Page 32 of Mr. Brightside

I meet his gaze and let him see right through me: to the heart of what I’m about to confess, to the truth behind the power he has—has always had—over me. “I told you. I don’t do casual, Jake. I only ever did it with you.”

He mutters something I don’t make out under his breath, then we both busy ourselves by crumbling up our candy cartons and reaching for more snacks. I’m grateful he doesn’t push me or call me out on what I just confessed.

He’s always been the exception for me. And now, tonight, he finally knows it.

I don’t want to drown in my own self-doubt. I don’t want to let him see me at my most vulnerable. This has been the most bizarre, revealing, and weirdly intimate date I’ve ever been on. Part of me can’t wait for it to be over, while another part yearns for it to never end.

I think we’re both running out of steam, the heaviness of our Q&A session weighing us down. But I feel compelled to wrap it up with one final question. “You’ve honestly never been in a relationship?”

He shakes his head but offers me a little smirk.

“I’ve got this, though. I’m a quick study. I promised I’d make this good for you. I’m going to Google the shit out of how to be the perfect husband and rock these next two years.

Just you wait. I’ve got plans for you, baby. Two years’ worth of plans.”

Out of everything he’s shared tonight, that’s the one truth I want to hold on to.

Chapter 15

Cory

Iwakeupslowly,reveling in that quiet moment of bliss between sleep and awake, past and present, dreams and reality.

Tingles of anticipation course through me as I blink my eyes open and remember the events of the last few days—and think about what lies ahead.

Even when the reality of my decision comes back to me each morning, it doesn’t fill me with dread. The only issue I’m struggling with is why I’m not bothered by this situation. Why did I agree to marry a man—who, admittedly, is hot and rich and just a little bit rowdy in that way that makes me feel untamed when I’m around him—I really don’t know?

I reach for my phone to check the time, and am surprised to see that it’s eleven thirty. I slept most of the morning away, which I guess makes sense considering my sleep schedule has been messed up all week. I better get it under control before the new semester starts. I check my notifications and almost drop the device on my face when I see three texts, all from Jake.

He’s been doing that every day this week. Sending me cute texts. Just checking in to say hello. The other day he even requested my shirt and suit size but refused to tell me why he needed the information.

If I didn’t find it so endearing, I’d probably tease him about it. Although I guess neither of us needs to play it cool or try to impress the other—we’re already engaged.

There’s no way he knows the hold he has on me. I have no intentions of playing hard to get (obviously), but it feels like too much too soon to admit how okay I am with this whole scenario.

Jake-Work: Hey, handsome. What do you have going on today?

Jake-Work: I hope you slept well. Shoot me a text when you get up.

Jake-Work: I’ve got a lunch thing at Clinton’s, so I won’t be on my phone much. Stop by if you have time.

I smirk at the label next to his name in my phone. I don’t even know another Jake, but I friend-zoned him—hard—once Lia and I compared notes. That little “Work” moniker may or may not have been my way of reminding myself not to be tempted to reach out.

Obviously, I need to change it. Should he just be Jake? Would it be weird to label him “husband” in my contact list? Maybe the label would have the same effect: remind me of who he is, given our new arrangement.

Cory: Good morning. I’m just now getting up.

Jake: You okay?

Oof. Why do those two words pluck at my heartstrings? He didn’t even type out a complete sentence. And yet…

Cory: I’m good. Someone just kept me up late on Monday, and my sleep’s been wacky ever since. I’ve got to do some packing today. What do you have going on?

Jake: Guilty. But no regrets. ;) I’ll be at The Oak or Clinton’s most of the day. If you want to stop by for lunch, we can hang out…

I smile at my phone before typing out my reply. Of course I want to hang out. After last night’s date, I’m itching to spend more time with him. The idea of marrying Jake has taken root inside me over the last few days. Aside from questioning my own lack of contemplation, there’s no question of what comes next. I’m all in.

Cory: I was planning to go up to campus today and try to sort through my tuition payments. I’ll stop by Clinton’s on my way.