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the far corner is the largest tub I’ve ever laid my eyes on. Dozens of tea light candles placed around the edges make it warm and inviting. “Looks like someone was setting the mood,” I tease.
    “It appears that way, but I meant what I said. We can lay in the bed and I can watch you snore for all I care.”
    I scoff in offense. “I do not snore.”
    “I guess we’ll find out.” He always has this sideways grin on his face when he’s giving me a hard time. I’m starting to realize that’s his way of letting me know he’s only joking.
    He makes his way to the bed and gently sets me down on the edge. “Want a drink?” he asks as he points to the wet bar that’s visible in an adjoining room. There’s an ice bucket with a bottle of champagne next to a plate of chocolate covered strawberries on the counter. Man, they really tried to create a love shack in here. Turning around slowly, I’m reminded of just how unsexy this whole thing is as I stare at a camera that’s pointing at me while two other people stand quietly by. Even if I was ready to take that step, it’s a little hard with an audience. I’m not a porn star, after all.
    He comes back and hands me a glass. “To marrying a stranger and happily ever afters,” he toasts. We clink our champagne flutes together before taking a sip.
    A few moments of silence pass between us before I speak up. “I feel like we didn’t get to talk a lot during the wedding. I meant to ask you what kind of business you own, but we kinda got interrupted by the photographer when we were talking.” I set the glass down on the nightstand and lean back against the headboard.
    “I own a chain of gyms. Ever heard of Fit Now?” I nod my head. “Well I own them and franchise them out. My dad started up this small gym. It wasn’t anything impressive. There weren’t fancy machines and tanning beds with rows of protein shakes to choose from. It was gritty and raw, but motivating. People that went there came to work out without all the frills. He kept it basic and believed in the simplicity of it. When I turned eighteen, I took that idea and expanded it. My gyms have more machinery to appeal to women who are intimidated by big weights, but it’s pretty basic. And people seem to like it since I’ve grown it to over thirty locations in twelve years.”
    Hearing his dedication and determination is inspiring and shows me he’s not afraid to put in the work and effort to ensure something succeeds. “Must be nice to be left something by your family and watch it succeed like it has.” I give him a tight smile.
    “Yeah, I just hope my old man is proud.” He looks down at his hands and I can see the sadness wash over him. Guilt hits me in the gut so hard it almost knocks the wind out of me. I’m not sure how to respond. “I’d hate to hit on a touchy subject, but I noticed you didn’t have many family or friends here today. Why is that?” There’s no judgment when I look into his chocolate orbs, just curiosity.
    “I have no family. They died when I was younger.” I shrug like it’s no big deal, like telling someone your family is dead happens to everyone all the time.
    “I’m so sorry.” What I don’t see in his reaction shocks me. I expected to see pity, but there’s nothing but understanding. Of course, he’d know better than anyone. “Maybe that’s another reason the experts put us together. My parents died when I was younger and I grew up with my uncle, so I know how you feel.”
    Having enough of the heavy talking, I jump up off the bed. “I’m going to get out of this dress and get comfortable.” I don’t wait for a response as I retreat to the bathroom.
    That was too much, too fast. I thought I’d be able to hold off all talk about family for at least a day, but no. Why? Because the universe clearly hates me. This is only day one and I still have fifty-five more to go. I don’t know if I’m going to make it. My secrets are eating me alive and I don’t