"You don't want to get married," he repeats, a statement this time instead of a question. All I can do is shake my head while I look into his eyes full of disbelief.

James pulls away to sit up and my biggest fear is brought to the center of us. He's sitting on the edge of the bed, trying to look away from me but I can still see his eyes. My pulse skyrockets in my neck. I feel like I'm going to be sick. I watch as his eyes scan the space around us like he's looking for an answer. He wasn't prepared for my response, and I wasn't ready for his.

With his back to me, I can feel this distant energy burning inside of him. A nauseating feeling slithers through my veins leaving me unsure of us now.

"James," I say, sitting up and reaching for him.

Wrapping my arms around his waist, I scoot closer to him and hug him from behind. He grabs my wrist like he's prepared to tell me to stop so he can get up and walk away. I feel it, and when he tightens his hold, my thoughts are confirmed. Only, he doesn't move. Relief exhales from my lungs and I close my eyes resting my head on his back.

We're quiet for a moment. His hurt over my refusal is felt tenfold and it makes me feel so guilty. I love James, the last thing I want to do is upset him.

"Just because I don't want to get married doesn't mean I don't want to be with you."

"It does, Aubrey," he says, and he shakes me off to stand.

My heart plummets with my fucking jaw. I don't like the tone he used, like he's aggravated with me.

"I just don't want that piece of paper between us. It always ruins a good thing," I say, my voice urging him to understand me. I climb to my knees and pull the sheet around me.

James remains quiet. His silence lengthens the tension and it only makes this that much worse. He doesn't turn around to look at me. He just folds his hands behind his head and arches his back until his muscles are straining.

"You really think that's what breaks up a good thing? Sweetheart, you're smarter than that."

James's back flexes as he speaks to me. Dread fills my veins fearing the worst.

"You're mad at me," I whisper.

He looks over his shoulder at me and I'm speechless. "You are mad," I state.

"Yeah, I fuckin' am. I want you as my wife, Aubrey, and I thought you wanted it too."

Nine

"Why can't we just leave what we have alone and not jinx it?"

He shakes his head in annoyance and looks away. "Who says we're going to jinx anything?"

I blink, a little hesitant to proceed. The last thing I want is to get into an argument over this while we're on vacation. One he surprised me with at that.