Page 44 of Perfectly Wedded

Before tapping the button that says I agree, I open my book and find the note Jaz gave me.

Across the top it reads,Advice for Your Honeymoonand thefirst thing listed is “Always say yes when he asks you to do something together. Even if it’s something out of your comfort zone. And second, never be afraid to say what’s on your mind. Even if it’s something hard to say, speak up. He’ll love you more for it.”

Vale can never see this note, but maybe my sister is onto something. I can say yes to his list of date activities, but the idea of being completely honest with him—especially about my feelings—makes my heart gallop like a wild stallion. Risking our friendship is a leap I’m not sure I can take right now.

I tap the button to say yes to Vale’s virtual invitation, before tucking the note back into the book.

At least I can tell Jaz I used it now. And maybe it will come in handy later.

Just then, a man strides across the patio toward me, his gaze heavy. My breath catches when our eyes meet, and I realize it’s Vale. His mouth quirks into that boyish half-smile that will be my undoing on this trip.

“Hey, beautiful,” he says. “Here’s your key to our suite. Enjoy.” He hands me the key card and turns to go.

“Wait. Where are you going?” I ask.

“I need to run an errand before our date tonight.”

“What errand?” I ask, wondering what he’s up to.

His smile reaches all the way to his eyes. “Can’t tell you. It’s a secret.” He takes a wisp of my hair and tucks it behind my ear. “You can have the room to yourself while I’m gone. See you at five.” Then he wheels around and leaves me with my sweating glass of lemonade and the ghost of his touch.

I know he’s just being thoughtful, giving me space so I won’t feel awkward about sharing a room with him.

If only he knew that when he leaves me like this, it makes me want him all the more.

SIXTEEN

Vale

“Always keep surprises up your sleeve. It’s how you keep your wife guessing,” Brax told me before I left for the honeymoon. “Look at this trip as a chance for you and Sloan to really bond.”

“Listen, Brax, I appreciate the advice, but why are you so worried about this trip? Isn’t the honeymoon the easy part?”

“I just want this to work out for you.”

Of course, Brax wants it to work. If we eventually end this marriage, it’ll put pressure on the entire family, and I can’t be the one who causes a rift. That conversation has been weighing on me ever since we left Sully’s Beach. Now that we’re here, the pressure feels more real than ever.

With that in mind, I arrange my first surprise: a picnic dinner in a secluded spot, away from the usual tourists. The perfect chance to show Sloan how much she means to me—if I don’t screw it up.

As soon as I leave the hotel, I arrange dinner plans and then head to the street market to find Sloan a bouquet from a flower cart—something to let her know I’m thinking about her.

With only a few minutes left to spare, I rush back to our suite and knock.

For a few panicked seconds, there’s no response. My mind races, wondering if Sloan is rethinking this whole dating thing. Tonight was supposed to be the start of showing her just how incredible she is. It’s the first step in wooing her, in making her see that I want more than just friendship. It might seem crazy that we’re doing this whole dating and marriage thing backward, but I’ve never been a conventional guy—or someone who backs down when there’s an obstacle.

Finally, the door swings open, and there’s Sloan, looking stunning in a deep teal dress that grazes her knees. Swimsuit straps peek from her shoulders. I soak her up like an old, shriveled sponge—because, let’s face it, it’s been a long time since I’ve even tried to date anyone, let alone someone like her.

“I hope this will work?” she says, glancing down at her dress. “Or should I change?”

She must have mistaken my silence for disapproval, when in reality, I was just struck speechless. “Sloan, you look fantastic. Don’t change. Please.”

Her gaze falls to the bouquet in my hand. “Flowers? You’re really pulling out all the stops, huh?” She grins, taking the bouquet and placing it in a glass of water. “So, are you going to tell me where we’re headed for our date? Because I’ve been googling all the local restaurants that overlook the ocean.”

My stomach churns nervously. Is she expecting a fancy restaurant? Because that’s not what I had in mind for our first date.

“What?” she asks, studying me as we head to the elevator.

“Sloan, I’m not taking you to a restaurant tonight,” I say slowly. “If you want to change plans, we can.”

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