My arms looped around his neck.
I pressed a soft kiss just beneath his ear.
“You’re very bossy,” I whispered.
“And you like it,” he replied calmly.
And I did. The walls were crashing down. For good or bad, for me, they were gone. And neither of us was pretending anymore.
20
RAPHAEL
The next morning, I woke tangled in the limbs of this remarkable woman. She was not a dainty sleeper, and I suited her. She had one leg slung over mine, curling into my side, drool on her pillow, and a soft snore. It was perfection.
I managed to extricate myself from her to take a quick shower. By the time I made it into my office, Chandler and Geoffrey were already there. Waiting for me on my desk was coffee and a breakfast sandwich from a little shop down.
“Sir,” Chandler said as he pulled up his tablet. “I need to double-check plans for the grand opening tomorrow.”
I sat down and took a sip of coffee. How had I almost forgotten?
“I have a car coming for you and Mrs. Renault.”
I looked at him with my head cocked in surprise. “I have not asked her.”
Chandler and Geoffrey exchanged a look I didn’t much care for. These two were up to something.
“Well, being that she is your wife,” Geoffrey said carefully.
“And you seem to have feelings for her,” Chandler added.
My eyes shot to him.
He merely put his hands up. “Is she in your bed right now or not?”
I sipped my coffee as I glared at him.
“Be as mad as you want, but I get the feeling that enchanting creature has never been wined and dined. Perhaps it is time you show her the Renault Hospitality. She is our guest after all.”
He was right. I knew he was. I was almost positive she’d never been treated how a woman like her should be treated.
“Sir, I’m afraid I agree with Chandler. In fact, she has a dress coming today. All you have to do is pick up some flowers and chocolates. The rest is taken care of,” he said in his proper British way.
“Well, we will leave you to it,” Chandler said as they left.
They were right. I did need to take her out, and the grand opening was the perfect opportunity.
I stood from my desk and walked down the hall to my room. When I opened the door, she was just starting to wake.
“Belle.”
She sat up fully and looked at me before wiping the sleep from her eye . . . and drool from her mouth. I suddenly felt very nervous. This was all too real. I hadn’t maneuvered feelings like this in years, and I had forgotten how.
“Tomorrow you will be my date for the grand opening of the hotel in Columbus."
“Me?” she asked, fully awake now and more than a little shocked.
“Yes. I have ordered you a gown, and you will accompany me.”
