Ecstatic. Absolutely over the moon.


    Lyman had never experienced such a wild swing of emotions in so short a time— his heart soared and plummeted like he was on a roller coaster, equal parts thrilling and terrifying.


    "Honey, give me a kiss."


    He blinked in surprise; Effie had never been this forward before.


    But they were still in the car, and their driver was right up front.


    The driver stiffened under Lyman''s gaze, wishing, not for the first time, that he could simply disappear into thin air.


    Mr. Etheridge, if you so much as say a word, I swear I''ll gouge my own eyes out.


    "Keep your eyes on the road," Lyman said, his voice low andmanding, carrying an authority that brooked no argument.


    "Yes, sir. You have my word-I won''t look back," the driver replied, swallowing hard, tension radiating from his posture.


    Before Effie could react, Lyman was already leaning in, intent on stealing that kiss.


    But just as he reached for her, Effie, nestled sleepily in his arms, dozed off again.


    Outwardly, Lyman managed to keep hisposure, but inside, his mind was a chaotic sea of emotions.


    By the time they made it home, Effie was still in a deep, untroubled sleep—pletely oblivious, dead to the world.


    Lyman considered helping her change out of her clothes, but the moment his fingers brushed her shirt buttons and identally skimmed her skin-a jolt shot up his arm. It was like an electric current, tingling and sharp, making his breath hitch.


    He felt a sudden, almost painful tightness low in his abdomen and swallowed, hard.


    Watching Effie,pletely knocked out and totally unresponsive, he could only sigh.


    "Gemma, could you pleasee upstairs and help Mrs. Etheridge get changed?" "Of course, Mr. Etheridge."


    Whatever happened next, Lyman didn''t witness it. He retreated to the bathroom for a cold shower, desperately needing to cool off.


    Who would have thought the day woulde when he''d have a beautiful woman in his arms and not be able to touch her?


    The next morning, Effie woke with a sharp gasp. Her head felt like a battleground, as if a dozen tiny people were hammering away inside her skull.


    What on earth happenedst night?


    Just then, someone shifted beside her. She turned, instantly on guard, only toe face-to-face with Lyman''s outrageously handsome features.


    And that''s when it all clicked-she was married now. And her husband wasn''t just any man; he was the kind of handsome that could make anyone''s heart skip a beat.


    At the moment, though, her stunning husband was gazing at her with a look of wounded resentment.


    Effie swallowed nervously. Had she done something wrongst night?


    "Um... honey, how did we get home yesterday?" she whispered.


    Lyman didn''t take his eyes off her. "You don''t remember?"


    She shook her head, but immediately regretted it as pain radiated through her skull.


    He looked as if he wanted to keep sulking, but her obvious difort made his expression soften with concern. "Are you okay? You were so drunkst night, I tried to get you to drink some hangover remedy before bed, but you were out cold pletely impossible to wake. I could barely even get you to sit up."


    Effie blushed at the mental image. "I mean... you could''ve... maybe tried mouth to mouth..."


    Her voice trailed off, growing smaller and smaller until it was barely more than a squeak. She stared down at her hands, too mortified to meet his eyes.


    Lyman couldn''t help it—augh burst out of him.


    "You really think I''d kiss you when you were that far gone? You threw up, you know."


    In truth,st night, in the heat of the moment, even his usual fastidiousness had nearly gone out the window. If only...