Chapter 16
ANNA S POV
As I watched Nate move around the
kitchen, his toned muscles practically calling out to me, I couldn’t help desiring him. He was shirtless, wearing only a pair of loose–fitting jogger pants that hung dangerously low on his hips, and the sight of him was enough to make my heart race.
Nate Powers was a sexy man no doubt. And Nate Powers cooking my favorite meal in the kitchen…for me, was way sexier.
I couldn’t help but stare, mesmerized by the way his body moved with an effortless.
grace.
The way the muscles in his back flexed and shifted with each movement had me practically salivating. I wanted nothing more than to reach out and touch him.
Get a hold of yourself Anna!
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Suddenly, he turned, catching me in the act. I quickly averted my gaze, pretending to be inspecting a painting on the wall, but I could feel the heat rising in my cheeks.
Nate chuckled, his deep voice sending a shiver down my spine. “You know, you’re a terrible actress, Anna,” he said in a playful tone as he closed the space between us. I felt the hairs on the nape of my neck stand instantly.
I turned to face him, forgetting how to breathe the normal way as I realized just how close he was. I could smell the faint scent of his cologne, and feel the warmth from his body.
“What do you mean by that?” I asked, trying not to maintain eye contact.
He reached out, his fingers trailing along my waist as he pulled me closer. “You know exactly what I mean. Anyway, if you want to eat the food I’m making now, and then have a different kind of ‘meal‘ later on…” He winked at me, the suggestive
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implication clear.
I felt my face flush a deep red, and I quickly pushed him away, putting some much–needed distance between us. “Nate, you need to observe some personal space, you know,” I scolded, hoping I sounded as firm as I thought.
He chuckled, turning back to the cooker and dishing up the food onto two plates. “Oh, come on,” he teased, “don’t be such a bore. Aren’t we supposed to be husband and wife tomorrow? I thought we were supposed to be all over each other.”
I rolled my eyes, despite the butterflies that were forming in my stomach. “I know, but it still feels so surreal, you know? I mean, this whole thing is just…” I trailed off, shaking my head in disbelief.
His smile faltered, his expression turning serious. “You’re right, it is surreal. And I know it’s not real, not really. But… I still want you to be happy, Anna. That’s all that matters to me.”
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“But… isn’t it bad luck for the groom and bride to see each other before the
wedding?” I asked, getting ready to dig into the mouth watering food in front of me.
“Oh that’s true. But, it’s not like this is a real wedding, right? I mean it’s a real wedding but it’s not like we love each other or something.”
I felt a pang of something that felt like disappointment on hearing that, though I couldn’t quite put my finger on why.
“Right,” I repeated, forcing a small smile.
Nate stepped back, clearing his throat. “Anyway, you should probably go eat before your food gets cold,” he said, his tone slightly strained.
I nodded. “Right, of course,”
As I sat down at the table and took my first bite, I couldn’t help but marvel at how delicious it was. Nate really knew his way around the kitchen, and the fact that he had taken the time to prepare my favorite
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dish was not lost on me.
The next morning, as I stood before the mirror, adjusting my wedding dress, I couldn’t help feeling a little restless but excited as well.
Getting to the church was a breeze and to my surprise, Nate’s parents were actually there, seated in the front row. I had expected them to put up more of a fight, but it seemed that their only son had won them over, at least for the time being.
My own parents were there as well, and I could see the apprehension in their eyes as they watched the ceremony. I only called them very early that morning to tell them about the wedding so they didn’t ruin things for me.
They had tried to argue that I was still carrying Caden’s child, but I had simply blocked out their protests.
Nate was standing there looking like the most handsome groom ever and with the
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way his eyes raked all over my body, I could tell he was smitten with me.
As the priest began the ceremony, it all felt like a dream. But when Nate slipped the ring onto my finger, I suddenly realized how real it was. The priest pronounced us husband and wife and just as we were about to share a kiss, the doors to the church burst open, and Caden came rushing in.
“Stop the wedding!” he shouted, his voice echoing loudly through the stunned silence. of the crowd.
I felt my heart skip a beat as he rushed towards us, his eyes wild with anger and desperation.
“Why are you marrying another man,” he demanded, his gaze fixed on me, “when you’re carrying my baby?”
The room broke into chaos, with the guests mumbling and Nate’s parents immediately. rising to their feet looking outraged.
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Oh how I just wished the ground could open up at that very moment and swallow me whole.
Nate immediately stepped in, his hand coming to rest on the small of my back in a gesture of support. “Caden, I think there’s been a misunderstanding here. Anna and I are getting married because she is my fiancée, and we love each other. The child she’s carrying is not yours.”
“That’s a lie!” he spat, his gaze flitting between Nate and me. “Anna is my wife,
and that baby is mine. I won’t let you steal her away from me!”
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