Chapter Eleven
Eleven
Nico
S o I was about to be a married man. Or so the press was about to think, anyway. I was known for doing some wild shit, but this was going to take the crazy cake. Strangely, I wasn’t all that nervous about it. It kinda felt like right before you went on a roller coaster; all buzzy and ready for the adrenaline rush, fuck what came afterward. I’d worry about that later. I trusted JJ—Jemma—and I knew she had it figured out and all I had to do was go along with her. What a wild idea, and not something I did easily. But somehow, I did. Trust her. Maybe I had been drinking too much.
I’d left her to set up the lounge in her room for our impromptu photo shoot and I had strict instructions to be back that evening, showered and dressed in my best clothes.
The plan? We were going to take some shots on our phones, “leak” them to the press, then fake a breakup after we got home. No big thing.
But now that I’d had a little bit of time to sit with the idea and all of last night’s liquor was fully out of my system, even I knew there was one major flaw to her plan. I picked up my cell phone and called her.
“You bailing on me already?” she said by way of greeting.
“Nope. I’m ready to take the plunge. Just one question.”
“What’s that?”
“How are you planning to fake a marriage license?”
Her pause was palpable. Obviously, the thought hadn’t crossed her mind. “Damn it.”
Yeah, the press wasn’t dumb. We both knew the minute they saw our pictures, they’d run to look for the public record of a marriage... then a divorce. They’d see right through our ruse.
“It was a good idea,” I said, feeling strangely dejected but forcing brightness into my voice. “I’ll even still try to make nice with Prissy for you if—”
“Let’s do it for real, then.”
My words lodged in my throat as emotions I didn’t even know I was capable of began to crowd my chest. “JJ,” I whispered. “You don’t mean that.”
“I do. Same plan. Let’s just get a license. How long could that take?”
I squeezed my eyes shut and raked a hand through my hair, not sure what to do with this rush of feelings. I needed to pound some drums or drink something before I exploded. “There’s no reason for you to...” I couldn’t even say it. This was ludicrous. Insane. Hopeless. I was not husband material, and definitely not for someone as perfect and untouchable as JJ, no matter the circumstances.
“There is every reason,” she said, her voice resolute. “The plan stands. Let me make some calls to see what we need to do, and I’ll get back to you. In the meantime, you go meet with Priscilla. After last night, well... just go, okay?” Her tone was soft, somehow understanding, which broke me even more.
Somehow, I agreed and we hung up, leaving me in a fog of what the hell just happened?
I was so rattled, I even made it through a session with Prissy without giving her hell, which I think made her suspicious. I don’t even know what we talked about, but I got the feeling she enjoyed sparring with me more. Still, she didn’t push too hard and told me what time to come back the next day before letting me leave, a frown creasing her face as I walked out the door.
I felt like a zombie as I made my way to JJ’s room and knocked. This was ridiculous. We needed to find another way to—
The door swung open, revealing her, fresh-faced, curlers in her hair, wrapped in a resort robe. Her eyes got wide when she saw me. “I thought you’d still be with Dr. Evans.” She clutched her robe tighter around her chest. “I was gonna call you in a little bit.”
My gaze slid down to her tiny bare feet, lingering on the fiery-red polish on her toenails. “Call me about what?”
She waited until I looked back up to step away and open the door wider, indicating for me to come inside.
Once I did, I was overcome by her unique liquid gold and sunshine scent.
She closed the door and slid past me. “How was your talk with Priscilla?” Her face flushed and she waved. “Never mind. That’s none of my business.”
“It was fine.” I took in her space and the view of the Smoky Mountains through her open window. “So what did you want to talk about?”
She pointed at her laptop. “Our marriage license application.”
My head snapped around so I could look closer. I’d be damned. She was serious. There, in black and white, was the start of an application with the county clerk’s office.
“I don’t know all of your details, of course,” she started as I scoured hers, which were already filled out. “But once we fill it out online, we have to go in person to pay the fee and sign it, then...” Her voice became wispy and soft, forcing my eyes back up to hers. “Then we’re free to get married right away.”
“Right away?”
