Hitched (Imperfect Love Book 2) by Kendall Ryan Read Free Book Online Page B

there’s such a thing as baring too much too soon. Or possibly at all.
    I already know we’re compatible when it comes to the major stuff—politics, religion, and work ethic—but I’m starting to think that together in the bedroom, we’d be explosive. She tries to deny it, but the way her body responds to me is ridiculous. Not to mention the desperate way I crave her luscious ass and her perky tits, even her smart mouth is ridiculous. I’m normally a hit-it-and-quit-it type of guy. Once I’ve had a taste, I’m done and on to the next course. But something tells me that with Olivia, once wouldn’t be nearly enough.
    First, though, I need to know how she’s feeling about all of this. With the threat of Brad’s blackmail looming over us, demanding all our attention, I’ve barely gotten a chance to talk to her about the wedding, the contract, and especially the baby-making that needs to happen. We need to discuss this elephant in the room like mature, responsible adults.
    “So, how do you feel about kids?” I ask.
    Her eyebrows shoot up. “Kids?”
    I nod slowly, now confused as well as nervous. Why is she so shocked?
    “I, um . . . well, I guess I haven’t really thought about them,” she stammers.
    My stomach grows uneasy. How in the fuck has she not thought about it? This is Olivia, the woman who weighs every decision with a list of pros and cons. Her childhood letters to Santa were probably formatted in official memo style with bulleted requests.
    “Why? You’re not thinking about . . .” She’s so flustered that she leaves the rest of her sentence unfinished.
    Of fucking course I’m thinking about it. We have a contractual obligation to fulfill. Period.
    Then realization slams into me all at once.
    Holy. Fuck.
    “On the day of our wedding, did you read the contract or did you just sign it?” I ask, trying to keep my tone neutral.
    She shrugs, curling her legs under her on the couch. “Signed it. I already knew what it said. Dad and Prescott must have explained everything a hundred times at all those meetings we had.”
    I never expected Olivia of all people to sign a contract without reading it. I’m so stunned that I just stay quiet as the minutes tick past and we continue sipping our wine.
    I try to calm down and think through this. But I’m stumped. The contract is finalized now—we’re legally bound. We’ve been legally bound for almost a week at this point. And now that I’ve been quiet about it for so long . . . how do I tell her without making it seem like I was lying all along?
    Plus, I’m ninety-nine percent sure she’ll rip up the contract and storm off, and the deal will fall apart. I can’t let that happen. No inheritance means no second chance from the board. Which, in turn, means that everyone at Tate & Cane—innocent people like Rosita, who depend on the jobs we provide—will be royally fucked.
    I can’t let anything happen to jeopardize this deal. I can’t afford to take even the smallest risk. I’ll just have to win Olivia over with my charm and let it all happen naturally. Well, as natural as impregnating your fake wife can be.
    Besides, even if I told her about the heir clause and she miraculously didn’t go nuclear, that would just put pressure on her to get pregnant for our company’s sake. Having a kid wouldn’t be a free choice. It’s better if I pitch her the idea on its own merits.
    I’m up to the task, right? I’ve already done something similar; she used to hate my guts, and it took me less than a month to woo her into marrying me. Changing her mind about kids will be a lot tougher, but I just have to take things up another notch. Really put my back into it. Be my most charming, appealing self. If anyone can make a woman fall in love, deep enough to start a family . . .
    But Olivia isn’t just any woman. I suppress a despairing groan. Fuck me sideways . . . I’ve got my work cut out for me.
    What in the hell do I do now?
    “So, what else is