“Say yes, April.” His tongue sweeps through my parted lips,

I smile against him. “This is—”

“Say yes.”

“Yes.”

He pulls back to look at me. “Friday.”

I frown. “Friday, what?”

“We marry on Friday.”

“Friday?” I gasp.

“You said we could elope.”

“When did I say that?”

“When we started dating.”

“That was a flippant comment.” I shake my head in disbelief. Is this conversation really happening? “I’m working on Friday, anyway.”

“All right… next Friday.”

I blink in surprise as shampoo begins to run down my face. “Next week?” I tip my head back to wash this stupid shampoo out of my hair before I’m blinded.

“No point dragging it out.” He takes his wet T-shirt over his shoulders and throws it on the floor. He drags his pants down and kicks them to the side. “Kiss me.”

“Sebastian, let me wash this damn shampoo out.”

He brings his hands up to do it for me. I open my eyes to see him smiling down at me.

I smirk.

“Friday,” he mouths.

“Next Friday,” I remind him.

“In secret, in Spain.”

“Spain?” I squeak.

Hell on a cracker, this man is full of surprises tonight.

He takes me into his arms. “I want to marry the woman I love in the country I come from. The land where my ancestors roamed.”

Oh, my heart.

I don’t know if I can even take time off from work, but seriously, who fucking cares? “Okay.” I smile, “Next Friday, in Spain, just you and me.”

He smiles as his lips meet mine. “Mrs. Garcia.”

My stomach somersaults. Did that really just happen?

I can’t even…

“Sebastian, are you high?”

“Next Friday.” His hands slide down to my behind. “I will be.”

Cloud nine is a great place to be.

I sit in my office and stare into space wearing the goofiest of all goofy grins. I keep envisioning Seb in the shower last night, under the water in his clothes, asking me to marry him. The way he was so hopeful and gorgeous.

It was unexpected, and yet it was perfect at the same time. It wasn’t romantic but it was madly romantic. There was no ring, but I don’t even think I want an engagement ring.

A simple gold band would be perfect.

He is perfect.

He’s right; we know this is it. We are meant to be. There is no point waiting.

The last few months have been a dream come true. We argue and squabble. We laugh and love and take care of each other.

This really is it.

I know that we’re being selfish by eloping.

We’ve both been there and done the white wedding thing before, and in the long run, it meant nothing. Both marriages failed.

I wonder where the ceremony will be. I text him.

Dear Mr Garcia,

What will I wear to our wedding?

Will it be at a registry office or somewhere more weddingy?

xo

A reply bounces straight back, and I smile. He never usually gets my texts for hours.

Dear Soon-To-Be Mrs. Garcia.

Whatever you wear will be perfect.

P.S. ‘Weddingy’ isn’t a word.

Xo

I smirk and reply.

Perhaps if you are going to correct my English, sir, we could play teacher and naughty student tonight? What are you wearing?

He replies.

You’re on detention, young lady.

Punishment will be handed out for your misdemeanors.

I will be wearing my new wife.

xo

I spin on my chair with glee. Oh, I’m so excited.

Knock, knock.

I glance up to see Jeremy sauntering in. I quickly close my phone down. Sebastian has sworn me to secrecy.

“Hey.” I smile.

Jeremy exhales heavily. “I hate men.”

“Men as in Bart, or plural as in all?”

He slumps into the chair at my desk. “He didn’t come home last night.”

My eyes widen. “What do you mean he didn’t come home? How do you know?”

“Well, I don’t know for certain, but he always calls me when he gets home, no matter what the time.”

“Right?”

“And he told me he was meeting Nicolas for dinner but then… no call.”

“Well, he told you about Nicolas.” I frown. “Surely if he had something to hide, he would have kept that a secret.”

“Unless he’s acting transparent.”

I roll my eyes. “Seriously, Jeremy, what are you doing with this guy? Nobody is supposed to feel like this when they’re in a loving relationship.”

“I know.” He sighs.

“Do you want to have lunch today?” I smile.

“Where at?”

“Your pick.”

He exhales heavily. “Can we have all the carbs?”

“Uh-huh.” I frown. On second thoughts, what the hell am I wearing to this wedding? Oh, who cares? Sebastian likes me how I am, anyway. “Yep, all the carbs, and maybe even a cocktail.”

“I do love you.” He stands and gives me a wink before walking out.

“Jeremy!” I hear Bart call. “Can I see you in my office for a moment, please?”

“Sure,” Jeremy replies.

I see them walking down the corridor, and Bart’s office door shuts behind them.

I wonder what lies Bart’s going to tell him now, the selfish prick. Jeremy has got to get out of that relationship. It’s toxic.

Another night, another gala.

My life with Sebastian is glamourous and always busy. He has so many engagements and, of course, I always attend. He won’t go anywhere without me.

“You ready, sweetheart?”

“Just a minute,” I call as I slip my stilettos on.

I take one last look at myself in the mirror. I’m wearing a black strapless, fitted dress. It’s simple but lovely. My hair is up, and for once, I’m wearing red lipstick as well as dangly diamante earrings.

I actually look pretty good.

I walk out to see Sebastian standing near the door. He’s wearing a black dinner suit and bow tie, and his hands are in his trouser pockets. His eyes drop to my toes, and he gives me a slow, sexy smile. “Well, hello there.”