She nodded. “Tonight even.” She bit her bottom lip, then let it pop out. “I found someone who could come here to officiate at seven if that works for you. Tennessee doesn’t require witnesses. Just us and our officiant.”
It dawned on me that she was nervous.
Nervous that I would say no? Reject her?
I tilted my head. “Are you sure about this, college girl? This is crazy, even by my standards.”
Something in her eyes cleared at that and she nodded. “I’m sure.”
Everything in me went soft, which was nothing I’d ever felt before. I was sure nothing I’d ever feel again, so I decided to embrace it. What the hell? “Well, alright then, Jemma Jane. Looks like you’ve got yourself a husband.”
We filled out our online application and I gave JJ shit about being a cradle robber because she was six months older than me to settle down her nerves before we called a car and headed out to the county clerk’s office to make the deed official. Thankfully, no photographers were hovering around outside, so we made it in and out without anyone being the wiser as we signed our names on the dotted line, agreeing to get married in the next thirty days.
Then I took her to lunch, where we weren’t so lucky with the paparazzi, so we had to play the doting couple. I held her hand as I led her inside the restaurant and she leaned into me, likely for support, but her scent still drove me wild.
The poor hostess seemed utterly confused when we rushed inside, staring at us like she had no clue who we were and was totally embarrassed about it.
I winked at her to ease her discomfort. “Is there a back way out of this place?”
“Yes.” She pointed to a hallway near the kitchen.
“Perfect. Thanks.”
As we sipped our drinks and waited for our food, I eyed the doors to make sure we were not about to get bombarded by unwanted press. “So,” I said, focusing back on JJ. “A ring.”
“What about it?”
I lifted a brow. “I saw a jewelry store just down the road.”
“And?”
I frowned. “And what kind of asshole do you think I am? I’m buying you a ring. What do you like?”
She frowned right back. “That’s not necessary.”
“Yes, it is. We’re getting married.”
“Not for real.”
“It doesn’t matter. People will know it’s fake if you’re not sporting a chunk of ice. I’m Nico Santorini for fuck’s sake. I may be some sort of wild child in everyone’s eyes but I’m not a cheap bastard. Especially with those I love.”
“I never said you were; I just don’t want you to spend money on me.”
“Well, you’re going to have to get over it, especially if you’re going to be my wife. Even for five minutes.”
We stared each other down in silence until the waitress interrupted us with our salads.
“Fine,” JJ finally said. “You can buy me a ring, but you’re picking it out, then you can return it after...” She let her words drop off as she picked up her fork.
I nodded and we ate in silence, then I paid the bill, and we slipped out the back entrance that the hostess had told me about. Instead of calling for a ride, we walked to the jewelry store down the block.
Just before I stepped inside, JJ tugged on my hand. “Just one thing...” Her gaze dropped to the ground before meeting mine again, a thousand emotions I didn’t understand shining back at me. “Don’t get a princess cut, okay? Anything but that.”
I frowned at the strange request, but I figured she had her reasons. “Sure thing.” I smirked. “I’m not basic like that anyway.”
Her smile didn’t quite reach her eyes. “Okay.”
“You sure you don’t want to come inside and pick it out yourself?” I offered.
“No.” She shook her head and pointed next door at the women’s clothing store. “I’m gonna go look around in there.”
I nodded and waited until she had disappeared into the store, then I pushed into the small jewelry boutique. A couple of salespeople stood when they heard me enter, and one walked my way.
“Good afternoon, sir. Just browsing, or can I help you find something special?”
“Point me toward your engagement rings,” I requested.
This perked him right up. “Right this way, sir.” He led me to a large, well-lit display case. My gaze bypassed the boring shit up front, including the square cuts she didn’t want, in search of something that suited her.
“See anything you like?” he asked.
I wished I knew her better. Knew what she’d want, even if this was all a temporary farce. I wasn’t lying when I said I wasn’t a cheap asshole, and I still wanted my ring on her finger to make a statement. One that said... she was mine and that I cared.
“Don’t you have anything a little more... unique?” I waved my hand over the case. “I’ve seen all of these a thousand times on other women. I want something special. Price doesn’t matter.”
