The Billionaire's Reluctant Bride (The Blushing Brides Series Book 3)

by Elle E Kay

  “You won’t get any complaints from me.”

  It surprised him how readily she agreed to the plan. “Thanks for understanding.”

  “How could I not understand? Naturally, you should help people get home when it’s in your power to do so.”

  He had to stop comparing her to Nikki. He’d known she was nothing like the other woman, wasn’t that why he’d chosen to marry her in the first place? “I’m sorry.”

  “For?”

  “All of this. I shouldn’t have rushed the wedding. You deserved better.”

  “Stop it. I’m not a child. I married you of my own free will.”

  There was no question that she was correct, but sometimes it felt like he’d coerced her. Would she ever let her guard down? He hoped so. He wanted her at his side. A true partner. Taking her hand in his, he ran circles along her wrist with his thumb. If she wanted to take it slow, he would acquiesce, but he refused to allow them to drift further apart. She’d been avoiding any physical contact since he’d kissed her in the sand, but she’d been an enthusiastic participant. He remembered how her arms had snaked around his neck and how she’d pulled him closer like she couldn’t get near enough to him. He’d inwardly cursed the approaching yacht for its poor timing.

  He slid his arm around her and caressed her bare arm. For once, she didn’t break the contact. He sucked in a shaky breath when she snuggled closer. His woman was a study in contrasts.

  Addison sucked in a breath as Zach’s thumb made circles on her wrist. Every touch was sending shocks of pleasure through her system, and she was powerless to control them. She wiped her sweaty hands on her sundress. It was unreasonable to expect him not to touch her. He couldn’t possibly know the reaction his touch was inciting within her. She didn’t want him to stop, anyway. When his arm slid around her shoulders and he caressed her bare arm with the tips of his fingers, her toes curled in response.

  It would be easier to take things slow if she wasn’t so attracted to him. When he’d kissed her on the beach, she’d completely given in. She’d stopped fighting him, but then the boat had arrived and kept her from giving herself to her husband. It was a blessing and a curse. At least if she’d gone through with it, she would know if he would reject her, but she’d been granted a temporary reprieve. She recognized that she was wasting precious time she could spend in his arms, but her past rejection was traumatic, and she couldn’t seem to get past it. Her head told her Zach was trustworthy, but her heart wouldn’t let her trust.

  Her relationship with Seth had ended five years earlier when she’d told him she’d been saving herself for marriage. He’d laughed her to scorn, and she hadn’t heard from him since. It stung when she thought about it. Her head knew that the problem was with him, not her, but her heart ached. If there wasn’t something wrong with her, why couldn’t she keep a man?

  Cuddling closer to Zach, she let herself hope he differed from the other men she’d dated. If he was the same guy she’d spent her childhood with, he was her ideal man. All she had to do was find the courage to let him in. She rested her head on his shoulder and he pulled her closer. She sent up a silent prayer asking for what she believed to be impossible, but she knew even the impossible was possible with God, so she held out a shred of hope.

  Addison fiddled with her rings as she followed Amy through the mansion. Zach should’ve been the one giving her this tour.

  “Through here is the indoor swimming pool, the sauna, and the hot tub.”

  “Wow.” She was overwhelmed at the enormity of the place as she looked around. The odor of chlorine brought on a mild headache she knew would only worsen if she didn’t escape the smell soon.

  “Over there you’ll find the movie theater, and across from that is the gym. I can get you a fitness coach if you want one.” Amy offered.

  “I don’t think that will be necessary.” She grimaced at the thought of working with an over-zealous trainer. No. That definitely didn’t sound like her sort of thing.

  “Why is it again that Zach had to run off so quickly?”

  “A work emergency. It’s nothing too serious.”

  “What kind of work emergency does a computer guy have?”

  “Zach isn’t just a computer guy. He runs a multi-billion dollar international corporation. We received a request from the federal government, and Zach is the only one who can authorize the release of the information they’re asking for. He may deny the request until they get a warrant. It’s mostly in his discretion. He’s one of only three people who has access to the information they want.”

