Blind Reality by Heidi McLaughlin Read Free Book Online Page A

back, but knowing that she fits perfectly against me has me holding on.
    “Ahem!”
    Joey springs up, almost smacking me in the face with her head. We both look at the voice to find Gary standing at the mouth of the hallway. I should let go of her hips, but I see the way he looks at Joey and everything is telling me to stake my claim.
    “Already getting to know each other I see.”
    His words are like nails going down a chalkboard. He’s not doing a very good job of hiding his jealousy. Is he jealous that I’m here, or that she’s married to me? I pull Joey a little tighter to my body before I address him.
    “We’re married; why waste time?” I shrug and feel Joey stiffen. My comment will have to be discussed again in private. More ground rules we will need to define.
    Gary looks around, as if he’s not supposed to be here right now. “I guess it’d be nice if my wife felt the same way.” He turns, leaving us alone.
    I loosen my hold on her and she bends again to pick up her bag. However, I don’t allow her to swing her bag onto her shoulder before I take it from her.
    “I got this.”
    Smiling, she lifts my bag so I don’t have to pick it up. “We should select a room before Gary goes to get Amanda.”
    I nod, figuring that Joey can choose the room she wants us in. I know I want the red room—it’s sexy and alluring, not that she and I need that, but it would be nice to spend our wedding night in there. “I’ll follow you,” I say, motioning toward the two rooms that are waiting for us. When she turns toward the red room, I sigh in relief. I’m not sure I can stay in the white room. It’s too bright and doesn’t exude sexiness. Not that the word sex should be on my mind, but again, I’m a guy, it’s there.
    “Is this okay?” She spins on her foot and faces me. Everything about her posture tells me she’s comfortable. Her arms hang near her sides instead of on her hips. She’s giving me a choice when I gave her the go ahead to make the decision for us. I want to touch her, maybe hold her hand or tackle her onto the bed and tickle her. Either action would curb my curiosity on what it would be like to touch her, or to have her pressed against my body for a moment, until I need more.
    “I think this is perfect,” I answer, setting the bags down. There really isn’t a need to unpack since we move from room to room every week. That is definitely something I don’t like about this show. It’d be nice to have a private place that we’re familiar with so we can spend some quality time with each other. Getting to know her will have to be done in front of the other newlyweds and the cameras.
    I pretend to look around the room, anything to avoid making eye contact with her. I thought I’d be a little more freaked out about her revelation. I’ve encountered some crazy fans, and I never thought in a million years I’d be in the situation I am in now, especially with a fan, but it’s safe to say she doesn’t scare me. She intrigues me, though, and I like feeling that way about her. I want to know her more, inside and out. Find out what makes her tick and what defines the person that she is.
    Truthfully, the fact that she isn’t afraid of taking risks appeals to me though. When she jumped into my arms and kissed me, it felt damn good, almost too good, and I thought about taking things further. Unfortunately, sending the wrong message wouldn’t be the smart thing to do. I have to maintain a level head at all times. When we’re alone, the wall is up. The fortress is locked down and the bridge to cross the moat is raised. I can’t let her in because I’m afraid if I do, I won’t be able to get her out.
    “I think we’re supposed to get to know the other newlyweds.” Her voice breaks through my inner ramblings, and I’m thankful. I think I could listen to her talk all day if given the chance. Turning to face her, I find that she’s standing by the door with her hands clasped in front of her. I