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.

left, Molly’s gaze towards him still carried

now he had to

and Molly kept Rose company for a while, until Rose excused herself

restroom. When she returned, she headed

was busy tending to his culinary creation,

pot. His cooking skills had surged in recent weeks.

excel at it. As Rose wrapped her

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

eyes meeting

here?” he

in for a kiss, which he deepened, taking

released her,

and asked her

just… You’ve been catching so much flak

holding onto his shirt.

sorry for me?” Morrison raised an

worried you might start taking it out on me one

solemnly, “Well, I’m keeping a tally. Once you

to collect on every bit

the shyness in his

she possessed, caught her

adam’s apple bobbed, and the hand

to kiss her again, his voice husky. “I

months. This is unbearable…”

during pregnancy, he

last check-up not to overdo it. After

basically

regretted not having acted sooner, and not

their marriage. It would

and day, indulging in the ecstasy

sent Rose’s heart pounding wildly. Her face turned an

red, her heart skipping a beat

restless.”

else but you stirs me up?” he

I should stay away from you

things

“I won’t allow it. Wherever

you, not even

her hands unconsciously smoothing

this horny

were out of reach. Out

ensnared him completely, leaving him without a shred of selfcontrol. How

in front of

were interrupted by the delightful

she asked, leaning

love it,” he

and nodded eagerly. “When will it be ready?

wait.”

more minutes,” he said, wrapping his arms

watching the pot

Rose’s eyes widened in realization. “Oh

they were still here.”

here, no need to come out. We won’t

the doorway, her voice

turned around to see Megan and Molly standing

eyes fixed

what brings you

upstairs any longer. You two carry

accident

cheeks turned a fiery

Keep it in your

Rose, so she turned and gave Morrison a

mind.

pressed his lips together, feeling

arguing with them

to it. He just hoped they would leave

seemed satisfied with his compliant attitude,

most. It’ll fly by in the blink of an eye. You’ve made it through all

you can handle three more

missed a chance to rib Morrison.

eyes filled with warning.

Megan and Molly out, Rose could finally indulge in

of stew. Then she settled on

scrolling through

sat beside her, catching a glimpse of

screen.

dudes of that game of hers again. He didn’t know

about this, but

love

you has nothing to do with

have to be

that comment, he couldn’t very well

his little queen. She said to

she took the

watched her play on her phone for a while, but he couldn’t stand