The Wedding Hoax Read Online Free Page B

Cole ever think about giving up his bachelorhood to score an investment deal. So why was he staring at her as if he was trying to figure out a way to convince her to go along with the plan?
    She knew that glint in his eyes. It was the one he got every time he tried to get someone to bend to his desire. The same one he’d used on her when he’d convinced her that bungee jumping off a bridge would be fun and a good way to bond as a couple. It wasn’t a good way to bond. It was a good way to pull a back muscle and end up bedridden for a week.
    Well, she wasn’t going to let him talk her into anything stupid again. She was her own woman, and she’d make her own decisions.
    “You have to admit, he came up with a pretty good plan,” Cole said, shrugging.
    “Really? Getting married is a good plan to you all of a sudden? Wow. Your magazine must really be hurting.”
    “Like your bridal gowns are selling so well. Is that why you’re here, because you’re so successful you don’t need any help?”
    “My design house is not your concern. And I certainly don’t want help or anything else from you.” She took a deep, shuddering breath as she struggled to keep her anger in check.
    His gaze flickered down to her chest. She held her breath, forcing her body to still. He would not get to enjoy her heaving bosom or any other part of her anatomy as long as she could help it. Cole didn’t deserve to stare at her breasts like they were a steak dinner. Not when he’d had his fill and then pushed her away like an empty plate.
    Damn it. If only her nipples would listen to reason. Currently, they were beaded so tight under his appreciative gaze, they ached with need and begged for his undivided attention.
    She folded her arms across her chest, covering the evidence of what his gaze did to her.
    His eyes met hers again, looking slightly glazed over for a moment before narrowing. He cocked an eyebrow at her. “Actually your business is my concern right now since the future of my magazine is currently at stake, based on the decision you make about your shop.” He leaned forward and put his elbows on the table. “I’m not thrilled with the conditions on this deal, either, but the fact is, we’re both here because we need the money, and this is the deal we’ve been given to work with. So why don’t we discuss it before we decide?”
    “Fine. Discuss.” She waved her hand at Cole to continue talking. She may as well let him say whatever it was he wanted to say, and then she could leave and never have to see him again.
    Seeing Cole again, energized about his business and sitting there in his dress shirt and tie, looking professional and sexy as sin…she didn’t need this right now. He pulled at the knot in his tie, loosening it slightly so he could undo the top button of his crisp shirt. The newly exposed V of his collarbone pointed south, instantly reminding her about the playboy body he kept hidden under his professional attire. He’d damn near had a perfect six-pack of abs last year. What would she find this year?
    Nothing, ’cause I won’t be looking.
    She didn’t have time to deal with his six-pack, or any other part of him.
    She definitely didn’t want to deal with the feelings seeing him was stirring up, either—hurt, anger, loneliness.
    Damn it…desire, longing, lust.
    She didn’t need any of that getting in the way of making the decision that was best for her boutique. She certainly didn’t need Cole getting in her way.
    She pulled her cell phone from her pocket. She couldn’t believe her assistant Tonya hadn’t given her the full scoop about this meeting before convincing her to go.
    Why didn’t you tell me Cole would be here? She sent the text and waited for Tonya’s reply. If she’d known… A moment later her phone vibrated in her lap.
    Would you have gone if I had?
    Tonya knew her too well. No! She typed so hard on the touch screen her thumbs ached.
    Then you have your answer. Whatever the deal is,