Page 19 of His Infatuated Wife

"One year of marriage sounds great," I backtracked without missing a beat. "It's a deal."

His lips tighten, but I think it's because he's trying not to smile this time.

"What's your second condition?"

"We get married tonight."

His brows shoot up, but I cross my arms over my chest and lift my chin in stubborn determination. "Take it or leave it."

"Why the hurry?" he questions curtly.

Because I'm afraid you'll change your mind.

It's the unfortunate truth, but the words are stuck in my throat, and I realize I'm still hurting over seeing him with another woman.

I want to be honest with him...except about this.

And so I hear myself say, "It's because I want to be yours, but I also want to start our marriage right."

"Are you saying you don't want to have sex before we're married?"

"Yes."

"So be it."

I'm about to argue some more when I realize he's already agreed, and oh...my...gosh.

"Does this mean we'll truly be married?" I whisper.

"I asked you to marry me," Jacques drawls, "and you said yes. Is it possible for this to mean something else?"

He's obviously making fun of me, but I don't care.

We're getting married.

Jacques and me, married!

The only man I've ever wanted and the love of my life...will be my husband!

I suddenly feel like I'm about to burst with happiness, and I'm already running towards him and thinking of throwing myself into his arms when---

Huh?

"If we'll do this right," he murmurs, "then we can't do this with half-measures."

Is that why he's holding me at arm's length?

"The only time I'll kiss you is when we're man and wife."

Jacques

"Why must you torture me so?" Riri asks mournfully from the recliner seat opposite mine.

"You were the one who said you wanted to start our marriage right," I remind her.

"But to not kiss? Or even let me hold your hand? And---"

"Think of it as foreplay."

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