19. Weak

Jane

"Wait. This is a truffle restaurant?" I ask, putting my menu down to peer at Colton. We're seated at a round table in a secluded corner of the room.

"Yes, it is," he confirms without meeting my gaze. Then, he peers over his menu. "Thought you might like it. My way of compensating for being a jerk these past few days."

"Oh, so I wasn't imagining things, then?" I ask, an eyebrow raised.

He shakes his head. "There was a lot going on at work, and well, I'm sorry. Anyway, this is how I choose to apologize to my future wife," he says with a wink.

My heart melts inside my chest, then promptly freezes over. Stop swooning!There is nothing to swoon about. I quickly remind myself that this is a professional agreement. "Thank you," I say, careful to use my professional tone.

I focus my attention back on the menu, and naturally, I want to try everything. I eventually settle on the cep mushroom velouté with truffle espuma as an appetizer, then the truffle and parmesan risotto as a main. Colton chooses the black truffle omelet and the Wagyu beef with truffle mashed potatoes.

When our orders are taken, it's like the shield protecting me from Colton has vanished along with the menus. Now, I can't hide from his perfect chiseled jaw or the depth of his gray eyes as they bore into me. This can't be happening. I don't want this. I want freedom.

Colton, for his part, seems perfectly content to stare at me without talking, and I have to say something before I combust on my chair. "So, do you come here often?"

"It's my first time, actually," he says before taking a sip of his wine. "I didn't even know this kind of restaurant existed."

"Tell me about it. This place is my ultimate dream. If I were rich, they'd see me every week," I joke. "Actually, I'll have to ask if they have a branch in New York."

His body tenses, and for a moment, I think I'm going to be served Cold Colton again. But then he chuckles and says, "Truffles are going to ruin you."

"But at least I'll be happy," I say, raising my glass before taking a sip.

"By the way, did you get your passport? Max mentioned it was coming today." As he asks, he takes his blazer off, and I really wish he hadn't. His white shirt hugs his muscular chest perfectly. Now, I can't look away.

"Uh, yes," I stammer, struggling to focus on his eyes. "It did. I'm all set for my first trip overseas."

"Good. We'll—"

Applause fills the room, and I turn around. A man is getting up from his knee, sharing a passionate kiss with a girl whose long black hair is tied back. Their faces are radiant, and I can see the sparkle in their eyes from all the way across the restaurant.

I clap along and turn back to Colton. I expect him to be smiling and applauding like everyone else, but he's on his phone.

I can't help but chuckle. "You really don't like any of this, do you?"

He raises his head and stows his phone. "What do you mean?"

"Weddings and all that."

He shrugs. "I'm a man. It's not the same for us."

"Um, hello? Of course it is. Just look at them," I say, craning my neck to the newly engaged couple. A waiter just brought them a cake with a single candle. "He's the one who proposed, wasn't he?"

Colton's impassive expression remains. "Well, then it's just not the same for me. I'm not wired like that. I like being alone, and I don't want anyone to take care of, or to take care of me." His tone is back to its usual icy chill. "Why don't you want all of that?" he asks, waving at the couple as his tone becomes more curious. "You said you didn't want to date, but like every other woman here tonight, you were swooning when the guy proposed."

I guess I should have seen that question coming. "I like romance, and I'm happy for the two of them, but I don't want that for me. I have other goals, other plans apart from just being someone else's wife." I say it like it's a disgusting word I wouldn't touch with a ten-foot pole. "The money I'll make these next two years will help me make my dreams come true."

"Our engagement party is going to be a blast," he jokes, and I can't hold back a chuckle.

"Good thing we're both good actors," I say as I lift my glass.

His eyes sparkle the way they always do when he's happy. "I'll drink to that."

The night of our engagement party has finally arrived, and I'm more excited than I thought I'd be. My brand-new dress is hanging in my closet, ready to be worn, and I'm eager to spend more time with Colton. Last night's restaurant date ended up being a lot of fun. After the icy wedding talk, we moved to more enjoyable topics, like music and movies. That warmed the atmosphere between us—even if I still can't believe the man is an Abba fan.

Once I'm dressed with full makeup on, I feel even more confident about tonight. Just like I expected, sliding into this shiny new dress and putting on this mask is exactly what I needed to get me into character. It worked once before, and it does it again. Even if I didn't go through the long character prep this time.

The private room of the restaurant we booked is already swarming with guests when we make our entrance. Judging by the look on Colton's face, he wasn't expecting this many people either. He gives my hand a little squeeze, and we join the crowd.

We soon come across Max and his girlfriend, Jennifer, who I recognize from my audition. After greeting them, we make our way around the room. A large percentage of the people here tonight were at the charity gala as well, so there aren't a lot of new faces to memorize. I guess Colton really wasn't kidding when he said he didn't have any friends. These are all work connections.

Managing to escape from a boring conversation about stock options between Colton and a developer, I sneak over to the bar for more champagne. There's a speech coming up at some point tonight, and I need some liquid courage if I want to get there alive. Colton hasn't shied away from his small gestures tonight—touching my back, holding my hand, offering me that tormenting smile. And it's cracking my carefully curated mask just like the Death Eaters did to the protective dome before the Battle of Hogwarts.

