I swallow hard. “Amazing enough to get another kiss from my wife tonight?”
Holly doesn’t answer with words. She grabs the lapels of my suit and pulls me down, a hand coming up and brushing against the scruff of my beard as she cradles my jaw. Her lips press against mine, frenzied and urgent, letting out the roller coaster of emotions we experienced within the last hour.
She doesn’t stop kissing me, but my neck is aching, the one drawback of our height difference. My lips stay on hers as I grip the curve of her waist. I slowly walk us backward until her back hits the counter and I lift her to sit on the marble countertop.
With our faces at the same height, I kiss her deeper. My heart pounds against my chest as I pour out my love and devotion, and how she matches mine with each passionate kiss.
Minutes later, and when I know my control is beginning to slip, I step out of our embrace. Holly's hair is tangled, lipstick smudged, and there’s a dreamy look on her face.
Meanwhile, my suit jacket and tie are on the floor at our feet.
I lift my hands up, placing them on my head as I close my eyes and calm my breathing.
Wow.
Wow.
Turns out dating my wife and going to high-profile events with her was the best thing I could ever do for our relationship.
When I’m in control again, I step back into her embrace. But maybe I’m not quite in control again, because I can’t help but nuzzle the smooth skin under her ear, placing a gentle kiss against her tender flesh. “I could kiss you all night, but neither of us are ready for that. The ball is in your court, Hols. Kiss me whenever you like, but I won’t push you more than you’re comfortable.”
She sighs as I brush a kiss against her cheek. I pull back and look into her eyes.
“One more kiss?” she breathes out.
“As you wish, mi amor,” I whisper as I give my wife a much calmer kiss goodnight.
Chapter 30
Stress Dreamin’
Holly
Igaze out the window at the clouds below us, the hum of the airplane engine and Mateo’s light snores soothing sounds as I replay the past week.
It feels like it’s been no time at all since the night we kissed. It’s a night I’ll never forget and was the start of ending each night with a kiss. Every evening after I get done with work, Mateo takes me on a date and we talk, getting to know all the little things about each other. I can’t choose a favorite date. I’ve loved them all, from staying in and watchingThe Princess Bridetogether, to going on a picnic dinner date at the beach, and watching the sunset cuddled up together. Every second has been amazing.
I’ve caught myself lingering in his workshop during my lunch breaks. Mateo has shared some of his cooking skills with me after learning that I usually order pre-made meals or meal kits instead of learning how to cook for myself.
Spending time with Mateo is better than working. Not that I’ve been enjoying my job lately. I’ve been rushing through work so I can see my husband more. Who knew getting married would cure my workaholic tendencies?
It’s like we’re doing things backwards, going on dates and getting to know each other post-wedding ceremony, but somehow it’s exactly what I need. Knowing we are in a committed relationship has lessened my fears of failing and not being enough for Mateo.
Mateo gripped my hand and fell asleep after the plane took off. His finger grips mine even as he sleeps. I run my thumb over his knuckles, tracing the veins on the back of his hand. The simple motion soothes my churning stomach, but doesn’t quite cure my anxiety over visiting Mateo’s family in Oregon.
Especially visiting to celebrate his mother’s birthday.
Mateo told me he explained the reasons for our marriage to his parents, but didn’t mention the one-year time limit. We don’t have to fake anything about our relationship for them, but how am I supposed to act knowing that they know Mateo married me as a favor? Would they be weirded out if we cuddled, hugged, and kissed? How willIfeel doing those things in front of them? How do I feel about public displays of affection? I don’t even know because we’ve only been out in public around strangers.
The questions run circles in my head as I draw circles on the back of Mateo’s hand.
My leg bounces, and the movement changes the position of our hands. Mateo’s fingers flex and his breathing changes. I watch as he blinks and turns his head toward me. A sleepy smile grows on his face as he focuses on me.
“Hey, beautiful,” he whispers, his voice gravelly with sleep.
“Hey,” I whisper back as I grip his hand tighter.
His eyes quickly take in my bouncing leg before his other hand comes up, his thumb smoothing the skin between my eyebrows. His touch relaxes the muscles in my face. “You stressin’?”