  “Wow. You make him sound rather important.”

  “He is. And he guards company secrets tightly. Apparently, he guards personal secrets too which is why I didn’t know about you until a month ago.”

  “Does he tell you everything?”

  “Not even close, but I think he tells me more than most.” Amy laughed. “He doesn’t let people in easily, but I’m guessing you’d know that since you’re one of the privileged few he trusts.”

  “Yeah. I suppose so.” She followed Amy through a long hallway.

  Amy nodded. “Why don’t we sit down and have a tall glass of lemonade? We can continue this tour later.”

  “That sounds delightful.” Addison gave the other woman a grateful smile.

  Amy stopped in the kitchen and gave instructions before showing her outside to a deck overlooking a large outdoor pool. She gestured to a table and chairs. “Let’s sit a spell.”

  “How many pools does one person need?” Addison picked a seat that wasn’t in the direct sun, and she leaned back in the chair closing her eyes for a moment. A few minutes later a young woman Amy had called ‘Misty’ brought their lemonades out along with a tray of sliced fruit. “Thank you, Misty,” Addison said, grateful for the sustenance.

  “Do you mind if I call you Addy?” Amy asked.

  “Not at all.” She smiled. “Only Zach calls me Addy, but I don’t mind it.”

  “I’m sure this is overwhelming, Addy, but don’t let it get to you. He’s the same country boy at heart.”

  “If you say so.” Addison squinted. “He seems more Beverly Hills than Lake Bethel to me. He’s changed so much I barely recognize him.”

  Amy grinned. “He may live in Beverly Hills, but he hasn’t been changed by it. Not where it counts.” She put her hand on Addison’s. “Trust me. He’s kind and down to earth, all this is window dressing. It’s nothing more than silly trappings to him. He’d be satisfied with a one bedroom shack.”

  “Now, that I have a hard time believing.”

  “It’s clear you love Zach, but I’m afraid he’s too dense to see it for himself, so you must come right out and tell him how you feel, or he’ll clam up, and the two of you will never make this marriage work. I know it’s none of my business.”

  Addison considered the other woman’s words. She didn’t know they hadn’t married for love. “You’re correct, it isn’t your business, but I sincerely appreciate the advice. I am out of my depth here.”

  “Please consider me a friend. Zach means the world to me, so I want him to be happy.” She made eye contact. “Which means I want you to be happy, as well.”

  After they snacked on fruit and yogurt, Amy finished the tour ending at the master bedroom. “I’ll leave you to it then. Margie should be here first thing tomorrow morning with some dresses for you to try on for tomorrow night’s reception.”

  “Right. A reception. What is it for?”

  “Your wedding, silly.”

  “We had a reception.”

  “Only a few people were at your reception on the island. This will be for everyone else.”

  “That sounds overwhelming for our second day back.”

  “I’m sorry about that. I should’ve scheduled it for next week. My bad. I got over-excited when I heard you were coming home early.”

  “It’s fine. Thanks.”

  Zach didn’t get home until after ten o’clock. The house was quiet, so he ascend
ed the stairs hoping to find Addison. He found her in the master bedroom. She lay on her stomach in the middle of his bed watching a movie on her laptop.

  He set his briefcase down on the long dresser and approached the bed. “What are you watching, darling?”

  “Beauty and the Beast.” She touched the space-bar to pause it, and sat up to face him.

  “The new version or the old one?”

  “The old one.”

  “Is it the same as you remember?”

  “It is.” She picked at her nail polish.

  “There’s a movie theater in the basement. You might want to give it a try.”

  “Amy showed me, but a private movie theater all to myself felt a little weird. Maybe I’ll try it when you’re around.”

  “I don’t know how much of the movie you’ll get to see if I’m around.”

  She shook her head. “All of it.”

  “I’m not so sure about that.” He yawned and stretched his arms overhead.