Someone speaking my name brings me out of my Harry Potter fantasy. Two women are chatting a few seats to my left. They can't see me because of the two bulky men occupying the seats between us. Yet despite the surrounding chatter, I hear them loud and clear. It's like they're not even trying to be discreet.

" . . . extremely fishy, if you ask me," one says in a haughty voice. "I know for a fact she used to be a waitress at Sonoma. I couldn't remember at first, but now I do. And you know me. I never forget a face."

The woman with the blonde updo nods. "I believe you. There is something off about this girl. She looks more white trash than Hollywood royalty. No matter how many designer clothes she throws on her back. Or the size of that ring."

Tears fill my eyes, but I force them back in.

"That ring really is something," the other one scoffs. "She's going to bleed him dry. Honestly, he should know better. There are a lot of gold diggers out there."

That's it. I've heard enough. My first instinct is to confront them, but I really don't want to make a scene. Instead, I slip outside for some fresh air. I'm about to open the door when someone beats me to it, placing their hand on mine. Between the woodsy scent and the electricity coursing through my hand, I immediately know it's Colton.

"What's wrong?" he asks, his eyes searching mine once we're outside. It's a warm night, and the light breeze is welcome on my burning skin.

"Nothing. I'm fine." I plaster a big smile on my face.

His fingers reach for my cheek. "Your tears tell me otherwise," he whispers. I shiver at the gesture and the gentle tone of his voice. When did he become so good at reading me?

With a sigh, I glance around, making sure no one can overhear us. "Someone made a comment about my old waitressing job, and the word ‘gold digger' was thrown in there. But like I said, it's nothing. I just need to get used to it. There wasn't exactly a description for this, um, part, so I couldn't prepare. It's constant improv."

"You're doing great, Jane," he says with that smile I love so much. His next words take me by surprise. "Fitting in is always hard. Socializing in particular, but you have to be fiercer than them. And I know for a fact you already are. So what if this world is tough? Be tougher."

I want to respond, but I'm at a loss for words. This exchange feels genuine on so many levels. The way his eyes soften tells me he cares, and not just because we're at our engagement party and are supposed to act as if we're in love. It also tells me that he knows what he's talking about.

"But . . ." I start.

"You know, I wasn't always good at fitting in either," he says with a wink and a ghost of a smile. Then, he grabs my hand and squeezes it. "Time for my speech. Let's go."

I follow him back inside and onto the small platform where someone hands him a microphone. The chatter dies down as the focus shifts to us. Taking my hand in his, he begins. "Everyone, thank you for being here tonight. I am a private man, but I couldn't keep my love for Jane all to myself. I had to tell the world."

I nearly collapse at his words. I knew he had to talk about me, but couldn't he dial it down just a little? This night has already been an emotional roller coaster ride. I wouldn't mind a break.

He smiles at me, but it's the kind you give your friends when you're in on a joke together. So I return it. Because this is a joke, after all. A few people are taking pictures, including the reporters that I know were invited tonight.

"It's hard to find someone you really connect with. Someone with whom you want to spend the rest of your life, but I'm lucky enough to have found my other half. And even luckier that she's agreed to marry me. Jane is magnificent in so many ways. She's brilliant, tough, gorgeous." His eyes meet mine again, his gaze warm and encouraging. Suddenly, my heart feels full. "She knows what she wants in life, and I'm a lucky man to be a part of it."

He leans over to Max and exchanges the microphone for two glasses of champagne. Handing me one, Colton raises a toast, his eyes capturing mine. Then, in a booming voice, he says, "To Jane."

Everyone around the room repeats his words. We clink glasses, and I empty half of my drink in one go.

Colton turns to me again, whispering into my ear. "I think we should kiss," he says with a smile teasing his lips. "People will be expecting it."

I give him a slight nod, mentally preparing myself as I try to ignore the pounding in my chest.

He takes a step closer, looking apprehensive. "You haven't kissed Truffles tonight, have you?"

I fight the urge to smile. "I did. But I thoroughly washed my mouth with soap afterward."

His face splits into a dimpled smile, and I almost melt into a puddle on the floor. "Haha," he says, tucking my chin into his hand. "You're funny."

Then, without warning, his lips connect with mine. It's so delicious I almost drop my champagne glass. I hold on to his strong shoulder with my other hand, afraid I'll lose my balance. His touch is firm, yet soft and sweet at the same time. His fresh pine cologne is transporting me out of this room as we get lost in each other. Colton Green has to be the best kisser in the world, and once again, I chide myself for that stupid "no tongue" rule. If the guy can kiss like this without it, the real deal must be spectacular. My mind starts whirling, and I'm not sure about anything anymore. Because this is not a fake kiss. This one seems very real, and it's effectively shattering the mask I put on.

Cheers and applause erupt around us, forcing us to break the kiss. When I open my eyes, Colton's gaze settles on me with an expression I've never seen him wear. A mix of surprise, fear, embarrassment, and something else I can't quite decipher.

It probably echoes the one I'm wearing right now. My vision blurs as my heart runs wild like a beast in a cage. I don't know how long we stay like that, staring at each other, but it feels like an eternity.

Finally, Colton looks away and turns to the crowd, giving a little wave before we both step down from the stage.