Imogen grins. “Fuck yeah. We’ll write some songs for you guys and everything!”
Not sure how my parents will like punk rock at our wedding, but who cares? It’s our special day.
“I’d love that,” I say, relieved that my friends are happy for us.
Will they be hurt if they find out it isn’t real?
My heart falls into my stomach.
I knew lying would be challenging. But I wasn’t prepared for just how awful it would feel to lie to those closest to me.
Something weighs on me after we leave the pub. Before we make it to my car, I take Gunnar’s arm. “Hey. Can we stay out a bit longer?”
Gunnar shrugs. “We going somewhere in particular?”
I smile, getting an idea. “It’s a surprise.”
We get in the car, and I drive over to Regent's Park. The park’s bustling today. The weather’s clear and cool, and it seems the whole city wants to take advantage of the sunshine.
“Are they rowing?” Just as I knew he would, Gunnar’s face lights up at the sight of all the boats in the artificial lake.
“Yup. The line is a little long, but it should move quickly. Do you want to wait?”
Gunnar bobs his head earnestly, a smile lifting his lips. Lips I’d kissed only a half hour ago. Concentrating during the rest of lunch had been bloody impossible when I’d kept replaying that kiss in my head.
His beard had tickled my skin when he kissed me, his lips soft and warm and so eager. My heart skips just remembering the low groan that had vibrated from his throat, his fingers gripping my hair. Had it all been a show for my friends, or had it meant something to him? Was he still thinking about it?
The line moves quickly enough, and we’re given a rowboat. Gunnar sits and holds out his hand to help me in. The boat rocks side to side, and I gasp, grabbing on tight to the sides of the boat. Gunnar snickers at me. He doesn’t take up the oars.
“Ready?” I ask.
Gunnar leans back, arms behind his head. “You need to get more comfortable in a boat if you’re to be my husband, dear.”
Heat flames my cheeks. “Very well. Easy.”
He holds up a finger. “And no magic.”
I huff. How the bloody hell did he know?
“I’m perfectly capable without magic!” I take up the oars, heart skipping. Suddenly, I’m possessed by the urge to do this right. To prove myself to him. Preposterous! I start rowing with the oars, sputtering when cold water splashes in my face. Damn! These things are heavier than they look. “Ow!” Something pulls in my shoulder. An infuriating smirk curls Gunnar’s lips.
“Need help?” he asks.
I scoff. “With what? A child could do this.” And right on cue, I smack myself in the chin with the oar. “Bloody fuck!” I double over, paralyzed with throbbing pain.
Sighing, Gunnar grabs the oars. “I’d better do this before you take out your eye.”
My whole face burns with embarrassment. “No, really. I wanted to try.”
Gunnar holds out his hands. I take them, trying to ignore the stupid fluttering in my stomach when he places my hands over the oars. He keeps his palms on top of mine as he starts to row. Our boat drifts away from the edge of the lake and farther out into the water.
Now that we’re getting somewhere, confidence fills me to the brim. “Can I do it?” He lets go and I keep on rowing. A grin spreads over my face as we glide over the surface of the lake, ripples disrupting the stillness of the water.
“You’re a natural,” Gunnar says, and I can’t help holding my head a little higher at his praise.
I wonder if Gunnar’s the kind of man to compliment someone in bed?
My cock threatens to stiffen, so I quickly say, “So, um… I just wanted to say that I’m sorry.” Gunnar frowns, lowering his gaze. The fact that he knows exactly why I’m apologizing makes me feel like utter shit. “I knew my family and friends would have… feelings about our relationship. But I truly hoped they’d be happy for us.”
