Page 43
“Hand holding, loving gazes. Touching, at a minimum.”
“And at a maximum?” If her voice gets any higher, we’ll be surrounded by dogs.
“Well, we have fucked in some very public places.”
“We have not!”
“A park. The lake. The beach. A truck stop.” I remember the days I wanted her so badly that it seemed to physically hurt. Privacy wasn’t something easily come by, and the horny struggle was very real. Not that reminiscing is helpful right now.
“It was secluded, and we were in a car!”
“Remember when that cop knocked on the window and asked us what we were doing?”
She tips forward with a groan, pressing her face to her hands.
“And I told him we were making out.” Necking, I’d added for the old guy’s benefit. His reply? It was time for me to put my neck away.
“Stop.” The word is muffled, and I’m pretty sure even her fingernails are pink.
“Obviously, this will be a fuck-free marriage. Kissing, though . . .”
Those sapphire blues appear over her fingertips. “Kissing?”
“In public.”
“Because it sounds so much better when you mention that.”
“Convincing kissing,” I amend. Just like at the car, I don’t add. “We might need to practice.”
“You’re enjoying this,” she accuses.
“Can’t have you flinching when I touch you. Or when I pull you in for a little lip-lock.”
“Never say that again.”
“Can’t be kissing my wife if she’s pulling that face.”
“I am literally desiccating—all the moisture has left my body.”
“I didn’t seem to have that effect on you Friday.” She fuckin’ melted.
“Friday was—” Her spine goes ramrod straight, and she gives a tiny, denying shake of her head. “It was your phrasing I object to, not your meaning.”
We just stare at each other for a beat as I try not to let my eyes linger on her pretty lips.
“Kissing.” The word is barely audible as she rubs her finger over the scarred tabletop. “To recap, we agree that kissing will fall within the parameters of touch.” Her gaze slices up. “It will be occasional, in public, and PG rated.”
“You forgot convincing. Like Friday.”
“I assume you’ll also want me to laugh at your jokes in company.”
“As I recall, you were the amusing one.” What did I say that for?
“I think we should take a moment to discuss other boundaries.”
“Such as?”
“I think our private lives should remain just that.”
