Goody Two Shoes (Invertary 2)

She reached for the mug of tea she’d obviously hated, and took a large gulp. Her nose screwed up.

“It’s like this.” Josh worked at keeping his tone soothing. “I don’t believe in romance. I believe in commitment. I want an arranged marriage, like they do in India. So, Mitch here has been checking out potential wives for me. Up until now he’s completely bombed out, but I think he’s spot on with you. You’re perfect. I think you should marry me.”

Her jaw fell open. “You think I should marry you?”

Josh looked at Mitch. “Why does everyone insist on repeating what I say?”

“It’s a mystery.” Mitch’s tone was droll.

“You don’t know anything about me.” Caroline’s cheeks had turned the prettiest shade of pink. It made up for the boxy suit and sensible shoes his mother would love.

“I know you care about family. I know you quit college to help your sister when she got pregnant as a teenager.” He smiled reassuringly. “I know you lost your parents when you were a kid, and your grandfather raised you. I know you live alone and aren’t in a relationship. I know the whole town considers you to be the woman in charge around here.”

The colour leeched out of her face. “You’ve been spying on me?”

Josh realised his mistake. “Not spying, just checking you out.”

Caroline frowned at the two of them. “That is very…” She looked around the room. “Creepy,” she said at last.

Josh rubbed his neck. This wasn’t going how he’d planned it to go. Now she not only looked like she was going to run, but call the cops while she did it. He tried a different tack.

“Lots of people get married for practical purposes. It isn’t always about falling in love. It’s really quite simple. Think of it as a business arrangement, only with sex.”

Mitch groaned and slapped a hand over his eyes.

“You mean like a prostitute?” Caroline’s green eyes went wide.

“No!” Josh threw up his hands. “That came out wrong. It’s a marriage.”

“Between two people who don’t know each other.”

“But who will grow to care for each other.” He infused his words with the absolute conviction he felt.

Caroline sat silently for a minute. At least she seemed slightly less stunned. She turned to Mitch.

“You picked me?” She pointed at Josh. “For him?”

“He needs a nice girl.” Mitch shrugged. “Someone down to earth who can balance out the nuttiness.”

Caroline shook her head. “I’m sorry.” She spread her elegant hands. “I don’t understand this at all. Don’t people like you usually marry models, or film stars? Isn’t there someone more appropriate who fits your bill?”

“Uh-uh. Not going to happen. I’ve been down that road. I don’t want a famous wife.”

“No,” Mitch said. “There’s only room in his life for one ego.”

“You’re not helping,” Josh told his friend.

Mitch grinned and settled into one of the cream-coloured armchairs.

“This is ridiculous.” Caroline’s voice had a slightly hysterical edge to it. “Why would I marry you?”

Josh spread his hands wide. He thought it was self-evident. Apparently not.

“Because you’ll have a great life with me. We’ll travel the world, meet interesting people, have loads of fun and you’ll get to live in a castle.” He leaned towards her and lowered his tone. “And trust me, I will make you feel good. Very, very good.”

Her cheeks turned a deeper shade of pink. They stared into each other’s eyes for a minute before she blinked and looked away.