Page 62 of The Unwilling Bride
We pretend to be together. In return, once she proves herself, I give her the head chef position at one of my new ventures. She’s too professional to accept anything she hasn’t earned.
And the chemistry between us would make the story believable.
Then there’s Margot’s condition.
Marry or lose the inheritance.
With that money I could fund my expansion plans. Buy out the board. Make decisions without answering to anyone.
Freedom.
But for that, I’d need a wife.
My mind pauses on the thought.
Ember? My wife? My marrying her?
No.
I mentally step back. That’s absurd.
Still… The attraction between us is undeniable. It wouldn’t be difficult to convince the public we’re having a passionate affair.
The video could simply be the moment we were discovered.
And if we were married… A dangerous thought forms.
Ember in my house. In my space.
Her scent drifting through the rooms when she walks past me. Her voice carrying down the hall from the kitchen. The two of us alone after service, the tension between us finally snapping.
Ember in my bed.
Her hair spread across my pillow. Her eyes dark and defiant as I pin her wrists above her head. My mouth at her throat. Her breath catching when I move between her legs and?—
I drag in a sharp breath.No.The familiar coldness creeps into my chest. That way lies disaster.
She’s fire and passion. I’m icy control. I can barely stand near her without wanting her.
Living with her would melt every barrier I’ve built. And that cannot happen.
“James, you there?” Whittington asks.
“Yes.” I clear my throat. “Give me a minute.”
The sensible thing would be to admit and accept the loss. Cancel expansion plans. Hope the restaurant survives the scandal.
But that won’t work. It leaves too much up to chance. There’s only one way out.
“She’s my fiancée.”
The words leave my mouth before I fully process them. It’s the second time I’ve done something impulsive, and it’s because of her. Which is interesting. It also tells me I need to protect my emotions around her.
Whittington coughs. “Did you say…your fiancée?”
“What you saw was a difference of opinion between two people who work closely together. The chemistry between us was evident. We’re planning to marry, so there’s no scandal.”
I sound so sincere, I almost convince myself.
