When a twist of fate gives Troy and Cricket the chance to turn five years of forbidden fantasies into reality, can they forge a happily ever after that will stand the test of time?

A marriage of convenience, age gap, instalove romance

TROY

A thirty-nine-year-old man has no business getting involved with a twenty-three-year-old woman. Especially if that woman is his daughter’s best friend. But that’s exactly what I’m doing.

I tell myself I’m marrying Cricket because she needs my help. That I’ll keep her at arm’s length while she’s wearing my ring, then set her free when she doesn’t need my last name and health insurance anymore. My intentions are good. My self-control isn’t.

I want her from the first kiss. I need her from the first touch. I’m going to love her forever, but that’s my problem, because I know I can’t keep her. Too bad letting her go is the hardest thing I’ve ever done.

CRICKET

I fell for Troy Mannington the day I met him. I’ve done everything within reason to tempt my best friend’s dad, but he’s never crossed the line. He wants to, though. I see the desire in his eyes—and in his shorts.

When he offers to marry me, I jump at the chance. Because I need his health insurance, yes. But I need him, too.

Every minute we’re together, we get closer, until there’s no space between us. My five years of fantasies are nothing compared to reality. Our connection is more than physical, it always has been.

Our wedding vows may have been for show, but I meant every word. So did Troy. I just need him to forget about our ages, and focus on our forever.