His eyes got big as saucers. “Well...” He indicated for me to follow him to the back of the store. “We have some limited-edition pieces for customers looking for something a bit more exclusive.” He drew back a curtain and suddenly we were in a dark room, save for two cases of jewels with spotlights shining down on them. “Take a look,” he said. “Let me know what you think.”
Even across the room, the ring had caught my eye. I walked straight for it, letting its shine draw me in like a beacon. I leaned over the glass and took in the delicate white gold band that was woven like branches and leaves, holding up the large round stone in an antique style setting. It was dainty and classy. Just like her. “That’s the one,” I said.
He drew the ring out of the case and placed it on a black velvet holder for my inspection, but I was already sold. “Lovely choice,” he said. “Two carats, grade D colorless diamond, with an additional half carat of diamonds woven into the band. Classic and elegant.”
He quoted the five-figure price, but I didn’t bat an eye.
“Great. Does it have a wedding band to go with it?”
He must’ve thought he’d died and gone to salesman heaven with the way he gaped at me, but he got his shit together and produced an equally beautiful woven white gold band. I bought them both, hoping the small size would fit JJ, but we could always have them resized later.
I was whistling when I met her outside on the sidewalk, where she stood with her bags from the clothing store. “You ready?”
Her eyes dipped to the small bag in my hand. “Yes. You?”
I lifted my bag on my index finger. “Yup. Wanna see?”
She rolled her eyes. “I’ll wait.”
I laughed. “Suit yourself, but I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised.”
“I’m so excited,” she intoned, making me laugh harder as we slid into our waiting car to head back to the resort.
As we unloaded and walked back to our rooms, it hit me what we were preparing to do. What we’d already put into motion by going to the county clerk’s office and with me buying those rings. But it wasn’t too late to stop the madness. I paused and looked over at her in the hallway before she disappeared into her room.
“You’re one hundred percent sure about all this, college girl? I’d totally understand if you wanted to ditch me at the proverbial altar.”
Something dark and a bit sad drifted across her face but she tucked it away quickly behind a smile. “Sorry, rock star. You put your foot in it with your dumb shenanigans, so your penance is a shotgun wedding.”
“My penance? Or yours?”
Her smile fell. “See you at seven, Nico.” Then she disappeared into her room.
Well, okay then.
I spun and marched to my own room, shutting myself inside, though I felt like I was coming out of my own skin. I tossed the small bag with her rings in it on my bed and stared at it like it was a snake. What the hell was I doing? I needed a drink. Or to run. I couldn’t do either.
I began to sweat and pace. Pace and sweat.
I rifled through my bathroom bag and found the anxiety meds the doc had prescribed and popped half a tab, hoping that would be enough to take the edge off, then hopped in the shower.
I shaved and put on the best clothes I had, which was only black jeans and a gray button-down. It would have to do.
I checked the clock. I had another half hour. I began to pace again.
Then it occurred to me that the entire world was going to be seeing these pictures. Including my mom.
“Fuck.”
I needed to warn her. Explain somehow. But how? She had no clue what was going on with me. Not really. She had enough on her plate with my dad, without me adding my drama. But it wouldn’t be fair for my own mother to think I’d gone off and gotten married without telling her.
I grabbed my phone and hit her up on speed dial.
She answered on the second ring. “Hello, amore mio . How are you?”
“I’m good, Ma. How are you?”
“ Bene, bene . So, what’s going on with my baby? It’s early for you to call, no?”
I sat and ran a hand through my hair. “I need to talk to you about something, Ma.”
“What is it?” Worry coated her voice. “Are you hurt? Sick?”
Kinda, but not like she meant. “No, but after that last run-in with Pa, I’ve been chasing my tail a little bit, and... well, I needed to take some time off from the band. Get my head on straight.”
“Time off like a vacation?” She sounded hopeful.
I wanted to say yes. God, I wanted to lie and say yes. But I’d never lied to my mother. It was a cardinal sin in my book. My father, sure, fuck him. But not her. “A little bit,” I hedged. “I’m in Tennessee near the Smokies. It’s real nice here.” I took a breath. “But I’m also working with a therapist.”
