Love's Redemption (Chris and Maddie)

Was Brandon captivated by my beauty?

I'd always thought his heart was as tough as his exterior, immune to such charms. But it seemed the old saying about men had some truth after all.

Even though I knew I had Brandon's attention, I deliberately ran my fingers through my wavy hair.

His eyes darkened, and his face seemed colder. I couldn't figure out why his mood shifted, nor did I care to guess.

I cut straight to the chase. "So, are you going to agree to my proposal, Mr. Howell?"

"What?" His gaze had already shifted away from me.

I chuckled.

I hadn't blacked out. Did he?

But I knew he hadn't. He was just being coy.

Temporarily," I repeated what I had said

immediately. His gaze was fixed on something in

noticed the Ferris wheel had reached

mentioned that Chris had planned to propose to me.

any unusual activity on the

Brandon spoke, "What do you mean by

I felt a pang of guilt as I said this. After swallowing hard, I rephrased my explanation, "We won't actually be dating. It's just for show to make

wouldn't be here if it weren't for Lisa's urging last night

brushed it aside before continuing, "Because you're the most suitable person for the role,

I hesitated.

wanting to marry me and having feelings for me, but saying that now might make him feel used, so I held back.

I smiled sheepishly. "Nothing."

he bluntly stated what I couldn't bring myself to say. Realizing he understood

his gaze, my heart raced, and I began to feel nervous. After a few seconds, my face started to flush. Was this