Her parents were in attendance, as well as her best friend-slash-lawyer, Lorelei Monson. He'd learned shortly after issuing the prenup that Ms. Monson was in the know about what was really going on between him and Merina, but given her best friend and client had something to gain and plenty to lose, Reese trusted the other woman to keep the knowledge to herself.
She seemed to be on board with the whole thing, save for a few sharp, assessing looks she'd shot him during the ceremony—and oh, look, there was one now. He'd survived steelier scowls than hers.
In the board member department, Bob and a particularly unsavory character, Ronald Dice, stood behind Reese, but Dice had largely ignored them while he plated his food.
"Thank you," Merina said as he handed her a set of silverware wrapped in a cloth napkin.
"Champagne or wine?" he asked. He could use a scotch.
"Oh, um, champagne. We are celebrating." Her smile was faint and her voice heavy.
Reese leaned close and under the guise of placing a kiss at her temple, he said, "This is a party, and, yes, we are celebrating." He heard the sharp intake of breath, watched her breasts lift with the inhale. They may be partying, marrying, for show, but their reaction to each other was so grounded it practically vibrated the floor.
When he'd put his lips to hers during the ceremony, she'd softened, her rigid shoulders lowering, her body loosening. Then she came closer and held on to him. Attraction was not something they'd have to fake—good news, considering they'd need to convince the media as well as the board—but the implications of being truly attracted to the woman he lived with could prove dangerous. And fun.
If he allowed himself to have a little.
Correction: If Merina allowed him to have a little.
He drew back, pleased to see an answering heat in the depths of her eyes. "Sit." He nodded to their table and handed off their plates to a waiter. "I'll be over with your drink."
"Thank you, Reese." Her voice was soft, her demeanor relaxed.
Before she got away, though, Dice stopped her with a compliment…dressed up as an excuse to bust Reese's balls.
"You make a beautiful bride, Mrs. Crane," Dice said, his beady eyes sharp and shrewd. Of the board members, he'd be the hardest to convince, and exactly why Alex had suggested they invite him. "Quite the speedy nuptials. Making me wonder if you two kids have gotten yourselves into a pickle." He winked and laughed heartily, his gaze going to Merina's belly—flat and streamlined in her gown.
Merina's bare shoulders stiffened and Reese didn't hesitate to wrap an arm around her.
"Ronald Dice. Goes by Dice," Reese said of their unwanted company. "He's been with the board for over twelve years. His wife, Monica, wasn't able to make it. I hear she's on another trip to Cancun?" Reese moved his hand along Merina's bare back. She shuddered beneath his touch.
Dice stiffened, his pompous smile erasing. It was a company rumor that Monica went to Cancun to sleep with other men. Judging by Dice's curled lip, Reese guessed it was true.
"Too bad she couldn't make it," Merina said, her smooth delivery not giving up her nerves. God. This woman. Cool and smooth, yet warm and lush. He allowed his fingertips to tickle her spine, enjoying the way she shifted at the touch.
"Yes. Well." Dice cleared his throat. "Again, congrats." He stepped out of line and scuttled to a table to ruin someone else's day. Reese watched as he made the poor decision to sit next to Lorelei. Perfect. She wouldn't let Dice push her around.
One glass of scotch turned into two, and Merina downed two glasses of champagne and finished her plate of food. Next to him, she propped her elbow on the table, chin in her hand, and watched the room.
"Not a bad first wedding," she said after checking to be sure no one was listening. He did the same before responding.
"No one would know it was your first. You handled it like a pro."
She sent him a wry look. "Me? Sure you've never done this before, Crane?"
"Positive." He leaned close and she didn't move an inch. Her eyes flicked to his lips and their guests immediately lifted their forks and rang the silverware against their crystal glasses.
"We have to kiss," she breathed, her face flushing the most attractive shade of pink.
"Shame," he murmured, then leaned the rest of the way to place a soft kiss on her mouth. They lingered and the ringing sound faded into another wolf whistle from Tag and a few female giggles.
Reese pulled his face away to admire his gorgeous bride in white, lit by candlelight.
Kissing for the public was a task he'd expected, but feeling it, responding to it wasn't. He shifted in his seat, attraction lingering between them.
"Cake!" Tag shouted.
The perfect segue. Reese wondered if his brother saw something in the kiss that made him think Reese might need a reprieve.
The formality was quick, Reese slicing the cake, Merina feeding him a bite, and him returning the favor. Whether it was the champagne making her ballsy, or she was trying to kill him, he couldn't be sure, but when he gave her the bite of cake, her lips closed over his finger and sucked. A muscle in his jaw twitched, but his bride didn't let up, pulling his finger from her mouth so slowly, he thought he might die.
Vixen.
Guests came to retrieve slices of cake and congratulate the happy couple if they hadn't already. Merina's father, Mark, offered a hand and said congratulations, along with Jolie, who did the same. Reese accepted their handshakes, but they still didn't look convinced.
"Where is the honeymoon?" Jolie asked, cake plate in hand.
"It's a surprise," Reese answered.
"Will you be home to get your things?" Jolie asked Merina, sadness stealing into her expression.
"Reese is sending movers tomorrow," Merina answered, her tone soothing.
These two were close. Keeping such a big secret from her mother had been a lot to ask.
"Well. I wish you two the best. And do come visit, sweetheart," Jolie said.
"Mom. It's not like I'll never see you again." Merina sighed when they walked away. "I need more champagne."
"Do you?" Reese lashed an arm around her waist and noticed Dice looking at them as if questioning his earlier suspicions. He and Merina had just about convinced the jackhole. Nice. He lowered his mouth to her ear. "We're being watched.