Page 36 of The Marriage Agreement (Agreement)

“I was there when Osei got you the earrings,” I tell her—no need to tell her I paid for it.

“Well, thank you, if you convinced him to pick this one. I love it.”

“Good, glad you like it.” She smiles.

Our dinner arrives, and we eat and talk a little. She tells me about Amaka, Jax, and Kai. Sounds like she has her own fun clique.

“So, you’ve dated lots of women,” she says out of the blue, which shocks me.

“Yes, and I still waited to marry you.” I answer right away. She smiles.

“Any ex-boyfriends I should know about?”

“No, I dated ages ago, and it didn’t last. I joined my uncle in New York, and after I left New York, I haven’t dated anyone.” I hear sadness in her voice. Whatever caused her nightmares and fears happened in New York. “But I kissed a guy once at a club. He’d been checking me out and asked for a kiss. He said, 'Please grant me a kiss, even if you won’t date me.” She says impishly.

“So, you kissed this mystery guy?” I state.

“Yes. The only other time I’ve ever kissed anyone on impulse is when I kissed you.” I take her left hand and kiss the ring.

“You are meant to always kiss me, Dele. We are magnets. If it didn’t happen that evening, it would have happened eventually,” I say, locking eyes with her.

“How about now?” she challenges. She moves closer and starts to kiss me. A gentle kiss, but I take over her mouth in a kiss that fills my mind with happiness. My hand is on her legs.

“Luke Blythe, I thought that was you,” I hear a voice and break from the kiss. I gaze at Dele for a moment before turning to the throaty voice I know belongs to Chase Brock. I can’t stand the guy.

Of all the people in the world to surprise me, it had to be him. I plaster a fake smile.

“Chase Brock, what a surprise.” We shake hands. I briefly dated his sister. I hope this asshole doesn’t bring it up in front of my wife.

“You guessed right. What are you doing here?” I ask in a wry tone.

“Celebrating Mom and Dad’s fortieth anniversary.” Right on cue, Mr. and Mrs. Brock show up. I get up to greet them andcongratulate them. They are always nice and pleasant, unlike their douchebag son. I congratulate them on their anniversary.

“How’s your father doing?” Mr. Brock asks right after the pleasantries.

“He’s great, resting these days,” I reply.

“That’s wonderful,” he says, just as Mrs. Brock, with a charming smile, reaches out to shake Dele's hand, inquiring, “And who's the lovely lady?” Dele takes her hand.

“Dele Blythe, my wife. We got married last week,” I say. Mr. and Mrs. Brock exclaim in excitement. Dele gets up to greet them. They both shake her hand; Mrs. Brock hugs her. I notice Chase looking at my wife salaciously. He takes her hand and kisses it.

“Your parents must be very happy. Congratulations,” Mrs. Brock says.

“They are, and thank you.” I pull Dele closer to me, glaring at Chase, but he acts like he doesn’t notice. It’s clear he did notice my glare, but he’s undeterred by it.

The concierge soon comes over. “Mr. Chase, your car is delayed for twenty minutes. We’re sorry. Mr. and Mrs. Brock, your car is outside.”

“Alright then, we’ll see you later, son. Good night, you younglings, and congratulations, Luke.”

“Thank you,” I say, bidding them goodnight. They leave, and Chase turns to me.

“Mind if I join you guys for a few minutes?” I don’t want him here. Before I can say something, he’s seated.

“Sure,” I say with a stiff smile. Dele sits too, and he’s right next to her.

He starts to talk about nothing, really, and I notice Dele is moving closer to me. I call the concierge to pay our bill and have our car brought up. I don’t want to throw punches, but fucking Chase is pushing my limits. He’s not hiding his glued eyes on herboobs and doesn’t help that Dele is clearly uncomfortable. Fuck this! I get up and pull Dele out with me.

“Sorry, we have to head out,” I say to Chase without a backward glance. I practically rush Dele and me out of there before I lose control.

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