His hands held hers near his own heart. “Tomorrow, the day after that, whenever you want.”
Perhaps seeing Galen outside of his palace-like home would make her remember he was normal and this was just a taste of luxury. “Tomorrow, but I’ll plan the date. We won’t do anything fancy.”
“Great.” Galen sounded casual and calm, which was the opposite of her.This was it.She slipped the shoulders of her dress off and stared into Galen’s dark eyes that seemed to blaze as he glanced down at her. “You’re even more beautiful than I imagined.”
The way his pupils dilated sent a surge of desire through her, but she continued to talk fast. “I’ve seen your new sister-in-law. I’m not that in shape. My only exercise is roller blading, and I do like my three o’clock chocolate break.”
His hands swept across her sides and he pulled her closer. “Believe me, it’s enough.”
Then his lips met hers and she wrapped her arms around his neck. No one had ever kissed her like this and her nerves disappeared, leaving her warm and needy. As the kiss ended, she tugged him toward the bed. “Wow, Galen.”
He laughed and showed that sexy dimple of his. “Natalie, we’re just getting started.”
“I’m all yours.” Her nerves dissipated and turned to scorching desire. She stepped out of her dress and climbed onto the bed.
He unbuttoned his shirt, revealing his six pack abs. “I’m planning on that.”
Yes. Good. Now her heart was warm and that heat went through her entire body. She’d wanted Galen for a year and finally they were together.
Parrots serenaded outside the window. Natalie’s entire body was warm—her skin still tingled from last night’s lovemaking. She slowly opened her eyes, entranced by the bright blue waters of Biscayne Bay, and realized the sun was higher in the sky than normal. She bolted straight up, shaking the bed and Galen who slept beside her.
She froze, and hoped she hadn’t woken him. However, his brown eyes fluttered open and he stared at her as he stretched. Her anxiety returned, and her voice sped. “Good morning. Wow it’s late. I’ll be in the office an hour later, if that’s okay.”
He sat up and took her hand in his, kissed it and didn’t care that he was completely naked in his white sheets beside her. His massively muscular chest caught her attention and sent a different thrill through her as he finished a small stretch. “Natalie, relax. You can have the day off, paid if you like. I need to talk to you.”
Her pulse zipped, and she told herself to sound calm and collected. She took a deep breath and realized that some woman in black pants and a black shirt set up a breakfast for them, including a pair of coffee mugs and two juice glasses. She hugged the sheets to her chest. “Okay, is that coffee being set up on the patio?”
He nodded. Then he stood, not caring that his bare butt was visible, though it was all muscular and would make any woman swoon if she saw it on her television. He walked into his closet and threw on a pair of sweats. She held the sheets close when he returned and sat beside her. “Would you like breakfast first?”
Be calm. She leaned closer to him and lowered her head, remembering she was with Galen here. “I’m not used to sleeping over at any guy’s house. I don’t know how I was that comfortable.”
He took her hands and helped her stand. “Relax. Come, have breakfast. The beignets are my favorite.”
His voice was so calm. It sent a vibe through her to stay calm too. She looked at him again and saw caring in his expression. She stood. “Okay. Fair enough. My car is at home. Can I borrow something to wear?”
“Go into the closet.” He didn’t say a word about her carrying his sheets to cover her like a toga.
Perhaps in her own house, she’d feel more confident to walk naked like he did, but he had staff. Who knew what anyone saw outside on the patio? Once inside Galen’s closet, Natalie saw a woman’s suit, in a clear plastic bag, hung on the rack. It was her size. Every part of her shook. Someone knew she had spent the night. She popped her head out of the closet. “What is this?”
He shrugged. “My staff must have brought something for you to change into. It’s yours.”
She glanced at the label and saw the fashion house icon and knew instantly. “I can’t. It’s the House of Morgan.”
“That is my family.” He winked and walked into the closet with her.
She squeezed her eyes shut. “This is too expensive for my salary.”
His rubbed her arms until she opened her eyes, and then he leaned his forehead on hers. “Natalie, it’s just a gray suit, likely free from the warehouse. It’s not a big deal.”
His world and hers worked differently. No one went to pick up something at a warehouse for her guests when they spent the night. But then she recalled how her father always brought her mom flowers from the grocery store just because she loved them—it was the thought that counted, and not the price tag. Natalie gave a slow nod. “Thanks.”
Once he let her go, she slipped into the adjoining bathroom and her eyes rounded in surprise. There was a tub that sank into the marble floor and matching curtains to the bedroom. To her right, there were double sinks, and across from her a walk-in glass shower that was almost a separate room.
She hung the suit on the door, folded the sheet that was around her, and gingerly tested the shower. The steam relaxed her muscles.
Soon she was clean and dressed in the knee-length gray power suit. She joined Galen on the patio, where Galen sipped his coffee, and he poured her a cup. She eyed the warm gooey French beignets with powdered sugar spread all over the plate. She looked at Galen again and asked, “How do you stay in shape if you eat this?”
He winked at her.
