“And to us,” she said before clinking her glass to mine. “May this be the beginning of a friendship filled with mutual respect.”
“To mutual respect.” I took a drink and watched her do the same. The more I scrutinized her up close, the more I found her attractive. She appeared genuine and kind. If I wanted to have a good relationship with mywife, I needed to meet her halfway.
“Do you have any hobbies? What do you like to do in your free time?”
I chuckled to myself. “Free time? What is that?”
“My father would say the same thing.” She smiled and took another drink. “I mean, is there anything you like to do when you’re not working? I’m hoping you say reading, given the many books on my shelf that are my favorite. How did you know what I liked?” Her brown depths glittered with mirth as she waited for my reply.
“Naturally, we asked your mother what you liked.” I hoped she dialed into thewepart.
“I figured as much. It was very considerate of you.”
“Of course.” I hated how she assumed I’d done everything for her. She should have known it was my mamma. When would I have the time to speak to her mother, much less, set up her room with her favorite things?
“If I’m honest, I didn’t imagine you’d put forth much effort for me. It’s not lost on me that you were also forced into marrying me. I was prepared for you to hate me. But I’m relieved. Maybe we can be friends.”
“Friends?” I asked, feeling offended. “You want to be my friend?”
“It’s a good start, don’t you think? Until today, we have never met. My father rarely mentioned you, and when he did, it wasn’t positive.”
I hiked my brow. “What did he say?”
“Oh.” She bit her bottom lip, once again, drawing my attention to her mouth. “Mostly about your many conquests. But I’m not upset about it.”
“You’re not?”
“No.” She shook her head. “You’re older and a man. I know you have… needs.”
This seemed like the perfect moment to mention my ideas about having a lover. “Do you think you can take care of my needs?”
“Right now?” Her eyes nearly popped out of her sockets.
“Yes.” I found myself wanting to play with her. Test her a little to see how much or how little she wanted to please me.
“We’re not married yet.” She sat taller in her chair as if on guard.
“The ceremony is just a technicality.” I waved my hand in the air. “You and I both know it’s a done deal. Next weekend we’ll vow to love and honor each other in front of our family and friends.”
“Love? I doubt either of us will fall in love before next Saturday.” She laughed and rolled her eyes.
“Don’t speak for me.” I leaned forward and reached my hand out toward hers, wanting to hold it.
“What are you doing?” She narrowed her eyes.
“Give me your hand. I want to hold it.”
“Why?”
“Giovanna. Give me your hand,” I told her in a stern voice.
“Fine.” She reluctantly placed her left hand on mine. “Are you going to read my fortune or something?”
“Maybe.” I admired her long, thin fingers and light pink nails. They were short and pristinely manicured. I liked them more than I probably should. “Do you feel anything?”
“Like what?”
“Anything. Sparks. Tingles. Flutters in your belly.” I interlaced our fingers together. While she may not be feeling anything, I was getting aroused.
