CHAPTER TWENTY
W e glide across the lake like it’s a sheet of ice. Wind whips through my hair as Brody pushes for more speed. It’s chilly but refreshing. I tip my head to the gray sky and stretch my arms out. If not for the slight bumps and splashes, I could convince myself I’m racing on horseback.
Nobody else is on the water, which doesn’t surprise me considering the isolated area. That allows me to be swept away by the natural beauty at every turn. Green and brown still hog the landscape, but my favorite season has entered the scene. Trees along the shoreline offer pops of fall colors as their leaves begin to change. It’s comforting and peaceful, except for the other person onboard.
Warmth churns inside of me, burning hotter as I glance at my husband. Brody sits in the captain’s chair like a king on his throne. Thick fingers drum on the wheel before regaining a loose grip. The stubble on his jaw is thicker than normal. I shiver while recalling the rasp of that coarse scruff against my neck when he smelled me earlier. Desire had pumped through me, much like now.
When another gust hits me, I tighten my scarf to avoid squirming. Gosh, I cannot fall for this man. Absolutely not.
“What else is on our agenda today?” I shout over the breeze.
In a fluid motion, Brody yanks on the throttle and cuts the engine. My body rocks on the waves from our abrupt stop. The absence of sound captures us in a bubble that my husband doesn’t burst. I’m about to repeat my question when he swivels his seat.
His steely expression softens when he focuses on me. “You’re not going to ditch me when we dock?”
I narrow my eyes playfully. “Wasn’t planning on it unless you give me a reason to scoot.”
“It’s barely noon. A lot can happen in one boat ride.”
“Speaking from experience?”
He shrugs, more carefree than I’ve seen him. “And our… volatile history.”
“That’s one way of putting it,” I chide. “Besides, we have a truce.”
“Indefinitely?”
The urgency in his tone raises suspicion like a red flag. It’s unlike him to be vulnerable unless several bottles of champagne are involved. I study him through a squint. A lazy smirk greets my perusal. Brody’s posture is slouched to match the wide spread of his legs. The long sleeves of his shirt are rolled up, putting his tattoos on display. He’s unbuttoned and unbothered and… almost unrecognizable.
I dissect his mixed signals again. “What are you worried about, Mr. Benson? ”
He casts a sideways glance at his phone that’s abnormally quiet. “The usual.”
“Is it work?”
A subtle shake of his head disputes that theory. “Dad has it covered while we’re here.”
My brain misfires. “You took time off?”
Brody stretches, appearing completely at ease. “It’s our honeymoon.”
“But it’s not real.”
“Crushing my hopes and dreams, wife.” He clutches his chest.
“You’re a goof.”
“Bet you didn’t think I had it in me.”
I roll my eyes. “Not sure why you’re still laying on the charm when the deal is done.”
“Maybe I want you to stick around. Willingly,” he emphasizes.
Welp, that settles it. There’s an undeniable change in him, which adds to the contradiction. My gut instinct tells me that he’s hiding something. He’ll probably do whatever it takes to keep the secret buried. But that’s not where my concentration rests right now.
“This trip is good for you, boss.”
Brody scowls at the nickname, reminding me of his grumpy self. “I think it’s more about who’s with me. You’re an unexpected relief.”
“There you go again,” I laugh.
“Can’t I compliment my wife?”
“If you actually mean it.”
“I do.” His smolder could make me sweat in a blizzard.
My mind reels under his bold claim. I can’t take my eyes off him once he’s captured me. We’re coasting along dangerous territory and not for the first time. It would be too easy to let him sweep me off my feet, if only for the duration he needs a wife. The risk to my heart overrules the fantasy.
But I wonder how love would look on him. The deep, unconditional kind that makes us reckless. Has he ever fallen that hard for someone? Doubtful, but not impossible. Would his heart shine through those bottomless green depths I’m currently drowning in? Damn, I need to quit staring. There’s just something very irresistible about my husband.
