Page 39 of The Rented Bride

There was that damn smile again. “A dozen close friends. It has to be believable. Granddad is too wily to be easily fooled.”

She shook her head. “We have no license, and I have no idea what exactly you expect from a…rented wife.”

He grasped her arm and walked several paces before saying, “Nothing more than keeping up appearances. However, I would expect a level of familiarity.”

Cassie halted. “How familiar?” Oh hello, why was she actually negotiating with him? “No.” She shook her head. “This is ridiculous.

“This is strictly business,” he said. “You’ll make some money and I’ll give the only family I have left a little happiness before he dies.”

“It’s crazy,” she said.

“I’m begging you, Cassie. I just can’t tell him tomorrow morning that we’re not getting married.”

She narrowed her eyes. “That’s blackmail, Mr. Weston.”

He nodded. “It is. I admit that I’m not above paying the devil, if I have to.”

“The devil might be cheaper,” she muttered.

“Does that mean you’ll do it?” he asked.

The hope in his voice, the pleading in his eyes, was almost as hard to say no to as was his grandfather. It was crazy. More than crazy. Her family. She didn’t even want to think about what would happen if they got wind of her ‘marriage.’ But ten thousand dollars a week? Ten. Thousand. Dollars. A. Week. Strictly business. A way for her to get out of debt. She could give Maryanne some of the money she owed as a partner buy-in. And, just as important, she would give James some genuine happiness in his final days. That was no small miracle.

Cassie nodded. “Okay, but in addition to the marriage license, I’ll expect a contract.”

“I’ll have my attorney draft the proposal tonight.”

She couldn’t believe it. The first marriage proposal she’d ever received was a business deal. It was certainly memorable.

Trent pulled her into a hug.

Her body molded flush against his and Cassie started at the press of her breasts against his chest. “Hey.” She pushed away. “On paper only.”

He stepped back. “And in appearance. Our affection must appear believable.”

“How do you propose we do that?” She hoped like hell the heat in her cheeks wasn’t causing a blush. “Maybe we should define just how much affection will be required.”

He stepped toward her and she retreated until her back bumped the wall. His breath, tinted with a hint of scotch, warmed her face. “Something along these lines, I would imagine,” he said.

Her heart began to pound.

“You’re a beautiful woman, Cassie, but I’m interested in nothing more than giving my grandfather peace as he reaches the end of his life. However, I want him to believe we’re in love. You will have to endure my touch.”

His chest nearly brushed her breasts. Her mouth suddenly dry, she swallowed.

“You’ll have to kiss me.”

“Um, yes,” she said softly. “Kissing…” She licked her upper lip, then meshed it against her lower. “How much kissing is necessary?” He leaned in and pressed his lips to hers. Stunned, she wasn’t sure how to respond, but evidently her mouth did. She breathed him in as he deepened the kiss```. Oh my god, he was going to be dangerous. Then he broke the kiss. “That was unnecessary,” she said.

“I decide what is necessary.”

Staring into his eyes, her brain fried from the kiss, she nodded.

“Good,” he said. “For this event, I’ll handle the arrangements.”

Cassie nodded. “Okay. But keep it simple. I’m not very good at lying.”