Game for Marriage by Karen Erickson Page B

liked to use. He’d noticed it before on other women, had never really cared one way or the other about it.
    For whatever reason, he was filled with the sudden urge to see all that glittery shine up close and personal.
    They left the house, slipping inside the limo that waited for them. Her nervousness was noticeable and he wished he could reassure her. They hadn’t seen each other much since the wedding ceremony and oddly enough, he felt more uncomfortable with her now than he had a few days ago when they talked at her studio.
    It was…weird. Knowing she was his wife. That she wore his ring and bore his name and lived in his house. Despite it being fake, he had someone else to consider now. A beautiful, sexy woman who tempted him the more he looked at her. Probably because he knew how good it was between them, yet he couldn’t have her.
    Crazy.
    The limo pulled out of the circular drive and onto the road, headed south toward downtown Carmel, where Charlie’s new restaurant was located, not far from Sheridan’s gallery. Hundreds of people were expected that night. He hoped like hell there wasn’t going to be a bunch of paparazzi there, but he knew that was wishful thinking.
    Glancing in Sheridan’s direction, he noticed she stared out the window, a forlorn expression on her face. She looked like she was being dragged to her death.
    Scrubbing a hand over his face, he asked, “Are you all right?”
    Sheridan flashed him a shaky smile. “I’m fine.”
    Hell. Even her voice trembled. Reaching across the bench seat of the limo, he grabbed her hand, earning him a startled glance. “Are you nervous?”
    “Of course, I am.” She rolled her eyes, her slender, cold fingers clutching around his. “This is our first appearance as a married couple. We have to look like we’re…in love.”
    He studied her. She looked damn pretty in the short, strapless, sparkly dress. Though it also made him want to grab a blanket and cover her completely. She had a great body, there was no denying it. Tiny waist, perfect breasts that weren’t overblown, a look he really didn’t like anyway. And then there was her ass…
    Well. He was an ass man, always had been. And hers was pretty spectacular.
    Those golden brown eyes were wide, fathomless, and the expression on her face was clear as day.
    She was scared out of her ever-lovin’ mind.
    “I have an idea.” He drew his thumb across the top of her hand and she gasped. “First, you’re going to have to stop reacting like that every single time I touch you.”
    “I—I’m not used to it. You touching me.”
    “Well, you need to get used to it. I’m your husband. ” He touched the giant diamond that glittered on her ring finger, smoothing the pad of his thumb over the top of the cool stone. She inhaled sharply, her obvious reaction pissing him off. “How do you expect everyone to believe we’re together if you’re going to keep acting like this?”
    Sheridan pressed her lips together. “I’m sorry. I can’t help myself.”
    “You need to relax.” He paused. “I think I know how to help with that.”
    “By all means, please show me,” she said, the tiniest bit of sarcasm edging her voice.
    That meager display of defiance sort of turned him on, sick bastard that he was.
    Yanking on her hand, he hauled her in close, so close she sprawled across his chest, her free hand braced against his shoulder, her face in his. “What are you doing?” she squeaked.
    He cupped the back of her head. “This,” he murmured just before he settled his mouth on hers.
    …
    Oh, God. The moment Jared kissed her she wanted to melt. Just melt into him until she completely disappeared, and then their plan would go up in smoke.
    Where’s your new wife? the reporters would ask.
    I melted her with my lips! Jared would cheerily reply.
    Yes, she was that much of a goner. But the man could kiss, his warm, smooth mouth moving over hers, sucking her lower lip between his. One big hand tangled in her