“Will you, Kari Amber Parker, take this man to be your lawfully wedded husband?”
For a moment, Kari couldn’t reply. She couldn’t breathe, let alone form the response that would bind her to this giant of a man for life — or at least for now.
Then she remembered everything that would happen if she didn’t go through with it: even more public humiliation, a massive bill for the wedding and reception, and her parents losing the restaurant they’d been running since before she was born. She took a deep breath and whispered the words, “I will.”
“And will you, Damien Kyle Walker, take this woman to be your lawfully wedded wife?”
His voice didn’t have even the slightest waver. It rang out as calm and sure as it would be while ordering his favorite meal, whatever that might be. He sounded like he actually meant his vow — for the rest of their lives, not just for the next few months.
It would be nice to have so much confidence, she thought. She was never that sure of herself, unless it was in her work. That was the great thing about accounting; there was only one correct answer. You simply tallied up the numbers, and as long as you didn’t enter any of them wrong, you always came up with the right answer.
“It’s time to exchange rings,” the minister intoned.
A few seconds later, a band of gold joined the network-provided diamond solitaire engagement ring on her left ring finger, proclaiming her status as Mrs. Damien Walker to the world. She had just a second to stare at the gaudy jewelry, wondering how she’d manage to live with this stranger, before the minister announced, “You may now kiss the bride.”
Dutifully, Kari turned her face upward and pursed her lips.
Damien looked down at his bride, who obviously expected a peck on the lips, and the devil in him prodded him to make their first kiss much more than that.
First, he put his hands on his lovely new bride’s waist and pulled her against him. Then he lowered his lips to hers. Instantly, heat flared between them. His fingers tightened their grip on her hips, and his tongue pushed past her lips, demanding entrance into the moist heat of her mouth. When her lips opened on a soft moan, his tongue swept inside.
Then he was lost. Waves of desire washed over him and his hands dropped to her bottom, settling her even more firmly against him. His tongue thrust deeper into her mouth, imitating the sex act he suddenly wanted to be engaged in.
Damien had no idea how long they stood there, bodies melded together and mouths locked in a kiss, before he felt a tap on his shoulder.
“Slow down, buddy,” Cody advised quietly, “before you eat the poor girl alive.”
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