Page 30 of The Marriage Agreement (Agreement)

“Are you traveling?” she asked when she saw the bags.

“We are traveling to Honolulu for six days.” Her forehead creased into a frown.

“I don’t think that’s a good idea,” she said, surprising me.

“Yes, it is. Besides, if we’re ever asked where we went for our honeymoon, it’ll be easy to answer.” She seemed to think over my words for a moment.

“Okay. Did Paula pack my bag?”

“Yes.”

“Thank you. I’ll check it to make sure it has everything I want. What time is our flight?”

“First flight out at 7:00 am”

“Okay, I’ll be ready. We’ll make it to O’Hare in time. Goodnight.”

“Goodnight,” I answered as she grabbed her bag. I’m just glad she didn’t fight the idea of us traveling.

During the day, I moved a lot of things around and let my parents know Dele and I are traveling. My mom was very excited about the fact that Dele and I are going on our honeymoon, almost as if her plan is working. Weird.

The connection between Dele and me deepens. I know she’s pulling every string to block any attraction between us while I’m doing everything I can to keep the flame burning. So, my one-night stands or quick flings harassing my wife? That’s bad, with a capital ‘B.’

She’s looking out the window as our flight touches down, gripping my hand tightly—just as she had done during takeoff. “Takeoff and landing always affect me,” she says. I nod my understanding. I watched her take a pill at takeoff, then knock out throughout the flight. She rested her head on my shoulder, and I refused to let them wake her for a meal. She was tired.

We make it to our hotel room swiftly. Soon as, she sees the one king-size bed in the bedroom.

“I can take the couch. It’s big enough for my size,” she quickly says. I wanted to say we could share the bed; it’s big enough for both of us. But before I could say anything, she went to the bathroom and closed the door. I let out a sigh.

Step one, I got her here. Now I need to strategize how to get her from the couch to the bed. I’ve overcome the challenge of our apartment to Honolulu. I think I can manage getting her from the sofa to the bed in five days.

Chapter 19

DELE

I feel better after that long flight. I slept through most of it. I’d bought Dramamine at the airport and taken it just before boarding. I still gripped Luke’s hand during takeoff, but I slept after that, which was good. Now, I’m hungry, and I need to shower and change. The suite he got is huge, a mini luxury apartment, I would call it. Not your usual hotel room, but then again, it’s Luke.

I just don’t understand why he would get a one-bedroom suite. Luckily, the living room sofa looks big and comfortable, so I’m sure I can manage it for the next five nights. The water and waves look inviting, and the breeze is refreshing. I put my toiletries down and step back out to speak with Luke.

“I’m hungry. Can I quickly shower, and we can get something to eat? But if you’re tired, I can go alone.” I say to him.

“Do you want to go out, or would you prefer to stay in?” He asked in return.

“I prefer to stay in. The water is inviting, but I could use a few more hours of rest. You can go out if you want.” I shrug.

“We’ll stay in. What would you like to eat?”

“Seafood,” I quickly answer, smiling.

“Seafood it is.” He smiles back and I like it.

“Thanks.” I go to my bag to grab shorts and a T-shirt. After checking the weather yesterday, I had repacked my bag with a couple of outfits for the night and stuffed it with clothes I would love to wear in this kind of weather but never get to because of my crazy schedule.

I quickly shower and put on shorts and a T-shirt, comfortable outfits to sit in. I come out as our food is wheeled in. My stomach growls out loud.

“Yes, we need to feed you,” Luke says. The bellhop chuckles. He sets the table. Once he leaves, I take my seat and grab a plate. Digging into the lobster, I eat without looking at Luke. I’m starving. After I stop for a moment, my first plate is clean.

“More?” he asks. I chuckle.

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