It's Only Make Believe Read Free

took her hand, helped her to her feet, and with one great swoop lifted her into his arms. He carried her from the hall. Guests cheered and followed them to the door. He set her down in the doorway, raised her chin, leaned down, and kissed her. A hard demanding kiss that took her breath away. The kiss drowned out the noise from the crowd. All she heard was the gasp and moan that came from her throat and the beat of her heart.
    ***
     
    Taken up with the moment, Brad whisked Michele away from the crowd, not sure what had come over him. One moment he knelt in front of his wife, her long slender leg in his hand. The strip-tease music played in the background and desire inflamed him. Her eyes widened as he seductively removed the garter, desire filled them before she lowered long lashes, trying to hide it. The urge to kiss her became too strong – now he set her down in front of the door, oblivious to the crowd around them. He took her in his arms and kissed her the way he wanted to all evening.
    Friends and relatives cheered him on, bringing him back to the present. He took her hand and hurried outside. Michele stumbled against him and he tightened his arm around her. Poor thing sure never expected any of that. Not that he was sorry. Far from it. He’d never enjoyed anything more in his life. He held the car door for her then ran around to the other side.
     
    *** 
    Anger replaced the sensual feeling when Michele got into the waiting limousine. “What was all that about?” She tried to keep her voice calm, while her insides threatened to erupt. What was he thinking, carrying on like that? “I know we agreed to act out this charade, but I think you carried it a little too far.”
    Brad leaned back in the luxurious leather seat and laughed. “Just play acting, it’s what they expected.” He raised his hand to her face, caressed her cheek with his fingers. “Why not relax and enjoy it, we still have a year of this game and our parents expect an heir.” Lowering his mouth, his lips captured hers, silencing her protests. He moved away, put his arm around her, leaned back, and pulled her close. “Besides, I find you very desirable and you have to admit, I don’t repulse you.”
    Michele made a half-hearted attempt to pull away. Repulsive, yeah right, that’s the last thing she found him. In fact the attraction she experienced overwhelmed her. She enjoyed being in his arms, liked his kisses. Giving in, she laid her head on his shoulder and relaxed for the first time in days. She sighed at the sudden contentment that rushed through her.
    All too soon, the fence that surrounded the two acres of the beautiful brick mansion, their parents purchased for them, came into view. An electric wrought iron gate opened from a remote by the chauffeur, and they drove through the tree-lined drive. Although the picture of elegance, Michele hadn’t wanted a home like this. She hated it. She’d always dreamed of a long ranch in the country with horses and dogs and eventually children, but most importantly with a man she loved.
    With a man who loved her. Would she ever find that man? Could it be Brad?  Not that she stood a chance with him. Ruby made that all too clear earlier that evening. Michele pulled away. What was she thinking relaxing like this? She was going to have to bring Ruby up eventually, but how? Could she just ask him outright? He’d certainly been an attentive bridegroom and except for that one occasion, he hadn’t gone near Ruby the rest of the evening. In fact, several times it looked like he avoided her. How to bring it up? Not now surely, at least not within earshot of the chauffer. She closed her eyes and leaned back on the seat. Somehow or other, they’d get through this year.
     
    *** 
     
    Brad relished the feel of Michele as she snuggled against him, her head on his shoulder. Play-acting, ha, he didn’t even know what came over him. But he liked it. Whatever caused the sudden attraction was going to make