Page 45 of Irresistibly Wicked

“Where are we going?”

“To get wedding rings.” He nodded to a jewelry store up ahead.

“Don’t waste your money.” She stopped walking. “You don’t have to wear a ring, and I already have one.” She tugged her hand free and held it up, wiggling her fingers to show him the ring.

“That’s an engagement ring. When we say our vows, we have to exchange wedding rings.”

She looked at him like he’d lost his mind again. That was becoming a habit. “We won’t have vows. We’re signing papers and saying I do.”

“Everyone has vows.”

“Not us,” she insisted.

“Whether we write them or they’re written for us, we’re promising to love and respect each other in sickness and in health. I intend to honor that bond, and unless you’re cool with women hitting on me, we need rings.”

“Like a ring would stop them?” She laughed. “Look at you. You’re one of those guys who’s blessed from head to toe.”

A devilish spark glimmered in his eyes. “I knew you were checking me out after my shower.”

“I’m not talking about that.” She motioned to his face and body, trying to ignore the flutter in her chest as she cataloged his deliciousness in a gray T-shirt and his leather cut, low-slung jeans, and those biker boots that gave him an edge. “You give off this energy. People can’t help but be drawn to you. Practically every woman we’ve walked past has checked you out.” Oh God. Did I really say that last part out loud?

“A ring could help stop that.”

She shook her head, wondering why he wanted a ring so badly.

“Guess you’re not the jealous type, huh?” he coaxed.

“It’s a fake relationship, Zan. What do you want me to say?”

His brows knitted. “Aren’t you a little proud to be marrying me? I mean, I’m a pretty great guy.”

“You’re an amazing guy, but it’s hard to be proud when I feel like I’m taking advantage of you,” she said quietly. “You’re doing everything to help me, and I’m reaping all the benefits.”

“That’s not true. You’ve made it clear that there will be no taking advantage, so you’re not reaping all the benefits.”

She laughed. “I’m serious.”

“I’m just pointing out the obvious. I, on the other hand, have a fun new roommate who’s easy on the eyes, snarky enough to keep me from getting bored, and isn’t afraid to break a fingernail helping me fix up my cottage. I’d say I’m reaping some kick-ass benefits, too.”

“Do you spin everything positively?”

“Fuck yeah. Life is too short to live in the muck, and I can tell you right now, I will not stand for guys hitting on you while you’re wearing that ring. I take this role very seriously, and now that you’re my fiancée, every other guy on this planet is out of luck.”

Fake or not, it felt good to be looked after. The next thought hit like an aha moment. If it felt good to hear him say that, then didn’t he deserve to feel that way, too? She was about to say as much, when a thought gave her pause, and she had to ask, “Why would you want to stop women from hitting on you?”

“Because I’m just going to turn them down.”

“But this isn’t real. You don’t have to do that.”

“You keep saying that, but a vow is a vow, and I told you I live by a code. I’d never disrespect you by being with someone else when people think we’re married.”

As she tried to process his commitment, he said, “You’re putting way too much thought into this. Let’s pick out our rings.” He slung an arm over her shoulder and headed into the jewelry store, speaking low as he walked up to the counter. “Time to test your acting skills, gorgeous.”

The tall brunette behind the display smiled as they approached. “Hi. Are you looking for something special today?”

“As a matter of fact, we are.” Zander held Shauna a little tighter and said, “My fiancée and I are shopping for wedding rings.”

“How exciting,” the brunette exclaimed. “When is the big day?”