Love Beyond the Mask novel Chapter 37

Natalie brimmed with confidence. "Don’t worry, I’m a die-hard fan of romance novels. The push and pull of love, the fiery passion, the golden rule: they may spar in the living room, but they reconcile in the bedroom. I know how to set up a whirlwind romance better than anyone."

Taryn could not help but think that the super fan, Natalie's confidence might be a bit misplaced.

In the room, a tall man stood by the bed, where a soft bundle lay, breathing out a sweet warmth.

She preferred to sleep on her stomach, he had noticed. Her curves arched invitingly, delicate hands softly curled in her inky hair, her fair face tinged with a rosy flush.

She was undeniably beautiful, pure, and delicate, yet utterly captivating.

His breathing grew heavy, and he could not help but loosen his tie. Beneath his fine shirt, his muscles tensed ever so slightly.

There was no computer in the room. Was she not supposed to be here to work on her designs?

The man lay beside her, pulling her into his arms. This was the first time for them to share a bed.

Before, there had only been a distance between them, a formality as they sat on the sofa in the bedroom.

To his surprise, his hand brushed something soft - the tail attached to her pajamas. Her hat even had little ears.

Lifting the blanket, his gaze darkened as he saw what she was wearing. What was she implying with this?

A fire ignited in his chest, spreading through his limbs.

Something was not right.

His Adam’s apple bobbed as he suddenly remembered the soup Taryn had given him. How sharp he was, instantly suspecting who might be behind this trickery.

His head throbbed, desire heating his eyes as he leaned down to capture her lips in a kiss, gentle at first, then deepening...

Whitney woke up to the kiss, her breath stifling as she pushed against a solid ‘wall.’

Gaining clarity, she opened her wide eyes to see a shadowy figure above her. "Who are you?"

"It's me," the man murmured with a low, husky laugh.

"L... What are you doing?" Whitney realized the nature of his kiss and suddenly remembered the woman on the phone and the woman in his car. Her face cooled as she pushed him away.

Thinking she was startled, the man gripped her delicate wrist, his voice low and teasing, "You invite me to this kind of hotel, dressed like that. What do you think I’m going to do, Madam?"

"What are you talking about? It was you who asked me to bring you something. Never mind that now, get up!"

"What if I say no?" He pressed down on her.

Whitney felt stifled, noting his body's unusual heat and strength in his muscles.

"What's the matter with you?"

"Touch my forehead," he asked, lifting her soft hand.

She did, and it was alarmingly hot.

He propped himself on his elbow, his eyes smoldering, "The old lady tricked me into drinking that soup.

I had drinks before, which only made things worse. What should we do now, Madam?"

He leaned close, his breath warm on her ear.

Startled, Whitney realized it was like the night they first met.

She frowned and pushed him away, planning to grab her medical kit, but then remembered they were not at home.

"Go take a shower. I'll think of something," she said seriously.

"What kind of something?" He asked, encircling her waist with his arm, his head nuzzling her shoulder.

"A little over a month," he murmured, referring to their child.