Page 26 of The Fiancé Hoax
I had never designed clothes for children before. Kids weren't my target market. But this was surprisingly fun and stress-relieving.
And since my big move into Cooper's house was just hours away, I could use the relief.
* * *
I knocked on Cooper's door the next afternoon.
He opened the door, and I realized I’d somehow forgotten how huge he was.
Well over six feet with shoulders that filled the doorframe, he stood before me looking hotter than ever. Rugged, even, with his button-down plaid shirt and the masculine stubble on his face.
God, I could just imagine him chopping wood in the forest somewhere. He’d come inside the cabin after a long day, all sweaty and hot. I’d be in the kitchen, baking pies in a frilly apron. He’d lift me up and carry me to bed, or to a bearskin rug…
“Where are the movers?”
His question startled me from my fantasy. I blinked.
“Oh. The movers. I told them I didn't need their help.” I looked back at my Plymouth. “Everything I needed fit into my car. It seemed silly to use them.”
“Okay, then I'll help you bring it in.”
It took us three trips to bring my suitcases and work files from my car upstairs to my new, temporary room. It was a spare bedroom next to Cooper's room.
He set my suitcase down inside the closet, then walked across the hardwood floor. I snuck a peek at the endless expanse of his shoulders and back as he reached up to open the curtains.
Sunlight flooded the space. It was a beautiful room, with powder blue walls and tasteful, modern furnishings.
“See, I promised you your own room. I trust you'll be comfortable here?”
“Absolutely. This is perfect.”
He walked to the desk and picked up a stack of paperwork. “I'd like you to read this soon.”
“Of course.”
I glanced at it, thinking it would be an agreement for the engagement. But instead, it was all about Cooper’s investment in Moonstone Boutique.
I flipped through the pages. “There’s no mention of the engagement?”
“No. Couldn’t risk putting it on paper. But it’s implicit in your acceptance of the contract.”
“Okay. I’ll read it later.” I set it down on the bed. “What about ground rules between you and me?”
He folded his arms across his broad, strong chest. “Such as?”
I fidgeted with my hair. “Well, I think we should agree on what I’m required to do, exactly, as your fiancée.”
“You’ll need to make public appearances with me. Play the part of an adoring fiancée in love. And it needn’t be high-profile black-tie events. After I report my engagement status to the court, my attorney says Gen’s lawyer’s office might start watching me for any indication it’s fake. So we’ll need to be seen together doing everyday things like any engaged couple.”
“Okay. That sounds reasonable.” I swallowed. “What about… physical contact?”
The corners of his mouth curved into a slight smile. A naughty smile, even.
“While we’re in public, yes. Only tasteful contact, of course. Holding hands, lingering gazes, my hand on your back. That sort of thing.”
My mouth salivated. “No kissing, then?”
He paused, then took a step closer. “I think there should be kissing to make it believable.”