Pretending

by Shanna Clayton

  “What do you mean?”

  She nods to the space behind me and stands up. “I’m going to get some food while the two of you enjoy being reunited.

  Confused, I look behind me.

  My heart slams against my chest. Wesley is standing there, decked out in a tuxedo and looking absolutely gorgeous. I throw my arms around him, hearing him chuckle.

  Gripping his arms, I back away, refusing to let go just yet. I need to look at him. All of him. I want to make sure he’s real. “What…why…how?”

  He laughs again. “I was able to get three days off. It took me twenty-seven hours to get here, and it’ll take another twenty-seven to get back, which means…” He glances down to look at his watch. “I have another ten hours to spend with you.”

  “So instead of taking a break, you came all this way to spend one night with me?”

  He nods.

  “Why?”

  “You’re worth it.”

  I take his face in my hands, pulling his lips to mine. Kissing him sends sparks throughout my body, making me groan against his lips. Feeling him, touching him—it all seems like I’m in a dream. “You have no idea how thrilled I am that you’re here.”

  “I have another surprise,” he says, reaching into the inside of his jacket. “One Gwen thought you might like.”

  He pulls out a box, opening it for me to see. Inside is a giant sparkling ruby cut in the shape of a heart—the Zumina-al-Shimaz.

  I place my hands over my cheeks. “You’re letting me wear it?”

  “No. I’m giving it to you. It makes sense that you should have it. You own my heart, Dahlia. You should have this one as well.”

  I shake my head, unable to stop my eyes from watering. “This is too much. You being here makes me happy enough.”

  Wesley pulls the necklace out of the box. “You’re gonna put this necklace around your neck, babe, and you’re gonna enjoy it.”

  “Okay.” I grin in spite of his words. It didn’t take much convincing.

  He clasps the necklace around my neck, looking me over, and giving his nod of approval. “Beautiful.”

  “So ten hours, huh?”

  “That’s right.”

  “We should make the most of those ten hours then.”

  “I agree.”

  I reach for the crook of his arm tugging just slightly. “Will you dance with me, Wesley Kent?”

  “I’d be happy to, Dahlia Reynolds.”

  “Good.” I smile and lean close to his ear. “One dance. And then afterward, I think we should go home.”

  He nods, the idea appealing to him. “That has a nice sound to it. Home.”

  THE END

  Thank you for reading! You can visit me at:

  http://www.shannaclayton.com

  Facebook

  Goodreads

  Instagram: @shannaclaytonbooks

  Twitter: @shannaclayton