Page 23 of His Weekend Wife

CHAPTER SIX

“As you asked, I didn’t bring much.” Ash clutched the handle to her overnight bag until her knuckles ached.

“I’ve made arrangements for you to have a whole new wardrobe.”

“Of course, you wouldn’t want your wife wearing off-the-rack clothes.”

He chuckled. “I didn’t want you to have to worry about what you would wear over the next thirty days. There will be a few social functions you’ll be expected to attend with me.”

With me. Those two words traveled like dark chocolate through her bloodstream. She’d thought of nothing else but being with him since she’d agreed to this crazy arrangement. “I guess I owe you a thank you.”

He took her bag and set it down. “I’ll show you around,” he offered. “This place is much different than the one bedroom we lived in where we had to let the water run for a few minutes until the rust cleared. Or how we heard the neighbors whenever they decided to be romantic.”

Her cheeks warmed remembering how she and Declan had taken their lovemaking to the floor out of fear that the neighbors would overhear. “That place was, well, special. I particularly loved the balcony that was attached by two rusty nails and when a gust of wind came along, it would squeak.”

“We’ve certainly come a long way, haven’t we?”

“At least one of us has.”

He didn’t respond, just motioned for her to follow him.

Biting down on her bottom lip she forced her feet to move, following him down the hallway until they came to the set of massive glass doors. He pushed one open and gestured for her to lead the way. She stepped through, waited for him and he brushed past her leaving a trail of citrus scented soap. The smell could easily become an addiction. “I think you’ll see this situation won’t be too bad.”

She sighed, then forced her thoughts to work, needing to get her head back on track. She could manage this circumstance, if she viewed it as a business arrangement and nothing personal. He didn’t ask her here because he still had feelings for her, or wanted to reignite the old feelings. He saw her as a means to an end, just as she needed the money and was willing to do anything—almost anything to get it. It didn’t matter that when she was near him he stoked a fire buried deep inside of her body. Or that his touch reminded her of a time when she was his, and wanted nothing more than to be his.

“Declan…”

“Ash.” His smile was warm and instantly drew her attention to his white teeth and strong jaw. Her mind drew up remarkable images of him kissing her, touching her, licking her. What is wrong with you?

“Home sweet home.” He made a sweeping gesture with his hands. “Of course, you saw this room when you were here yesterday.”

She’d been so nervous she hadn’t seen much of the living room. The place screamed bachelor pad, not that she’d expected anything different. The large space was sparingly filled with sleek and glass furniture that she thought no one decorated with unless it was on the front page of a glamour home magazine. There wasn’t a speck of dust or a sliver of personal belongings anywhere in sight. Every square inch was masculine and intimidating. “Do you have a housekeeper?”

“She comes every other day. She has a key and lets herself in.”

“Excellent,” she muttered.

“Shall we continue with the tour. A wife must know her way around her home.”

Ash tried to work through her nerves as she moved her way through the apartment. She had to remember why she was here—and getting her sister the hell away from the likes of Philippe. It would all be worth it in the end. Ash would do what was expected of her, even if it meant warming Declan Knight’s bed to save Abby. The idea should repulse her, not cause a fourth of July fireworks show between her inner thighs.

“I’ve made arrangements for us to have dinner here this evening.”

She gulped air. “Okay.”

“You look worried.”

“No, I just…well…I didn’t know if we would be husband and wife while we’re away from people.”

“Well, most married couples do have dinner together, don’t they?” He chuckled.

“True. Sorry, I just…”

“Are nervous?”

“Yes. I guess I’m just anticipating on hearing your expectations of me.”

He skimmed his gaze along her nose, her cheeks and landed on her mouth, staying there a good three seconds before he darted his gaze to a picture on the wall. He straightened it, although it wasn’t cockeyed to begin with. “I don’t have many rules for us, or expectations, but because we’re under the pretense of being married, truly married, there are a few things I think are important. While you’re here, this is your home. You should make yourself comfortable, do what you’d normally do if…”, he looked at her, his gaze cutting through her, “you’d stayed five years ago. You’re more than welcome to use the kitchen and the piano. I hope you still play on occasion. I can get you anything that’ll make your stay more comfortable. The building is furnished with a few amenities like a fully equipped gym and spa. A beauty salon too. There’s only one room here that I ask you don’t go into—my office. It’s private. I had Todd contact the building manager for an extra key card that’ll give you access to all areas of the building. Remind me to give it to you. I’ll ask that if you leave the building you will inform me.”

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