Page 42 of Irresistibly Wicked

“Sure you can.” He flashed that heart-melting smile. “I know you’re used to taking care of yourself, and I understand that being in control is as much a part of you as living life on a whim is a part of me. But we’re getting married, and if you never get married again, I want to feel like you didn’t miss out. I’m not trying to throw you a fancy wedding, but for once in your life, let someone spoil you. Let me spoil you.”

Emotions bubbled up inside her. “You already are. You don’t need to do more.”

“I want to do it. This is my wedding, too. Let me feel good about it. Come on, Angel. Let’s have some fun. If we’re going to sell the world on this, we need to let go of our reservations and get swept away in the idea of holy matrimony.” He took her left hand in his and said, “What do you say, Shauna? Will you marry me and show the world we’re not just great looking, but we’re also the best damn actors around?”

He was too persuasive for his own good. “You’re not going to let me say no, are you?”

“Nope.” He slipped the ring onto her finger. “It fits. That’s got to be some sort of sign.”

“Zander,” she pleaded.

“I believe you mean, Yes, Zander, I’ll marry you.”

She laughed. “You’re getting this ring back after we end the marriage.”

“Is that a yes? Because I didn’t hear it.”

“Yes, you pain. Yes, I’ll marry you and wear your beautiful, too-expensive ring.”

“Attagirl.” He laughed and pulled her into a hug. “See how easy that was?”

“As easy as swallowing nails.”

Chapter Sixteen

ZANDER WATCHED SHAUNA with amusement as she wandered through another clothing shop at the Hyannis mall, eyeing dressy outfits as if each one was more offensive than the last. She was a funny girl, so tough and stubborn, she’d snubbed the first two clothing stores as being too fancy. She’d tried about a dozen times to give the ring back, but he’d stood his ground and had caught her admiring it at least as many times. She didn’t need fancy clothes. She was cute as hell in an oversized green crop top that showed a tempting path of golden-brown skin just above the waist of her hip-hugging jeans. But he was determined to find an outfit that she’d feel comfortable wearing. One she’d admire herself in with the same sparkle in her eyes as when she looked at the ring. And he was going to make sure she had fun finding it.

“Hey, Angel, when was the last time you bought something fancy?”

“I don’t do fancy. I wear a uniform at work, workout clothes, or jeans.”

He cocked a grin. “And sexy little outfits when you’re working the pole?”

She glowered at him.

He laughed. “I’ll make you a deal. You try on a few dresses and anything else you want, and even if you don’t find something you love, I’ll take you to dinner.”

“You’re resorting to bribery?” She sifted through a rack half-heartedly. “I could be into that. What’s on the menu?”

He couldn’t resist riling her up and waggled his brows, lowering his voice seductively. “Anything you want.”

She rolled her eyes. “Make it shrimp tacos and you’ve got a deal.”

“It’s your loss.”

She laughed and plucked a simple peach dress off the rack. “Is this what you had in mind?”

“That dress does not deserve you.” He took it from her and put it back on the rack. “You’re strong and snarky. You need something sexy and flirty that demands attention but doesn’t beg it.”

“I don’t even know what that means.”

He sifted through the rack and pulled out a sexy little floral number. “Like this.”

“Flowers? Really?” She crossed her arms. “That’s…a lot.”

“So are you, Angel. You’re trying it on.”

She sighed. “They’d better be good tacos.” She reached for the hanger, but he pulled it away. “Zander, I need to check the size.”