I shift my gaze over his shoulder in search of a distraction. “Do you know what our private bay is called?”
Brody scans the slice of paradise. “Do you?”
“Lover’s Cove,” I croon. “A local told me yesterday, along with more information than I needed.”
“Sounds about right,” he chuckles.
“Mhmm, the cabin has a reputation. I got quite a few looks after revealing where we’re staying. Rumor has it that couples come here when they’re seeking an intimate vacation.” I wiggle my brows to a sultry beat.
“Might as well be a sign posted in the front yard.”
“Or a public service announcement.” I cup a palm around my mouth and shout, “Can anyone hear me? We’re about to bang beyond boundaries.” Amusement stretches my lips into a megawatt grin. “We’re in the clear.”
My husband shifts in his chair. “Leave it to my dad to find a place fit for the occasion.”
A blush burns my cheeks, which has little to do with the autumn chill. “Only one bed. Dennis is definitely a menace. ”
Brody scrubs over his mouth to stifle a smile. “That he is.”
“He wants us to catch feelings.”
“Something like that.” His gaze slides to his phone again.
It’s strange that he turned it off completely. I’m getting jittery without mine, but choosing to use this opportunity to be off the grid. That urge to check notifications proves how addicted I’ve become. I can’t remember the last time I unplugged from technology. Even now, I want to snatch his cell and call Bianca. She’s home and we haven’t talked. But it can wait another hour or two.
If there’s an emergency, Brody has his available.
“Well, this swanky pontoon is a nice touch.” I exhale the demand to doom scroll, stroking the cream leather to occupy my hands. “Pristine condition. Wherever your dad rented it from must have strict rules.”
“Didn’t I tell you? This stud is fresh off the lot.” He pats the steering wheel. “Dad got it for us as a wedding gift.”
“Another present for a sham marriage. Why did he bother?”
“Keep up appearances,” he mumbles absently. “This way, we’ll be seen cruising around Lucky Lake back home.”
“A town spectacle.”
“It’s about authentic presentation.” His flippant tone suggests he’s familiar with the phrase.
Which sprouts a random thought. “Does your dad want grandchildren?”
Brody grunts and motions to our secluded surroundings. “Isn’t it obvious? ”
I scrunch my face. “Please don’t tell me that’s the next contractual obligation.”
His shoulders bounce with soundless humor. “Nah, he didn’t push the limits.”
“Phew, I was about to jump ship.” I wipe fake sweat off my forehead. “I’m surprised he doesn’t care that our marriage is fake.”
Brody’s jaw works to the sound of grinding gears. “He would…”
A daunting realization bulges my eyes. “Hold your horses. He doesn’t know?”
His carefree expression shutters. “Don’t blame me for his assumptions.”
“Oh, please. You didn’t bother to be honest and reveal the truth.”
“Why would I? He wants to believe we’re crazy about each other. There’s no harm in letting him.”
A pit forms in my stomach. “He’s going to find out. We’re not paid actors.”
The sparkle dims from his gaze. “Do your parents know the truth?”
“Of course not.” I throw my hands in the air. “You didn’t give me the chance to tell them before shoving this rock on my finger.”
He glares at the diamonds I shove in his face. “What’s the difference?”
“Are you serious?” The impulse to throttle him fists my hands. “This isn’t about me or my parents.”
“How do you figure? You’re deceiving them just the same.”
“Nope, not happening. Quit trying to turn this around on me, master manipulator. I wouldn’t be in this mess if it wasn’t for you and your blackmail.”
His shrug couldn’t care less. “But you could’ve set the record straight.”
“We’ll share that honor when we get an annulment,” I huff.
He bolts upright, posturing going rigid. “We’re not getting an annulment.”
“Excuse me? You’re not keeping me in this phony matrimony.”
“Not forever, but we need to stay married until I take ownership of Benson Farmstead.” A vein throbs in his neck.
