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Fake Marriage (Contemporary Romance Box Set)

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“But that would be transactional. You help the town; the town welcomes you.”

He seemed to ponder that but then shook his head. “I’ve also learned that it helps to have people around that can be instrumental in meeting goals. I need Wallace in the mayor’s office to ensure my goodwill is accepted and appreciated.”

I shook my head. “That’s what you’re missing, Simon. Goodwill isn’t bought. It’s earned. Power may make people act like they respect you, but they don’t. Helping people is the fastest way to gain respect. At least in these parts.”

He gave me a friendly nod. “I appreciate your insights.” Then he walked out.

I sat down again and ran through my conversation with Stark. And out of it all, one thing became crystal clear. I was an idiot. Not because I turned down his offer to help with the library. I was an idiot to not see the man that Tucker was. He might be young, but he was more of a man than Simon Stark or Rick. He was good and kind and solid. He knew himself better than any person I’d ever met. He knew himself better than I knew myself. He loved me. Once.

The question was, could he love me again?

35

Tucker

I woke feeling like I had sandpaper in my mouth. I rolled from bed, drank a glass of water, ate three pain relievers, washing them down with more water, then I made coffee. My stomach suggested that I’d skip breakfast and wait for brunch.

But waking up hungover, wasn’t so bad since drinking had given me time with Brooke. She’d listened, commiserated, kicked my ass a few times, but mostly she’d just been there. Plus, I’d gotten the scoop on things with Mo and at work, Trina’s less obnoxious behavior now that she was pregnant, and the town gossip, that did include my fake marriage to Holly, but what was being said didn’t seem too bad. Maybe Brooke had sanitized it, but normally she was a straight shooter when it came to things where the truth mattered.

I called her at eleven in to make sure she was doing alright. Mo answered and told me that she’d been up earlier and he’d plied her with water and pain reliever then put her back to bed.

“I appreciate you’re being okay with her spending time here,” I said. I was sure most men wouldn’t like their wives hanging out and drinking with other men. The fact that it didn’t bother him proved that he understood she was my best buddy.

“I’m glad that she has time with you. It sounded like you needed the support.”

I had a fuzzy memory of her commanding him to make Holly love me. “She’s a good friend.”

“That she is. And for what it’s worth, if this thing with Holly is important, give her time. She’s had a rough year with Rick and now all this hubbub involving you and the library.”

“Those aren’t what she said was the problem. The issue isn’t something that can be fixed.”

“No, but sometimes, a little time can make a person re-evaluate their previously held notions. This I know for sure, Tucker. I’d be a liar if I said I didn’t have moments of thinking what the hell was I doing marrying a woman nearly two-decades younger than me. But then she shows up with that sunny smile and love in her eyes, I know that I’d be an idiot to pass up on her love.”

If Holly only thought the same. “Well, I’ve got time.” But I wasn’t sure how quickly I’d forget or take the risk again. I shook my head because I was certain there would be no again.

After my call, I made my brunch and worked on some curriculum ideas and was considering a nap when there was a knock at my door.

“You didn’t forget anything last night, love,” I said as I opened the door. My heart stopped. “Holly.”

She smiled, but I could see hesitancy in her eyes. “I’m sorry…I ah…I didn’t realize you had company.”

“I don’t,” I said, as a wash of emotion flooded me. How could I hold on to my resentment when my heart was reaching out to touch her? Then I realized what she said. She must have thought I had a lady friend over. “Brooke came over last night. Mo had to carry her, literally, out of here. She’s lush, you know.”

Holly cocked her head, like she hadn’t expected any levity. To be honest, I’m not sure where it came from.

We stared at each other for a moment. “Is there something you need?” I asked.

“Oh…uh…”

I opened the door. “I can make coffee if you want.”

She seemed relieved as she stepped inside. She looked around and I realized she’d never been here before.

“My humble abode. It’s not much, but it works.” I led her to the tiny kitchen with eat-in dining area and made a pot of coffee.

Then I leaned against the counter and watched her as she looked out my kitchen window. I had a déjà vu of being in her kitchen like this. It felt like a million years ago, and at the same time, like it was yesterday.

She finally turned and looked down for a moment. She looked up and said, “I was hoping for a do-over.”



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