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.

his breath catch. It was like the air had thickened around him. The warmth in his gaze vanished, replaced by a cold, bitter edge. With one last glance at Audrey, he turned to walk away. Audrey, all tipsy, perked up again, wrapping her hands around Alistair's waist and resting her head against his chest.

she was feeling 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

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

the petite woman in his arms, his breath a bit ragged. "Hey, Audrey, do you even realize what you're getting into?" He knew that if she pushed him now, there'd be no way

kick her legs in frustration as she grumbled, "Why don't you just come over and hug me? You don't really like

down to pick her up. Audrey wrapped her arms around his shoulders, her

earlobes. It was like

mumbled softly, "Babe, will you stick around? I'm really not great with being on my own right now." Alistair almost lost his balance, nearly letting Audrey slip out of his arms. There was something about her. All

bedroom like he was supposed to, but when he got there, he noticed

dark grey bed, Alistair leaned in and brushed the stray hairs away from her

lingering in his memory. With

was shrinking, but just before things could go further, Alistair hit the brakes. It wouldn't be cool to take advantage of her while she was drunk. Plus, it 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 neck. The arms tugged downward,