“It’s hard to change the relationship dynamic if you’re used to reacting a certain way to your parents’ demands. It’s like a wheel rut in the road. You can’t help but go down the same path over and over. Sometimes you need an outsider to knock the wheel into a different track.”
Chris gazed at me.
“Are you a therapist as well as a photographer?” he asked with a small smile.
I kissed him.
“We deal with brides all day, so not only am I a therapist and wedding photographer, I am also a best friend, life coach, mentor and spiritual guide, and sometimes lawyer. I spend more time talking people off the ledge than I do taking photographs.”
“I appreciate having you in my life,” Chris told me, looking up at me.
His face was so warm and honest that it made my heart skip a beat.
“My life is so much better with you in it,” he added, giving me a crooked smile.
My chest clenched. Soon, in a few weeks, I wouldn’t get to see his face when I woke up in the morning, or spend these moments with him. I’d be back to my busy, normal stressful life.
That’s what you wanted, I reminded myself.You don’t have time to be an actual good wife.
But it felt so easy to be with Chris.
It’s just because you know there’s an expiration date.If you actually had to spend the rest of your lives together, you’d be at each other’s throats.
I kissed him.
“Maybe after this is all over, we’ll meet up for drinks,” I suggested, though I wanted to see him more than just for drinks.
But did he feel the same?
Probably not. Why would he? He hated being married, and from our conversation at the Italian restaurant, he didn’t seem all that keen to be dating anyone, let alone be in a serious relationship.
He’s just being nice,I scolded myself.You can’t be that weirdo who just falls for random men.
Just make the most of this unusual situation. Speaking of…
“You know what I always suggest to brides who are stressed?” I asked Chris slyly.
“Cake?” he replied.
I laughed. “Most of the brides are trying to fit in their dresses, so no. They eat all the cake after they say ‘I do’!”
He smiled slightly, giving me a flash of that dimple.
“What I tell them,” I said, undoing his tie, “is to take a very hot bath and…” I leaned forward to nip at his bottom lip. “They get extra credit if they convince their fiancé to join them!”
He grinned against my lips. “That sounds like a good idea.”
I ignored the way my heart stuttered. I usually suggested that to stressed couples as a sexy way to bond and rekindle their love...
No. I was not feeling anything for Chris.
I kissed him again. “Race you to the bathroom.”
With that, I turned and ran to the bathroom. With a laugh, he followed on my heels, reaching out to goose my ass. I squealed and jumped. He caught me around the waist and spun me around for another kiss.
With his free hand, he reached to shut the bathroom door.
We broke apart only so I could start the rush of water cascading into the tub. Chris pulled me back, and we started the fun process of stripping each other down. After helping me pull my dress off, he mouthed my nipples over the lacy fabric of my bra.
