Page 21 of Marcel

Taking the creamcheese from the microwave, she dumped some into the mixture, andwithin minutes, the delectable scent filled the kitchen.

“If it’sas good as it smells, we are in for a treat,” he commented,breaking the silence.

“You be thejudge.” Lifting the saucepan off the stove, she fetched platesand scooped out the creamy meal. Passing the plate to him, she gavehim a fork and waited until he tasted it.

“Well?”She asked impatiently as he took his time chewing.

“It’sdelicious.”

“Just ‘verygood’?”

His brows lifted inamusement. “You wanted more than that?”

“How abouteye-popping amazing?”

Scooping up agenerous amount with his fork, he took a big bite. “The most Ican offer is magnificent.”

“I can workwith that.” She told him smugly as she sat down and startedeating. “You are right; it is magnificent.”

He grinned at her,and the boyish look threw her on his face. She wished she couldfreeze this moment. They were in his pristine kitchen having a meal,and even though they would not be going upstairs to make love, sheloved the ease between them.

Tomorrow, they werereturning to the real world, where they would be caught up in thepressure of their jobs, and for the first time in her life, she wasnot looking forward to it.

She had left the firmas Nikki Johnston and would return as Nikki Hadley. There will bechanges. She was a Hadley now and would no longer be welcomed in theregular lounge with the other lawyers.

She was not a seniorpartner but would not be part of the junior partners’ ‘clique’either. And as much as she was not one for groups or joining them,she enjoyed the lunches and the gossip. She had even gone outcasually with a few of the guys but had been firm about the fact thatshe did not sleep with the people she worked with.

“More wine?”

“Yes, thanks.”

He had cleaned hisplate and relaxed on the stool, the glass cradled in his hands.

Hehad not received any phone calls from her, at least, not from whatshe had seen while they were on their honeymoon or even when theywere returning.

But she had been asleep for most of the journey.

“You are goingto need some clothes.” his deep voice jarred her out of herreverie.

“I have tons ofclothes.”

“You are aHadley now and will have to look the part. We happen to have anaccount at Romano’s. Just give Monique a call and have her sendsome things over. We also do much entertaining, and now that we aremarried, we will host our functions.”

She stared at him. “Iwill have to play hostess.”

He smiled at that.“Part of what you signed up for.”

She was grateful hedid not tell her she had married him for his money, but she was notsure she could bear it.

“I am not goingto argue; I happen to love clothes. And shoes.”

“I noticed.”

“You areone to talk; you have tons of suits, not to mention shoes. And I amguessing you don’t do your shopping?”

“Where would Iget the time?” he asked with an elegant shrug. He should tellher he had work to do, but he was enjoying the time with her. He didnot relish the prospect of going upstairs into the bedroom.

They would sleep onthe same bed as they had been doing when they went on theirhoneymoon. The housekeeper was very loyal, but he knew fromexperience that people talk, and he wanted it to appear as normal amarriage as possible.

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