Simon, undercover on New York’s streets to expose his corrupt uncle, is finally free to reclaim his fortune and old life. But just before returning, he lingers-drawn to Victoria, the kind waitress who treated him with humanity. When he’s about to reveal his true identity, one word shatters him: fiancé. What will Simon choose-duty, wealth, or a love already claimed?
“I don’t understand,” Anna says, ignoring her sister-in-law to implore her daughter. “Did you bring home a man you met on the streets just to make me think you’re okay? What on God’s green earth is going on?” “Listen, it’s not her fault,” I say, clearing my throat. “I can explain.” Just not in front…
Before I can jump in, Anna bolts up, her face hardening. “Don’t you dare insult my daughter. She’s the best there is.” I heartily agree. Since Anna’s holding her own, I simply cross my arms so they can get a good look at the size of them, providing my looming presence. From my side, I…
“Victoria? What a coincidence!” Jade’s voice is syrupy sweet as she turns to the asshole who dared try and strike my woman. That’s all it takes for me to realize why Linda’s voice struck me as familiar. “Carl, how does it feel to see your abandoned, useless ex-fiancée?” I’m about to lose it, but Anna…
Morning sunlight filters through the windows as Victoria and I step into the living room, both still groggy from sleep. The scent of fresh roasted coffee drifts from the kitchen, along with that sweetness that hangs in the air-perhaps that’s how the woman at my side got to be so sweet. All last night, I…
Not that there was anything exposed to see, and how do I keep managing to make it worse? “Your mom and dad used it on their wedding night,” Grandma continues, not bothering to hide her implication it could be the same for us. “Just eight months before you were born.” Humiliation burns through me, fast…
Anna sighs and gives her daughter a pointed look as if to say she wasn’t born yesterday. “Oh, come on. Do I look like a relic from the last century? Even your grandma wouldn’t bat an eye at you two sleeping together.” From across the room, Naomi nods her approval. “I couldn’t agree more. Have…
I hold my breath, afraid she’s going to press the issue. But then she coughs, her shoulders shaking violently. Once she recovers, she offers me a smile as frail as her body and says to Victoria, “I like your fiancé. I can’t wait for the wedding. It’s what I’m looking forward to most this Christmas.”…
It takes a second for the words to sink in, but when they do, Victoria’s entire face lights up. “Oh my God, that’s amazing!” She spins toward me, bubbly and excited-it looks damn good on her, too. “Are you kidding me? First Carl and Jade kicked out, and now you and I get to fly…
The tension eases, both in the air and in my body. Slowly, I crack open one eye and then the other, immediately fixing my gaze on Simon. Rather than tell me I was freaking out over nothing, he kept me grounded and helped alleviate my fears. Just by being him. He’s looking right back at…
Airports aren’t my favorite places-too many people, too many prying eyes. But today, my focus is on keeping Victoria safe and happy, and making sure we get to Texas without any surprises. The check-in attendant, Dorothy, offers a polite smile as Victoria hands over her ID. “Hi, we’d like to check in, please,” she says,…