Page 5 of Anything For This Love

It was as though she’d never considered Maggie’s happiness in this situation. She was simply there to become my wife, do her duty, and ensure my happiness.

Fuck that.

I wasn’t going to marry someone I wasn’t helplessly and desperately in love with and who didn’t feel the same way about me. Abby is the only person who’s ever made me feel that way. She’s the only woman I could ever want to marry.

Abby melts into my touch, leaning into me with a sigh of relief, and I wrap my arms around her. I hold her tight, pressing a kiss to her hair.

“I love you,” she whispers into my chest. “More than you’ll ever know.”

“I love you, too.”

It feels so good to say those words. I held them back for so long, afraid of what she would think, terrified she didn’t feel the same way. Regret gnaws at me, wishing I’d told her sooner. If I’d just been honest with her two and a half years ago, all this heartache and devastation could have been avoided.

I push those thoughts to the back of my mind. I promised myself I wouldn't dwell on the past and I intend to keep that promise. Sliding my hands to her shoulders, I lean back, breaking contact. My palms move to her face, framing her soft, damp cheeks as my thumbs brush away the remnants of her tears.

“How about that shower now?” She watches me a moment, her eyes darting between mine. I fully intend on joining her and making her forget all her insecurities and doubts. Recognizing the fire behind my gaze, her eyes flare and darken and she nods. We rise from our perch on the barstools in front of the island and I lace my fingers with hers. I grab her bag with my free hand and lead her up the stairs, where we spend the rest of the day making up for lost time.

Chapter Three

Abby

I stretchout next to Jacob, both of us pulling in air to catch our breath. Our morning romp began in the shower, and after he tenderly cleansed every square inch of my body, we moved our ministrations to his king-sized bed. Soft, warm sheets met the bare, still damp skin of my back when he laid me down and settled his hard body on top of mine. I basked in his attention, returning his affections with equal fervor. We took a little break to eat lunch and watch a movie, but before the credits rolled, I was in his lap and his hands were tangled in my hair again. Every worry I’d had, every fear of rejection that plagued me on the drive here yesterday was gone, evaporated like a rain drop under the summer sun.

When I stand, a delicious new soreness between my thighs makes its presence known. I should probably give my lady parts a rest and maybe soak in the tub later. But then again, my being in a tub always leads to Jacob being inside me, so I may have to hold that thought until I’m not quite so tender.

“Where do you think you’re going?” Jacob asks playfully, reaching for my hand. He pulls me back down to his hard chest and wraps his arms around me, nuzzling his face in my neck.

“I was going to the restroom,” I reply as his fingers skim over my arm, causing me to squirm. “I wouldn’t tickle me right now if I were you.”

His hand pauses then he chuckles. “Sorry. Guess I better let you go.”

“I’ll come back. I promise,” I assure him, slipping out of his grasp.

When I return, Jacob is pushing his arms through the sleeves of his shirt, his lower half already covered in dark jeans that hug his powerful thighs perfectly. His sculpted abs regretfully disappear beneath the fabric as he tugs his shirt into place.

“How do you feel about hitting up the town this evening? I just made reservations at my favorite restaurant in the city.”

Excitement and anxiety war for control in my psyche. I would love to go out with Jacob, to experience all the sights with him and enjoy the place he calls home. But I’m also far out of my element here. I’m not a city girl, and if we’re going somewhere that requires reservations, I certainly won’t fit in.

“I can see your wheels turning. What’s going on in that beautiful head of yours?”

I let out a defeated sigh as my shoulders slump. “I don’t know if I have anything to wear to a place like that.” It may not be the whole truth, but it’s at least part of it. I don’t want him to see how uncomfortable I am in his world.

“It’s not that kind of place. Whatever you brought with you will be fine.” Reading the incredulity on my face, he steps towards me, stopping half a foot away. His hands come up to meet my upper arms and I gaze into his flawless blue irises. “Dante’s is really casual. We only need reservations because it’s so popular, not because it’s upscale or anything, if that’s what you’re worried about.”

That’s exactly what I’m worried about. Since Jacob has taken me to a few of the nicer restaurants back home, I’ve grown more comfortable with it, but that was on my turf. This ishisworld. I don’t belong here, and I’ll stick out like a sore thumb.

I chew the inside of my cheek as I mentally go over all the clothes I brought with me. The dark skinny jeans with my glittery silver top may be passable. Jacob is wearing jeans, so they must be acceptable attire for this establishment.

“Okay, um, I just need a little bit to get ready.”

“No rush. Our reservations aren’t until seven. I figured we could hit up the shops or do a little sightseeing first.”

I nod and grab my weekend bag, scurrying off to his en suite to get ready. Typing out a quick text to Tiff, I tell her about my weekend so far and Jacob’s plans for the evening, asking her advice on hairstyles and lipstick shades. She responds with several shocked face emojis. Seconds later, eggplants and water droplets fill my screen and I giggle. She’s so crude, but she keeps our friendship interesting. Heeding Tiff’s advice, I use a curling iron to define and enhance my natural curls and shake them out, leaving them down and loose before applying a plum shade to my lips. The black leather jacket I scored from the clearance rack back in the spring adds a bit of edginess to my otherwise glamorous look.

Jacob’s waiting for me in the kitchen when I come down the stairs. His gaze flits to the stairs then back to his phone before doing a double take, staring at me slack jawed as he takes in my appearance. My dark waves cascade over my shoulders and my eyes are outlined in black liquid liner, the outer corners painted into sharp points. Those hours of watching Tiff’s video tutorials have finally paid off. He’s out of his seat and striding toward me the next moment.

“Wow, you look amazing.”

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