Page 111 of My Wife
Technically I could, if Jessica and I entered into a marriage of convenience agreement. But it would be phony. Could I live with that? Could she? Would kissing be included in the contract?
Or perhaps the anticipation I’m sensing is that we’re heading to Toronto to play against the Titans, which means Hendrix and I will potentially be going head-to-head.
This also means we’re visiting the family.
With the kid.
And Grandma Dolly.
While Jessica puts away laundry, I step into her space and finally say what I should’ve the other day, “What we did in the kitchen can’t happen again.”
Her brown eyes scan my face.
For a moment, I’m afraid I might see anger or hurt.
Instead, she says, “Good thing we’re not in the kitchen.” Then Jessica presses her mouth to mine. If she misheard me, I can’t say I mind.
It’s instant sweetness, softness, a connection so intense I risk melting. A pulse accelerates and my mind slips onto a single track.
This time, instead of the uncertain territory of our first kiss or the adventure of the second one, the intensity of our mouths moving together falls somewhere in between.
My palm gently cups the back of her head. Her hands grip the spot between my shoulders and neck before sliding upward as mine move down her back. It’s like we’re finally comfortable with each other.
I’m enjoying this way too much and draw back slightly before changing my mind. She made a good point about the technicalities of my comment and our location.
When we part, I ask, “What was that?”
She says, “It was a practice kiss for our wedding day.”
Inside, I jolt. I expected her to say something about glitter and smiles. “So you’ll do it?”
She bites her lip. “I happen to need a husband that comes in your size … if you hire a lawyer for me.”
“Everything will be legal.”
“Except getting married for reasons of convenience,” she says smartly. “The problem is I’m still wearing my jilted bride badge and the Coogan family won’t let me forget that I owe them money.”
“How do they figure that? It was Rexlan who left you at the altar.”
“Sorsha has a complicated concept of the events that transpired.”
I tap the air. “Which is why you need a lawyer.”
“And a big bad husband who’s part beast.”
“You want me to intimidate them?”
She shifts from foot to foot. “More like it’ll make me feel secure knowing that I have you and the full power of your might and money in my corner.”
“And you’ll marry me to protect the kid from Pamberlie in exchange?”
“Gladly.” Her smile isn’t one of unbridled revenge. More like excitement.
“But we can’t do that again,” I say, gesturing between the two of us.
“Of course not. As I said, it was just a test.”
“For what?” The idea of kissing her again makes me dizzy.
