Kisses From Jack(17)

She played with the charm for a moment before reaching for him, her eyes sparkling with the gift. “It does look good, doesn’t it?”

He grinned. It certainly did. He squeezed her hand and together they kept walking. He wished he could buy her everything her heart desired. Not just to impress or buy her heart, but to make her happy. It was a small but important difference from his previous affairs.





Kisses From Jack: Chapter 7


Jack couldn't remember a more pleasant afternoon. Emma had him laughing as she recalled nearly getting caught skinny dipping. The innocence and honesty of her stories made him want to wrap her up in his arms and never let her go. She was a breath of fresh air in his stagnant, money-filled world.

White gauze streamers fluttered on a gazebo, catching his attention. He had heard of the booths being set up on the beach for weddings, but had never seen one. He stared at it for a moment, feeling the weight of his business responsibilities crash back onto his shoulders.

Her eyes followed his gaze, and he nodded to the decorated awning, the wedding already set up as if waiting for them. “You ever think you'll get married?”

“At the rate I’m going?” she asked. “No. You don’t even want to know the last time I went on a date. I want to, but, no one seems interested. I’ve kind of come to accept that I will be a crazy old cat lady someday.” Her voice was light, as if it were a joke only she got. It squeezed at Jack's heart and made him ache. He wanted her. He squeezed her hand. “What about you? You think you'll ever marry?”

“Honestly, I don’t know. I would love a family. I want a wife and kids with a dog in a white picket fenced yard, but I don’t think that will ever happen because of my work and the obligations that come with it. The fact that I have money complicates things.” He sighed. Brandy had certainly proven that. He had yet to meet anyone other than Emma who made him feel as though his money didn't matter. “If I were to get married, it would have to be to someone who could see past my job and the income. Someone who wanted to be with me.”

“I’d marry you. Even if you didn’t have any money,” she blurted out. Jack stopped dead in his tracks. It was as if she could read his thoughts and give him his greatest wishes. She bit her lip, obviously flustered by his reaction. “I mean, I don’t know how much money you have, but I know that I like being around you. I think I like you more than anyone I have ever met.”

Jack put his hands on her shoulders and pulled her to face him. His heart was going a million miles per hour. He searched her face, looking for any hint of dishonesty or greed. All he saw was her wholesome warmth and genuine affection. It made him dizzy with joy. “You're serious,” he said, a smile filling his face. “You want to get married?”

She blushed a beautiful crimson that tugged at his heartstrings. “Sure, why not?” she asked bravely. The trembling under his fingertips told him that she was more nervous than she let on.

“Let’s do it, then,” he said with a wicked smile. He wasn't about to let her back out now.

“Are you serious?” Her smiled faltered for a moment as he called her bluff.

“Sure, why not?” he mimicked her words with a grin. He tugged at her hand, walking toward the awning.

“Wait a second,” she gasped.

“Oh, so you’re backing out?” Jack’s eyes twinkled with amusement. He was enjoying this far too much.

“No, I am not backing out. I said I would marry you and I will,” she responded, thrusting out her jaw. “I want to... ummm... clarify a couple of things.”

“Okay, Ms. Worrywart, go on — clarify,” he said.

“It is soon to be Mrs. Worrywort. You realize that we are in a foreign country right?” she asked. He nodded. The thought had occurred to him as soon as he asked. As they were both foreigners without the correct legal documents, the ceremony wouldn't be legal. It was a harmless bit of fun. Emma's face relaxed as she came to the same conclusion. “Good. You realize that you never asked my dad’s permission?”

That took Jack by surprise. He loved that she was playing the game with him. “You want me to call him right now?” Jack asked innocently as he began reaching for his phone. “Or are you just thinking up excuses not to marry me?”

“Oh, I’ll marry the hell out of you,” she said laughing and pushing the phone back to his pocket. “Besides, then we can tell everyone we are on our honeymoon and get free drinks.”

“You are staying on an all-inclusive resort,” he informed her with a laugh. She pushed his shoulder playfully.