“Which is what? A month? Maybe two? How long will it take to convince your dad that we’re not meant to be?” I tap my chin. “A week should do it. Let’s hope he gives you credit for trying.”
Brody pinches the bridge of his nose. “Twinkles—”
“Holy shit,” I blurt. Realization dawns on me while the sun remains tucked behind the clouds. “Bianca thinks this is real too. Is she pissed at me?”
My darling husband takes a sudden interest in checking the gas gauge. “Beats me.”
“Oh, you’re an ass. That’s why she hasn’t talked to me in weeks.”
“Or maybe she was just busy in Europe,” he evades.
“I need to call her.” My upturned palm beckons for his phone.
Brody makes no move to fulfill my request. “Wait until you see her.”
“You better be joking.”
“It’s for the best. Trust me,” he presses .
The desperate edge in his voice gives me pause. Bianca must be really mad. Maybe my husband is trying to protect me from his sister’s wrath. That seems far-fetched, even for this unlikely scenario I’m trapped in.
I rake trembling fingers through the snarls in my hair. “How can I trust you? This is all your fault.”
His stare implores mine, convincing me to search his soul. “Am I that bad?”
“Yes!” Which immediately stabs me with guilt. Not that he deserves my empathy. “You tricked me into this marriage and now my best friend won’t speak to me.”
Brody’s swallow is thick. “My intentions weren’t great at the beginning, but I think there’s something real between us, Twinkles. Give me tonight to prove it to you. We can leave in the morning.”
My cringe shuts him down. “I’d like to go home now.”
After a solemn nod, he hangs his head. The weight of his bad decisions appears to crush his spirit in this moment. He twists his wedding ring and the fidgeting motion seems purposeful. When he peers up at me, his eyes are glassy. It’s more unexpected than a punch to the gut. I choke on a gasp, trying to muffle the reaction.
“Please,” he murmurs. “I can’t force you to stay but I would really appreciate it.”
My exhale is mostly steamed frustration. “One night isn’t going to change anything.”
“It might.” Brody scoots to the edge of his seat. “We won’t know until we try.”
I cross my arms, warding off his approach. “What are you suggesting?”
“We get to know each other. ”
“It’s a little late for that.”
“Only if you’re not interested.” He inches forward until our legs are almost touching. “We might be married, but we’re practically strangers. That’s how I wanted it at first. From what little I know, I can tell you’re different from the rest. Unique.”
“Too much,” I add in a mutter.
His lips twitch. “I feel something when we’re together. That’s never happened to me before.”
It’s difficult to keep a straight face during his seemingly heartfelt speech. “How do I know you’re being honest? Maybe this is just another ploy to get me to play by your rules.”
Brody reaches for me but I shrink back. “Fuck, I’m sorry. Okay? I really am, Paisley. It’s my fault that you don’t trust me.”
I roll my eyes. “Duh.”
“Give me a chance to fix this between us,” he pleads.
“There’s no us, husband.” My tone is resolute.
“But there could be.” His gaze begs me to reconsider.
I blow out another heavy breath and glance upward. Just then, the sun shines through the clouds. It’s just a small section fighting against the gloom. But streaks of light quickly break apart the gray in a dominant display. The sight has me thinking of Marion. She would want patience and understanding for her son. I’ve been raised to offer both freely, along with kindness.
As I continue contemplating the message in the sky, my chest tingles and a strange sensation spreads through me. Almost like an uplifting force. If I were more religious, I might consider it a spiritual awakening. My faith suggests it’s a sign to be compassionate.
I glance at Brody to see if he feels it too. His gaze is locked on me, waiting for my decision. I’m aware of the change in him. It’s sudden but can’t be ignored. If I reject him now, he’s going to rebuild his walls and reinforce them stronger than before. That’s not something I can have on my conscience.
“One night?”
Brody expels a breath that sounds like a bag of bricks. “That’s all I’m asking.”
My smile is slight but visible. “Make it count, husband.”