Temporary Wife Temptation. Jayci Lee

a fire in her stomach. She closed her eyes and smiled at the simple pleasure. When she opened them again, Biceps was standing in front of her, sporting an odd gape-mouthed look. Then, sudden realization flamed her cheeks.

      “Oh, jeez. I’m so sorry.” She hurriedly grabbed her credit card from her clutch and handed it to him. “Here you go. Thank you.”

      Looking a little embarrassed, he enveloped her outstretched hand in his. “The drink’s on me, beautiful.”

      “That won’t be—”

      “My name’s Kenny and I get off in three hours. Can you stick around?” His lips curled into a boyish smile. It was only when his gaze lingered on her cleavage she realized he was hitting on her.

      “I can’t, um... I...” Natalie had no idea what to do. She wasn’t used to getting hit on at a bar.

      “Thanks, Kenny,” a deep voice rumbled behind her. “I got this.”

      Natalie stiffened in her seat as the hair on her arms stood on tiptoe and a shiver ran down her spine. The deep, rich voice did strange things to her body, but she wasn’t sure she approved of the stranger’s high-handedness. Either way, she couldn’t face him until she reined in her galloping pulse, so she downed the Scotch in a single tilt.

      “As a matter of fact, why don’t you put her drink on my tab?” A strong, long-fingered hand passed a hundred-dollar bill to Kenny, who dropped her hand and accepted the tip with a grudging shrug, bowing out to the alpha.

      Okay. She definitely did not like that. Natalie spun around to give the arrogant stranger a verbal ass kicking, but the sharp challenge froze and died a quiet death on her lips.

      The stranger with the sexy voice was none other than Garrett Song, and he was even more magnificent outside of the office. He was closer than she’d thought—only a few inches separated them when their gazes collided. The amusement flickered out of his eyes and a charged silence tightened around them.

      Natalie vaguely heard Kenny’s curt “two double Scotch, neat,” but she remained fixated on Garrett’s jet-black hair, strong jawline and full lips. And my, oh, my, those fiery eyes. Her gaze flitted down to his broad shoulders, chest and long, muscular legs. The conservative dress shirt and slacks couldn’t hide the power of his body.

      Her heart fluttered like a dragonfly taking flight under his insolent perusal. His face didn’t register a hint of recognition, which wasn’t surprising. Natalie didn’t resemble the woman he’d seen at work.

      Natalie drained her second drink without breaking eye contact. She uncrossed her legs and slid off her seat, her calf accidentally grazing the side of his body. She was about his height in her four-inch heels, so they faced each other squarely. His heat embraced her, and his masculine scent, like an autumn wind, beckoned her closer.

      She couldn’t follow her instincts to climb her boss like a tree even if her inner thighs were slick with desire. She would act professionally. Natalie would state her business and not take no for an answer. She opened her mouth but promptly closed it shut.

      Apparently, she’d forgotten how to speak.

      Garrett was lost from the moment she swiveled in her seat.

      She had glided into the club as he was leaving. Then his legs had brought him to her without his permission. Her sculpted body was meant to bring men to their knees. And her dress seemed like it had been painted onto her lush curves.

      The sight of her made him weak with lust, but her air of vulnerability made him want to shield her from other hungry eyes. His fervent urge to possess and protect the woman tripped all kinds of alarms in his head, but his brain had decided to take an inopportune hiatus.

      “Dance with me,” he said.

      Her eyes widened and his pulse quickened in anticipation. She looked familiar but he wouldn’t forget a woman like her if he’d met her before. He held out his hand and she stared at it, her head cocked like a curious bird. After a pause, she placed her hand in his. It was warm, smooth and delicate. The thrill of their connection gripped him by the shoulders and shook him alert.

      As their feet touched the dance floor, Garrett wrapped his arm around her waist, cradling her right hand against his chest. They swayed softly to the music while the crowd gyrated around them. He brushed his fingertips against her bare back. Her skin was like warm silk. As a gnawing hunger filled him to the brim, Garrett laid his palm on her lower back and pressed her body flush against his. A tremor ran through her.

      God, she feels so good. He struggled to make sense of her—the stark contrast between innocent wide eyes and a body that radiated raw sensuality.

      “Who are you?” he rasped.

      Her eyelids fluttered at his question as though he had awakened her from a dream. She shook her head briskly and a veil shifted across her face. Suddenly, he recognized her and his arms fell to his sides.

      “You...you really don’t know who I am?” she said, unease crossing her lovely features.

      That thrill. He’d only felt it once before, and he belatedly realized this was the same woman who’d made him feel it the first time.

       Was her voice this velvety when she barged into my office?

      “Should I know you?” He stalled to figure out what her game was.

      Samantha had been his first lesson in gold diggers, but she certainly hadn’t been his last. Naturally, Garrett considered himself something of an expert on the issue, and Natalie Sobol didn’t fit the profile. He trusted and respected her. She had backbone and integrity, which made her damn good at her job. Even so, she must’ve orchestrated their run-in to get something out of him.

      “I’m...” She cleared her throat and drew back her shoulders. Regrettably for him, the small adjustment managed to thrust her glorious breasts forward, nearly derailing his focus. “It’s Natalie Sobol, Mr. Song.”

      “Call me Garrett,” he said, leading her by the arm to the relative privacy of the outdoor balcony. “While we’re getting familiar, care to tell me what you’re up to?”

      He couldn’t make out her expression in the moonlight, but he heard a sharp intake of breath. To his surprise, she didn’t pretend their run-in was a coincidence.

      “I came here to ask you for a second chance.” She spoke quietly, but her words carried the weight of determination.

      “A second chance at what?”

      “VP of Human Resources. I missed my interview because of a family emergency, but I’m confident I could do the job better than anyone else.”

      So that was her game. His lips twisted. “How do you suppose I fit into that?”

      “Please. All I ask for is a chance to get my interview. You’ll soon be our new CEO. The hiring committee would listen to your request.” She swallowed, hesitating for a second. “Please believe me when I say I would never dream of imposing on you like this if I had any other choice. I need that job.”

      She was good. He’d long outgrown any disappointment at being used for his money or connections. But he almost believed this woman. Sympathized with her. Garrett hadn’t allowed anyone to manipulate his emotions since Samantha, and his brief slip infuriated him. It made him want to test her.

      “And are you offering something in return?” He didn’t bother disguising his disdain.

      She gasped and her hands clenched into fists. He watched through hooded lids as pride, anger and mortification splashed across her features. Then, she breathed slowly through her nose before replying in measured tones.

      “I’m offering to be the best VP of Human Resources Hansol has ever had.” She arched an eyebrow in cold challenge. “Do I need to offer anything beyond that?”