Page 18 of Clear Shot

Even though it breaks all my rules.

Even though I vowed to never fall in love again.

“Let’s start over,” I suggest softly.

She doesn’t move, merely nestles deeper against my chest, as if waiting for me to continue.

“Let’s go on dates, talk, get to know each other on a different level than before. No one knows what goes on behind closed doors—and the only people whose opinions matter are you and me.”

“Okay.” She still doesn’t move, her soft body firmly pressed against mine.

Under any other circumstances, I would be annoyed or hard, but I’m not either of those things right now.

All I care about is making her feel better.

Making her want to stay.

I have to think about why I feel this way, but not now.

We have to get her settled and then go to our mini wedding reception.

“For someone who doesn’t believe in love or marriage,” she whispers, “you’re gearing up to be a pretty good husband.”

There’s so much irony in that statement.

“My ex would disagree with you,” I murmur, stroking her hair.

“Maybe she didn’t understand you the way I do.”

Now there’s an understatement.

But I don’t want to talk about Regina.

No, I put her out of my mind as much as possible.

“Let’s get you unpacked,” I suggest gently.

She finally pulls away and when I look into her face she’s more relaxed now. The tightness is gone and her eyes are less shrouded.

“Thank you,” she whispers.

“For what?”

“For being you. For being so considerate of my mini breakdown. For making me feel better.”

I was a shitty husband once upon a time.

I won’t make that mistake again, even if this isn’t real and it’s going to end in a year.

For as long as she’s my wife, I’m going to be the man she needs me to be, even though I don’t really know that guy.

I’m going to find him, though.

For my own sake, if not for hers.

Chapter 7

Hana