Page 104 of Doctor I Do

“Well, I can give you more exercise,” he grunts huskily, kissing my lips before he pushes me back on the bed and lays kisses over my neck and little nips up to my ear. He bites down on my earlobe, and a shiver runs through me at his promise.

I cry out from his affection, not hating it one bit after being in my head about us.

“I was leaving Luxe when she tried to get me to have a drink with her. Which I declined, because I had a sexy fiancée at home, who I wanted more than anything.”

His fingers comb my hair and bring my face close to his. He whispers, “Were you really worried?”

I nod sheepishly, feeling the tears seeping onto my cheeks. I feel better now that it’s off my chest. I’ve never been one to argue and fight. And the fact he was just as mature was surprising, but also a relief.

“Honey, there’s no need. I only have eyes for you. In such a short time, I’ve fallen completely in love with you. Which is making it hard to fake this marriage. How can you fake something that feels so right?” His smile reaches his blue eyes, and up this close, the lines beside them are more evident. “I don’t want our marriage to be over, do you?” he asks with so much trepidation, staring back at me. I want to put him out of his misery.

“No. The thought has been twisting me up and causing me so much anxiety,” I say as a warm tear leaks and runs over my cheek at his words. I didn’t realize how much I wanted to hear him say that until now.

The emotion is clogging my throat, and I can’t speak. He takes the opportunity to talk more.

“You were able to love me even when I didn’t love or believe that I was worthy of one person. I was always told I was a player and I let myself believe it. But that’s not me. I hated myself every single damn time. And fuck, I tried not to let you in, but you barged through, and you took away my numb, hollow self. You have no idea what that means to me. I don’t even know if I’m making sense—”

I nod through the stupid tears that fall, but I say through a sob, “You are.”

“I thought I was broken. I can’t go back to waking up alone without love. So, I’m sorry, but I can’t let you go. I still want to go through with our wedding. I even asked your parents today for your hand in marriage.”

“You what?” I gasp, trying to digest the fact he spoke to my parents, and on top of that he still wants to marry me. This is a lot to process.

“I asked if they’ll let me marry you. But only if you still want to.” He smiles down at me.

“You still want to get married?” I should be screaming out yes, I still want to, but I can’t get my mouth to work.

“I do.” He says it with these sincere eyes staring back at me.

This man. His heart. I can’t even breathe. He loves me.

I sniff and bat all my tears away, drying my face.

“I love you, Tahlia. You're it for me. Please, say yes,” he pleads.

I smile. Those words hit me in the center of my chest, and I feel every word. I believe him and I love how raw and open he is right now. It’s time I’m honest with him, too.

“I’m scared,” I whisper.

He leans his forehead on mine, our breaths loud. “Do you trust me?”

I don’t have to think about it. “Yes, I do.”

“Then let me love all of you. Give me your heart and I promise not to break it.”

I nod, moving my head against his.

“I want you,” he rasps in an authoritative tone.

He wins, because my resolve is melting. I can’t say no to him. I’m officially addicted. Running his nose up my neck, he whispers in my ear. “I know you want this too.”

“Yes,” I breathe, fixing my gaze on his handsome big blues. I want us naked and making love. I know right now that I don’t ever want him to let me go.

“Good, because I want to reassure you that you’re my woman—my wife. You. No one else. You got it?”

Chapter 36

Tahlia

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