Page 92 of The Way We Collide

He did it.

He yanked off the Band-Aid and told the whole world we’re married. My mouth dropped open when he saidit.

We watched him on the giant television in the living room, and Tack peeked his head in to offer congratulations. It’s the only time the giant, six-foot-four, 250-pound, former football lineman-security guard has spoken to me.

I said a quiet thank-you back, and he disappeared again.

On the one hand, having the news out is great for me. It takes the pressure off, no more hiding. It might even speed up the release of my trust fund.

On the other hand…

“One year. Six months! And we can separate after three…”I remember the day I proposed this unorthodox plan so clearly. I remember my promise not to intrude or try to change his plans. I remember promising it would be over so fast, and we’d go back to how we were before.

Now I realize how foolish I was.

My phone buzzes, and I expect it to be Hendrix. I can only imagine his family is blowing up his phone as well.

Amelia

Cha-ching! You’re rich, bitch

I exhale a shaky breath, not really feeling her joy and not really certain why, since that’s the whole reason I’m here in the first place.

Yeah.

Amelia

When are you coming home? I miss my squishy baby.

I chew my bottom lip as I watch Haddy sleep. Her face is so relaxed and peaceful after being so fussy. Every few seconds she’ll give her pacifier a little suck, but otherwise, she’s perfectly content snuggling in her daddy’s bed.

Going home…

The shades are open, and I look out the wide windows at the golden horizon. I’m rich. I have everything I wanted. I can make my dreams come true now. Why do Ifeel so sad?

Curling around Haddy, I watch the clear blue sky grow gradually darker. It’s another day of sun, not a cloud in sight.

I must’ve fallen asleep, because when I open my eyes again, it’s completely dark. I’m still lying on my side curled around Haddy, but a large, warm body is curled behind mine. It only takes one breath to recognize his rich vanilla scent.

Turning my head, I look over my shoulder at his sleeping face, and warmth rushes from my stomach to my toes. I shift carefully, doing my best not to wake him, but he blinks.

Blue eyes capture mine, and my chest squeezes.

“Hey.” My voice is quiet. “What are you doing here?”

Full lips lift with a smile. “I wanted to sleep with my wife.”

Another squeeze in my chest. “You said it. On national television.”

“My phone’s been blowing up ever since,” he chuckles. “My brothers either want to kick my ass or dogpile me.”

A laugh huffs through my nose. “The girls are going crazy, too.”

Sliding his hand over my cheek, he traces the hair off my forehead with his finger before leaning down to kiss me. Our lips part, tongues curling together. I turn fully to face him, and our bodies move together.

Heat radiates through my core. My hands move to his waist, drawing us closer, pressing my soft chest to his firm one. His cock is a hard bulge against my stomach, and he exhales a groan.

Oh, God, what are we doing—and why can’t I stop?

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