Page 67

Well… at least that’s my story for the public. “We took a heavy hit on those grapes that developed that damn fungus. We could get by if nothing else happens, but there is still a good chance we’re going to need to consider using her services, whether I like it or not.”

Sebastian smirks, lifting his glass in a silent toast. “Not her services. Just her grapes.”

“Is that what we’re calling them now?” Shep cracks up, slapping the table. “I was guessing she was easily a C cup. But you never know what’s hiding in some of those push-up bras. I’ve been shocked to expect melons and instead there were only grapes once the lingerie came off.”

I roll my eyes and drain the rest of my beer. But under the table, my hands clench into fists. We need to change this conversation. The truth is, right now, I’m just a horny bastard who wants nothing more than to go home and sleep with his beautiful wife.

Only problem? She’s my fake wife. We signed a contract, and sex isn’t on the table.

“I’m calling it a night.” I toss a twenty onto the table and slide out of the booth before they can tease me any further.

I drive back to the estate, the cool night air doing nothing to soothe the friction burning under my skin. I pull up to the main house, expecting it to be pitch black, but light spills from the upstairs windows.

She’s home.

I step inside, tossing my keys onto the foyer table, and head up the staircase. I’m more than a little excited. Pushing open the door to our bedroom, I stop dead in my tracks.

My mouth goes bone dry.

Alexis is strutting across the bedroom toward the vanity, completely unbothered by my presence. Or so it seems. She’s wearing a skimpy, ice-blue lace-trimmed silk lingerie set that barely covers her curves. It leaves miles of smooth, golden skin on full display.

The sweet, intoxicating scent of her perfume fills the entire room. My mouth is watering. All of my senses are on full alert. She’s the sexiest thing I’ve ever seen. I lick my lips. She’s completely edible.

Lexi glances over her shoulder, giving me a casual, innocent smile. “Oh, hey. I didn’t realize you were home.”

I stand frozen in the doorway, my pulse hammering in my throat as I stare at her. She sways her hips provocatively on her way to the bed.

Our bed.

Welcome to hell, Sam. An absolute, torture-filled hell.

Lexi

My phone buzzes on the nightstand, lighting up with a string of notifications from our group chat. It’s our morning affirmation ritual, a steady flood of love, humor, and fierce encouragement from my girl squad.

Claire: Sending good energy into the universe for all the chaos on my plate. (And by my plate, I mean yours, Alexis. Winking emoji.)

Georgia: You are a badass. You are brilliant, and you are going to crush today.

Lilly: Reminder that you are the main character. Act like it.

Summer: Every day, I thank the universe for all that I have.

Emilia: I am courageous. I am confident. I am worthy. I like who I am.

Everly: Starting off shaky is still starting.

Me: I have the power to change my story.

I smile, typing out a quick heart emoji. Yet before I can set my phone down, a private text pops up from Emilia.

Emilia: Hey Lex! So, quick question… now that you’ve got spicy marital issues to tackle, would you still consider returning to the club you went to with Lilly, Georgia, and Claire? Everly was so disappointed to miss out on the fun last time that I was thinking of bringing her and Summer to stay with Lilly for Everly’s birthday next week. That way, we all could go. It’s been way too long since we’ve all been together. But it wouldn’t be the same without you.

I laugh softly, my thumb flying across the keyboard.

Me: Say no more. Count me in.

The following week, the girls arrive, filling the house with squeals, hugs, and an overwhelming wave of energy. They’re staying with Lilly, but have driven to Sutter Creek to pick me up. Georgia claimed it was so I only needed to pay for the Uber ride home, but I secretly think they wanted an up close and personal look at my current marital situation. Nosey Nancies.