Page 12 of Wicked Oath
James looks between us with amusement plastered on his face.
Owen’s mouth opens and closes before he stands up straighter. “Because they already met.” My eyes widen. Owen looks like he’s won, but he’s only hurting me.
Dad turns to James and me. “What’s he talking about?”
My tongue feels thick and heavy.
However, I don’t need to worry about a response because James leans forward and says, “I confess, Olivia and I did meet for the first time a few days ago. We happened to run into each other, and I was instantly smitten with her. That’s why I want to marry her, Patrick. Yes, because it will strengthen our families, but also …” He grips my hand, sending an instant shockwave over me. “Because I think your daughter is captivating.”
Owen groans and rolls his eyes, but Dad looks pleased.
I catch James’s eye, and I’m glad he didn’t tell the whole truth. He’s trying to protect me. My heart warms for him even more.
“I understand,” Dad says. “I’m glad you met and seem to get along. That’s a good sign for a marriage.”
Owen looks like he’s going to lose his mind. “It’s not good! James was practically mauling Olivia when I came over.”
Dad chuckles. “I doubt that. I’ve known James for years now, and he’s never been anything but the picture of a gentleman.”
“He’s a playboy,” Owen continues. “Do you really want a guy like him marrying your daughter?”
“Owen, be quiet. If I wanted your opinion, I would have asked for it.” He levels Owen with a serious expression. My dad is a lighthearted man for the most part, but he knows when to put his foot down.
Owen grumbles. “Fine. Marry Olivia to this bastard.” Mom and I both gasp at his word choice. “But don’t complain to me when you find out I’m right.” He storms out of the room, and I jump when I hear the front door slam shut.
“Well, that was productive,” Grandma murmurs.
“I apologize,” James says, still holding my hand. I haven’t stopped thinking of much else in that time. “Owen and I don’t always get along, but I can assure you that I would never cause harm to Olivia.”
Dad nods, reassured. “I believe that.” He looks at me. “And Olivia, what do you say? Are you interested in marrying James?”
I know the next words out of my mouth will change my life forever.
I don’t hesitate to say them. “Yes, I am.”
James stares into my eyes, holding me captive with his green gaze. “You will make a beautiful bride. You’ll look even better by my side.”
Mom chuckles awkwardly as James and I continue to look at each other as if the rest of the room has disappeared.
“Why do you want to be with me?” I ask him.
“As I said.” He brings my hand up to his lips and kisses the back of it. I could melt right into the couch this very second. “You’re captivating.”
“See?” Dad says. “Already a good start. At least you two seem to like each other.”
James keeps his gaze on me as he replies, “Very much.”
For the rest of the meeting, I’m in a daze as James converses with my family. When it’s time for him to leave, Dad suggests I walk James to the door, just the two of us.
“I never thought I’d see you again,” I admit when we’re alone.
“Are you happy to see me?”
I gulp. “Yes. I just wasn’t expecting a marriage proposal. Especially from you.”
He leans against the door, invading me with his large, muscular body. “Why?”
“You just …” I wring my hands. “You don’t seem like the marriage type.”
