Page 33 of Temporary Wife Temptation

“Grandmother asked me to visit her once a week from now on, and she wants to meet Sophie as soon as possible.”

Her husband opened his mouth to speak, but changed his mind and turned his gaze back to the road. But not before Natalie saw the pride and admiration in his eyes.

Ten

Hansol was famous for pampering their employees with an annual retreat at a luxury resort. This year the two-night retreat was being held at Ojai, a small town reminiscent of Provence that improbably flourished in California’s desert climate.

Ojai was one of Natalie’s favorite places in California. It was so serene and beautiful, and the richly scented air provided continuous aromatherapy. The hacienda-style villa she’d be sharing with Garrett was gorgeous, but it only had one bedroom. Natalie’s mouth went dry at the sight of the prominent king-size bed in the center of the room. She averted her eyes and made quick work of changing into her swimsuit.

Garrett had a meeting at the office, so he’d arranged for one of the Song family drivers to bring her to the retreat. A part of her had been relieved he couldn’t drive with her. Something had shifted between them after her visit with his grandmother. They somehow ended up having dinner together almost every night of the week, and talked for hours, laughing like old friends until they...weren’t. Their attraction would combust without warning and they would find each other mere inches apart, breathing heavily. Starving for a kiss. But one of them—Garrett more often than not—would come to their senses in the nick of time.

She was afraid that someday soon she wouldn’t be able to pull away. Wouldn’t want to. Natalie wanted her husband with such urgency that she was on the verge of exploding. She’d never desired anyone like this before. Not even Peter Klapper, the college boyfriend she’d fancied herself in love with. But he’d soon lost his appeal when she discovered his selfish, narcissistic nature.

The problem with Garrett was the more time they spent together, the more she liked and admired him, and her attraction only grew. Natalie released a long breath. Everything was going to be fine. As long as they didn’t get within four feet of each other, she should be able to suppress her lust for her hot-as-hell husband. But they were sharing a suite for the next two nights. Tight quarters in romantic Ojai meant trouble. Horny, sizzling trouble. Crap.

She headed to the pool using the map she got from the front desk. She got a bit turned around and wound up taking the long way there, but she fortunately didn’t run into any Hansol employees to witness her directional challenges.

She scanned the pool area and spotted a secluded corner that was perfect for her. After spreading out her towel on a lounger, she perched on the edge, ready for some sun worship. The soft melody she was humming under her breath sputtered and died as her jaw dropped.

Garrett was in the pool, swimming toward her with powerful, fluid strokes. When he reached the end by her chaise, he rested his forearms on the edge and grinned at her.

“When did you get here?” The husky tenor of his voice made the innocent question sound like a caress.

Only his glistening hair and muscled torso were visible to her, but Natalie couldn’t drag in a full breath. Garrett was here and he was wet. The light sprinkling of hair on his forearms clung to his skin, and his jet-black hair rained drops of water. Mesmerized, Natalie followed the water sliding down the slopes of his broad shoulders, and wished her fingers could trail after it.

She’d never understood why people thought wet was sexy. Now she could write a thesis on it. The amusement sparkling in his eyes made her realize she was staring at him with her mouth open. Kill me now. She should be thankful she wasn’t drooling.

“Less than an hour ago.” To stop herself from staring at him, she focused on unbuttoning the linen shirt she’d thrown over her swimsuit and shrugged out of it. “What are you doing here? I thought you couldn’t make it till later tonight.”

The silence stretched on between them as his gaze bore into hers with an intensity that stole her breath. His cocky grin was nowhere in sight; instead, he looked at her with the thirst of a man lost in the desert. Confusion clouded her brain and she hid her face by digging in her tote for her sunscreen.

“Did you just get here, too?” Natalie asked to break the tension.

“Yes.” Garrett cleared his throat. “Just.”

“We must’ve crossed paths at the villa.”

“Right. I saw your luggage in our room when I arrived.”

Silence settled around them again as Natalie smoothed white lotion down her legs. It smelled like an orange Creamsicle. She succeeded in avoiding Garrett’s eyes for as long as she could.

But she finished all too soon, leaving only her back undone. Would it look odd if I dislocate my shoulder trying to get sunscreen on my back?

“Here.” Garrett pushed himself out of the pool. “Allow me.”

Despite the hot sun, a chill tripped down her spine like tumbling dominoes.

“Th-thank you.”

Natalie handed him the tube as he settled his glorious wet body next to hers. She gasped and hunched forward. She wasn’t sure what startled her more—the coolness of his hands or the electric shock his touch set off.

“Sorry. The water was pretty cold.” He tugged her back toward him. “Now, hold still.”

He started at the curve of her neck then slid his hands down to the top of her shoulders. Cupping one, he circled his other palm down her back. His touch grew hot against her skin, and it was all she could do to keep from leaning back and purring.

“Your skin’s so fair. Almost as transparent as fine china.” His breath warmed the back of her neck. He leaned in closer, putting his lips at her ear. “Would you break if you’re not handled gently?”

“I’m stronger than I look,” she said. And right now, she wanted to test her strength with something hard and fast.

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