Now that would explain everything, wouldn't it? The thought irritated him further. I never think things like that. Mother, are you planting ideas in my head again?
A sensation of pressure he hadn't realized he was experiencing eased.
“Stop it,” he muttered under his breath.
“Gavin?” Annabelle took hold of his hand and tugged him down the hallway. “Is everything all right?”
“My mother,” he explained, cursing his inability to keep his mouth shut. “I think she's matchmaking.”
Annabelle giggled softly. “A bit late for that, isn't it?”
“Agreed. She seems to think I need help finding you attractive, but that's far from true.”
Annabelle froze.
“What?” he demanded. “Did you think I didn't? Why on earth would I marry someone I'm not attracted to?”
“Pity,” his wife replied succinctly. “You
