Or at least the ringing of his cell phone.
While I love the often-used description in romance novels about wanting to climb the hero like a tree, I didn't expect to actually do it.
But I did.
I'm surprised he didn't toss me across the room.
I don't know what I'm thinking, other than I'm not. Typical Ophelia.
This isn't just book research, though I've got a great idea for a scene that involves a kitchen counter.
I wave at Xavier and point to the door, widely gesticulating that I'm heading out. He nods curtly, obviously irate at my ridiculous behavior. I'm really going to have to watch myself around him, otherwise the next time I have a little too much to drink, I'll be crawling into his bed, demanding my wifely rights.
That would not be good.
The moment I get back to my apartment, I pull out my laptop and start writing. Tonight, my couple is getting a love scene involving christening every room of their new place, undeterred by the pressures of their outside lives, not wanting to leave their cozy love den.
I wish.
It's after eleven and Xavier still isn't back. He's got to be home soon. To kill time, I go back and read through what I've written so far. I love every single word.
People have to read this. They're going to love this book.
Now, a normal person would finish writing the book and then edit it, and then send it out to agents. I think it's been long since established that I, Ophelia Finnegan—er, Henry—do not follow conventions like that.
Oh no, I proceed to upload the first three chapters in series on Wattpad under the author name Lia Finn. I read it. I read it again.
This is really good.
I text Marley so she can read it, but I know she's sleeping.
I need someone to read it right now, so they can tell me what they think. I go back to Wattpad. No views yet.
The need for someone else to read my story makes my skin itch. There's only one way I know to solve this problem. Naturally, I open ClikClak.
So I did a thing. I've been working on a story for a while, and suddenly my inspiration hit me just right, if you know what I mean. Head on over to Wattpad to find the first three chapters of my upcoming book! Love you all! Kisses and hugs!
I try to go to sleep, but excitement over my abrupt decision doesn't allow rest to come. As I glance at the clock and realize it's almost one a.m., worry starts to win over.
Xavier still isn't back.
Oh God, he's probably so embarrassed about what happened earlier. I don't think I could have been more desperate if I tried. And what was all that talk about sexy time? Frankly, no one else I'd ever be able to bring home would hold a candle to Xavier Henry.
Not that he'd ever look in my direction. Not for real.
I need to let him know that I know this is strictly business. I won't touch him again unless we have to for appearance's sake. No more touching when it's just the two of us.
Thoughheis the one who grabbed my hands. Repeatedly. I'll have to inform him of the no-touching rule. Yes, a list of rules is what we will need in our new place. It's the only way I'm going to keep a cool head around him. I open a document on my computer and start writing the list. Number one: no touching.
And he probably shouldn't walk around without his shirt on either. I mean, a girl's only got so much willpower, and his abs do look quite lickable. That's number two: no lickable abs on display.
Maybe I wouldn't find him so desirable if he wasn't so sweet and thoughtful. The bridal bouquet and the ring, then the loft? He's too considerate. All that kindness makes me want to bear his children. Number three: no generous gestures that make my uterus dance.
The next rule is not fair to Xavier, but it's the only way I'll make it through the duration of our sham marriage. Number four: no overnight guests. As much as I claimed to be okay with it, I'm totally not. I can't say he can't—you know—with someone else. He just can't bring her back to our place.
The last rule is for me and me alone. I should leave it off the list because it feels foolish to even type the words. Yet I know if I don't have this list to abide by, I will break this rule every chance I get. Number five: no falling in love.
Yeah, Xavier won't need that at all, but I'm a little afraid I'm already in violation of that one. It's probably because of rules one through three that Xavier so flagrantly disregards. I mean, he doesn't know about them yet, so it's not like he's doing it on purpose.
