These Arms of Mine. Judy Lynn Hubbard

I’m going to marry Alesha and that’s that.” Derrick’s tone was firm and final.

       “Derrick, are you sure…”

       “Yes, absolutely.”

       “How do you plan to pull this off?” He knew when it was useless to try to reason with his friend, and this, unfortunately, was one of those times. “Alesha will be in the limelight all the time. I assume you realize the public must perceive your marriage as real.”

       “Of course.” Derrick shook his head in agreement. “In public, we’ll appear as a couple very much in love. You, Alesha, Robert and I are the only ones who will know about our arrangement.”

       “And what about privately?” Cam leaned forward, studying his friend closely. “What do you expect, and—more importantly—want from Alesha privately?”

       “Mr. Chandler, it’s time for you to take your place onstage.” Both men turned in the direction of the man who interrupted them.

       “Certainly.”

       Derrick smiled and stood, grateful to escape his friend’s last probing question.