvious, they certainly weren’t in love.
Benton’s voice broke the quiet. “You’re quiet today. Feeling okay?”
She shrugged. “I guess.”
“It’s the marriage, isn’t it?”
“I do appreciate what you’re trying to do for me, Benton. I realize you just want to help.”
“But?”
Andrea closed her eyes. Was there a but? If she felt so strongly about this, then why couldn’t she bring herself to tell him she didn’t want to get married? Not for these reasons.
She shook her head. “Nothing. Emme and Josh are coming over tomorrow. We only have a week to plan.”
He didn’t say anything to that. She looked over at him; his eyes were on the road, face giving away nothing. She suddenly felt a longing for him so acute is made her ache. She might be frightened about what was between them, but it didn’t stop her heart from wanting.
When they were home, she went to her room and privately called her parents. Her mother was beyond ecstatic, though she expressed her sadness at not being able to be there to help. Andrea offered to move up the date of her tickets, but her mother said it would cost too much and that she was just happy to be there for the wedding.
Distressed, she wandered up to the main house and searched out Ashlyn. Her friend was sitting in the living room, papers and books strewn around her.
“Andy, hi. What brings you up here?” She asked, smiling.
She tried not to look as forlorn as she felt. “I needed a friend.”
Ashlyn patted the cushion next to her. “Come, sit. What’s wrong?”
Leaving her shoes at the door, she joined her friend on the couch. “You and Deacon married for convenience.”
Sitting back, Ashlyn looked puzzled. “Yes, why?”
“And you fell in love.”
“You know all this, Andy. What’s wrong?”
The words fell out of her, and she told Ashlyn everything she shared with Emme.
“Oh. Andrea, I don’t know what to say.”
She tried to smile. “I didn’t expect to get married to get a house.”
Ashlyn searched her face, eyes shrewd. “And you’re wondering, if it’s possible that this marriage can become more than just a temporary one?”
She ducked her head. “I know, it’s silly. Benton scares me half to death, the feelings he makes me experience. I don’t know what I would do if...”
Ashlyn reached out, grasping her hands. “I see the way he looks at you when he thinks no one else is looking. I think... If you give it time, you might find there’s more behind his proposal than just a house.”
“I’m scared,” she whispered.
“So was I.” Ashlyn squeezed her hands. “Love is terrifying.”
“I’m not in love with Benton.”
Wisely, Ashlyn said nothing.
“Emme and Josh are coming over tomorrow to help plan. Do you want to come?”
Leaning forward further, Ashlyn hugged her. “Of course.”
Andrea was silent a moment. “Thanks.”
“Anytime.”
* * * *
The next afternoon, his home invaded, Benton slipped out while Josh, Andrea, and Ashlyn poured over color swatches and invitations. Making them all coffee, her head spinning, Andrea wondered how any bride planned without getting overwhelmed.
Looking at her friends, she said, “I was hoping... That you all would be in my wedding party.”
Josh slapped his hand against his chest. “Even me?”
“Of course, silly. Benton already said he would ask Deacon, Ryan and Alex.”
Josh smacked his lips. “Choices, choices. Who do I walk down the aisle with...? All of them are fabulous specimens.”
Ashlyn slapped his shoulder. “Hey now, you’re talking about my husband.”
Josh winked at her.
Andrea couldn’t help but smile. Being with her friends made this whole thing easier.
Ashlyn patted her rounding stomach. “I’ll be a little large.”
“You’re still beautiful, Ashlyn,” Andrea told her.
“This is a winter wedding,” Emme started. “I think we need to wear blue.” She looked at Josh. “Except you. You need gray with a blue tie.”
Josh nodded. “Vests. We all need vests.”
“That would look very nice...” Emme agreed.
“What do you think, Andy? Gray suits? Dark gray.”
Andrea pictured Benton dressed in a suit and felt a little shiver escape down her spine. “It sounds nice.”
Josh pointed at an invitation. “What about this one? It’s pretty simple. Nothing flashy for Benton.”
“It’s nice... But who will I invite? Everyone I want to be there is almost in this room.”
“You’d be surprised when you sit down to make a list,” Emme told her.
Andrea shook her head. “No, this is a Christmas wedding. I just want my family and close friends.” Looking around at them, she added, “I hope this won’t ruin your Christmas.”
Emme shook her head. “Are you kidding? You’ll be saving me from my family.”
“I can see mine on Christmas Eve,” Josh added.
Ashlyn nodded. “I’m sure my mother will insist on being at the wedding.”
Emme clapped her hands together. “Then it’s decided. Small, cozy wedding. Now, where are you going to get married?”
“I hadn’t thought of that,” Andrea admitted.
“What about our house?” Ashlyn asked. “I know it’s not ideal... But you could get married by the Christmas tree.”
“You might just be hired,” Emme said, smiling.
It sounded nice to Andrea, getting married in a small setting surrounded by family and friends. Truthfully, even given more time, she wouldn’t want a bigger wedding. Neither her nor Benton were flashy.
Andrea felt relieved. “Thank you, guys.”
“Hey,” Josh told her, squeezing her knee, “what are friends for? Anyhow, you need to take work off tomorrow so we can go wedding dress shopping. You’ve got a direct line to the boss right here,” he added, hooking a thumb at Ashlyn.
“I think I can sweet talk my husband into letting you have a day off for your wedding planning.”
“This is perfect,” Emme said. “Afterward, we can have Christmas dinner and open gifts.”
The Proposal Page 13