Page 44 of Temporary Wife Temptation

After a long while, Garrett lay with his forearm over his eyes, listening to the steady rhythm of Natalie’s breathing. He’d made love to her with a desperation that should have alarmed him, but he had no space for any thought other than her words. I love you.

They made love every night, giving and receiving pleasure he had never experienced before. It wasn’t love but it was real and tangible. Was it enough for her?

In the last few months, having Natalie by his side had grown into an unwavering need. Subconsciously, he’d been pushing aside the fact that their marriage would end soon. Thinking about it made his stomach twist and churn. His soul rebelled, screaming, “She’s mine.” Did he want to hold on to Natalie?

He had no answers. At least, none he could face head-on.

Garrett watched Natalie get dressed for work. She twisted around in front of the mirror examining the fourth outfit she’d shimmied into this morning. Not that he was complaining. Watching her dress—and undress—was hotter than a striptease.

“Are you sure?” she asked him for the tenth time that morning. “Adelaide talked me into buying it but I just don’t know.”

“Yes.” Garrett twirled his wife in a pirouette. “And my answer will still be yes when you’ve asked me for the twentieth time.”

Natalie finally settled on a black wrap dress rather than one of her severe business suits. It highlighted her curves instead of hiding them, but the tight fit had her fidgeting like it was crawling with somersaulting circus fleas.

“You look beautiful.” Garrett kissed the tip of her nose. “And professional. You’ll be great today.” Presentations never ceased to frazzle her even though she was fantastic at them.

When she drew in a breath, he pressed a finger to her mouth to stop the objections he knew were coming. But the feel of her parted lips and her intoxicating scent threatened to derail him from the point he was trying to make.

“Our wedding pictures were featured in Focus magazine. Everyone has already seen your lovely figure. I assure you the employees won’t treat you differently because you decided to let your hair down a little.”

“You really think so?” Natalie raised hopeful eyes to his.

“Yes, I know so.” Garrett paused for a beat. “They’ll treat you differently because you’re married to me.”

“You’re terrible.” She punched him in the arm as surprised laughter burst from her.

He loved the sound of her laughter. Garrett pulled Natalie into his arms. “Stop being so nervous. Your presentation will be great, and short, and you’ll be back to your daily routine, whipping people into submission.”

She narrowed her eyes at him. “I don’t whip anyone into anything. I just make sure that company policies are carried out with uniformity and consistency.”

“Of course, Mrs. Song. You better move your butt, or you’re going to be late,” Garrett said, checking the clock.

“Oh, shoot. Okay.” Natalie hopped around putting her heels on, then rushed to the door. Garrett picked Sophie up and trailed her hurried steps. “Bye. See you tonight!” Natalie called over her shoulder.

He cleared his throat loudly and held Sophie out in front of him. Natalie had almost left without giving her a kiss.

“Oops. Sorry, sweetie.”

She turned to go after brushing her lips on the crown of the baby’s head. But Garrett wasn’t going to let her get away that easily. He shot out his free arm and crushed her to him. Shifting Sophie to one side, he kissed Natalie deeply, sipping in her soft moan. He stepped back before he tore off her carefully selected outfit, and she stood looking slightly dazed.

He reached out and patted his wife’s perfect bottom. “Go!”

Natalie blinked then scowled at him again before rushing out the door.

“Didn’t Mama look pretty today?”

“Yup!” That was Sophie’s it word these days. It actually sounded more like “yah-pu” and involved some spit spewing on the “pu.”

“Mama will do great today, right?”

“Yup!”

He’d volunteered to take Sophie back to the Davises’ since he didn’t have any meetings lined up till ten o’clock. This was the first reprieve he’d had in weeks.

Yami Corporation’s interference in the Vivotex deal was an unexpected nuisance, but Clark and Sebastian were the loyal allies Garrett hoped they’d be. They’d successfully convinced the majority at Vivotex that Yami’s overtures were merely distracting them from closing a profitable partnership, and that Yami couldn’t offer what Hansol promised.

Garrett had worked night and day to finalize the details of the contract. It was grueling work but the deal was within reach, and he thrived on the knowledge. Once the deal closed, the CEO position and everything he’d worked for—including his independence from his grandmother—would finally be his.

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