Page 66 of One Pucking Chance

I snatch the golden statue from him. Walking over to the fireplace, I place him on the mantel. “Little Oscar is staying out here, and I’m going to pretend that you didn’t just suggest we use him as a sex toy.”

“Anna, it could be…”

I hurry toward him and place my finger on his lips. “Don’t finish it.” I shake my head. “I appreciate the attempt at adventure, but the vessel that held the most stunning ring I’ve ever seen, the ring that is a symbol of our forever, will not be inserted anywhere. Got it? And because I love you so much and because you have made me the happiest woman in the world, and because I want to make love to my new fiancé until I can barely walk—I’m going to forget you ever mentioned it. Deal?”

He laughs. “Deal. I like the until you can’t walk comment.”

“I thought you would.”

I take his hand and lead my fiancé into our bedroom, where I intend on making good on my promise.

CHAPTER

THIRTY

JADEN

Anna’s long blond hair cascades over the satin pillowcase. She lies naked on her side, her perfect body covered by a sheet. Her left hand is splayed atop the pillow, showcasing her ring, and I’m instantly hard—again. I don’t know what I did in another life to deserve this one.

At our bye week in Texas a year ago, I was sleeping with a stripper of whom I can no longer remember the name of and watching Anna on the big screen. I was content with being a single man-whore for the rest of my life. I didn’t see a life where I’d want to settle down with one woman forever. I lusted after Anna, like anyone lusts after a movie star they don’t know, but I never thought marriage—even with Anna—would ever be an option.

I didn’t see a point in marriage for me. Because I’d never loved someone the way in which I love her.

It’s hard to fantasize about spending the rest of your life with someone until you find the person with whom you want to spend the rest of your life. Then you just know.

We’ve had a fantastic week in Hawaii. Anna gets along with the guys and their families as if she’s always been a part of it.

We’ve spent our days exploring the island—snorkeling, hiking through the tropical forests to find waterfalls, surfing, swimming in the ocean, and lying on the beach. We’ve participated in numerous competitions with the guys because everyone here loves to compete. We’ve eaten the best food and stayed up late laughing until our sides ached. And, like tonight, we’ve made love until we passed out from exhaustion.

It’s, hands down, the best bye week I’ve ever had.

“Anna.” I shake her arm gently to wake her.

She stretches and blinks her eyes in confusion. “What’s up?”

“Put something on. We’re having a watch party downstairs.”

She sits up, scooting up against the headboard. Cocking her head to the side, she asks, “What do you mean?”

“It’s the day. Everyone is downstairs and ready to watch the announcements with you.”

She fists the sheets in her hands and holds them to her chin. Shaking her head back and forth, she whines, “No. No, Jaden. I don’t want to do this.”

“Come on,” I urge. “It will be fun. Whether you’re nominated or not, we’re proud of you.”

Laughter and cheers can be heard from downstairs, and she eyes the door. “It’s their vacation. They did not all get up at five thirty in the morning to watch Oscar announcement coverage. That’s not cool. They should be sleeping in.”

I chuckle. “Coverage starts at five thirty California time. It’s three thirty in the morning here, so to be fair, most of them haven’t gone to bed yet. Come on,” I urge gently. “Everyone’s really excited.”

“Jaden. This is a lot of pressure.”

I climb into bed with her and pull her against me. Hugging her, I rub her back. “Babe. We love you and support you whether you get nominated or not. But you know there have been rumors, and if they’re correct, we want to celebrate your nomination. It’s a big deal.”

“Those rumors aren’t reliable.”

“Worst case. You’re not nominated and we yell slurs at the TV at those who are.”

She laughs. “No, most of them probably deserve the nomination.”

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