Faux Vows, True Desires

"Cecilia, you've eaten me up, and now you've got to make an honest man out of me. When are we heading down the aisle? Or should I take the lead and sweep you off your feet?" Owen sat up, wrapping his arms around Cecilia's waist, pulling her close under the covers with him.

He knew very well that Cecilia was naked under the blanket. If he didn't hold on to it, he was sure he'd burn up from the heat.

Cecilia didn't feel unwell, except for a splitting headache - a clear souvenir from last night's boozy escapade.

She had never been a heavy drinker, but she had seen enough movies to know the score.

Plus, she had Lucinda, her novelist bestie, who churned out chapters so tame they barely brushed past a kiss. Though, Lucinda's drafts did get a bit steamy - drafts only a best friend would see. Her lack of discomfort meant that last night hadn't gone beyond a certain point.

As her wits returned, Cecilia quickly unwound Owen's arm from her waist and clutched the sheets to her as she leapt out of bed.

"Mr. Malicious, you're trying to trap me!"

Owen chuckled mischievously, "You're quick on the uptake. I thought maybe we'd have to get a marriage license before you'd figure it out."

That was as good as an admission that he hadn't taken advantage of her last night.

A gentleman, indeed.

"But, Cecilia, you did give me quite the runaround last night. Surely, that calls for some sort of compensation, right?"

Owen had that roguish twinkle in his eye.

Cecilia's face flushed even more, and she stammered, "How did I give you a runaround?"

my shirt, buttons flying everywhere. You even

Owen no

appreciated

Cecilia was speechless.

lightning strike her unconscious

perhaps open up a hole in the floor for her to escape

This was mortifying.

rolled out of bed, padding barefoot to the closet, and soon returned with a white shirt - the very one he had worn the night before. "Cecilia, exhibit A. I'm not falsely accusing you. Those buttons didn't pop off by themselves," he said

needle and thread;

to cover me in, well, let's just say I've

grabbed Owen's shirt in one hand, the other still clutching the sheets around her, and looked

away, only to return with a set of his

go take a hot bath. I don't have your clothes here, my bad. I really should have a dozen sets at all my places for

felt he

always made sure to have all the essentials ready for Lucinda

for now. I'll call someone to

bath for her. Looking back and seeing that Cecilia hadn't followed, he called out, "Cecilia, come take your bath. I've got the water ready. If you need my help, I'll gladly assist - free of

bucks was nothing

image was ruined

she walked into the bathroom. Seeing Owen's eager gaze, ready to serve her anytime, Cecilia hesitated for a moment. After a while, she said, "I told you not to let me get drunk.

"I did think of helping you hold back, but you seemed so happy drinking. You even pushed my hand away once, and I thought you can drink, thinking maybe I should wait and see. I never expected you to change so much after you

to recall what happened last night. Did she push Owen's hand away? She couldn't remember. Everything he said now seemed

in my mind and heart. I won't say a word about it