Page 9 of A Bride for the Bodyguard

“Before they got engaged, Lisa was John’s secretary at their law firm in Houston, where they both worked,” I explain, feeling an odd sense of deja vu. “Then, one weekend, Lisa agreed to be John’s fake girlfriend. The rest is history.”

Marlie laughs lightly at that revelation. “That does sound like us,” she says before adding with a smirk, “Except that they aren’t breaking up in a few months like we are.”

Her words hang heavily between us. The thought of parting ways with Marlie feels unthinkable.

“How about we just take things one step at a time,” I suggest with a noncommittal smile. “See where things lead.”

“Fine,” Marlie replies. “But we should probably set some ground rules.”

I quirk an eyebrow. “Ground rules?”

She sets her glass down on her tray table with a gentle clink. “Just basic ones. No sex, no sharing the same bed. Things like that.”

I can’t help the chuckle that escapes me, even as her words hit a tender spot inside. “Got it. Any other rules I should be aware of?” I ask, steering us back to lighter territory.

“Let’s start with those and see how we go?”

I nod. “Deal.”

Marlie giggles. “Guess we’re officially business partners now.”

“Guess we are,” I reply, leaning back in my seat. “Now we need to sell this marriage to anyone who might be watching.”

Marlie frowns, her lips parting slightly. “What do you mean?”

“We need tolook comfortable with each other. Like a real couple. No one is going to believe you’re my wife if you jump three feet in the air every time I lean in for a kiss.”

Her eyes widen. “Kiss?”

A small smirk tugs at the corner of my mouth.

“Yes Marlie, kiss. I agreed to your no-bed-sharing rules. But when we walk down that aisle, I fully intend on kissing my bride.”

She swallows hard at that, her resolve visibly wavering. “Jack, these things take time.”

“They also take practice,” I reply with ateasing grin. “And there’s no better time to start than now.”

Marlie shifts in her seat, her teeth catching her lower lip again—a sight that sends a jolt straight through me. Finally, shestands up and sighs.“I suppose you’re right.”

“That’s the spirit.” Ireach out andgently tug her toward me, guiding her down onto my lap.

But when she tries to sit sideways, I stop her.“It will probably be easierif you straddle me,” I explain.

Marlie looks hesitant at first,but then shecomplies. She turns to face me andthen sinks downslowly until she’s sitting on my lap with one leg on each side of my waist.

My dick is a crowbar in my pants at this point and I’m sure she can feel it through the thin fabric of her yoga pants.

But instead of pulling away, she just looks up at me shyly through her long eyelashes and says,“Is this okay?”

And that’s when it hits me. She’s never done this before.

Fuck me.

“It’s perfect, baby.”

It’s all I can manage before I close the distance and press my lips to hers.

Marlie’s lips are full and soft against mine, and she’s hesitant at first. But then she opens for me and I sweep my tongue into her mouth.

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