Chapter 3 Lily's POV

I didn't go to the reception. Instead, I returned to Zane's apartment, deciding to wait for him there. And while I waited, I got down to work, changing into the red lingerie I had purchased for the night.

I stood in the kitchen, clad in nothing but red lace, while I worked, making him his favorite dish of casserole and ensuring the refrigerator was stacked with the right drinks.

The heat from the kitchen made me sweat so bad, but I didn't care because I was doing it with so much love for Zane and the need to make him know I was really sorry for choosing my own rest over his enjoyment.

And on the side, I baked a little cake for Sophie, my cousin. It didn't matter that she wasn't present for half the day. She was still my maid of honor and deserved all the gratitude I could afford. She didn't have to go with Zane to that party, yet she went out of her busy schedule, so it didn't affect mine.

A smile splayed on my face as I set the table, adding candles to the mix. It was going to be just us tonight, and after having Sophie stay with us for the past month, I was excited to finally get some quiet time with my husband.

When the doorbell rang hours later, I sat cross-legged on the high-backed chair, revealing supple skin all the way to my thighs. I flicked on the candles and practiced a lazy stare.

The one I always saw in seduction movies.

I had a glass of wine in one hand when he strolled in, wearing the same outfit from earlier. I heaved a sigh of relief when I didn't see my cousin walking in after him, and at once, I felt guilty.

He stopped by the door and angled his head, drinking every bit of me. "Hey, wife," he greeted with a smile on his face – a smile that lit up the whole room.

In that moment, I decided that the hours spent in the kitchen were definitely worth it.

"Hey, husband," I whispered, motioning him over with my fingers. "Care to join me for dinner?"

Zane tugged at his crooked tie as he covered the space between us. His eyes shone with a mischievous glint as he brought his gaze to my things, beautifully covered in a glow oil I purchased online only about one hour ago.

I was glad I made that decision.

Bring the wine glass to my lips, I regarded Zane from the rim.

"You look hot," he whispered, bringing his hands down to mine. Zane took the glass from my fingers and slid it onto the table, lifting me to my feet.

His hands snaked around my bare waist, and I relished the feeling, happy to have him back. I knew this morning was just a one-time thing, and maybe the whole of last night. And the night after that.

The point was, he missed me and was glad to be married to me.

"I look hot for you," I replied, allowing him to lead me into a dance even without music. That was the thing about Zane and me. Our love was like the greatest orchestra that we didn't need an accompaniment to dance to. We were our own music.

"And this looks great," he added, nodding to the table. "But we might have to return to the house before we can dive into that."

I stopped, a smile growing on my face. "Are you taking me somewhere?"

Zane nodded excitedly. "It's a surprise."

"Yayy!" I chirped, hitting my palms together. "I'll just go change and meet you right here."

He reached out again, wrapping his hands around my waist and pulling me flush against his chest. His eyes dipped to the rise of my cleavage as she shook his head slowly.

"You don't have to change into anything else. This is perfect."

"Zane," I drawled, hitting him playfully. "You are so nasty. This is for your eyes only. I should cover up."

"And they'll be for my eyes only," he said, winking. "I'll be the only one there. The surprise is just for both of us."

I found it odd stepping out in just sheer lace, but Zane said it was okay. He helped me into the passenger's seat of his car and handed a coat over to me for the cold. As he pulled out into the road, I noticed a pair of heels discarded on the floor.

Peering at them, I remembered seeing them a few weeks back.

"Don't these belong to Sophie?" I questioned, tilting my head. "Did she forget them here or something?"

My cousin never wore the same pair of heels twice, so that meant the heels had been in his car for a couple of weeks. That was possible since Zane stopped letting me drive with him, or go anywhere with him for that matter.

"Yeah," he answered casually. "Her feet hurt and she needed something more level, so I asked her to leave them there."

"And?"

"And I gave her a piggyback." Zane turned to look at me. "Really, Lily? Don't tell me you are jealous of your own cousin. Her feet hurt, and she needed to move. Should I have left her wallow in ankle pain while I walked about with a perfectly working back?"

I couldn't remember the last time Zane gave me a piggyback, but I doubted that was what he wanted to hear.

"I never said I was." I just found it really uncomfortable that they were getting so close, but I mean, that was the prayer of every bride, that her family would accept her husband. And Sophie was my only family.

I shook my head. "You are right, Zane. I am just in over my head with the wedding preparation and all. Glad it is over."

"Yeah," he purred, covering my hands with his. "I am glad it's done, too."

And for the first time that night, I had the strangest feeling that we were not talking about the same thing.