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.

towards him still carried a hint of

his bed, now he had to lie in

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

she headed

culinary

His cooking skills had surged in recent weeks.

he’d excel at it. As Rose

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

meeting

you here?” he asked, his

a kiss,

her, her cheeks flushed

and asked her

much

holding onto his shirt.

for me?”

you might start taking it out on

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

to collect on every bit

again; the shyness in his

caught her off

apple bobbed, and the hand on her waist tightened a bit.

down to kiss her again, his voice husky. “I have to

months. This is unbearable…”

it’s permissible during pregnancy, he had been warned by the

their last check-up not to overdo it. After

basically canceled

acted sooner,

marriage. It would have

and day, indulging in the ecstasy

wildly. Her face turned an even

her heart skipping a beat at his words.

restless.”

you stirs me up?” he countered, his touch sending shivers

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

these things

“I won’t allow it. Wherever you go,

not

laughed softly, her hands unconsciously smoothing over his

weren’t this

out of reach.

completely, leaving him without a shred of selfcontrol.

in front of him, every

were interrupted by the delightful aroma wafting

she asked,

love it,” he assured

inhaled the scent and nodded eagerly. “When

wait.”

more minutes,” he said, wrapping his arms around her as

watching the

realization. “Oh no. Megan and Molly,

they were still here.”

to come out. We won’t disturb your

her voice

of them turned around to see Megan

fixed

brings you

being cooped up upstairs any

an accident happening

cheeks turned a fiery

Keep it

so she turned and gave Morrison a piece

mind.

feeling a shade embarrassed.

really didn’t feel like arguing with them now. Once they started, there was

just hoped they

his compliant attitude, “Well, it’s only three

blink of an eye. You’ve made it through all

can handle

to rib Morrison.

eyes filled with warning.

seeing Megan and Molly out, Rose could finally indulge

settled on

scrolling through

up and sat beside her, catching a glimpse of

screen.

game of hers again. He didn’t know how

expressed his displeasure about this, but Rose hadn’t

love me

do with them.

to be for her

couldn’t very well keep complaining. And he didn’t

his little queen. She said to stop fussing,

took the

phone for a while, but he couldn’t