Unfortunately Yours (A Vine Mess, #2)

by Tessa Bailey

“Do you think because I’m packing that I’m going to leave you here? Do you need to be reminded that I spent eight hundred dollars at the vet last week? That’s long-term shit. I didn’t even know cats could get gingivitis.”

Was it important at this stage for Natalie to perceive him as capable? No. He was on the verge of leaving. And yet he couldn’t help wanting that approval from her. More than he had a right to.

Natalie wasn’t a simple combination of colors, she was an ever-changing kaleidoscope he couldn’t seem to stop peering into.

He surprised her by pressing their foreheads together. “Natalie.” “What?” Three seconds passed. Four. “I will never, ever let you down again. Is that clear?”

“If you don’t directly ask me for sex, I’ll respect that. But if you want to be fucked, you’re going to get it. Period, the end.”

“Come back here,” he rasped, studying her. “Torture me. I can take it.”

They’d almost definitely been spotted kissing in the reflection of the window. The purpose of the Lovers’ Nest had been served. So why was she leaning in again, craving the fullness of his lips and the way his hands traveled over her slowly, memorizing the dip of her side, the shape of her kneecaps, everywhere.

All this time, he’d been trying to fulfill this dream for his late best friend and everyone had been ridiculing him for it? The reality of that was too much to bear.

What am I doing? No idea. But she knew that she’d been extremely unfair to the man on the other side of the shower curtain.

This physical attraction had been brewing for months. Plaguing her. Keeping her awake at night. God, it felt incredible to stop fighting it. To let her heart race and her body soften and know that relief was on the way for both of them. Finally. Finally.

Her brain was struggling to make sense of his words. They were sexy words. Her body liked them very much.

They were doing this for money. What did it mean if they sealed their union while in an actual relationship? Did that make the marriage real? Legitimate? A true love match between her and August Cates. That was the most insane possibility she’d ever heard.

“But love seems more important now.” Don’t ask why. “Why?” “Because I can tell you don’t believe in it. And I want you to.”

The increasing protectiveness he felt for his fiancé told August . . . This wasn’t temporary. They weren’t. Sorry, princess. Sucks to be you.

This woman standing in front of him was his destiny.

Bottom line, he knew in his bones that in fifty years, he’d still want to look at her face. Pretty sure he’d be starved for the opportunity.

And even more pressing, what man in his right goddamn mind would let Natalie Vos get away?

Julian shook his head. Sighed. “You’re in love with her.” Suddenly, August couldn’t swallow. The music swelled in his ears. Was he in love with Natalie? No idea. If the key to her happiness was at the bottom of the ocean, he’d strap on some flippers and goggles to dive down and get it. If she showed any signs of illness, even a common cold, he would consider bringing her to the ER. If she asked him to dress like Zack Morris at Halloween so she could dress like Kelly Kapowski . . . he’d already have suggested it first. Did all of that equal love? To him? Yes. He loved her. Really, really bad.

I’m falling for my husband. Hard and fast. Might even be well past . . . fallen for him territory. Oh shit.

“You want me to—” “I’m not above begging.”

“I’m safe as long as you’re with me.”

“I need my wife. I’ll always fucking need my wife.”

“I need my husband so badly, too.”

He’d stuck around without storming off during their most recent fight. He’d made vows. Beautiful ones. Built her up in front of her family. Made her feel safe and cherished. Made her laugh. Told her he needed her. That he was her man.

“You don’t have to protect yourself. That’s what I’m trying to tell you. I’m coming home with you. To St. Helena. I’m staying there. With you. Because of you.” What?

Their fingers threaded together and held. Christ, what a privilege. This was happening. It was actually happening.

He wanted to lock himself to her emotionally, physically. Any manner available.

“Natalie. Christ. Oh Christ . . . I love you. I love you.” His chest nearly caved in after saying the words, but he couldn’t hold them back, because they belonged to her. He belonged to her, and she should know it. Maybe she wasn’t quite able to say it back just yet. And that was okay. He should expect her to be hesitant after keeping her at a distance. He’d wait forever, for the rest of his life, for those three words from her, if necessary. For now, he should just be grateful she was coming home.

“You’re the most important person in my life, Natalie. You always will be.”

“You love me, Natalie?” “Totally. Completely. I love you, August.”