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?"

were all over me, tearing at my shirt, buttons flying everywhere. You even complimented my

Owen no small amount of

she appreciated what she

Cecilia was speechless.

lightning strike her

hole in the floor for

This was mortifying.

"Cecilia, exhibit A. I'm not falsely accusing you. Those buttons didn't pop off by themselves," he said as he presented the evidence of her handiwork. Cecilia saw that indeed all the buttons were

can't handle a needle and thread; she was more

managed to cover me in, well, let's just

still clutching the sheets around her, and looked at him,

sighed and walked away, only to return with a set of his clothes

save myself from a fiery death, I didn't help you bathe. Now that you're awake, 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 you. I'll make it right. Next time, you won't be left

felt he had

all the essentials ready for Lucinda at his places - the

call someone to

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

bucks was nothing

was ruined last

Owen gave her, she still wrapped herself in the sheets as she walked into the bathroom. Seeing Owen's eager gaze, ready to serve her anytime, Cecilia

so happy drinking. You even pushed my hand away once, and

she push Owen's hand away? She

trust me. Everything you did to me last night, I'll keep it in my mind and heart. I won't say a word