The Enticing CEO’s Chosen Bride

Ever since he had confessed his feelings, he’d become a hermit of sorts,

spending most of his days tinkering in the kitchen, crafting all manner of comfort

food—from hearty meatloaf to creamy mashed potatoes—eager to please her

every craving.

If he wasn’t fussing over some recipe, he’d be pacing by her side, bombarding

her with questions about everything and nothing at all. The only time he ever

seemed to detach himself was to huddle in his home office, sifting through a pile

of paperwork from the company.

Nights were another story. They were tangled in sheets, his hands wandering,

as if he were trying to memorize every inch of her. And boy, did he run hot. In

Enter title…

the chill of winter, she would often wake in a sweat, overheated from his

furnace-like body.

It didn’t take long for Rose to feel smothered. He was just too clingy.

In response, she threw herself into a slew of activities. Swimming lessons,

which Morrison insisted on teaching himself, were a success, and within days

she was cutting through water with the ease of a natural. He followed her, albeit

reluctantly, to prenatal classes. They went through the motions every expectant

parent did—changing clothes, swapping diapers, bathing—a whole new world

for Morrison.

Initially, he felt embarrassed, but once he realized he was just one of many guys

there, he relaxed. Sometimes, he’d even puff his chest out in pride when he

mastered a task quicker than the others, much to Rose’s bemusement. She

never thought she’d see this side of Morrison, but despite sometimes feeling

overwhelmed by his attentiveness, she couldn’t help but be touched.d2

He was changing, all for her.

—

As her belly grew, so did the discomfort and mood swings. Morrison often found

himself on the receiving end of her unpredictable temper, subjected to the silent

treatment or an icy glare that seemed to come out of nowhere.

This passive-aggressive mastery was her weapon of choice.

Megan would swing by every so often, laden with nutritious treats for Rose and

a good-natured scolding for Morrison. According to her, he could do no right,

and Morrison, well, he just sucked it up and carried on.

One particular day, he made the mistake of leaving the bedroom window wide

open, and boy, did he hear about it.

“Ventilation’s all good and well,” Megan lectured, “but you’re practically

unhinging the window. What if Rose walks in and catches a cold from this draft?

Do you have any idea how dangerous that is for a pregnant woman? Do you

think they’re as robust as you, tumbling around like a bear?”

Rose glanced silently at Morrison, pursing her lips. A bear, really?

Morrison didn’t argue with Megan. Instead, he glanced at Rose and excused

himself, “I’ve got a pot roast in the oven. Better check on it.”

His expression was unreadable, perhaps a sign he’d grown accustomed to the

scolding.

him still carried a hint

his bed, now he had

company for a

When she returned, she headed

culinary creation, having just sealed the

steaming pot. His cooking skills had surged in recent weeks. If there

he set his mind to, he’d excel at it. As Rose wrapped her

he knew it was her. He held her hand for a moment before

eyes meeting

are you here?” he

in for a kiss, which

he released her, her cheeks flushed with

her waist and asked her the question

You’ve been catching so much flak because

holding onto his shirt.

sorry for me?” Morrison raised

you might start taking it

nodded solemnly, “Well, I’m keeping a tally.

collect on every

shyness in his eyes, which

possessed, caught

adam’s apple bobbed, and the hand on her

kiss her again, his voice husky. “I have

months. This is unbearable…”

permissible during pregnancy, he had been warned by

to overdo it. After an elaborate

doctor basically canceled

deeply regretted not having acted sooner, and

their marriage. It would have been best if

day, indulging in the

heart pounding wildly. Her face turned an

a beat at his words. “You…

restless.”

me up?”

spine. “Maybe I should stay away from you more, then

about these things all

won’t allow it. Wherever you go,

not even a

softly, her hands unconsciously

weren’t this horny

reach. Out of sight, out

had ensnared him completely, leaving him without a shred of selfcontrol. How could he resist

was there, in front of

by the delightful aroma wafting from the

asked,

You’ll love it,”

“When will it be ready?

wait.”

five more minutes,” he said, wrapping

watching

Rose’s eyes widened in realization. “Oh

they were still here.”

no need to come out. We won’t disturb your lovey-dovey time.”

the doorway, her voice

see Megan and Molly standing at

fixed

brings you

being cooped up upstairs any longer. You

you don’t want an accident happening at

turned a fiery

You rascal. Keep it in your pants.”

bear to scold Rose, so she turned and

mind.

lips together, feeling a shade embarrassed.

with them

it. He just hoped they would leave

compliant attitude, “Well, it’s

by in the blink of an eye. You’ve made it

can

a chance to rib Morrison. She shot him a chilly glance,

eyes filled with warning.

and Molly out, Rose could

she settled on the living room couch,

scrolling through

beside

screen.

dudes of that game of hers again.

he’d expressed his displeasure about

you love

has nothing to do with them. Behave, will ya? Stop

have to be for her to say

he couldn’t very well

her. After all, she was his little

least she took the

watched her play on her phone for a