Page 17 of The Marriage Agreement (Agreement)

“You promised.”

“Fine,” she snapped. “Who’s helping you with your dress?”

“Jax has agreed to help.”

“Cool, I’ll bring all my stuff so I can get your makeup done for you.”

“Thank you.”

“Yay!” Her shrieking sound pierced my ears. “Dele is getting married!” She sings, and I can visualize her dancing. We ended the call, and I sent her all the details. As the week progressed, Jax and I managed to fit in a dress fitting and did a few errands for the accessories. I have diamond earrings from Osei and a bracelet from Nosah. I should be fine. I leave the rest of the plans to Luke.

Now that he has kissed me in a way that exploded the wires in my brain to the fact that he’s my balcony guy, I can’t decide if I should be happy or upset with him. I’ve struggled with my attraction toward him, while he was having fun messing with me. I couldn’t understand my crazy attraction to him, but heknew who I was, and he acted differently toward me. He made the bed, and he’s going to lie in it because there’s no way I’m going to make this easy for him. Luke holds onto my hand tightly, and I try to pull away, but he won’t let go.

Amaka pulls me into a hug. “He’s handsome and totally smitten with you,” she whispers. “Congratulations,” she says louder, but my mind is still reeling from the fact Luke is my mystery guy. I stare at him, but he turns to answer and hug Osei, who seems very happy, just as I would like to slap my husband.Damn it.

I try to pull out of his grip, but he’s not letting go. His friend Declan also hugs me and kisses my cheek. Osei pulls me into a hug and lifts me up, breaking Luke’s hold. Amaka is laughing. I turn to see Luke frowning at Osei and me. I still can’t believe he would do this. There’s absolutely no way he didn’t know all along that I was the girl on the balcony. We smile for pictures with everyone.

We thank the pastor, and we all head out to our place.

“Osei, I’ll ride with you,” I hear Amaka say out loud. I shoot her a glare, but she smiles at me as she follows Osei.

I’m left to ride with Luke. I get in his car with his help.

“Is your friend staying with us?” he asks.

“Yes.” I remain quiet as he drives.

My mind goes to our mysterious first meeting.

Chapter 12

DELE

6 months ago

I’ve just finished a twelve-hour shift, and I’m burnt out. I’m also glad Ramsey is out of town, which means I can sleep in peace and have the apartment to myself for a few days. I should be heading to my warm bed, not Osei’s party, but I have to show up or Osei will never stop reminding me about not showing up for his spectacular Halloween party. The plus side of going to his party is that my dinner is guaranteed.

I’m sure Osei will be pleased when I show up, even if it’s only for a little while. We went Halloween shopping together, and I settled on just the mask while he purchased the police costume for his party. He called me ‘boring’ for wearing just the mask. I reminded him that I can be creative with my scrubs and a mask, though Halloween isn’t my favorite holiday. Even worse now, as a nurse, I see all kinds of crazy stuff on Halloween. I’m glad my shift ended before the madness in the ER begins later tonight.Osei laughed, saying he can’t wait to see what genius costume I would come up with.

Unfortunately, I’m too tired to think of anything creative, so I’m driving to his place in my plain scrubs, a mask, and crocs. I’m sure his friends won’t notice my boring costume, which is really my everyday life.

I start my car, named Jace, and the damn thing sputters like it’s about to die. I pump the pedal and try again after giving Jace a pep talk; he comes to life, as if I’ve just woken him up from his slumber.

As annoying as Jace is, he gets me from point A to point B, and right now, I need him to do just that for a little while longer. I’m saving for Jace 2.0. Osei nicknamed my car Jace, and somehow, I agree with him that the name suits the car, so now I talk to Jace whenever he acts up or goes into a deep sleep, reminding him to please hang in there with me a little longer.

Getting into Osei’s place and seeing the party in full swing is a good thing. I can sneak in and out easily. I find Osei as soon as I step in. He gives me a hug and whispers, “Boring,” making me laugh.

“Too tired after my shift, and I doubt most people will notice,” I reply, smirking.

“Still boring, but you came and I’m glad.”

“Me too,” I say, hugging him again.

“Food is in the kitchen. I made sure to order lamb chops from our place. If you don’t find any in the tray, I saved you some in the oven.” I smile and grip his hand in thanks. He nods, and someone bumps into him. Letting go of my hand, he turns to the person, and my eyes lock with a guy across the room wearing a mask. He holds my gaze, and weirdly, I get a warm feeling and a racing heart just from looking at him. I’m grounded in place. Another bump from one of the party dancers interrupts our smoldering gaze, and I head to the kitchen to get some food.The tray is empty, just as Osei guessed. I open the oven and find a foil wrap. Taking it out, I sniff, inhaling the sweet aroma of flavors that fill my nostrils, sending a growl from my stomach. I grab a plate, filling it with roasted potatoes and veggies and my lamb chops. I find a spot in the kitchen and eat the whole plate like no one is watching. Only I feel eyes on me as I gulp down my drink. The guy in the bespoke suit with the mask—we locked eyes earlier. He comes into the kitchen and breezes out like I’ve suddenly stung him.Oh well. I’m not interested either, even as my heart beats rhythmically like a talking drum whenever we lock gaze.

He must be just as boring as I am, wearing only a mask like me, though with his height, his visibly chiseled jaw, and non-smiling face, he certainly looks more mysterious.“Girl, you need to stop etching his lips into your brain,” my mind chastises. I take a drink to calm my nerves and head to the balcony. It’s getting hot in here—literally—but the heat I feel is between my legs from gazing at a guy with lips I want to kiss and caress.

I need air as some kind of nerve relaxant. I step onto the balcony, inhaling the fresh air and exhaling every emotional attraction I’m feeling toward Mr. Mysterious. I’ve just done my second exhale, feeling good with myself when he steps in behind me. Damn it!

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