We stare at each other in awkward silence. Ever since we went to the secret garden, things have been off between us. It's as if he took my statement about how there's no way he could ever give me my dream wedding personally. I didn't mean to hurt his feelings, but he wanted honesty.

Anyway, I'm not sure what Sebastian wants from me. He's the one who wanted the fake bride and to annul the marriage on January 2nd. Yet my statement seemed to upset him.

I can't deny it also upset me. Part of me regrets agreeing to this. I'm trying to keep the end goal in sight, but the more time I spend with Sebastian, the more complicated things seem to become. And I'm starting to think we're both confused, yet he's Sebastian Cartwright. I doubt he's ever not one hundred percent sure about every situation he's in.

He finally orders, "Don't make any plans tonight."

I arch my eyebrows. "Why? What are we doing?"

He hesitates, but then declares, "I'm taking you on a date, Sunshine."

My tingles turn into intense zings. Then I remind myself that it's not a real date. We're fake. So I reply, "That's not necessary."

His face flashes a moment of hurt before he hardens it. He claims, "My family would expect me to take you on a date."

I take a deep breath and square my shoulders, nodding. "All right. What time?"

"Five work for you?"

"Sure."

He doesn't move, and more time passes. He continues staring at me as if he wants to say something.

His intoxicating scent grows stronger, teasing my senses until I shift on my feet. I ask, "Is there something else?"

He opens his mouth, then snaps it shut. He slowly shakes his head, then steps back.

What is that all about?

I step past him, leave the bedroom, and relief floods me. Staying away from Sebastian might be the only way I'll survive this month.

If only I wasn't attracted to him.

I'm not a dumb woman. I realize there's no future with him. Yet I never expected it to be this hard. The more I get to know him, the more I like him. Well, except for when he infuriates me.

I walk down the hall and into the kitchen. Ruby's making breakfast, so I jump in and help. Soon, the entire family is seated in the dining room, eating.

Sebastian sits next to me, and the uncomfortable tension continues. I'm sure no one else notices it, but I can't shake it. In some ways, I feel like he's on his best behavior. Part of me is relieved. The other part wants to beg him to return to his normal grumpy, arrogant self so I know what to expect. Because this Sebastian Cartwright is throwing me off. I'm unsure what to make of him.

As soon as breakfast is finished, Ruby declares, "We need to leave. The wedding boutique will be opening soon."