  “Long day, huh?” She rubbed the back of her neck.

  “Yes. It was.” He walked closer and grasped one of the columns on the mahogany four-poster bed. “How was your day?”

  “Awkward. It felt weird being shown around your house by your assistant.”

  “It’s our house,” He said in a quiet voice. “I’m sorry I wasn’t here to show you around.”

  “Amy explained why you had to be at work.” She rubbed her hands on her jeans. “I understand.”

  “Do you want to come downstairs with me? Or, if you’d rather, I can stay up here with you.”

  “I’ll come downstairs.”

  “I’m famished.” He moved to the doorway.

  “Marvin put a plate aside for you.” She scampered out of the bed.

  “How did you like his cooking?”

  “The food was outstanding, but it was weird having him cook for just me.”

  “He didn’t just cook for you. He had to cook for the rest of the staff and for me.”

  “Yes, but I was the only one at the dining room table.” She met him at the door and gave him a peck on the cheek.

  “That’s my normal.”

  “I’m sorry about that.” Little creases formed between her eyes when she frowned. “That shouldn’t be anyone’s normal.”

  “Don’t be sorry. My fortune is about to change. I can now share most of my meals with my enchanting wife.”

  They walked side by side down the hall, and then down the curved staircase, when she turned down the wrong hallway, he gently turned her around by slipping his arm around her waist and steering her the other way. “It’s this way to the dining room, love.”

  “Are you ever going to stop with the pet names?”

  “Not until you learn to appreciate them.”

  “I don’t think that’s going to happen, but I am getting used to them.”

  Chapter 10

  A ddison came out of the walk-in closet, looking stunning in a cream-colored dress fitted in the bodice and flared near the knees. She’d straightened her hair, and it had a lovely shine that begged him to touch it. She did a little twirl when she noticed him staring. “Do you like it?”

  “I do.” His voice came out huskier than usual. He cleared his throat.

  “The dress is Dior, and the shoes are Manolo Blank. I’m pretty sure they set you back more than I earn in a year.”

  “I don’t care about the money. You look incredible. Did you have fun today?”

  “No. I missed you. They forced me to try on clothes I’ll probably never wear, while surrounded by strangers. You should’ve seen the Versace dress they were pushing me to buy for tonight. Plunging neckline and a slit clean up to the hip.”

  “You should’ve gotten it to wear for my eyes only.” When she smacked his arm playfully, he feigned injury. “Your day wasn’t all bad, was it?”

  “It was a tad uncomfortable.” She took a deep breath and blew it out slowly. “But I got through it, and you’re here now. Besides, I have a closet full of brand-new designer clothes that cost more than most people make in a lifetime. Few girls would complain about that.”

  “It’s understandable that you were uncomfortable. I remember the first time I bought a designer suit, there were three people in the room, and I stood there amid them in nothing but my skivvies. It was most embarrassing. For me, it’s a necessary cost of doing business. It’s easier to look the part than it is to fight it. There are a few eccentric CEOs that prefer ripped t-shirts to business suits, but I don’t think I could pull that off.”

  She laughed. “I can picture your experience rather clearly after today.”

  “If you think that’s bad, you should’ve seen my face when I got a look at the price tag. I nearly lost my breakfast. These days I don’t even blink. Try not to think about it too much, and you’ll get used to it.”

  “I’m doubt that.”

  “I’m sorry about this last-minute reception, Amy didn’t mention it until after she’d sent the invites. She likely held out on purpose, so I couldn’t tell her no. She’s made it impossible for me to refuse.” He scowled into the mirror. “Unless I fake a sudden illness. I could do that.”

  “Please don’t.” She crossed the room wobbling a tad, as she struggled to stay upright in the sky high heels she wore. “Amy meant well.”

  “We had our reception on the island.”

  “That’s what I told her.” She fidgeted with her rings. “I’m sure she only wanted to make sure the press got pictures of us. Maybe she thought it would help you lose the playboy image.”