She was quiet for a long moment. “Oh,” she finally said. “That’s good, amore mio. I talked to a counselor once, through the church. Real nice lady. Helped me a lot.”
“You did?” I was shocked. But then again, we didn’t talk much about this kind of thing in our family.
“Yes.”
I didn’t quite know what to say to that, so I didn’t say anything. “There’s something else,” I hedged.
“What?”
“I want you to be prepared,” I said. “When you see the news tomorrow.”
“What are you talking about?” Now she sounded scared.
I sucked in a breath. Let it out slowly. “I’m getting married.”
Silence hung so thick and heavy on the line it was nearly suffocating.
“Ma?”
She began to yell and curse at me in Italian, letting me know I’d really pissed her off.
“Ma!” I tried to cut into her tirade. “It’s not like that! Will you just listen to me for a second?”
“What do you mean not like that ?” she threw back. “My baby boy is getting married, and I just hear about it now? You break my heart, Nico Julian. How could you?”
“Ma! Remember when I told you I’m here because I went off the rails a little bit? Well, this is part of me fixing that. With my PR person. It’s not a real marriage.” Then why did my heart kick my ass for saying that out loud?
My mom huffed. “Who fakes a marriage?”
“I do. To save my career. Believe me, if I was really getting married, you’d be the first to know. Well, other than the bride-to-be.” I smiled, hoping she heard it in my voice.
“I’ve never heard of such a crazy thing,” she said, “but I trust you, Nico. Just don’t call me next time with news of a fake grandchild. I don’t think my heart could take it.”
I laughed. “I promise.”
I felt better when we hung up and it was almost showtime. I slid on my boots, grabbed the rings, and headed down the hall to JJ’s room.
I knocked and waited, wondering if she’d called her dad too. Would he—?
All thought was sucked from my brain when she opened the door. All air was sucked from the space around me as her eyes met mine, a shy smile on her lips.
“Hey,” she said.
“Wow,” I managed in return, taking in the cream-colored lace and silk dress that hugged her curves so perfectly it might’ve been custom-made for her. “You are... wow.” Not my most eloquent, but I didn’t have any words that suited how perfect she looked in that moment.
Her cheeks flamed pink as she stepped back and let me in. “Thank you. I figured you only get fake married once, so...” She grinned up at me with pink glossy lips. “You look nice, too.”
“Thanks.”
I stepped into the living area of her suite and took in what she’d done. I had no idea how she’d had the time to transform the place, but she’d set up dozens of candles and several arrangements of flowers, making it look like a romantic lovers’ getaway.
A couple stepped our way from looking out the window and the man held out a hand. “Mr. Santorini? I’m Reverend Doyle. I’ll be performing your wedding ceremony this evening. This is my wife, Deb. She’ll be helping with the photos.”
I took his hand and shook it, lifting my brow at JJ when he announced himself as a reverend. We were having a fake ceremony with a man of the cloth? Somehow that felt wrong, even for me.
She just shrugged as we all took our places.
Honestly, I don’t remember much. It was all entirely too surreal. What really stuck out was how watery JJ’s big blue eyes were as she stared up at me in the candlelight, making the intimacy of the moment feel entirely too real as we pledged our lives to each other until death, even though we’d agreed otherwise. Somehow, in that moment, with her small hands in mine, it was as if we’d stepped into an alternate universe, and JJ and I were in love and this was our real wedding, and the little gasp she gave when she saw the ring I slid onto her finger was for me alone.
Then it was my turn. I was surprised that she actually had a black titanium band for me. It was heavy on my finger, but its weight was not unpleasant.
She looked up into my eyes as the officiant pronounced us married.
“Nico, you may now kiss your bride.”
JJ did not look away, but it was obvious she was emotional. Why, I wasn’t sure.
With one hand at her waist, I cupped her jaw with the other and ran my thumb over the corner of her lip as I lowered my mouth toward hers. I never thought, in a million years, the first time I would kiss my wife would be on my wedding day, but here we were, and the anticipation was suddenly killing me.
