“Can I help you?” I asked through a mouthful of toothpaste.
I was not used to having someone else in my space, let alone a man as attractive as Alex. It put me on edge. And I was still trying to figure out this business deal we had.
“Do you happen to have an extra one of those?” he asked, chuckling.
Feeling foolish for my combative mood, I yanked a few of the drawers open until I found the half-used package of toothbrushes. He took it with a quiet 'thanks' and moved to stand beside me, stealing the water and toothpaste as he went. I was nervous from his closeness; our arms brushed, and I edged further away, not wanting to choke and embarrass myself.
As he was blocking the entrance, I had to wait for him to finish. I used the time to look at him with a new perspective. His broad shoulders pulled his shirt tight and hung loosely around his waist. He had already slipped out his shoes and padded around in dark socks. It was a small gesture that made me feel more intimate with him, although I couldn't explain why.
His chestnut brown hair shifted around his face as he leaned over the sink. There was no doubt that there were hordes of women who would have happily signed up to be his fake wife. He was handsome, confident, and easygoing. He liked to tease, worked hard, and cared about his family. Then you factor in all the zeros in his bank account. It was a dizzying combination.
“Are you done gaping at me, or should I stand here a little longer?”
His question sent pink flames through me. I had been caught staring, and there was no excuse I could give. I tried to clear my throat and think of what to say next, but he only laughed and walked across the hall to my bedroom.
“What are you doing?” I demanded as I followed him in.
He pulled off his shirt, revealing thickly corded muscles in his arms, stretching across his chest. It took all my willpower to keep eye contact with him, and he knew it from the smirk on his face.
“Going to bed. What are you doing?”
"This is my room," I answered, ignoring his question.
“Where else am I going to sleep, Agotia? I didn't think you would want me in your father's room, and that couch in your living room is too short for me. Besides, we have to share the bedroom.
I scanned him head to toe, realizing he was probably half a foot too tall for the couch. I sighed, exhaustion creeping in further. I was ready to concede, but fluttering panic replaced all signs of tiredness when he reached for the button on his pants.
“Woah, woah, woah,” I cried, throwing my hands over my eyes.
He laughed, but I didn't move my hands.
“What do you suggest?”
"We are not married yet; even if we were, it's a fake marriage.
“Agotia,” he said, “you can uncover your eyes. I am still dressed.”
I carefully peeled back my fingertips, peeking through the cracks to ensure he was telling the truth. He laughed. Satisfied, I continued where he had stopped me.
"This isn't a real marriage. You say we must share the room to convince people it is real. Fine. I will go along with it. But we are not going to share the bed. Tonight is the exception. We will put a couch or an air mattress in your room. And I expect you to be clothed. I will do the same."
Alex stared at me for several seconds as he pondered what I had said. Finally, he shrugged and slid under the covers. Relieved, I grabbed a sweat and an oversized tee shirt out of my dresser before rushing back to the bathroom to change. He was waiting for me when I returned to the room. His eyes found mine as soon as the bedroom door opened, his hands tucked behind his head, showcasing his broad chest.
I tiptoed into the room, suddenly uncomfortable in my room. He did not comment about the pink walls or the decorations that adorned the walls from my teenage years. I tried telling myself that it did not matter. The bed was clean, and the blanket was warm, so he had little to complain bout. Keeping to my edge of the bed as much as possible, I eased under the covers and turned my back to him. He chuckled softly, and I wanted to curse. It was going to be a long night.
“I don’t bite, you know.”
“I know,” I murmured back.
"Then why are you tucked away over there?"
I sighed deeply. I knew this conversation was inevitable, but I still did not want to have it. Unfortunately, I doubted Alex would let it go, so there was no other option.
"I've never done anything like this before," I admitted, flipping over to lie on my back.
"And you think I have?" he asked his tone light and teasing. "Faking a marriage is not an everyday occurrence."
“That is not what I mean. I have never shared a bed with a man. I have never even had a boyfriend.”
