All Chapters of Hired Fiance: Chapter 71 - Chapter 78

Emma's POV I didn’t like where this was going. Or maybe I did, but that was the problem. The idea of Ryan lying next to me, without any clothes on, was both terrifying and undeniably appealing. But I couldn’t let him know that. I had to stay in control.“Interesting how?” I asked, trying to keep my voice steady.He rolled onto his side, propping himself up on one elbow as he looked at me. “Well, if we’re going to be convincing, we should probably get used to being close. Really close. And what better way to do that than by sharing… everything?”I swallowed hard, my mind racing with all the implications of his words. Was he really suggesting that we…? No, surely not. But with Ryan, I could never be sure.“Ryan,” I began, trying to sound stern, “we’re supposed to be convincing, not reckless.”“Reckless? Who said anything about being reckless?” he asked, feigning innocence. “I’m just saying we should be comfortable with each other. You know, as an engaged couple would be.”“Comfortable

Emma's POV There were freshly baked scones, still warm and golden, their golden crusts still warm from the oven, and their buttery scent filling the kitchen. They were accompanied by small jars of clotted cream and homemade strawberry jam. He had selected an assortment of cheeses—creamy brie, sharp cheddar, a tangy blue, and a nutty gouda—along with thin, crispy crackers and slices of crusty baguette.He had also packed a selection of muffins and finger food. Nestled among the savory items were bowls of plump, juicy strawberries, blackberries, and raspberries, their deep, rich colors a feast for the eyes. He had even thought to include delicate cucumber sandwiches with the crusts cut off, some cutlets, and for dessert, he had packed a small tin of chocolate truffles, each one rolled in cocoa powder and filled with rich, velvety ganache and doughnuts, a nod to the traditional English picnic. To top it all off, there were chocolate truffles, rich and decadent, nestled in a small tin

Emma's POV I didn’t let him finish. Something inside me snapped, and before I could stop myself, I leaned up and kissed him. It was the first time I’d ever kissed someone willingly, and the moment our lips met, it felt like everything around us disappeared. The world shrank until it was just the two of us, tangled together in a moment that felt both inevitable and surprising.The kiss started slow and tender as if we were testing the waters, afraid that the slightest misstep would shatter the fragile connection between us. His lips were warm and soft against mine, and I could feel the careful restraint in his touch, as though he was afraid to push too far too quickly. But I didn’t want restraint—I wanted to feel everything.I deepened the kiss, pouring every unspoken emotion into it. The longing, the fear, the overwhelming sense that this was where I was meant to be—it all rushed to the surface, and I kissed him like I’d never kissed anyone before. The intensity of it took me by surp

Emma's POV I finally found my voice, though it was softer than I’d intended. “Thank you for today,” I said, my eyes not quite meeting his. “You didn’t have to do all of this, but…I’m glad you did.”Ryan’s gaze was steady, unreadable for a heartbeat, and then he smiled—a slow, genuine smile that made my heart skip in a way that was both thrilling and terrifying. “I meant what I said earlier, Emma. I’m here for you. Whatever happens, we’ll face it together.”His words should have comforted me and should have made me feel safe. But instead, they sent a shiver down my spine, a sensation that I didn’t quite know how to process. I could sense him moving closer, even though I hadn’t looked at him. It was in the way the air between us seemed to hum, in the warmth of his breath that I felt more than heard.When he reached for my hand, I didn’t pull away. I let him take it, though I knew my trembling would betray the tumult of emotions coursing through me. His hand was warm, his grip firm but