Read The Mischievous Mrs. Maxfield for Free Online Page B

out.
     
    "I didn't say you were," I snapped irritably. "Just that if people think you are. It makes for a better story than leaving the world speculating about what could've possibly motivated you to marry someone poor and unworthy of your precious last name when she has neither money nor your heart."
     
    He scoffed. "I could say it was just my father forcing my hand."
     
    "And what? Show them that Martin is cold and unfeeling father when we both know he isn't?" I asked in exasperation. "Show them that you're a greedy, spineless weasel for not standing up to your old man? Do you think people will truly understand the complexity of this not-so-simple business arrangement?"
     
    "Alright, enough already!" His voice barely rose in volume but the force of his words had me swallowing hard. "You've made your point and I'll acquiesce on this. You can keep your job until a week before the wedding because a bride has to have some involvement in her big day. While you're here, I expect that you'll discourage any kind of advances from anyone trying to get into your pants. It's bad enough that I'm marrying a nineteen-year-old waitress. I don't want the media publishing articles about customers groping my future-bride's ass like it's public property."
     
    "Ah, your despicable charm, as always," I muttered under my breath. "Don't worry. After that incident with Mr. Clarence, I'm not coming within two feet of men with suspicious character unless I'm armed with a baseball bat. The only reason I don't have one right now with you is that it didn't go with the dress. But I hear that salt and pepper shakers dent foreheads real good so don't try anything funny."
     
    "I think I'm absolutely, positively insane for ever considering doing this with you," he groaned, closing his eyes briefly as if in pain. 
     
    "I second that wholeheartedly," I said with a grin. "Although I'd like to clarify a point of distinction that you were already a wee bit crazy before you saddled me with your boorish presence."
     
    He opened his eyes and arched a brow at me. "Well, since you're being paid a million dollars to endure my boorish presence, I say endure it quietly. I'd like to go through this year without a permanent migraine which I continue to get because you never stop provoking me."
     
    I tilted my chin up defiantly. "Only because you provoke me first. But I agree with you. I'd like to get through this year myself without being carted off to prison for murdering my husband. If we're to stay married for a year and give a convincing portrayal of a real husband and wife, let's try not get on each other's case."
     
    "I'll do my best," he said with a half-smile.
     
    I nodded. "So will I."
     
    And in that moment, despite our many spirited quarrels in the past week, an understanding clicked between us. 
     
    I smiled and popped the last piece of ham into my mouth. 
     
    He finished off his pancakes, his eyes smiling as he chewed and watched me.
     
    "What time do you work today?" he asked as he wiped his mouth once we finished eating quietly. 
     
    "Six," I answered. "I have to go home and take a short nap because I'll be working until about two to two-thirty in the morning."
     
    He glanced at his watch. "It's only eleven. We can go shopping and I'll have you home by twelve-thirty so you can get a few hours of sleep."
     
    My brows rose. "Shopping? For what?"
     
    "An engagement ring. And maybe a few clothes that don't look so.. worn. I'll have my assistant Marissa  arrange for a personal shopper to help you build your new wardrobe but we can get you a few things today."
     
    I groaned. "This can't wait until we're married? I'm not going to start wearing heels, cardigans and pearls here at work."
     
    "The ring you'll need right away if we're to convince my father about the marriage on Sunday," he insisted stubbornly. "A woman doesn't get engaged to Brandon Maxfield and have no rock to show it off."
     
    "I'd like to show off a rock I could knock you