Page 49 of For the Promise

“And we’ll get our marriage annulled.”

“It should be a simple procedure.”

My stomach drops at his quick agreement. I should want an annulment. I hardly know Jaxon. We’ve shared a mere two kisses. But I don’t want to annul our marriage.

I should want to. I’ve learned my lesson with men. But Jaxon is the complete opposite of Alan.

“The ring is pretty,” I say, since I don’t want to discuss our annulment any longer.

Jaxon grins. “I’m glad you like it.”

I check the time on my phone. “We missed the welcome lunch and the wine tasting this afternoon, but we should make the rehearsal dinner. It’s two hours from now.”

He lifts his eyebrow. “Should make it? We’re five minutes from the resort. How much time do you need to get ready?”

“I have to change outfits. And I have to wash my hair.”

“Wash your hair? It looks lovely.”

I wiggle my eyebrows at him. “But it’ll probably get wet in the hot tub.”

He shakes his head. “I should have known.”

We arrive at the resort and he hurries around the car to open my door. He takes my bouquet from me before offering me his hand. “I’m glad you kept the bouquet.”

“It’s too pretty to sit in my apartment while I’m away for the weekend.” And it’s the first flowers Jaxon gave to me. I want them near me.

We skip the building with the reception and walk to the gardens where our chalet is. I notice a group of tables set up near the beach. I point to it. “It must be the wine tasting.”

“Do you want to go?”

My nose wrinkles. “Do I want to drink wine with a bunch of pretentious people?”

“You don’t know they’re pretentious.”

I giggle. “Trust me. Alan is all about impressing people. Like attracts like.”

“Blossom!” Alan shouts.

I pretend I don’t hear him.

“Blossom!” he shouts again and waves at us.

I wave back. “Hello!”

“Come join us for wine!”

“I can’t hear you. The wind.” I cup my ear with my hand and shrug as if I’m oh so disappointed to not be able to hear whatever my asshole ex-boyfriend is saying. I might be enjoying this a bit too much.

Alan starts jogging toward us.

Jaxon chuckles. “You handled the situation well.”

I ignore him and begin speed walking toward our chalet. He hurries to keep up with me.

“He’s following us. He’s speeding up.”

I glance around for somewhere to hide. There are no buildings nearby. Just trees and plants. And there – a hedge.

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