Page 77 of Marry Me, Right Now

My hand was around her waist a lot more than usual, and it was interesting trying to come to terms with the fact that we were just cuddly now. I knew that it was wrong that I wanted more, and should be careful with these things that we were pointedly not discussing.

Our honeymoon had shaken so many things loose for us, and made it obscenely obvious how much we wanted each other. But as honest as we were, neither of us seemed to have the nerve to admit that we had real feelings for each other.

At least, I was pretty sure that she did. The way she looked at me took my breath away. But she was so bold about some things. Why wouldn’t she say something?

We left the gallery arm in arm without even thinking about it. “Where to now?” I asked.

She looked up at me in utter delight. “I love that you have your default set to yes.”

“What?”

She grinned. “The girls and I were talking once about people who have default reactions. Some people are very fussy and negative, and as soon as you suggest something, they’re already answering no. Some people are genuinely up for anything. If you ask, ‘Hey, do you want to…’ they’re already mentally saying yes even though you haven’t finished the thought.”

I laughed, giving her arm a squish. “You’re right. You could be taking us bowling. To a ska band. To a play about the history of button making. I’d be up for anything.”

“It’s amazingly refreshing. I’ve never been out with a guy like that.”

We both paused for breath at the realization that this was our first real date. I quickly continued, “I’m glad that I amuse you. So, where to?”

“Are you hungry?”

“Always.”

“Chinese food?” she asked hopefully.

“Sure. I know a great place a few blocks west,” I said.

“But I know a very cheap place northwest.”

“Okay. How much do we have left?”

“Thirty-three dollars.” She seemed fine with this amount.

“Yikes,” I muttered.

“Yes. So we’ll be getting the special, no matter what it is. We might need to take the streetcar home, and that’s three twenty-five each.”

Thankfully the special of the day was beef and broccoli noodles, which we both adored. We chatted constantly all through dinner, and I realized that meals with Mia were slower because we couldn’t stop talking. She was consistently the best companion ever.

M I A

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BIG QUESTIONS

I pushed my empty plate away and took a deep breath before I began the conversation that was making me nervous for some reason. “So, now that the wedding is over, what should I do for the next eleven and a half months?”

Jacob smiled gently, those smoky eyes seeming like they looked right through me. “Whatever you want.”

I giggled, suddenly feeling oddly girlie. “I somehow knew you were going to say that. But seriously. You know I can’t just shop and lounge. I need to do something productive. Any thoughts?”

He contemplated for a moment. “More education, if you wanted.”

I laughed. “I have enough University learnin’ stuffed in my head for now. I don’t think I need anything else for the moment.”

“Is there anything creative you’d like to do? Paint? Write a novel?”

“I’ve always written, and I’ll likely work on some things. But I need a reason to leave the condo. I need to interact with people, do something productive.”

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