Beautiful Disaster: A Novella {On Hold}

A marriage in name only . . . or is it?

Millionaire Ryder O'Dair isn't sure if he believes in love, but he knows he doesn't believe in marriage. His parents are physical proof of that. But in order to inherit what is rightfully his, he needs a wife and needs one fast. So, he offers Ember, is PA, a bold proposition.

The arrangement is planned to be only for a short period of time, so the rules shouldn't be that hard to follow, right?

Except fate has a way of upsetting the most of best-laid plans . . .
~~~~~
I stared at his cards, skeptical. Four aces. "The odds on four aces in five card stud are...oh my God, you cheated!" I sputtered. "Nobody can get four aces unless he palmed the cards. Don't lie to me, because I was thinking of doing it myself!"

He smirked. "Don't accuse me of something you can't prove."

"You cheated." My tone held a twist of wonderment and horror.

He snorted. "Just like a woman to be a bad loser."

"You're a swindler, Ryder O'Dair."

"Prove it."

"I will."

I didn't think, I just launched myself over the coffee table and into his arms. The breath whooshed out of him as I tumbled him back on the carpet and stuck my hand up his shirt sleeves for the suspected planted cards. Ryder grunted as my weight shifted, my intent only to find evidence of foul play.
In a moment, the laughter died and with one quick motion he flipped me onto my back, and pinned both hands beside my head.

"I know you have the cards planted. Just admit it and we'll forget this whole thing happened." I said, breathless.

"You're crazy, you know," he muttered. "I didn't cheat."

I had been so intent on our argument that I'd forgotten he'd pinned me to the floor. We were both breathing hard, and his eyes darkened.

It was in that moment that he lowered his lips to mine, and kissed me.