Page 164 of The Wrong Husband

"I’m sorry I put you through that." He stares deeply into my eyes, the silver sparks in those cerulean depths of his mesmerizing me. Holding me enraptured. Captured in that connection I have only with him.

"I’m sorry I didn’t tell you that I love you sooner."

"You said it when you were ready. And that means more to me than anything."

"And you"—I lean in and bump my nose against his—"mean everything to me."

He presses his lips to mine, when the door to the room swings open.

I’m aware of someone stepping in but can’t bring myself to pull away.

Brody clears his throat. "I guess that means he’s on the mend?"

56

Phoenix

My cheeks flame, and I bury my face in Connor’s neck.

"I know you two are married, but seriously, could you keep these activities behind locked doors?"

Eek, that’s my brother.

"The door was closed, until you two walked in," Connor growls.

I should pull out his embrace, but I can’t bear to be physically separated from him.

He must feel the same way for he draws me closer. "This isn’t over." He kisses me again. The kiss seems to go on and on, until someone—Brody, I think, clears his throat.

Finally, Connor, lets me retreat to the chair. But he insists on holding my hand. I cling to his, like if I release him for even a few seconds he might disappear.

"I would have asked how you’re feeling, but clearly—" James shoots us both a pained look. "I may have given your union my blessing, but can you two please avoid shocking me like this?"He lurks near the door, as if he doesn’t want to risk coming too close for fear of being infected.

Brody, on the other hand, walks in and stands by the foot of the bed. "Good to know you’re not dying."

"I have a long way to go." Connor scoffs. "Besides, I have a wife. I’m not goinganywherein a hurry…again."

We exchange a look, which instantly heats the air and spikes the energy in the room.

"Cut it out, you two," James snaps in a disgruntled voice.

I giggle. Connor smirks. I look at my brother over my shoulder. "Wait until you fall in love."

"That’s never happening." He says it with the confidence of a bachelor who’s hit forty and never managed to maintain a relationship of any significance.

"Only because you haven’t met the right girl."

"Quit trying to get me paired off, just because you and Connor, here, can’t stop making googly eyes at each other. I’m happy for the two of you. But leave me out of this love and marriage shit."

"Amen, bro." Brody raises a fist.

James finally ambles forward and bumps it with his. "When they started shooting at you, I thought you were a goner, ol’ chap."

I make a sound at the back of my throat.

James’ gaze widens. "Sorry about that, Phe. Didn’t mean to upset you."

"It’s…ah, okay."