831 Marriage Lane (Cherry Falls)

From the way he brought it up and the way she’s acting, I’m guessing she’s at risk of losing this place. That thought has me wanting to pummel that asshole’s face. The only thing keeping me calm is the fact that I know I can easily fix this for Gabriella.

Obviously, someone has taken over my body. That's the only explanation for how I’m acting. Because I’m ready to pour every dime I have into fixing any problem she has if it takes that sad, uneasy look off her beautiful face. I can see the worry etched all over it.

“I always thought about getting married here,” she admits, her voice thick with emotion she’s trying to hide.

“I am supposed to ask you to marry me later tonight. We wouldn’t want to share our wedding location, would we?” She tries to smile at my teasing, but it doesn't meet her eyes.

“I’m sure they have other places in mind to get married. Lennon is from Wild Ridge Mountains. Maybe they’ll get married there. I don’t know much about his family or where they live. I’m not sure they’re close.”

“He’s not close to his family?” What the hell? We aren't close with our mom, but I thought Lennon and I were close. We talk often enough. Or do we?

“Willow mentioned his brother isn’t going to be easy to win over. He’s a bit of a jerk and hates marriage. He’s a divorce lawyer, so it isn’t shocking that he is jaded when it comes to marriage.” I guess Lennon isn’t hiding anything when it comes to Willow. “He’ll have his hands full with Will, though. She’ll kill him with kindness.”

I take a swig of my drink. Relief fills me that Gabriella has no idea who I am. For once in my life, I hate that my reputation precedes me. Usually, I’m glad when people think I’m an asshole who doesn’t want to be bothered.

Especially when it comes to women. But I don’t want Gabriella to think those things about me. I don’t bother to tell her who I am because I’m at a disadvantage. Something I’m not used to in life.

Willow was more than kind when I met her. Especially if my brother told her about me, and I’m guessing the phone conversation we had was one of the things he’d mentioned.

Suddenly, the sky starts to fill with light as fireworks go off overhead, stealing our attention. I already have an idea of what is about to happen. A few seconds later, my suspicions are confirmed when the fireworks spell out a message across the sky. I actually find myself smiling at it.

WILL YOU MARRY ME AGAIN?

“I don’t care if Willow can win over Lennon’s brother or not. Let him show up and try to stop any wedding. I’ll kick him in the balls.” Gabriella shakes her head, sending her dark hair flying. Her eyes are filled with passion now. It's way better than the sadness that was there a moment ago. “From what I’ve heard he’s a bitter, sad person trying to ruin other people's happiness. I’m sure it’s because he’s some jaded lawyer. A woman hater who thinks everyone only wants his money. At the same time, I bet he uses women right back. Rich men can be the worst. Except Lennon. Look at him. This is what he does with his money.”

Her lips purse, and I know her going off right now has a whole lot more to do with what’s going on in her own life than it does anything else.

I also know if she finds out I’m the brother she’s talking about it’s going to kill any chance I’ve got with her. It’s inevitable that she will, but first I have to show her another side of me. One I don’t think I even know. Yet this woman has made me want to become acquainted with it.

Desperate times call for desperate measures. A plan forms in my head. I’ve always been good at thinking on my feet. It’s what makes me the best at what I do. In the courtroom, you always have to be ready for whatever is thrown your way. To adjust and go in a different direction. Life is no different.

“You couldn't be more right,” I agree with her.

Her face flushes, her eyes going big, realizing she’s been going off on a bit of a tangent. “I’m sorry, that was—” I cut her off.

“Can I get you another drink?”

“You don’t want to make a run for it?”

“No, love.” I lean over, pressing my mouth against hers.

If anyone is going to be running, it’s going to be her.

4

Gabriella

Warmth surrounds me. It has me reaching for sleep, not wanting to deal with the small headache that’s trying to creep in.

“Love, if you don’t stop pressing that lush ass into my cock, I won’t be responsible for my actions. A man can only take so much,” a deep, sexy voice whispers against my ear. The man’s words are followed by a kiss pressed to my neck. My eyes close, and I stop moving. I almost stop breathing too. It takes me a second to get my bearings.