Page 74 of The Wrong Husband

His jaw tightens. A flicker of betrayal darkens his features.

“It’s one of the few times I let my guard down,” he mutters. “I trusted him.” He aims an accusatory look toward his grandfather.

I can’t help but feel sympathetic toward him. I would be really pissed off too if it turned out that my grandfather was holding my patents hostage until I got married.

I have two choices. Let the ER close and watch my colleagues—my second family—lose their jobs. Or marry Connor, and he’ll use his influence to keep it open.

James tilts his head in my direction. I see the question in his eyes. He’s watching me carefully. I only have to say the word, and he’ll step in to help extricate me from this situation.

I shake my head.No, I’m not taking any help from you,I tell him silently.I need to figure this out on my own…

I could walk away. Start over somewhere else, but my conscience won’t let me. This place matters too much.

Am I really going to marry a man I barely know?But can I say no to him? Could I watch him be with another woman—and wonder if he was the one?

And then there’s Drew. I told him it’s over, but marrying Connor so quickly? What will he think?Is it fair for me to move on so quickly?He asked me to marry him! I shouldn't be surprised he's not ready to let go.

As for telling Connor about him—I can’t, yet. Not until we’re married, and the ER is safe. Then, even if he’s not happy with Drew staying under my roof, it won’t affect my colleagues.

Perhaps, marrying Connor could be the impetus Drew needs to move on?

The truth is that, if I’m being honest with myself, Idowant to marry Connor.

I’m attracted to him. He cares for me. And while he hasn’t said that he loves me, my instinct says he’s the man for me.

I glance at Arthur. A small thrill runs through me at the thought of proving him wrong. “You’re right. We’re getting married.”

Arthur blinks slowly, a look of incomprehension on his face. Which changes to one of smugness.Huh? Why do I feel like I’ve been manipulated?

Connor whips his head around to glower at me. "What did you say?"

"I’ll marry you.”

27

Connor

I hustle her into the guest room on the first floor and shut the door behind us.

"What are you doing? I was going to woo you. I don't want you marrying me because you feel coerced."

My anger at my grandfather makes my words come out louder than I mean, but she just looks at me with her green and gold eyes.

“I haven’t been coerced." She crosses her arms and tilts her chin in challenge.

That stubborn look I’m coming to recognize clings to the curves of her cheeks like honey on bread.

Everything about her is sweet and soft. She makes me want to sweep her up in my arms, protect her, and take care of her—only, I know she’s tougher than she looks.

And she’s a brilliant doctor, cool under pressure in a medical emergency.

She’s a fiercely independent woman whose light shines bright, who thrives on helping others. Which is probably why she felt compelled to agree to my proposal. Whichiswhat I wanted.

So why am I refusing to accept her agreement at face value? Why am I delving deeper into the reasons behind it?

Why do I want to come to her defense and make sure she doesn’t feel coerced into agreeing? I'm the one who brought up this idea in the first place, after all.

"When I asked you to marry me, you said you weren’t interested," I point out.