His lips are soft but sure, his hold firm yet careful. One of his hands slides up my back, tangling in my hair, and a shiver runs through me.
When we finally pull apart, breathless, I keep my eyes closed for a moment, savoring the dizzying sensation.
— That was… Callum starts.
— A very educational demonstration, I finish, opening my eyes to meet his.
What I see steals my breath all over again—desire, yes, but also tenderness, uncertainty… as if he’s discovering something new and precious.
— Are there other lessons you’d like to give me? he asks, his voice rougher now.
A smile tugs at my lips.
— That depends. Are you a good student?
— Top of my class. I learn very quickly, he replies, pulling me toward him again.
This time, he takes the lead, kissing me with a confidence that melts me against him. His hands roam my back, leaving burning trails even through the fabric of my pajamas. Mine explore his shoulders, his chest, savoring the firmness of his muscles beneath my touch.
When we break apart again, we’re both breathless, flushed, eyes bright.
— I think we’re moving beyond education, I whisper.
— You’re right, he agrees. We’ve entered the realm of advanced research.
I laugh, and he joins me, our shared laughter creating an intimacy I never expected. It feels like, in just a few minutes, we’ve crossed an invisible line—turning our practicalarrangement into something far more complex… and potentially wonderful.
— Callum, I say softly, suddenly serious. Where is this going?
He takes my hand, his thumbs tracing soothing circles in my palm.
— Honestly? I’m not sure. It wasn’t in our contract, that’s for certain.
— No, I agree with a small laugh. I distinctly remember a clause about “no emotional complications.”
— Article 7, subsection B, he says with a faint smile. “Both parties agree to maintain a professional relationship and avoid any romantic attachment that could complicate the planned dissolution of the marriage.”
— You memorized the contract? I ask.
— I drafted it, he reminds me. I pay attention to details.
— So technically, what just happened…
— Is a violation of Article 7, subsection B, he confirms. But as a competent lawyer, I can argue there are mitigating circumstances.
— Really? And what might those be, Counselor McGregor? I ask, feigning seriousness.
He leans closer, his face inches from mine.
— The contract failed to anticipate that my temporary wife would be this captivating, intelligent… and irresistible.
My heart stumbles in my chest.
— Those are very mitigating circumstances indeed, I murmur.
— However, he continues more seriously, I think we should proceed with caution. We’ve known each other a short time, and our situation is… unique, to say the least.
— You’re afraid I’m confusing physical attraction with something deeper? I ask, a little defensive.
