Tangled Vows (Willow Brook Falls #3)

36. Shayla

36

SHAYLA

M y pulse raced as I rushed around my room and gathered all my belongings. Thankfully, there wasn’t a lot to move into Easton’s room. Everything I needed to take downstairs fit into a couple laundry baskets. It was apparent I never planned on staying forever when I saw all the items I’d actually bothered to put away piled atop the bed. It was laughable how little I’d unpacked. Everything else was stowed in the closet or the garage.

I dusted off the dresser and spritzed the room with some fabric spray to freshen up the space. Luckily I ran the vacuum yesterday so the floors were in pretty good shape. With clean sheets in place, I made the bed, situating the pillows neatly to give it a welcoming look. When all was said and done, you couldn’t tell I’d been living up here the past several weeks.

With my bag slung over my shoulder and my arms loaded down, I crept downstairs, careful to stay out of sight. Voices floated from the kitchen as Easton caught up with his family. I hated lying to them, but I was getting used to the guilt. The ends were definitely worth the means. I’d already paid off Mom’s existing medical bills and had a nice little nest egg for when the new ones rolled in. Easton’s reputation was on the mend. Hockey fans loved seeing him settle down, and aside from the miserable assholes who liked to comment on my body and speculate that I was pregnant, most people were supportive of our union. He'd just signed a lucrative endorsement and had more offers from major brands on the table. We were both getting what we wanted. All the lies and deception were worth it. They had to be.

Once my things were put away, I finally allowed myself to take in the space I would now be sharing with Easton. It was modern and masculine with clean lines and dark wood. It smelled vaguely of cedar and sandalwood, a combination I associated with my husband. It was heady and intoxicating. I wasn’t sure how I’d survive being surrounded by his scent all the time. It would drive me wild.

I checked the time and realized I needed to leave for work soon. With the unexpected turn of events this morning, I didn’t have time to work out. All I would be able to manage was a quick shower and minimal makeup. I could twist my hair into a chignon and still look professional without fussing over it too much.

I hopped into Easton’s shower and instantly realized my mistake. His scent enveloped me like a hug, clinging to every inch of my skin. My imagination ran wild as I pictured him in here, naked and lathering his decadent smelling body wash over his sculpted muscles and down to his throbbing?—

Nope. No, no, no. Not going there. I couldn’t think about my fake husband like that. If I did, I would need to take care of the ache growing more insistent between my legs, and I did not have time for that.

I sped through the rest of my routine and rushed downstairs. Easton and his family were still gathered around the kitchen island, the remnants of their breakfast spread in front of them.

“Hey, I’m sorry I have to rush off. I have to head into work,” I said regretfully as I grabbed a yogurt from the fridge.

“It’s okay. We understand,” Roni replied.

“I already have breakfast ready for you, and I made it to go,” Easton said, plucking the yogurt from my hands and placing it back on the shelf. Reaching behind me, he grabbed a plastic container from the counter and handed it to me. It contained homemade quiche cups, my favorite. I lifted my appreciative gaze to his soft hazel eyes that crinkled at the corners with his megawatt smile.

“Thank you,” I said, surprise and gratitude thickening my throat. Here was a man who’d never cooked before we met, making sure I had a nutritious breakfast. I believed food was a whole love language in and of itself. Easton may not have loved me, but this showed he cared, and that was all I could ask of him. Maybe when this was over, we could remain friends. I just had to make sure I didn’t lose my heart to him in the process.

“Gotta take care of my girl.” He leaned down and gently pressed his lips to my forehead, lingering for a moment before pulling away. Butterflies erupted in my chest, sending my pulse fluttering with the sweet gesture. I had to remind myself it was all for show. I couldn’t risk falling for the ruse. I certainly couldn’t risk falling for Easton, but I feared there was nothing I could do to stop it.

“What do you have planned for Easton’s birthday?” Roni asked as we stood next to each other rolling homemade pie dough. Tomorrow was Thanksgiving—the whole reason they were visiting—so we were making all the desserts ahead of time. I paused, my flour-covered rolling pin hanging in mid-air as I tried to think of a believable reply. I had no idea when Easton’s birthday was.

Noticing my hesitation, she let out a low chuckle. “He didn’t tell you, did he?” she asked, and I shook my head. “That figures.” She let out a sigh, and I pressed my rolling pin into the pile of dough before me.

“When is it?” I asked in a low tone as though someone would overhear and expose me as a fraud.

“December first,” she replied, mirroring my volume.

“Shit,” I hissed.

“We always celebrate when we’re together for the holidays,” she informed me casually.

“What do you usually do?”

“When we were kids, before our parents passed, they always took us out for pizza at the arcade. The food wasn’t anything special. It was all about the atmosphere and the games. Easton loved it.” A soft smile played over her lips as she recalled the memory. “Once they were gone, our grandparents continued the tradition. We’ve kept it going strictly for the sake of nostalgia.”

“Okay,” I replied, trying to formulate a plan. “There's a pizza shop in town that has a play room with a bunch of arcade games. Maybe we can hit that up this weekend.” Her smile faltered.

“We have to fly home Saturday morning. Max has games.”

“Friday night then?” I wanted to ensure his family was included. They were important to him. I couldn't leave them out.

“That sounds great.”

“Everyone else will be wiped from Black Friday shopping, so it shouldn’t be too crowded,” I added teasingly.

“You’re probably right,” she agreed.

We continued to talk as we finished prepping the pies. It felt so easy and natural. I enjoyed getting to know her better.

Easton came through just as I placed two pumpkin pies in the oven. He was heading to the arena to start his pregame routine. The rest of us would head that way later to catch the game. Easton’s grandpa, David, hadn’t seen him play live in a long time, and I was excited for him to experience it. The atmosphere inside the Wraiths’ arena was unmatched. The team was young and energetic, still hungry for the game and determined to make their mark.