The CEO's Contractual Wife

Alexander stood in the doorway, dressed in nothing but a pair of black boxer briefs that hugged his muscular thighs and did little to hide the impressive bulge between them. My eyes traveled involuntarily up his body, taking in his chiseled abs, broad chest, and strong shoulders.

“Jesus, I blurted before I could stop myself. “Ever heard of knocking?”

He smirked, clearly aware of the effect his near–nakedness was having on me. “Sorry. Just wanted to check if you had everything you need.”

“I’m fine,” I said, crossing my arms over my chest to hide my hardening nipples. “Just tired.”

His eyes dropped briefly to my chest before returning to my face. “The bed in here isn’t very comfortable.”

“It looks fine to me.”

A

Trust me, it’s not. The mattress is too firm.” He leaned against the doorframe. “My bed’s better. King–sized, memory foam…”

I raised an eyebrow. “Are you inviting me to sleep with you, Mr. Carter?”

Just offering the more comfortable option, Ms. Morgan.” His lips quirked. “Unless you’re afraid you can’t control yourself around me.”

“Please,” I scoffed. “I think I can manage to sleep next to you without jumping your bones.”

“Prove it,” he challenged, eyes glinting with amusement.

I hesitated, weighing my options. The guest bed did look a bit stiff, and after the long day we’d had, a good night’s sleep sounded heavenly. Plus, we’d already shared a bed once before…

Fine,” I said with an exaggerated sigh. “But only because I value my back.”

Of course. Just looking out for your spinal health.”

master bedroom. The king–sized bed dominated the space, its navy duvet turned down invitingly. Through the wall of windows, the ocean stretched endlessly, moonlight

comfortable mattress I’d ever experienced. “Oh my god,”

sliding in beside me. “Worth sharing with me,

get cocky. It’s just

mattress,” he corrected, settling

could feel his body heat radiating across the space between us. I was acutely aware of his near–nakedness, the thin sheet doing little to disguise his

he said

onto my side

1/3

focus on sleep. The mattress really was incredible, cradling my body perfectly. The gentle sound of waves crashing against the rocks below created a

But I couldn’t sleep.

was hyperaware of his presence: the subtle dip in the mattress from his weight, the faint scent

find a more comfortable position without disturbing him. The sheets whispered

as I moved.

deep voice rumbled through the

“Sorry. Did

fallen asleep yet.” The mattress shifted as he turned toward me. “Can’t turn your brain

I turned around, I’d be looking directly at his bare chest, and I wasn’t

“What’s keeping you up?”

situation. The fact that I was in bed with my boss. The contract. The arrangement. The way my body reacted

thinking about

“Liar,” he said softly.

at the ceiling. “Fine. I’m

“Having second thoughts?”

I said quickly.