Page 58 of Incurably Cupid

I sighed, my eyes and toes practically crossed from the heat of that kiss. “That’s right. You’re a wait-until-marriage person, aren’t you?”

He chuckled. “You say that like it’s a terrible thing. I assure you, we’ll survive.”

I groaned, resting my forehead against his chest. “You’re asking the cupid who has no patience to have patience.”

He wrapped his arms around me, pulling me close. His warmth seeped into me, and his scent—clean, familiar, undeniably him—wrapped around my senses. “Yes, I am,” he murmured, his voice steady as he tilted my face up to meet his gaze. “You’re worth the wait.We’reworth the wait.”

Something in his tone settled deep in my chest, grounding me. I nodded. We were worth the wait. After all, we’d already waited this long for each other—what were a few more weeks?

Stepping back, I toed off my shoes and rummaged through the dresser, finally finding my pajamas. As I made my way to the bathroom to set them down, I glanced over my shoulder. “But we’re still doing a quick justice-of-the-peace thing, right? Like, tomorrow maybe?”

He was trying to take his shoes off too, but was having difficulty. I hurried over. “Here, sit down before you fall down. I’ll get those off for you.”

He sank onto the bed, his expression a mix of gratitude and affection. “Thank you. Sorry about this. I don’t have full range of motion yet.”

I winked at him. “To have and to hold. In sickness and in health.”

His expression turned pained. “I’m afraid you’ve gotten more of the sickness than the health this past week or two.”

I unlaced his left boot and tried to tug it off. But it wouldn’t budge. With a small huff, I unlaced it enough for it to slide off, then worked on his other one.

“Yeah, but you have to remember—I’ve known you for almost a year now. I think I’ve gotten to know you pretty well during that time.”

Mesmer smirked. “Yes, so have I. All those little conversations you had with yourself? Adorable."

I froze, blinking up at him in confusion. “What?”

He grinned down at me. “You don’t remember? All those times you’d mutter to yourself, making observations out loud because you thought no one was listening?”

I groaned, throwing my head back. “Stars and hearts, I did do that.” With a sigh, I yanked his other boot off, then set them under the table to keep them out of the way. Folding my arms over my chest, I scowled at him. “You know, I may have to kill you now, right?”

He chuckled and held out a hand in surrender. “Please, spare me, oh fearless warrior.” Then, softer, he brushed his lips against my forehead. “Besides, I think that’s part of what made me fall in love with you.”

I pulled back enough to see his expression. “Really?” I found this hard to believe since I’d probably sounded like a grumpy, insane person.

He arched a brow. “Well, it certainly wasn’t because you’re demure, quiet, and obedient.”

I pinched his side, and he laughed. We settled back against the padded headboard, cuddling close.

“I can’t believe I found you," he murmured. "Do you know how rare it is for a gargoyle to find their mate?”

I laid my head against his chest, gazing up at the ceiling. “Really, I found you.” I was quiet for a moment, then asked softly, “Are you sure? She probably would have been wonderful.”

His fingers traced gentle circles on my back before tilting my chin up. He kissed me—slow, lingering, like a promise. “She wouldn’t have been you. You’re the only one I want.”

I nodded, trying not to cry again. This man and what he did to me.

We spent the next hour curled up together, half-watching a movie, his steady heartbeat beneath my ear when there was suddenly a knock at the door.

“You expecting anyone?” I asked, tilting my head back so I could see his face.

Mesmer frowned and shook his head. He gently eased me aside and struggled to his feet. “Stay,” he ordered, moving slowly to the door.

“Arf!”

He huffed a quiet laugh. Shaking his head, he checked the peephole, then pulled the door open.

“Felix,” he said in surprise, “what can we do for you?”

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