The Temporary Wife - By Jeannie Moon Page 0,35
her dress, her crazy hair, and her glittery shoes. What was she thinking?
More than that, what was Jason thinking? Probably that he’d been right to keep her from his friends all those years ago.
Bending her arms back, she tried to release her dress, but she realized she couldn’t do it herself. It was crushingly sad, because if she were a real bride, her husband would be undoing those buttons for her.
Instead, her husband was up on the deck, sipping champagne with Harper.
“Awesome,” she mumbled, and dropped her head on her arms. “I’m trapped in a designer wedding gown.”
There was a tap at the door, and before Meg could answer she saw Jason reflected in the vanity mirror. He’d taken off his jacket and tie and rolled up his sleeves. He looked upset. And he looked gorgeous. Totally gorgeous.
Of course, he had every right to be upset, since he’d just married the Stripper Bride.
He set a glass of champagne on the table by the window and approached her. “It must have been hard to get your hair down.”
“Not that bad, but it’s all over the place. I do look like a pole dancer.”
“No, you don’t.” He sat on the bed. “You look hot, but you don’t look like a pole dancer.”
“A hooker, then?”
He laughed and gave her a good once-over. “Nah. Well . . .” He looked at her again. “Maybe a really expensive one.”
“At least I’m expensive.” Her mouth turned up, thankful she could find something to laugh about at a time like this. She glanced at his reflection and took a tissue to dab at her eyes. “Can you help me unbutton my dress?”
“Stuck?”
She nodded, and without hesitation, he moved directly behind her, pushed her hair aside, and started working the buttons.
“Harper left. She apologizes.”
Meg had just about died when Jason told her Harper knew the truth about their marriage, because with that knowledge Harper would always have the upper hand. “I know she thinks this is a terrible mistake, but I’ll do my best to stay out of your way.”
“Meg, don’t worry about what Harper thinks. She has some strong opinions on the arrangement, but intellectually she understands and she knows that we’re adults. She has no say in how we relate to each other.”
“She thinks I’m after your money.”
“Most people are, including Harper, which is why she’s suspicious of everyone else. But I know you’re not.”
“You do?”
He nodded. “That’s the last one,” he said, and Meg felt the cool air on her bare back. He stared at her in the mirror and then he leaned in and dropped a soft kiss right at the curve of her neck. It felt warm, sensual, full of promise.
She sighed.
Damn. She was just too easy.
He leaned in and kissed her again, his hands pulling her hair to the side, giving him unfettered access. Meg, who at that point was channeling her inner newlywed, tilted her head to the side so he could get more. His hands had inched inside the bodice of her dress and were cupping her breasts, and his mouth was leaving a trail of soft wet kisses on her neck and shoulder.
Meg let her eyes drift open and she watched him seduce her.
Their refection was sensual, erotic. The top of her dress had fallen forward, leaving her in a frilly white strapless bra, her diamond necklace, and her dripping diamond earrings. His hands touched her skin with such tenderness, Meg was falling into a trance. She was panting, breathless, and the ache that had formed low in her belly cried out to be quieted and filled.
Only Jason could do that. Only him.
“You’re so beautiful, Meg. So beautiful. Like a dream.”
He changed position and scooted her from the bench to the bed, and then lowered her onto her back. Lying next to her, he continued to touch and kiss her into insanity.
This was her husband. This was seduction.
Her eyes were drifting shut, and she waited for the next touch, but instead felt him rise from the bed. Maybe he was getting undressed?
Bending over her, Jason kissed her. “I’ll see you in the morning.”
“Morning!” Meg sat up, the cool breeze chilling her hot skin. “What do you mean, morning?”
“I can’t sleep with you. You’re too important to me, and it could ruin everything.”
He was being honorable? Now? That was the last straw. This was her honeymoon, and she wanted him. His honorable self-control could go to hell.
She blinked incredulously. “What was the point of all this?”
He took a deep breath.