When I was a hair’s breadth away from knowing if she tasted as good as she smelled, she whispered, “You don’t have to.”
My eyes lifted to hers. And that’s when I realized the emotion in her eyes was fear. But not of me. Of being rejected. Something I knew entirely too well but, for the life of me, couldn’t fathom why JJ would wrestle with it. She was the epitome of every man’s dream.
My hand on her waist slid down to nearly cup her ass as I dragged her closer to me.
She sucked in a breath in surprise, letting me taste her cherry gloss and making me even crazier.
I tilted my head to her ear just long enough to say, “I’m kissing my wife, and this isn’t for the fucking cameras.” Then I kissed the hell out of her.
I threaded my fingers through her loose blond curls and tugged just enough so she’d open to me, then I sank into her sweetness. I tasted the seam of her lips, then sucked her full lower lip into my mouth.
She gripped my biceps and let out a soft moan, opening to me, and our tongues began to slide and explore each other in a sensual give and take that was headier than any drink I’d ever had.
The reverend cleared his throat, and she jumped in my arms, yanking her mouth from mine, and I missed her instantly.
He lifted a brow. “Congratulations, Mr. and Mrs. Santorini.”
“Yes,” his wife said, handing JJ her camera. “You two look beautiful together. We wish you all the best.”
JJ thanked them while I paid the man and then they left, leaving us to stare at each other. I had no idea what to do with that kiss or with the knowledge that the gorgeous woman standing in front of me was my wife. What did that even mean, if anything?
She lifted her left hand and gazed at the ring on her finger. “This is gorgeous, Nico.”
“So are you.”
Her eyes slid up to me as if to gauge my sincerity.
“Who was he?”
Thunder clouds filled her face and she spun away. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“Of course you do. You were very specific about not wanting a certain cut diamond and out of all this craziness, the only hint of emotion I sensed out of you was that I might turn you down, which makes zero sense since I’m the loser in this scenario. So, the only thing that makes any sense is that some ass clown dumped you. So who was it?”
“First of all, you’re not a loser!” Her face began to glow pink, but from temper this time. “And second, it’s none of your business.”
“I’m your husband now. I think that makes it my business.”
“Not my real husband!”
I ignored the stab of pain that caused me because I knew it was stupid. And dangerous. “That reverend who just left here might say otherwise.” I pointed to the door. “Let’s not forget this was your idea, Mrs. Santorini.”
“Fuck you!”
“Best part of the husbandly duties.”
“Ugh. You’re impossible.”
“You knew that when you proposed.” I folded my arms across my chest. “But don’t change the subject. Who was the asshole that went basic with the diamond?”
She rolled her eyes. “Fine. His name was Brody.”
“Brody? You’re serious with that shit right now? Was he some kind of frat boy with a trust fund or something?”
“Not quite.”
“But...?”
“But he’s from a well-off family and he works on Wall Street now.”
I growled in disgust. “What did Brody the Fuckwad do?”
She shook her head and turned her attention to her phone.
“What are you doing?”
“Sending some of these photos out so they’ll be published. What do you think—?”
I snagged the phone from her hand, forcing her to look up at me. “What. Did. He. Do?”
I was surprised when tears sprang to her eyes. It must’ve surprised her too because she shook her head and spun to stomp away from me.
“JJ!” I went after her, grabbing her arm and spinning her around.
“He left me at the altar, okay!” she bit out, tears now streaming down her face. “We were college sweethearts. The perfect couple. It was supposed to be my happy ever after, and it was until... until it wasn’t. Is that what you wanted to hear?”
I took in her ravaged face and my heart ached for her. “No. Not at all. You deserved better than that. Than him. Definitely better than me.”
Something sparked in her eyes as her tears began to dry up at my words. Slowly, she reached up to trace the line of my jaw with her left hand, her ring sparkling in the candlelight. “Maybe,” she said. “Maybe not.”
I frowned at her words, wondering what the hell she meant by them, but was interrupted by a knock on her door. “Room service.”
She dropped her hand and smiled, all emotion from the moment seemingly gone. “Wanna stay and have dinner with your wife before the world finds out what we’ve done?”
Well, how could I turn that down?