Page 62 of Marrying Off My Husband

I had my work cut out for me to look presentable for dinner. I started my transformation as my mind went over the conversation with Eve. She really was my best friend. And I wanted to make sure I repaid her for what she’d just done for me.

I had to make certain she and Spencer fell in love. I just had to.

Another knock sounded, and the door creaked open. Spencer poked his head inside. “Hey. You okay?”

“Yes,” I said with a nod. “Just fixing myself up before dinner. Come in. You should change.”

“I know,” he answered, “before Constance tosses me from the table.”

He crossed to his suitcase to find a suit appropriate for our family dinner.

After I finished patching myself up, I changed into a fresh dress, and we made our way downstairs for the grueling affair. I managed to make it through with a steady supply of wine.

We settled in the living room for nightcaps, but after a few sips, Mama received a call, leaving us behind, though not before reminding me we had to meet with the attorneys the following afternoon.

“Well,” Eve said as she finished off her drink, “I think I’ll head to bed. It’s been a long day with the travel. I’ll see you in the morning.”

“Good night, Eve,” I said with a smile, pulling her into a tight hug.

“I probably should head to bed, too,” Spencer said as Eve left the room.

“No, wait, just a moment,” I said, crossing to close the doors.

I twisted to face him, a coy expression on my features. “Earlier, Eve came to my room, and it reminded me of how sweet she is.”

“She’s very nice, yes. She insisted on going after you, though she did check to make sure I didn’t want to go instead.”

“That girl. She’s letting her boyfriend take care of another woman.” I shook my head, stunned by how sweet Eve was.

Spencer shifted his weight from foot to foot. “Yeah. Well…”

“Well, we need to talk. Because I am just determined to make sure things go well between you and Eve. Now, I really need to know the real reason why you haven’t kissed her. And don’t give me this line about how her sister showed up or she dashed off. Spencer, if you wanted to kiss her, you would have.”

“I…it’s…it’s complicated.”

I arched an eyebrow, setting my hands on my hips. “Simplify it for a silly Southern gal.”

“I just…”

“Do you not like her?”

“No,” he said, a little defensively. “No, it’s not that. It’s…”

“Yes?” I prompted.

He leaned closer, his eyes flickering with embarrassment and unease. “I haven’t exactly kissed anyone in a while, okay? I’m just…I’m rusty, and I don’t want to…mess it up.”

My features melted as I offered him a consoling smile. “Oh, sugar…now, why didn’t you just tell me? We can solve that.”

Spencer fluttered his eyelashes and sucked in a breath. “Are you going to download kissing knowledge directly to my brain?”

“No, silly,” I said with a wave and a chuckle. “We’ll practice.”

“What?” His features turned incredulous.

“We’ll practice. Kiss me, and I’ll tell you what I think and…help you make sure you perfect the technique for Eve.”

“Louise,” he said with a chuckle as his face reddened.

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