The Marriage License For Me, The Boat For His Regret Chapter 05
The Marriage License For Me, The Boat For His Regret Chapter 05
The invitation seemed custom-made for him.
It just said, [Reid Sullivan requests the pleasure of your company.] That was it.
Nothing else.
Nolan knew Reid—older guy from college. Had chased after Tessa back in the day, but she was already with Nolan.
Were they even close?
Nolan didn’t care. Thought it was random.
He texted his mom back: [Can’t make it.]
Then he went upstairs.
The second he walked in, Kenna threw herself into his arms.
*Nolan, you came! I was so scared.*
He felt her softness and went stiff for a second.
But logic made him push her back. “Kenna, stand up.”
He looked down. She was wearing nothing but a thin pink camisole.
Her hair was wet, stuck to her neck. Her eyes were red. She looked so fragile.
She acted like she hadn’t noticed him pulling away, pressing closer, her warm breath brushing his neck. Ticklish.
“Nolan, I’ve always been terrified of thunder. Ever since I was little.”
His throat moved.
He thought of Tessa. Tessa was never this soft.
She was bold, hot-tempered, never let anyone walk on her.
He used to tease her that the only thing she had in common with her name was the first letter.
But Kenna was different. She was alone. She needed him.
He sighed and didn’t push her away again.
Kenna kept going. “Nolan, is Tessa still mad at me? Should I apologize?”
“Don’t bother. She’s just got a bad attitude. Makes a mountain out of a molehill.”
“I already told her we’d get the license when I get back from the trip.”
Kenna went stiff.
When she spoke again, her voice cracked. “Nolan, you’re my boyfriend right now… aren’t you?”
She pressed even closer.
“I’m not asking for anything. I won’t compete with Tessa. But for these seven days… you’re only mine, okay?”
Then she tipped her head up and pressed her lips to his.
Thunder rumbled outside. Rain lashed the windows.
In the dark room, the man took over. Like he’d been holding something back for way too long.
Neither of them noticed the phone screen. Still lit up. Call in progress.
…
The next morning, Nolan woke first. Last night flooded back.
He felt a twinge of regret. Grabbed his phone on instinct.
Nothing.
That wasn’t right.
Usually, if he didn’t come home, Tessa would blow up his phone with texts and calls.
He opened their chat, ready to make up some excuse about working late.
But before he could type, a hand snatched the phone away. “Nolan. You promised. These seven days, you’re mine.”
His hand was empty. Annoyance flickered through him, but he swallowed it.
Fine. I told Kenna I’d play along for a week.
When it’s over, I’ll explain it to Tessa. She’s got a temper, but she’s easy to fix.
He got out of bed.
“Kenna, I can’t give you any real commitment. So these seven days? Just think of them as one last gift.”
“Okay.”
Kenna lowered her eyes, hiding the satisfaction underneath.