Total pages in book: 90
Estimated words: 87005 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 435(@200wpm)___ 348(@250wpm)___ 290(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 87005 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 435(@200wpm)___ 348(@250wpm)___ 290(@300wpm)
My mouth falls open. “No. Absolutely not. If we do this, Legend Raines, it’s because I’m helping out a friend. I don’t want your money.” It’s the absolute truth. He’s in a jam, and I understand where he’s coming from. He doesn’t want to marry a stranger, and who can blame him?
“You’ll be my wife.”
Something in the way he says wife sends a ripple of desire through me. I don’t understand why I’m having this reaction to him. Sure, he’s hot as hell. They all are, but I’ve never felt this way around any of the guys before. I flirt with them, shamelessly, because I know they won’t think of me as a tease and try to take more than I’m willing to give. They’re safe, fun, lovable, sexy men. I enjoy the banter with each of them, but this… this is new.
“And you’ll be my husband.” My words are soft, meant just for him, and from the flare in his eyes, my words have an effect on him just as his did on me.
“This is huge, Monroe,” Emerson speaks up. “That’s a long time to put your life on hold.”
Blinking hard, I force myself to tear my gaze from Legend and address my best friend. She has valid concerns, but I don’t see it that way. “My life won’t be on hold. I just started my job as a dental hygienist. I’m in the early stages of my career. I still live at home with my parents now that we’re home from college, and I’ll still get to hang out with my people.”
“As his wife.” Roman nods toward Legend.
“We wouldn’t be able to tell anyone outside of this room the truth.” Legend turns so that he’s facing me. “We’d have to appear like a real married couple for this to work. Not even my parents can know.”
I shrug. “How hard can it be?” To prove my point, I stand and turn before sitting on his lap. I glance at him over my shoulder at the same time his large, muscular hands grip my hips. “See? We’ve got this.”
“She flirts with all of us all the time. She’s never hidden that. You could spin it that she always had a thing for you,” Maddox suggests.
“That would have to stop,” Legend’s deep voice says, his lips next to my ear. “My wife can’t flirt with my friends. No, fuck that. My wife can’t flirt with anyone but me.” There’s a growl in his voice that’s not usually there, and I can admit to myself that it’s doing it for me. I feel that sound between my thighs.
I laugh nervously, but I hope it sounds carefree. “Good thing I’m a pro at flirting. You sure you can handle all of my attention?” I tease. At least I hope it sounds teasing. I’m trying to mask the desire I feel from his thumb tracing over the waistline of my shorts. We’re always laughing and teasing, but this feels different.
I know it’s because of what’s at stake. If this gets out, it would have all been for nothing, and we can’t have that. I want to do this for him. I don’t want his money. I just want to help him. The guys have been a huge part of my life. Where Emerson went, I went, and well, they were just always there. I have no doubt in my mind that if it were me, one of them, hell, all of them, except for Roman, who only has eyes for his wife, would step up to help me.
“As long as it’s on me,” Legend replies huskily.
“Done.”
“Just like that?” Forrest asks.
“Why is it so hard to believe that I’d want to help him? I’d do it for any of you. This is huge. Five million dollars is life-changing. I understand why he’s not willing to marry a stranger. We’ve known each other for a long time. We all spend a lot of time together. It’s believable that something has been brewing between us. I’m the best candidate. Besides, Legend can trust me. I’m not out to take over his life or his bank account.” I turn sideways in his lap to face him. “The offer is on the table. You’re not going to hurt my feelings if you say you don’t want to go through with it. However, I think you should consider it. It’s too much money to pass up. I know you, Legend Raines. I know you’d give back to those who matter to you. The shop, your parents, your future wife and kids, the real one.” I wink.
“We need to talk about this.” He stands with me in his arms. “We’re using a guest room,” he announces as he turns and heads up the stairs.
“That comes after the wedding, buddy!” Lachlan calls out.