Reluctantly Yours (Unexpectedly in Love, #1)

by Erin Hawkins

“Yes, I gave them my condolences,” I cough, “I mean best wishes for a long and happy marriage.”

I find weddings and love in general to be a waste of my time.

‘A vulture preying on the weak’ is what he likened me to.

“I’ve never thrown a bachelorette party before.” “That’s because who gets married at twenty-five anymore? At our age, how can you commit to one dick and know you’re making the right decision?” She waves to the bustling streets around us. “I mean this city alone has a sea of dicks just waiting to be explored.”

“Chloe Anderson,” he shakes his head, “you’ve been a bad girl.”

“Was it love at first sight like with me and Fred?” Frankie asks, then slides one hand affectionately over Fred’s shoulder. “Yes,” I answer as Chloe responds, “No.” “What Chloe means is that she was not a big fan of me but I was quite taken with her.”

“Oh, I’m sorry. I was unaware I was supposed to help you in your business dealings.” Chloe’s arms spread wide and I’m momentarily distracted by her cleavage. “That makes perfect sense because I was unaware about anything for this ‘date.’ Next time you blackmail someone into being your date, maybe fill them in on the details. It would be helpful.”

This woman frustrates the hell out of me, while also managing to make my dick as hard as stone. It’s a paradox I want nothing to do with,

“Our relationship is our business.”

Do not think that. He might also be a mind reader. That could be why he’s silent a lot. He’s keeping the pathway open to be able to read other people’s thoughts.

Now, it’s occurring to me that people think that Barrett and I are having sex. That’s what you do in most adult romantic relationships. That’s what you do when your boyfriend looks like Barrett. You consummate like bunnies, everywhere and at all hours of the day. JoAnna is staring at me. “I’m not leaving early to have sex with Barrett,” I announce, a little too loudly.

“Do you know what I’d say?” he asks. “Hmm?” “The way your eyes light up when they spot the outline of my dick in tennis shorts.” My jaw drops to the floor of the car. “That’s not—” I begin to argue. “My boyfriend answer is your smile.”

He shrugs. “I don’t have time to sit here and wait for you to finish.” “Is that what you say to all the ladies? What a charmer,”

“She reports that her lips are less swollen and she should be sucking Fred’s dick by tomorrow at the latest.”

“Chloe, I’m about to drill a hole through my pants just thinking about tasting you. I want it that bad.”

“I don’t want you to get hurt. And while I have no doubt he enjoyed giving you an orgasm, Barrett seems like the kind of guy that can easily walk away when he’s done getting what he wants.”

She’s right. Spending time with Chloe has made me realize what I’ve been missing out on and think about the man I want to be. Whether it’s taking time to understand each other, or not letting work take over my life. By getting to know Chloe, and seeing her perspective, I have discovered I can do better. I want to do better.

“It’s obvious.” She smiles at me, then turns to watch Barrett. “The only reason a man does something for a woman that he wouldn’t normally do is because he’s in love.”

as much as I’ve gotten to know Barrett, I still have to wonder what is real and what is part of our arrangement. He’s still focused on his deal with Fred and our relationship is a part of that. We’re not a real couple. Yes, we’re hooking up now, but orgasms don’t equal love.

Maybe I am a virgin. It’s never felt this good. I’m clearly unacquainted with sex where your partner wants it to be as good for you as it is for him.

I want a wife and family of my own someday. Hell, I’m starting to think I want that dog she tricked me into fostering.

I want everything with Chloe, but I’ve never done this before. I’ve never had to balance running a company and being in a relationship. I want to put in the effort with Chloe. I just hope I don’t screw it up.

“Chloe. I want you here with me. I want our arrangement to end and us to be together because we want to. Keep your apartment. It’ll be there if you want it. But if you want to be here, I want you here. Sleeping in my arms. Waking up every morning together.”

As Barrett says the words, I let out a shaky breath. More than moving in with him permanently, the reassurance that he wants to make our relationship real makes my stomach fluttery and my heart pound happily against my ribcage.

“Now tell me you’re mine because you want to be.”

I don’t want to be anywhere but here. With him.

“I hope Chloe forgives you because there’s no way in hell I’m signing those papers now.”

“I don’t care about the deal, Chloe. I care about you.” I slide my hand around to her lower back and pull her in close to me. “Yes, the deal was my sole focus. I was determined to convince Fred that I was the man he should sell his company to. I was so determined that I didn’t care that I was using you to get what I wanted. I know I should regret forcing you into a fake relationship, but I can’t. Just being near you makes me a better man. You made me realize I was missing out on life. I’ve fallen for you, Chloe. Hard. I love you and I need you to forgive me for being an ass. For risking what we have for a business deal.”