Page 14 of Yours, Forever

The officiant nodded. "And thus, now I declare you, husband and wife. Max, you may kiss your bride."

I stilled on the bed, sitting next to my husband, someone I didn't know. Unconsciously, I leaned closer to the phone, wanting to see every detail of what happened next.

Past Max pulled me close. I laughed again on the screen. My groom gave me an intense, over the top kiss... on the cheek.

Both of us cackled again on the video, me still in Max's arms. Chris patted Max on the shoulder, then shook the officiant's hand.

The video ended. Present Max put away his phone and stared at his lap. I took a deep breath and looked outside of his room, out the door toward the living room.

"Did we really write a prenup on a napkin?" I asked.

"Yes. We worked with what we had that night."

"I don't remember any of it."

"It's still legal. Morally... I had to ask you again. Give you an out. Thanks for agreeing."

"I do intend to be a good partner... a good business partner." I let a small smile take over my lips.

"I'll be a good roommate."

"Let's do this, Max. It may not be a common arrangement, but it's ours."

"Maybe not a common arrangement these days, but it used to be. And in the city, plenty of people meet someone a couple of times and agree to share an apartment, for the sake of affordability. Our deal isn't much different than that."

He was right about that. Now I could only hope that having a roommate wouldn't make me second guess my promises.

I sighed and got up. "You're right. I'll let you settle in. I hope the closet here is big enough."

"I'll manage."

"I'll make room for your stuff in the bathroom."

"We're sharing?"

"Yeah."

"That's fine."

"Good night, Max. Knock on my door if you need anything."

He nodded and I closed the door behind me. I didn't see him again that first night, when we slept as husband and wife but in separate beds.

Chapter 6

Max

I had trouble sleepingthat first night. The bed was a tad too short for me and, having the closet right at the bed's feet, I couldn't fully stretch in my sleep. Not to say anything about the fact I had moved in with my wife in a strange roommate arrangement. All in all, it had been a rough night.

Having woken early, I was ready and in my suit before I could hear Eva puttering around. Next thing I knew, it was nine-thirty in the morning. and I'd lost track of time.

"Mierda," I muttered, and went into the house, only to find it empty.

Eva had left without me.

I stared around the house, discomfort in my stomach. The idea of staying there alone and working from home gave me the itch.

Without a second thought, I packed my laptop, got in my car, and went to find my wife... again.