VCard for Christmas (A Filthy Dirty Christmas) by Hope Ford

Author:Hope Ford [Ford, Hope]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2021-11-14T16:00:00+00:00

6

Avery

Everyone knows. At least it feels like they do. I know it’s obvious what I’ve been doing. I’m looking in the mirror, having every intention to clean myself up, but I can’t stop staring at myself in the reflection. My lips are swollen, and my eyes are hooded and two shades darker. My nipples are so hard, they’re pressing against the front of my dress, and no matter what I try—counting backwards, thinking of something horrible, whatever—nothing works.

And it’s just my luck that Julie walks into the bathroom as I’m standing here. I put my head down and start washing my hands. Man, why didn’t I lock the door?

“Avery, are you enjoying the party?”

Before I can answer, she continues. “Of course you are. You have the handsomest and the richest husband here. I wonder if you know how lucky you are exactly.”

I dry off my hands and hold up my ring finger. “Yes, I know exactly how lucky I am.”

She puts her hand on her hip. “It’s funny. I’ve asked around, and no one even knew you existed. I know most everyone here is from Jasper, but a few have businesses in Whiskey Run and they know Lincoln. They were surprised when I said he was married.”

I keep the smile firmly planted on my face. I’m a horrible liar, but I can’t mess this up for him. “Well, it’s all sort of new, and it all kind of happened suddenly.” I start to ramble and press my lips together. Less is more, Avery.

Her thick eyebrows draw together, and I know she doesn’t believe me. I wipe my hands on one of the towels and then walk briskly to the door. “Well, I better go, Linc is waiting for me.”

I don’t wait for her response. I get out the door, and Linc straightens from leaning on the wall. “Good. I was about to come in when I saw her come in after you.”

I look down the hallway and up at Lincoln. “No one believes we’re married. This wasn’t a very good idea. Maybe we should go.”

I start to walk away, but he grabs on to my hand and holds me in place. His hands go to my hips, and he leans down, resting his chin on my shoulder. “We’re not leaving. I want to sit down and have dinner with you and then I hear there’s going to be dancing. I’m definitely not going until I at least have one dance.”

I turn worriedly. “Linc, I’m a horrible liar and I don’t want to mess this up for you.”

“You won’t mess up anything. No one here matters. Only me and you.” He leans down and kisses me just as Julie comes out of the ladies’ room. I pull apart quickly, but Lincoln doesn’t let me go far. He nods at Julie but then focuses completely on me. “Relax. We’re going to have some fun.”

He wraps my hand in his, and we walk back to the main room. Everyone is sitting down to eat, and Tom has put us at the table with him, Julie, and two of Tom’s brothers.

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