Free A TEMPORARY MARRIAGE: PART ONE (AVALON BAY ROMANCE SERIES Book 1) by Vicky Dean Page B

Scarlett’s, a bar opposite the pier that often put on live entertainment, the two laughed and talked, enjoying the acoustic music of two guys on the guitar, playing songs from the seventies.
    “I can’t believe you’re getting married tomorrow,” Teri said as the bartender set down a Pina Colada in front of her.
    “Me either,” Cassie said as she raised her Daiquiri and tapped it against Teri’s drink.
    “Cheers.”
    “So tell me more about this man you’re about to marry. Will I like him?”
    Cassie laughed, “Yes, you’ll like him, he’s a good guy.”
    “Is he good looking?”
    Cassie could feel her face beginning to flush. “Yes, he is. Almost too good looking.”
    “No such thing,” Teri said with a laugh.
    “Well, before all of this, he was imprinted in my mind as a spotty teenager. Now he’s about 6’2”, and very good looking. He’s also in excellent shape I guess from working outside so much.”
    “You’re falling for him, aren’t you?”
    “No,” Cassie said quickly. “That would not be a good idea. Plus, he’s not the marrying kind.”
    “Why?” Teri asked.
    Cassie sipped her drink slowly to buy herself some time before answering. “I don’t know why, really. Possibly because he lost his parents and siblings in a car accident when he was fifteen. It happened after my mom and I’d moved to Staten Island. Perhaps he’s scared that if he gets close to someone he’ll lose them.”
    ***
    Over at the ranch, Philip joined Richard for some steaks and scotch—a “playboy off the market” celebration.
    “I’ve been saving this for a special occasion. I suppose this is as good as any,” Philip said, showing the scotch bottle.
    “Good, I’m tense as hell, Philip. I’ll gladly take anything to take the edge off.”
    “The wedding, or something else?”
    “The wedding, but also organizing everything for this week. I haven’t seen Cassie for two days. People have been asking so many questions about her and I was caught off guard at first. It’s details that are likely to trip me up.”
    “Well, once you’re married and she’s also living here, it’ll be a lot easier,” Philip said with complete confidence.
    “I hope so,” Richard said.
    “So, you don’t feel good about the wedding?” Philip asked.
    “Not great. I like living on my own and the thought of sharing my home for a year is not something I’m looking forward to.”
    “Is it about being off the market, or just having to keep up with the rouse for a year?” Philip asked. “Because, in the whole scheme of things, a year isn’t that long.”
    “Oddly enough, I haven’t even thought about the woman factor, aside from the one I’m marrying.”
    “Sure picked a romantic honeymoon spot; any particular reason?”
    “Well, I didn’t want to do the Caribbean or a cruise. And I always wanted to go to Europe. Heard that Cassie did, too, so I thought we might as well knock something off our bucket list as the kick-off to our marriage.”
    Philip smiled mischievously and asked, “What about sleeping arrangements?”
    “What about them?”
    “Cassie’s a beautiful girl.”
    “To get involved with her in that way would just complicate things. I have booked separate rooms for us. This is just a business arrangement, remember,” Richard said slightly irritated. 
    “How is Victoria?”
    “I haven’t talked to her since we split up, passed her on the street in the truck once. She didn’t even return my wave.”
    “What about your business relationship?” Philip asked.
    “Well, I do need to talk to her about various things, but she must still be burnt, because she hasn’t reached out to me. And there are those five old fishermen cottages she bought that she wants me to renovate for her. It’s not like her—she loves money more than just about anything else.”
    “Miss her?” Philip asked, swigging down the rest of his scotch.
    Richard thought for a while before answering. “Actually, no. I guess