Page 14 of Claiming His Wife
I help Mallory from the car and am pleased when she links her arm with mine as if it’s the most natural thing in the world. And it is… she belongs on my arm.
Mallory’s excitement is contagious, and even though we’re seeing the same exhibits we’ve seen before, I can’t help enjoying myself. It’s more the company than the fish. Mallory is relaxed and happy as she watches the jellyfish float around in their tank. She is transfixed, a look of pleasure and contentment on her face. I sneakily take a picture, capturing the beauty of the moment.
With a contented sigh, she lays her head on my shoulder, I don’t hesitate to wrap my arm around her. We wander through the different exhibits; I don’t realize I’ve let my mind wander until Mallory is practically dragging me along to the next thing.
“Oh look! They have a new exhibit. Otters!”
We spend a long time watching the otters play. The whole time Mallory is riveted to her spot. “I love otters. Did you know they hold each other as they float in the water so they can stay together? So cute and sweet.”
“Attention aquarium guests… we will be closing the doors in ten minutes so please make your way to the exit, and we thank you for visiting,” a disembodied voice announces over the PA system.
Mallory sighs. “I guess we should head home.”
I reluctantly lead her back to the car, hating that our night is over. We are silent on the drive to Zack’s place. I hate that I’m taking her home to another man. I don’t care that he’s her best friend and that he’s gay. I want her with me and only me.
“Oh, you can just let me out at the door. You don’t have to park,” Mallory says when she realizes I’m looking for a spot.
“Have you ever known me to not walk you to your door after a date?”
Mallory’s cheeks tint with a faint blush. I brush the back of my fingers across her cheek. God, she’s beautiful. I open her door and once again, she puts her arm through mine, and if I’m not mistaken, she’s holding me just a little tighter.
We get to her door, and I can see the indecision. She’s trying to decide if she should invite me in or not. She wants to but I know she’s not ready yet. I pull her soft curves against me and give her a slow, lingering kiss before pulling away.
“I’ll call you tomorrow. Sleep sweet, beautiful.”
Every single instinct is telling me not to walk away, but I know it’s what she needs. She needs more time to trust that I’m different. That she’s not going to get hurt again. And that’s on me so I’ll make the hard decisions for both of us.
“Night, Scott,” she says before disappearing into Zack’s apartment.
Chapter Seven
Mallory
“These last twoweeks have been amazing. Scott has been like his old self.” I sound like a lovesick fool as I gush to Zack and Jen. I’m getting dressed for another date night. Scott is cooking for me. I’m a little nervous because this will be the first time we’ve not been in public and I’m not sure I trust myself to not jump him like a horny bunny.
We’ve made out in his car like a couple of teenagers, we’ve sexted, and had phone sex… not to mention the video calls which have quickly become my favorite. The chemistry was always electric between us, and it seems to be burning even hotter than ever.
Jen makes a gagging sound. Zack just grins. He’s happy for me. I know Jen is too, but she’s more stubborn and won’t be quick to forgive Scott for hurting me.
“How do I look?”
“Like you’re trolling for dick,” Jen snarks.
Frowning, I turn and look in the mirror. I don’t want to look like I’m trying too hard. I bought a new dress, it’s a royal purple that makes my skin almost translucent and makes my blue eyes pop. Yes, it’s a little on the short side, and I have a decent amount of cleavage showing, but I didn’t think it was too much.
“Don’t listen to Jen, she’s just jealous she doesn’t have the tits for that dress.”
Jen tosses a pillow at Zack’s head. “Not all of us are blessed with curves for days. You look hot, Mal. The douche canoe won’t be able to keep his hands off of you.”
“You’re perfect. Now go get your man. I’m assuming I shouldn’t wait up?” Zack says with a teasing smirk.
I chew on my lip contemplating. “I’m not sure. It’s too soon to have sex… isn’t it? I mean it’s only been a couple of weeks...”
“Mal, he’s your husband, not some dude you just met. Besides, sex doesn’t mean you have to move back in with him. Sex is just sex.”
“I’m going to say something I have never said before… Zack’s right,” Jen makes a little gagging noise around the words like it was the hardest thing to say ever.
Are they right? Is sex just sex? I don’t know that sex between Scott and I could ever just be sex. From the very first time, it’s always been so much more. I’m not sure what I’m going to do. My body is primed and ready to go. My poor vagina is ready to end its very, very long dry spell, but my heart is wary.