Page 58 of Married to the Frenemy

She glances at the artwork adorning Maggie’s door. Hell, there’s even random drawings now taped to the walls in practically every room, including a sign on the door to my office advertising a nail polish store.

“Yes, she is.”

“But that’s to be expected. She’s got an amazing mom.”

Her cheeks flush with a hint of pink and she averts her gaze. “Thanks, Beckham.”

“I mean it, Haley. She’s lucky to have you.” I lick my lips, then add, “We both are.”

She lifts her eyes to mine. “Both?”

“Yes, Haley.” I step toward her, only a fraction of an inch separating us. “I’m lucky to have you, too.”

She searches my eyes for several moments, as if trying to unravel some complicated mystery that’s eluded her for years.

Then she clutches my cheeks and her lips collide with mine.

I still, momentarily surprised by Haley’s unexpected action. After six weeks of purposefully avoiding any kind of physical contact, the last thing I anticipated was for her to kiss me.

And my god, it feels incredible.

Her lips are just as intoxicating as they were on our wedding day.

As they were all those years ago.

Since the first time I kissed her, I knew her lips were dangerous. That they’d eventually be my undoing.

I never could have predicted to what extent.

“Sorry.” She quickly pulls back when I remain frozen. “I don’t know what came over me. I just… It won’t happen again.”

Spinning around, she hurries into the bedroom. She’s about to close the door behind her, but before she can, I press my palm on it. She snaps her wide eyes to mine, surprise and confusion swirling within as we stare at each other for what feels like an eternity.

I know this is a bad idea. That nothing good could come out of this.

But right now, I don’t care about any of the possible ramifications.

All I do care about is finally succumbing to the desire that’s been building since I watched her walk down the aisle to become my wife.

My jaw set in a determined line, I erase the remaining space between us and yank her against me, her body fitting mine like the lost piece of a puzzle.

“Beckham, what are?—”

“If we’re going to get rid of the no-touching rule, may as well make it count. Don’t you think?”

I don’t give her a chance to respond before I slam my lips against hers.

CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR

HALEY

I have no idea what came over me. Why I kissed Beckham.

I went into this sham of a marriage certain that nothing he did or said would make me bend my rules. Not after the way he cut me out of his life as if I didn’t exist.

As if I were just another notch on his belt, like my mother warned me.

But after everything he did for me tonight — from forcing me to take time to myself, to cooking me dinner, to reading to Maggie — I’ve seen a different side of Beckham yet again.

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