  “I don’t have a playboy image.”

  “Oh, yes. You do.”

  “Do not.”

  “Do so.” She grinned. “Stop arguing and I’ll help you with your bowtie.” She fiddled with his tie. “I like the suit. Armani?”

  “No, it’s Brioni.”

  “Well, you look devastatingly handsome in it.”

  He reached for her waist and held her still. “You think so?”

  She nodded, and he bent to taste her lips. “You are incredibly sexy.”

  Color rose to her cheeks. “Stop that.”

  “You’re adorable when you blush. I should make you do it more often.” When he drew her close, her delicate fragrance tickled his senses. “You’re sure to be the most beautiful woman in the room. I’m not sure I want to share you.” Zach was positive he wanted her all to himself.

  He wasn’t up to sharing his bride with a room full of men who would devour her with their eyes. Every muscle in his body tightened at the thought, but he forced himself to tamp down his emotions. She was a beautiful woman, but she wasn’t anything like Nikki or any of his previous girlfriends. Addy wouldn’t go looking for another man’s affection. She’d barely warmed up enough to accept his own attentions, but she’d agreed to marry him, so that was something. No. His wife was not the type of woman he would catch in a delicate situation with another man. He clenched his jaw. “I’d rather stay here. Alone. With you.”

  “You don’t have that option.”

  “What use are billions of dollars when you don’t get a say in your own life?”

  “Ask your assistant.” She slipped her arms around his waist, and his heart took a jolt. This was too good to be true. His lovely wife was initiating further physical contact. “Let’s try to enjoy the night, okay?”

  “Now that, I can do.” His arms tightened around her.

  “Don’t wrinkle my dress.”

  “How will I enjoy the night if I don’t get you wrinkled?” The words came out in a husky whisper.

  “You’re incorrigible.”

  Addison clung to Zach’s arm as he casually moved through the crowd of people. She hadn’t expected so many celebrities and politicians to be present. Her hands were sweaty, so she constantly dried them on her dress. She’d long ago lost count of how many people had shaken her hand or offered an unsolicited hug. After an hour of mingling her feet were killing her. Her gaze flitted around the room, and she was
overwhelmed by the sheer number of people present, many of whom she’d seen on her television screen, but never dreamed of meeting in real life. Glancing down at her designer clothing, she wondered for the umpteenth time that night if she was fitting into Zach’s lofty lifestyle.

  Amy must’ve noticed her angst because she approached them and linked arms with her. “Boss, I’m going to steal your wife away for a moment.”

  “Don’t go far.”

  “I promise not to abscond with your bride.”

  “Come. Let’s go sit down somewhere quiet.” Amy ushered her into a courtyard with a fountain. A few people milled about with drinks in hand, mingling among themselves, but they paid them no mind. “You looked like you could use a break.”

  “Thanks,” she said gratefully as she sat on the concrete wall surrounding the fountain and took off her shoes. She rubbed her sore feet. “I don’t think I’ve met so many people in my entire life.”

  “I felt the same way when I started working for Zach. It’s hard to get used to his lifestyle.”

  “Where are you from, Amy?”

  “I’m a Midwestern girl. Iowa.”

  “California must’ve been a big change.”

  “It was, but it’s worth it. I enjoy my work.”

  “You and Zach seem like close friends.”

  “We are, but he’s the boss, so it’s an untraditional friendship. I have to be careful how far I push him. Otherwise, he might fire me.”

  “I guess that’s true.” Addison giggled. “If he could’ve fired me this week, I think he would’ve.”

  “I can’t imagine that being true. I’ve never seen him so happy.”

  Addison doubted the truth of the other woman’s statement, but appreciated her words. “It’s been a frustrating week for him. He’s probably thinking of how he can send me back home without hurting me.”

  “I highly doubt it.” Amy got serious. “When he told me you were getting married, I initially had my doubts, but then he said you were his best friend, and you’d been planning this wedding for twelve years, I guessed the rest, and he confirmed it.”