A Wife by Accident by Victoria Ashe Read Free Book Online

corner of his lips.
    “It’s a side-effect that couldn’t be helped.” Hayely smiled. Or at least threatened to.
    “If you’re wondering,” Gary said, “I hope I’m keeping up my end of the bargain, too. I’ve been pleased—more than pleased with how you’ve held up yours. You’ve proven yourself to be an intelligent, attractive woman. You had a talent or two hidden away that I hadn’t suspected and—I’m trying to say you’re an asset.”
    A furrow crossed Hayely’s brow and as such an “attractive woman” he worried she might make a snappy comeback about sexual harassment in the workplace. She looked with widened eyes at the man in front of her.
    “You said I’ve ‘proven’ myself. But what was your first impression of me, Gary? I want the honest truth. Did you think I looked frumpy? Unattractive? Dimwitted?”
    Gary’s low laughter subsided into a chuckle as he ran his hand along his chin. “I didn’t mean it that way. I’ve never seen any woman less frumpy. The day we met I wasn’t thinking of anything other than a means to an end. It’s inexcusable. I apologize.”
    Hayely’s hand fluttered to her mouth. “No, I’m the one who’s sorry. I don’t know why I even let myself ask that. I shouldn’t have. Bottled insecurities tend to push their container’s cork skyrocketing at the strangest times.”
    Gary studied her eyes, full of a subsiding emotion that looked like splinters of crystal. He thought strangely about reaching out to smooth back her hair, then thought the better of it. She might take it the wrong way. There would be no right way to take it.
    “It must have been bothering you,” he said at length. “Whoever gave you the idea you were unattractive?”
    “Something petty I overheard today. And all the things you said that day I ran into you.”
    “As I said, my mind was on my problems that day. Did I mention I’m often stupid and inept around women?” he asked with a low chuckle.
    “This is a really inappropriate conversation,” Hayely said with a start. “I think being in this house together makes things seem more casual than they are sometimes.”
    Gary nodded. “I’m sure that’s it. But before we go back to strictly business, let me say this. Hayely , you look like a modern-day 1940s movie star without the ego. The way you dress, the way you carry yourself.” He paused and looked at her expression closely. “That’s all.”
    “I appreciate that you’re trying to make me feel better.” She closed her eyes as if some great tragedy had befallen her and then quickly opened them again.
    “Don’t mention it.” Gary cleared his throat. “Now what can I do for you?”
    “I wanted to ask about my room. You can move my things into whichever one you like. I have to tell you I’m hoping for one with a fireplace and a nice view of the grounds, though. Since I’ve got to live here, might as well make it good.”
    “You’re not going to fight me on this?” he asked.
    “What would be the point? You’re the boss.”
    Gary watched until she disappeared down the winding staircase, her stocking feet making no noise at all. He shook his head silently.
    He’d avoided complications that might interfere with his focus on the company like a contagious disease all his life. So how was it that he suddenly had a shopping, decorating, cooking, laughing woman living in his home? How was it that he’d become so bent on keeping a childhood promise that he’d blocked everything else from his mind? Still, he had to go through with the plan. He hoped Hayely understood and didn’t loathe him for it.
    “You’re getting soft, Tarleton,” he said to himself before he turned to go take that shower.

 
     
     
     
    Chapter Four
    Hayely had never considered it possible that she could be more miserable outside her father’s house than in it. In the span of a month, she’d turned her life into a giant disaster and didn’t know exactly how to go about correcting the