Page 149 of The Temporary Fiancée
“Well… you know how Reed came and picked me up from the hospital?”
“Yeah?”
“He was hovering around me all day. He was, like, obsessive—I couldn’t get him to relax, or just sit down for five seconds. He just kept getting me stuff.”
“That sounds like the opposite of a problem,” Riley says.
“Yeah, well—you weren’t there. It was a little intense.” I laugh at the memory, even though this was only a day ago; the past twenty-four hours have felt like a lifetime. “Anyway, I told him to chill, and asked what was wrong with him—and, well… he confessed his feelings.”
Riley beams so widely that I’m convinced it must hurt her cheeks. “About time!”
“So… yeah,” I say. “That’s where we’re at. I’m not sure what comes of this, but…”
“You both said you want it to be real?”
“Yeah, we did.”
“Is the wedding still on?”
I hesitate. “Well… no. At least, I don’t think so. I’m not quite sure how we’re going to handle it.”
“Let me guess—that was too fast for you,” Riley says knowingly.
“Of course it was too fast for me.” I exhale, shaking my head. “I mean… I won’t deny these feelings, but I think that if we really want to make it work, we shouldn’t be rushing into this. The wedding was just going to be a PR stunt, anyway. I want our relationship to mean more than that.”
“Good for you.” There’s a note of approval in Riley’s voice; she sounds proud of me. “And how did Reed take that? You guys have talked about it, right?”
“Yeah. He agreed with me, which was a huge relief. So we’re probably going to figure something out.”
“That’s great. I’m so happy for you guys.” Riley smiles warmly, lifting her mug to sip her coffee, then cradles it to her chest. “And I’m glad you’re being honest with him. That’s a good way to start.”
“I gotta be honest—I have itbad,“ I say, running my finger along the edge of my own mug. “I’m, like, falling for him—I’mhead over heels for him. I think he might be one of the best men I’ve ever known.”
Riley lays her hand on my shoulder. “Oh, girl. I know the feeling.”
“He’s been so good to me. I feel like…” I trail off, lost in thought for a moment, then say, “I want to do something for him. He’s been doing things for me this entire time, and I want… I don’t know. To celebrate this.”
Already, Riley is nodding enthusiastically. “It’s been a long time coming,” she agrees. “What do you think you want to do?”
“I don’t know. I haven’t really…” I pause, then blurt out, “Wait. I have an idea. Do you mind helping me with something?”
“Of course,” she replies. “Anything you need.”
Chapter 34
Olivia
I haveto pull one of the counter stools from the kitchen in order to reach the top of most of the doorways in the penthouse. Between the garlands I’ve strung over the kitchen entrance, the wreaths I’ve put on the doors, and the string lights on the walls, this place is holiday-ready just in time for Christmas Eve.
I make sure to set up a little tree in the corner of the living room, complete with ornaments, tinsel, and a star. I hang up stockings over the fireplace, which, of course, is electric. But still, it adds a bit of a festive air.
I’ve been decorating all day. The moment Reed left this morning, Riley met me at the store and helped me pick up some last-minute supplies. For the first hour or two, she helped me with the preliminary stuff: getting the tree back to the penthouse, stringing the lights, all the basics.
Of course, she had to leave after a little while to go prepare for her own Christmas with Cole and Archie, which meant that I had to do the bulk of the decorating on my own. It took several hours, but it was totally worth it; by the time I’m done, the place looks straight out of a holiday card.
I also take the time to prep a classic Christmas dinner. While I was out shopping, I picked up a plump turkey, potatoes, gravy,and an acorn squash, and in between trimming the tree and putting up lights, I get the food roasting in the oven.
Soon, it starts to smell delicious in the apartment, which only adds to the homey, comfortable atmosphere I’m trying to cultivate. I’m trying to imitate the cozy, pleasant Christmases I used to celebrate with my family.
