My Stand-In Groom Is A Secret Tycoon by Lydia Pierce

Alistair flipped the switch in the living room. There lay Audrey on the couch, sprawled out in a silk nightgown, clearly tipsy. The bright light must've stung her eyes because she winced, burying her face into the cushions. As he got closer, he caught snippets of her frustrated mumbling mixed with sobs. "Why did they all have to leave me behind?"

His heart tightened with a wave of guilt and regret. The pain in Alistair's eyes was unmistakable as he leaned down, gently running his hand over her hair while speaking softly. "I'm really sorry. It's my fault for leaving you alone." If he'd known she'd struggle so much on her own, he would've stuck around, even if he knew she was shy.

Alistair gently ran his hand over her head to calm her down before leaning in to lift her. As he turned her over, he noticed Audrey's puffy, red eyelids and her tear-streaked cheeks. It made his heart sink.

'How long had she been crying?' he wondered. A wave of guilt washed over him, and he clenched his jaw as he carefully picked her up.

At that moment, Audrey was lost in a haze when she felt someone sitting next to her. Without really thinking, she waved her hand and grabbed Alistair's tie.

She was sort of curled up on the sofa, her head tilted just enough to show off her delicate neck. Her eyes were still shut, but she leaned in closer, her voice sweet and playful. "Dominic..." Audrey's gentle voice hit Alistair like a ton of bricks, catching him completely off guard.

'So deep down, she's still thinking about Dominic,' Alistair thought.

With one last glance at Audrey, he turned to walk away. Audrey, all

now, as her hand slipped into his shirt. She couldn't help but say, "No way, this can't be Dominic. He's obviously my new husband. Hey, hubby, can I get a hug?" She reached out her hands and tilted her head, making it clear she wanted a hug.

muscles in his abdomen that had just been stroked by her hands, hot

even realize what you're getting into?" He knew that

totally lost, her thoughts a jumbled mess. All she could really do was kick her legs in frustration as she grumbled, "Why don't you just come over and hug me? You don't really

her arms around his shoulders, her warm spit

creeping up his earlobes. It was

great with being on my own right now." Alistair almost lost his balance, nearly letting Audrey slip out

he was supposed to, but when he got

dark grey bed, Alistair leaned in and brushed the stray hairs away from her ears. His eyes travelled down

the warmth from that surprising touch at City Hall lingering in his memory. With a thought

was clear she wasn't really feeling him at that moment. Gritting his teeth, Alistair was just about to back away when he suddenly felt a pair of gentle arms wrap around his