Page 39 of Until I Find You

“Yeah, I’m ready, let me just grab my purse.” I go to my side of the bed and fish my crossbody from my suitcase. It’s mybusiness purse, not really suited for occasions like this, but I do what I can with what I got. I slide my phone into my bag and sling it over my shoulder.

Jack goes to the door of our room and opens the door for me.

“Thank you,” I say, a little surprised he’s being such a gentleman behind closed doors.

He only nods.

When we go downstairs, the television is blaring, and Winston and Kelly are gorging on pizza. I smile in their direction, but they don’t seem to notice.

Mari walks into the front hall and gasps when her eyes find me. “Look at you! Oh my gosh, you lookbeautiful.”

“Oh, thank you,” I say with a budding smile. Have to admit, that feels good.

Mari hurries over to me and grabs my hand, lifting it in the air. “My goodness gracious, do a little spin for me!”

I laugh. I’m not sure this is what people mean by a turn on the catwalk, but it’s charming as hell.

“Jack, isn’t your girlfriend just gorgeous?” Mari grabs my biceps and wrenches me in the direction of the stairs toward Jack.

Jack stops on the last step and stares at me.

Oh my god. He’s sizing me up. Probably trying to decide what kind of compliment he can give me without making it obvious he’s really not that into me. Although, I still haven’t forgotten that last night in New York, how he said I was very appealing, how he cornered me up against the chair and inhaled me.

Jack clears his throat. “Yes, she is.”

“Oh, come on, are you really already over the honeymoon phase? You’re just agreeing with me? That’s how a relationship dies, keiki. I should know.”

Oof.

I watch the comment land on Jack’s face. It’s subtle, but not invisible.

“Right…” Jack considers for a moment. “You look incredible, Camilla. As always.”

I think my legs are going to give out from under me for a split second.

“That’s better.” Mari claps me on the back. “Don’t be afraid to demand what you want from him. Happy wife, happy life!”

I try to laugh. “We’re not–”

“Yet!” Mari sings out. “Come on, we’ll be late for our reservation.”

Once Jack and I are alone in the front hall, we take each other in for a moment.

“Okay, we should go.” I start to turn.

“I mean it.”

My blood runs hot and cold at the same time.

His footsteps approach me from behind. “Did you hear me?”

I nod. I don’t think I can talk just yet.

“Use your words.” His voice comes out low and gruff and it does something to me.

“Yeah, I heard you.”

“Good.”

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