Page 129 of Theirs to Tempt: The Marriage Claim

“You won one question.”

“That was one question.”

“You added a second.”

“I’m attempting to understand the first answer.”

“That sounds like a professional problem.”

I wait.

Caleb picks up another chip and rolls it across his knuckles with practiced ease. “I didn’t want to go back until I could walk through the neighborhood without remembering every reason I left.”

The honesty is so unvarnished that I have no clever response.

He places the chip on banker. “Your turn.”

This time I join him.

Lucian selects player.

Nina deals.

The banker hand wins with eight.

Caleb claims his chips, then looks at me.

I steel myself. “Go ahead.”

“What would you have chosen for your honeymoon?”

The question takes me by surprise.

“I don’t know.”

“You promised an honest answer.”

“That is an honest answer.”

“You were engaged to Adrian.”

“Almost engaged.”

“You never discussed a honeymoon?”

“Not really.”

Lucian’s attention grows more focused. “What did you imagine?”

I consider the question.

Before this morning, honeymoon had meant a controlled concept from someone else’s life. A carefully researched hotel, negotiated airfare, a schedule, a budget, and photographs designed to prove the expense had been worthwhile.

“Somewhere I selected,” I say. “With an itinerary I approved, a cost I could justify, and a return ticket in my own name.”

Caleb’s gaze doesn’t leave mine. “Sounds romantic.”

“It sounds safe.” The words emerge more softly than I intended.