Page 25 of Merging Wright

“You are now husband and wife. May nothing break the bond that has joined you today. You may kiss the bride.”

How I’d forgotten this part, I don’t know, but Jane’s gaze leaps from our bound hands to my eyes. The sapphire gleam in them sparks brighter than any gemstone. I should have bought her an engagement ring. One the color of those dark blue eyes, surrounded by diamonds.

Then I remind myself this isn’t real. It’s legal but not love.

Reaching for her cheek, I lean forward, pressing my cheek to hers. Rubbing the bristle of my scruff against the softness of her face, another ripple of desire rips through my body.

“Jane,” I whisper near her ear. Afraid to kiss her. Afraid to not.

“This is the only wedding kiss I’ll ever have, Mr. Wright. Make it a good one.”

The challenge in her voice causes me to chuckle and I pull back, dragging out my retreat as our jaws touch before my nose rubs against hers.

“Whatever you say, Mrs. Wright.” My mouth lands on hers.

The kiss is nothing I ever expected and more than I ever imagined. Jane is fire and flame, and my body instantly burns. Our mouths move as one like I’ve fantasized about our bodies. Lips meld. Tongues seek. She’s the crispness of a sunny autumn day. The taste of change in the air. The flavor of spice, spirit, and something new. My free hand slips into her hair, fingers digging into the loose, messy knot at the nape of her neck.

Her fingertips scrape my bristly facial hairs.

Our heads shift. The kiss deepens. Gripping her hand bound to mine, I tug her closer to me, not feeling like we are close enough. We step into one another, bodies pressing together, clicking like puzzle pieces. I want to bury myself inside her.

A sharp throat clearing echoes around us.

Breaking apart, Jane and I are breathless. With chests heaving, we stare at one another. The air around us crackles. If we were alone, I’d have her against the wall in seconds, grinding into her, relieving the ache deep inside me for her.

Another short cough resounds.

Unwillingly, I release her hair, but our right hands are still wrapped together.

Her fingers hesitantly slip from my face before her hand lands on my chest.

My heart hammers. What did Ma call Jane?

Acushla. Heartbeat. Pulse.

That can’t be true. My reaction to Jane is simply a result of that kiss. A powerful kiss that leaves my mouth thirsty for more and my body in need of the kind of quenching which only Jane can provide.

An excited clap further dissolves the buzz around us, and Jane and I face my mother, her attorney, and my twin. A little dazed and clearly confused, we are congratulated and awkwardly hugged and ushered out of the courthouse.

“I’m so happy for you.” Ma pulls me into another embrace. “Enjoy your night.”

I have no idea what Ma means but, as I’m still attached to Jane, I follow her because she’s being directed by Landon into a waiting car. When the door closes behind me, locking my wife and I in a bubble that instantly fills with sexual tension, I turn to her. She faces me, questions in her eyes along with desire that matches mine.

“Jane.” My voice is rough, edgy with need. “One more kiss?”

With her gaze locked on my lips, she chews on her own. “Only in the car?”

My mouth on hers is my answer.

15

Playlist: “Craving You” – Thomas Rhett, ft. Maren Morris

[Jane]

We kiss for an eternity and a millisecond. This kiss is a glorious fall day with hints of autumn spice, leaves dancing in a breeze, and flickering candlelight. And the longest kiss of my life is over too soon.

A soft cough along with a quiet, “We’re here,” breaks us apart.