Page 26 of Temporary Wife Temptation

“Please forgive me for detaining your husband. He was eager to come back to you.”

“That doesn’t sound like him. He knows I don’t need a chaperone.” She arched an eyebrow at Clark and glanced at Garrett. “Don’t you, my love?”

Clark’s eyes widened and Garrett grinned. “Of course I do.”

“Well, I still say your husband’s a madman for leaving your side.” Clark winked at Natalie, drawing a bright smile from her.

Breaking the man’s jaw wouldn’t help Garrett win his support, but refraining from the satisfaction wasn’t an easy call. Where the hell did that come from? He forced himself to breathe and unclench his fist.

“I have a prior engagement but I hope to see you again soon, Natalie.” Clark turned to Garrett and said in an undertone, “And, Song, please have your secretary call mine to schedule our meeting.”

“Absolutely. Looking forward to it,” said Garrett with a firm handshake.

After bidding everyone good-night, Clark disappeared into the crowd. With a surge of protectiveness, Garrett stepped behind Natalie and wrapped his hands around her waist. Her proximity and warmth eased the brief unease that had seeped into his veins. He’d never been much for public displays of affection. But it was different with Natalie. He had difficulty controlling his urge to be close to her. To touch her.

At that moment, Natalie glanced over her shoulder at him, her amber eyes wide and beguiling. He had to kiss her—to taste those sinful crimson lips. Garrett dipped his head to do just that when Camilia’s voice jolted him back to the present.

“Natalie is such a charming young lady, Garrett. And I’m so excited we share a common passion,” said Camilia. “Tennis!”

“Tennis?” He smiled vaguely and arched an eyebrow at his wife. Their faces were mere inches apart and he couldn’t bear to pull away from her.

“Yes. Well...” She tensed against him and her eyes grew wide and plaintive. “I’m better at talking about the sport than playing it. Camilia is much more active in the game than I am.”

“I’m not the one who played on the varsity team.” The older woman wagged a finger at Natalie.

“In high school.”

Undeterred, Camilia clapped her hands in front of her chest. “I have a wonderful idea. Sebastian was invited to Hansol’s retreat next month. We just have to play doubles.”

“I haven’t held a racquet in a decade,” Garrett said. “It wouldn’t be fair for us to go up against pros like you and Sebastian.”

“Nonsense.” Sebastian waved aside his objections. “It’ll be a friendly game. Nothing brings people closer than enjoying a sport together.”

“How could we refuse if you put it that way?” Natalie said before he could think of a judicious refusal. He narrowed his eyes at her too-innocent air.

“You can’t unless you want to break an old man’s heart.”

“Sebastian, I would never do that in a million years,” Natalie said, her eyes twinkling. “You have yourselves a doubles match.”

Garrett felt a stunned grin spread across his face. His wife had hustled the Diazes into a tennis match.

Nine

“Garrett... Garrett!”

What the hell? Garrett ran down the stairs, bolting over the last half flight to reach Natalie. She was standing in the middle of their kitchen, pale as virgin snow.

“Are you hurt? What’s going on?” He grabbed her by the shoulders and scanned her from head to toe for injuries.

“Norma is going to blacklist me after tonight. I’m sure of it. And it’s all my fault.” Her voice broke on the last word and tears filled her amber eyes.

Satisfied that she wasn’t physically hurt, Garrett shoved his hand through his hair and swallowed a frustrated growl. Norma Rice, Sophie’s social worker, was coming over for dinner tonight, and Natalie had been a nervous wreck all day.

“Breathe, Natalie. Whatever happened, I’m sure it’s not that bad.”

“I burned the main course. She’s coming for dinner but all she’s going to get is a salad.”

“Didn’t you say you were making shrimp scampi? How do you burn...?” Garrett coughed to cover his laugh. “I mean, I’m sure it’s fine. A little char adds flavor.”

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