I narrowed my eyes, sure she’s seen my cock before, but I’d never been starkers in front of her. Had I? “Have you been spying on me in the shower? Is there a camera set up in there? You know that’s illegal, right? That’s voyeurism.”
She grinned. “Oh, how quickly you forget about the charity calendar.”
That’s right. The hockey hotties calendar I and a few other teammates took part in. I got to be Mr. February, and yes, I posed fully nude except for a heart-shaped box of chocolates I held in front of my junk. “Don’t tell me you have a calendar.”
“Of course I do. My sister gave them to both of us for Christmas. She thought it was hilarious.”
“And who was your favorite month?”
“Well, it was a toss-up.”
“What?” I was on my way to being offended.
“I’m kidding. February, of course. Your tattoos really stood out.”
“Well, that’s just not fair.”
“What isn’t?”
“You’ve seen all of me. I want to see all of you.”
“Sorry, you’re out of luck. Besides, you got naked for charity. Anyone who bought that can see you.”
“Most of me. The important bits were covered. Consider this charity to me. I’m buying you—” I cut myself off at the look in her eyes. “Oh, lass, I’m sorry. I was just joking. I took it too far.”
She shut down, her brow furrowing. “Don’t call me a whore for taking money from you.”
“I didn’t mean it like that. I’m sorry.”
Her shoulders stiffened. “No, that’s fine. Maybe that is what I am.”
I was across the room in two seconds flat, pulling her against my chest without even thinking about it. “I’m not buying you. I’m not paying you to do anything with me or be anyone you don’t want to be.”
“You’re paying me to be your wife.”
“We’re helping each other. That’s different. I’m investing in your business. I don’t expect you to take off your clothes for me. Yes, we need to pretend that we’re in love while we’re here, but that’s as far as it goes. I don’t expect anything more.”
Surprisingly, she didn’t release me. Just held me closer and nestled her face into my chest.
“Okay. I’m sorry I freaked out.”
“It’s fine. You didn’t freak out.”
“Yeah, I did. Let’s go downstairs. There’s still a lot of house for you to show me.”
“True. And the grounds, and the stables, and the gardens.”
“Oh, stables?”
I cocked a brow. “That piqued your interest? Aye, stables. Do you fancy a ride?”
“If I get the chance to see you on a horse, sign me up.”
I released her, then gave her a little swat on the arse. “Go get yourself cleaned up. I’ll meet you downstairs. I’m sure Mum has already laid out an entire platter of snacks for us. She’s not happy unless she’s feeding someone.”
“Okay. I won’t be long.”
“I’ll be waiting.” I winked at her and couldn’t stop myself from smiling as she headed into the bathroom.