Page 18 of Temporary Wife Temptation

“Holy cow. Is everything really, really delicious, or am I just famished? I would totally go back for that crab cake if my feet weren’t screaming at me to get my butt on a chair.”

He glanced down at her zebra-print high heels. They did amazing things for her legs but didn’t look remotely comfortable. “There’s a bench around the corner.”

“Oh, thank God.” She kicked off her shoes as soon as she plopped onto the seat.

Garrett shrugged out of his jacket and draped it around her shoulders before sitting next to her.

“Thank you,” she murmured, gazing at the garden. “It’s so beautiful out here.”

“Is it?” He and Mike had grown up tearing apart that very garden, but Garrett had never sat still and taken it all in, like they were doing now. “I guess you’re right.”

“Mmm-hmm.”

He studied her profile, her high, regal cheekbone and the graceful curve of her neck. Half of her hair had escaped the loose knot behind her head and fell down her back and shoulders. He wanted to sweep aside her hair and feel the softness of her skin, which he absolutely should not do.

“So how do you know so much about college football?” He tore his gaze away from her and stared at an old maple tree ahead of him, hard enough to make his eyes water.

“Long story.”

“We’ve got time.” He made a show of checking his watch. “I’ll give you ten minutes.”

Her laughter filled the garden, then ended on a wistful sigh. “My dad and I, we weren’t very close. The only time he didn’t mind my company was when we watched college football together. He was a huge fan. I don’t think he even noticed I was sitting there half the time.”

Garrett understood what that felt like. As soon as he finished graduate school, he’d thrown himself into his work. It was satisfying in its predictability and it created a common ground for him and his father. His dad had stepped down from the CEO position when his mom died, but returned to Hansol a few years later as an executive VP.

“I thought if I learned enough about the sport, he’d like me a little better.” Her shrug told him it hadn’t worked, but Natalie told her story without an ounce of self-pity—like she owned her past, hurt and all. His respect for her deepened. “But soon I noticed I wasn’t faking my enthusiasm anymore. I’d grown to love the sport. Who knew it’d come in handy at an intimate birthday party for a hundred people?”

“You certainly won over quite a few of them.”

“I did?” Her eyebrows shot up in genuine surprise.

He huffed out a laugh. “Why did you think that crowd was hanging on to your every word?”

“Watch yourself, Garrett Song.” Natalie narrowed her eyes and pointed a finger at him. “I know where you live.”

He snatched her hand and tugged her to her feet. “Yes, and you’ll be living there with me starting Sunday.”

“Ugh.” She hooked an index finger in each of her shoes, not bothering to put them back on. “Do you ever stop thinking about work?”

“Yes.” He cocked his head and pretended to consider her question. “But only when I’m thoroughly distracted.”

Her lashes fluttered and color saturated her cheeks, and his gut clenched with heat. She could definitely become his most dangerous distraction.

Six

Still groggy from sleep, Natalie stepped out of the shower and wrapped herself in a warm woolly bathrobe, yawning until her eyes watered. Garrett hadn’t brought her home until past one last night, and she hadn’t fallen asleep until close to three. She yawned again.

It took a while for her brain to piece together that someone was knocking at the door. It’s not even eight, for God’s sake. Natalie cracked open the door a sliver and peered into the hallway. All traces of the sandman’s influence evaporated at the sight of Garrett standing outside with two steaming cups and a brown paper bag.

He looked damn gorgeous and relaxed in his black T-shirt and jeans. He’d obviously had a good night’s sleep. She’d had a fitful slumber only to wake up at the crack of dawn. Not fair.

“I bring strong coffee and warm croissants.” He held up his offerings. “May I come in?”

Her stomach rumbled on cue, and Natalie opened the door wider. “My stomach welcomes you.”

As Garrett closed the door behind him, Natalie remembered she was naked underneath her robe. Stay calm. She smoothed out her face in an expression of serenity. At least she hoped she looked serene. She could be bright pink and calm, right?

She waved for him to follow and led him into her small kitchen. “You can put those over there.”

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