Free Accidentally Married by Victorine E. Lieske Page B

mother’s probably sprawled out on someone’s kitchen floor right now, too stoned to know what day it is. My father doesn’t even know I exist. Another party animal, I’m sure. No, I’m fine the way I am. I worked my way through college. Even got some acting experience. And after I get a job and save up some more money, I’ll go back to Hollywood and try again. You’ll see me in the movies someday. I’ll make something out of my life.”
    “I know you will.” He had no doubt about it. “You’re ambitious and tenacious. You’ll succeed at whatever you put your mind to.”
    “Thanks, Jared.” Her voice was so low, he almost couldn’t hear it. “That means a lot to me.”
    He rolled over and pulled the blanket up to his chin, ignoring the feelings her words were stirring in him. He barely knew her. There was no reason for him to care for her.
    And she was crazy, he reminded himself.
    So, why did his lips tingle with the memory of her kiss? Why did his arms long to pull her close? It made no sense. He needed to get his mind off her. This whole fake wedding was playing tricks on him. She wasn’t his real fiancée. He simply needed to stay focused.
    He closed his eyes, and images of her smiling face came into view. She was beautiful, he had to admit. And funny. Smart. He sighed, no longer feeling tired.
    “Good night,” he whispered.
    Her even breathing answered him.

    Madison awoke the next morning feeling refreshed. The guest bed was comfortable. And large. King sized, probably. She stretched and peered down at Jared.
    He lay cramped up in a little ball, the quilt covering only the top half of him, his legs and bare feet sticking out the bottom. Her heart went out to him. That was very kind of him, to offer to sleep on the floor.
    She left him sleeping and crept into the bathroom. A steamy shower sounded perfect. She set the clothes Irene had loaned her on the marble counter and undressed. The hot water cascaded down on her.
    She’d had crazy dreams last night of Jared’s kisses, his warm touch radiating through her. She had to get a hold of herself. The wild fantasies weren’t making it any easier to be near him.
    The body soap smelled like almonds and vanilla and was luxurious on her skin. She washed her hair with some fruity shampoo and matching conditioner, which was a treat. Usually, she picked up whatever was on the discount table, and that meant they rarely smelled the same, most of the time not even being the same brand.
    She dried off with a soft, fluffy towel, feeling like she was at some fancy resort. Irene’s designer clothes fit her nicely. She blow-dried her hair and ran her fingers through it to comb it out. It wasn’t ideal, but it was presentable. And no makeup. Again. She shrugged. Oh, well. Jared might as well see her real self. They were getting married in two weeks.
    A giggle escaped, and then she silently reprimanded herself. That wasn’t something she should be thinking. Getting all googly-eyed over him wasn’t going to be of any help to her. In fact, it could get her into a lot of trouble.
    She went to the door and knocked, in case Jared was changing in the bedroom. No sound came, so she peeked into the other room. The floor was empty, and the bed made. No sign of Jared.
    The house was quiet as she made her way down to the kitchen, but as she neared, she heard voices.
    “Your aunt Shelly is thrilled you’re moving up the wedding. I wasn’t sure you were going to go for it, for a minute there.” Irene’s airy voice.
    “Yeah? Why not?” Jared’s deep baritone.
    “You were uncomfortable with the idea, I could tell. But if you know she’s the right girl, then there’s no reason to wait.”
    Silence.
    Madison decided to rescue him from the conversation. She walked around the corner and smiled. “Good morning.”
    Irene, dressed in a long colorful robe, was taking clean dishes out of the dishwasher and putting them away. “Hello, Madison. How did you sleep?”
    “Fine.”