Free This Is True Love (Exclusive! #1) by Jamie Wesley

and could be worthy of a wife and could give his all to the union. “He knew that if I did, I’d kick his ass all the way back to Philadelphia.”
    Her lips quirked up. “Even though you don’t like me?”
    He sighed. “It’s not that I don’t like you.”
    Her eyebrows went up. “It’s not? Could’ve fooled me.”
    He deserved that. Their interactions had never been filled with warmth, and he’d kept his distance. “I didn’t understand you. Rushing into marriage isn’t something I understand. Hell, I don’t understand rushing into anything. I plan. Study all the angles before I make a move.”
    “Why?” Her whiskey eyes reached deep into him, searching for something he didn’t know if he had to give.
    “Why what?” he asked to delay the inevitable.
    “Why don’t you rush into things?” Both her patience and willingness to understand were obvious. Endearing.
    His right hand tensed where it rested on his leg.
    “Because of the way I grew up.” He could give her that much. She knew he and Keith hadn’t grown up in the best neighborhood. But he would offer no more. He didn’t go into details about his childhood. Ever.
    His shoulders stiffened as he waited for the follow-up question he knew was coming.
    She nodded. “Okay, I get that, but that doesn’t explain why you got colder toward me as time went on.”
    That was it? She wasn’t going to pry?
    Alex relaxed and settled back against the sofa cushion. “Because I didn’t understand how you could stay with someone who treated you like that.” He was done with the inquisition. His turn. “Why did you— do you —argue with me?”
    “Because you disapproved of me and thought I was an impulsive, flighty nincompoop. It annoyed me. You thought, no, you think you know everything.” Her gaze and tone were steadfast.
    His lips curved. “And you accuse me of always speaking my mind.” At least it was all in the open now. The source of the tension between them. Right? It wasn’t like he’d been attracted to her all along, right? Right. He shook his head to get rid of the troublesome thought. Ordered himself to breathe.
    She laughed, drawing his attention to her mouth. Her lipstick had long ago disappeared. She didn’t need it. Her lips were full and pink. Especially the bottom one. Perfect. Tempting. What were they talking about again?
    “Why did you stay?” he asked. “It made no sense.” A question he’d asked himself entirely too many times. He liked order, and in no way did staying with a faithless, disrespectful spouse make sense.
    She scooted close, her eyes pleading with him to understand. “It made perfect sense to me. I wanted to honor the commitment I made to him. I loved him.” She shrugged. “Sometimes love isn’t enough.”
    “It shouldn’t be enough if the other person doesn’t respect you,” he said forcefully.
    She chuckled. “Calm down, Mr. Conscientious. Believe me, I know that now. It took me awhile, but I’m fine.”
    He nodded. “Good. I’m happy for you.”
    Joy bloomed in her eyes like she hadn’t expected the sentiment. He dropped his eyes, determined not to drown. Bad idea. His gaze again snagged on her plump lips. He knew what they tasted like. Delicious. Like sunshine. They parted as she drew in shallow breaths. He raised his eyes. Air backed up in his chest.
    Desire had darkened her orbs. Yes, she felt it, too. Their attraction—as unlikely as it was—was still present and potent. Somehow, they’d ended up right next to each other, knees touching. He lowered his head. Right before their mouths met, a soft sigh escaped from her lips.
    Alex jerked back and leaped from the sofa. “I should go.”
    Without waiting for a response, he hurried out of the room. He heard Fliss following him but didn’t stop. He had to get out of here. Away from the spell she too easily cast over him. What the hell was wrong with him? He didn’t have time for whatever this was. Getting involved with Fliss made no sense on