Page 10 of Temporary Wife Temptation

“In my heart, she’s already my daughter, but her grandparents are contesting the adoption. It’s already difficult for a single woman to adopt, but if the child’s next of kin contests it, it becomes nearly impossible. The Davises aren’t heartless people, but they want Sophie with them in New York.” Natalie gritted her teeth, near tears for a brief, heartbreaking moment before she regained control. “I thought if I became the new VP of HR and transferred to New York in December, I might be able to convince Sophie’s grandparents to withdraw their opposition to the adoption.”

“That’s why you agreed to do this.” His gut lurched at the realization.

Her desperation to get the promotion and her agreeing to consider this marriage—it was all for her niece. It would complicate everything. He couldn’t let Natalie get under his skin, especially with a little girl in the picture. But he couldn’t turn his back on her. It went against his very core to abandon a mother fighting for her child. Also, on a logical level, his time to search for a contract bride was up, and he wouldn’t find anyone more invested in pulling off their fake marriage than Natalie.

“Yes, so if we do this, I’m going all in. Marrying you will boost my chances of becoming Sophie’s mom, but if anyone finds out our marriage isn’t real, then I could lose her.”

“I understand.” He understood only too well how important a mother was to a child. He couldn’t let Natalie bet her future on the promotion and the goodwill of Sophie’s grandparents. His name, wealth and influence could help her adopt her niece. “I’ll do everything in my power to help you get custody of Sophie.”

“Thank you.” A tremulous smile lit her face.

She was so beautiful. Dangerously so. Heat unfurled low in his stomach, and resisting the need to touch her made him dizzy.

“Anything else?”

“Just one thing. Is it absolutely necessary for us to be seen in public together?” Her words picked up speed, tripping over each other. “I was hoping to avoid situations where I’d have to come up with spur-of-the-moment lies. I’m the worst at lying.”

“I need you to attend functions with me. There’s no way around that.”

“Couldn’t you tell them I have a headache or something?”

“For months on end?” He raised an eyebrow at her.

“Fine.” Her shoulders drooped and she narrowed her eyes. “I could smile and play along, but you’re in charge of making stuff up on the spot.”

“Deal.”

“Okay.” Her sigh was tremulous but her beautiful features hardened with determination. “I’ll marry you.”

The silence stretched and Natalie shifted on her feet. Damn. He couldn’t tear his eyes off her, and awareness shrouded them like moist, tropical heat. What is it about this woman that drives me crazy with desire? Whatever it was, he couldn’t have her. Maintaining distance was crucial to avoiding complications when they annulled the marriage.

Even so, his gaze dropped to her lips and his breath hitched to find them wet and softly parted. Garrett swayed toward her without conscious thought, and Natalie tilted her head, leaning in. The evidence that she wasn’t immune to the dizzying attraction chipped away at his willpower. He couldn’t have sex with her, but there was no harm in kissing her.

Like hell there wasn’t. She was a good woman and he wasn’t a complete bastard. She’d agreed to the contract marriage, but her decision was an emotional one, a sacrifice for her niece. She was probably more vulnerable than she let on. Their lips were only a breath apart when he pulled back and shoved his hands into his pockets.

As he drew in a steadying breath, Natalie closed the distance between them and pressed her lips against his. Surprise held him immobile but she was warm and intoxicating. When a sound that was somewhere between a moan and a whimper escaped her, he lost the fight for control. He deepened the kiss with a low growl, and Natalie pushed her body against him. Burying his fingers roughly in her hair, he tilted back her head to better taste her.

Something cold and alarming seeped through his mind even as he leaned back on the wall and nestled her between his legs. Her skin smelled like vanilla and sweet musk, and felt like silk beneath his hands as they slid down her bare arms before settling on her hips. Her cool fingers skimmed his stomach just under his shirt and he hissed at the intense pleasure.

His reaction to the simple touch shocked him out of the moment. Garrett broke off their kiss. Natalie stumbled back from him with her fingers pressed against her lips. Their gazes crashed and held, their panting breaths filling the silence.

Natalie didn’t seem aware that her fingertips were brushing back and forth across her lips, pink and swollen from their kiss. The movement was hypnotic—a seductive lure that could capsize his meticulously planned life. He couldn’t give his body the chance to win the battle.

“I’ll make some arrangements and contact you soon.”

“Okay,” she said in a husky whisper, her hand finally dropping to her side. She gave her head a vigorous shake and inhaled deeply. “Um... That was good practice. Some public displays of affection will be necessary. I’m glad we got the initial awkwardness over with.”

“Initial awkwardness?”

In all fairness, he had brushed aside their kiss, but to hear her call it “awkward” pricked his pride.

“Yeah, well...” she said. “Our first kiss shouldn’t be in front of an audience, so I’m glad we got that over with.”

“I approve of your strategy. Good night.” With a curt nod, he spun around.

When he reached the parking structure, he made for his car with long, impatient strides, intent on leaving the building as soon as possible.

He slid into his Aston Martin and sped through downtown LA with the windows down, putting much-needed distance between himself and whatever the hell had happened back there.

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