Page 26 of What About Now

“I am. Why is that so surprising?”

“Aren’t men supposed to command the remote?”

I shrug. “Not me. I don’t give a single fuck what’s playing on that screen as long as I’m snuggled up with you.”

“You’ve been reading your swoon manual again, I see.” She smiles, and turns on her heel, heading to the living room.

“There is no manual!” I call after her.

“I call bullshit, Lanigan. There is no man on this planet with lines that smooth all on his own.”

I chuckle to myself as I take care of the dishes and wipe down the counter. I have just enough time to pour us both a glass of sweet tea and carry them to the living room when the timer goes off.

“I’ll be right back with our plates.”

“I can make mine.”

“Let me take care of you, Brogan.” I see indecision on her face, but she eventually nods and settles back onto the couch. Dipping out two helpings of dinner, I grab two forks, some napkins, and make my way back to her.

“Thank you.”

“This is so good,” I say, after taking my first bite. She beams at me, and that’s how we eat the first meal we cooked together as husband and wife.

“I’ll take care of these,” she says, taking my empty bowl out of my hands. “Do you want more?”

“No, I’m stuffed. Did you see how full my bowl was?”

“Let me clean up and I’ll be in for the movie.”

“I’m going to grab a quick shower.” I’m all sweaty from lifting those boxes. I rush through my shower because I have a cuddle movie date with my wife.

I find her in the living room, with the remote in hand, and both of our glasses of tea refilled.

“Ready?”

“Not yet.” I take a seat on the opposite end of the couch. “Come here.” She raises her brow in question, but does as I ask, and moves closer. I pull her into my arms, and drape the blanket over her lap. “Now I’m ready.”

I don’t know what I expected, but it’s not her relaxing into me and starting the movie. If this is what the next fifty or so years are going to be like, I hope time drags so I can enjoy every second with her.

CHAPTER

SEVEN

Brogan

I’ve changed my outfit three times, and the bedroom looks like a bomb exploded. I don’t know why I’m this nervous. I’ve had dinner with my sister and her daughters at Forrest’s place, which is now their home, more times than I can count since they moved.

This time shouldn’t be any different.

I keep telling myself this, but I’m still stressing about it. It’s the first time Maddox and I will be attending anything with our friends and family since being married a week ago today. The morning after at the hotel doesn’t count. I was still firmly in the “we’re getting this annulled” camp at the time. Now, well, I’ve agreed to give him six months, and a week in, I know my husband is not against playing dirty.

The things this man says. He melts my insides. We’re talking swoon all the way, and I can’t tell if he’s playing a game, or if that’s just really him. My heart tells me that’s just Maddox in a relationship, but my head, that bastard tells me I can’t trust it. It’s going to be a long six months.

“Whoa.”

I look up to find Maddox standing in the doorway of the bedroom. The one we now share. “Sorry.” I wince.

He steps inside and doesn’t stop until he has his arms wrapped around me. “What’s going on in that pretty head of yours?”

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