Virgin Husband (Virgin Marriage 1)

“He would, because they all do. I see the men at the food trucks, the guy with the black poodle on 54th Street, your doorman, and everyone else who sees you smile,” he grits out.

“David’s gay.” I look up at him, unsure why he’s thinks all these men want me.

“Who’s David?” His eyebrows furrow in frustration and I kind of want to laugh.

His jealousy is also turning me on and my body is totally confused on how to act right now.

“The guy who owns the black poodle,” I breathe out, and try to remind myself that I’m mad and frustrated.

“I don’t care what he told you, he wants you,” he throws back. “The driver was fucking rude because he wanted you, too, but knew I took you already.”

“You really think every man wants me?” I ask again to make sure I’m understanding what he’s saying.

“Of course they do. Look at you, Caroline. You’re fucking gorgeous and when you look at me I can’t breathe.”

I bite my lip to keep from smiling but it doesn’t work. “I think that’s the sweetest thing anyone has ever said to me.” I lean into him so he knows I’m not trying to get away and I slide my hands up his shirt to his shoulders.

“I’m being an ass,” he admits, and I hear regret in his voice. He presses me up against a nearby wall and leans down close. “I’m sorry,” he says before he leans down and touches his lips to mine. I close my eyes and enjoy our moment together. I wish we could just be alone and the rest of the world could disappear.

“Seriously? Could you be any trashier?”

I jerk away from Aiden and realize I’ve somehow managed to climb him like a tree. I see Savannah standing there and I refuse to refer to her as anyone other than his friend.

“Savannah,” Aiden warns and his tone clear. He doesn’t let me go and she rolls her eyes before stomping off.

“Maybe this isn’t such a good idea,” I say as he puts me on my feet.

“Did I tell you how beautiful you look tonight?” Aiden says, looking down at me and ignoring my comment. “Because you do.”

“Let’s get this over with,” I say, and I walk around him into the lion’s den. I’m about to see if the man I’m pretty sure I’m in love with will rescue me when push comes to shove.

9

Aiden

“Are we really going to do this?” Savannah asks, taking her seat at the table.

“Yes,” I say, my voice on edge, and she snaps her eyes to me.

“You said you told her why we’re married. I don’t know why we have to go through with the production of dinner. This is for her, not me.”

“I’m sitting right here,” Caroline says, and Savannah turns her eyes on her. My body goes tight. I don’t like the way she’s looking at my Caroline. I don’t care who she is to me. Some shit is clearly a hard limit.

“I’m aware,” Savannah replies and she narrows her eyes. “How could I not? You’ve managed to attract attention wherever you go.”

I open my mouth to defend Caroline, but she beats me to it. It’s not Caroline’s fault she’s so fucking breathtaking. I have no idea how someone else hasn’t snatched her up already. I won’t let the opportunity pass for me. I’m all in.

“What is your problem with me? Aiden told me that you’re like a sister to him and this marriage was his way of protecting you.” Her words don’t hold any bite. In fact, I’m pretty sure she is trying to be nice. Understanding even.

“Of course that’s why we got married. I don’t love Aiden as anything beyond a friend, and even sometimes I question that.” She shrugs and looks down her nose at Caroline. I know she was trying to take a jab at me with her remark, but she misses. It only makes me sadder for her. She doesn’t see how ugly this has made her.

“Then why are you so upset that I’m here? Aiden asked me to come to dinner tonight so that we could all talk. But it’s clear that you don’t like me being with him.”

“I’ve known him my whole life and I’ve never seen him so much as glance at anyone. Then all of a sudden you pop up and he’s talking about rings.”

Caroline’s eyes widen in shock.

“Savannah!” I say and slap my hand on the table hard, making everything shake. I told her last night when I got home that Caroline was the one but I didn’t want to move too fast and scare her off. But I wanted to get a ring, hoping it would keep me at bay just knowing I had it.

“What? It’s not like she won’t find out. I’m just trying to be your friend and make sure you’re not making a mistake.” She purses her lips.