“I shall save my talent for undressing, then,” he teased, relaxing back on the sofa. He was still watching her, just to make sure she didn’t trip and fall over something and hurt herself again—this was Taylor, after all.
Her cheeks pinked and she headed toward the bedroom again. “I think I’ll start with the smallest size and see how that one works. Be right back.”
“Stay off your ankle,” he called to her.
“Nag, nag, nag,” she yelled back, closing the door behind her.
He grinned to himself. Already his stay in the States had gotten vastly more entertaining, and it was simply due to the fact that she was around. Was he being selfish insisting that she stay with him when she had work to do? Perhaps. Gretchen or one of her other female friends could more easily take care of her if she needed bathing or some such, but to be honest, the thought of helping her gave him a strange sense of . . . pleasure. She didn’t have anything he hadn’t already seen—or licked—and he could just as easily help her around as another person.
He wasn’t even doing this for the sex . . . though that definitely was a factor to consider when she was feeling better. He was just being a good friend—
Oh, blast. He couldn’t even lie to himself.
He was enjoying Taylor’s presence because he needed a bride and her temporary need for supervision fit in perfectly with his plans.
Ever since the minister had joked that Loch needed an unsuitable American bride, he hadn’t been able to get the thought out of his head. If he needed an “unsuitable” American, she was perfect. Taylor was cute and bubbly, but she was also a bit loud, had a tendency to say whatever crossed her mind regardless of how appropriate it was, and she liked all kinds of strange things like her game and dressed like she was an extra on a science-fiction television show.
He liked sex with Taylor. That was a definite plus.
Taylor was also very trusting. That was also a plus. She was sexy without being overly flirty, giving, and fun to talk to. He wouldn’t have to worry about her going behind his back to discuss foreign affairs, or checking on his accounts. She wouldn’t be jockeying to go to royal affairs all over the globe like some of his more henpecked cousins’ wives. Put a computer in front of Taylor and she’d be perfectly happy. She was easy to please.
She had great tits. He thought about them again, and his mouth watered. His cock stiffened in his trousers and he pulled a pillow over his lap. Not appropriate at the moment, but he couldn’t overlook the fact that his physical attraction to Taylor was one of the things that made this strange idea of an impromptu marriage so appealing. If it were anyone else, he wouldn’t consider the idea.
But Taylor? Taylor had merit.
There were a few drawbacks to the plan, of course, namely that he’d need to divorce her the moment things died down again. Her feelings would probably be a little hurt, but by then they’d likely be so sick of each other she’d be grateful to separate.
There was the question of money, as well. As in, he had a fair amount and she did not. He actually wasn’t sure how much he had, but given that the hotel room he was staying in was bigger than her entire apartment building’s floor, it was a safe bet that they had a significant difference in income levels. She didn’t seem like the type that would care, but his accountant would. Best to just get it all taken care of cleanly. He’d ask for a prenup, just to be on the safe side. He’d bet Taylor wouldn’t mind.
And really, she never had to know it was all a plan on his end just to destroy his own eligibility. She thought he was just visiting family in the States. No more needed to be said about his real reasons for being there.
She wandered back out a moment later, the new set of pajamas fitting her perfectly. Too perfectly, he noticed, because he could see her breasts sway under the fabric as she hobbled toward him.
He got up and moved to her side. “Let me carry you.”
“Don’t be stupid. I can walk.”
“I told you to stay off your ankle,” he said, and hauled her into his arms. She squealed and wriggled delightfully against him, and his cock got hard again. So he swatted her bottom. “Behave or I’m going to spank you.”
“And that’s punishment?” She wiggled against him again.
“It’s torture for both of us, you little minx. I’m not shagging you while you’re injured.” His cock had other ideas, especially with her so soft in his arms.
“Party pooper.”
He gently set her down on one of the sofas and tucked blankets around her. “You’re not to get up for anything unless you have my permission.”
Her brows went up. “That so?”
“That’s right.”
“And what happens if I don’t, again?” She ran a finger over the blanket. “A spanking? Much punishment, so wow?”
“What?”
“Guess you’re not up on your Doge. Never mind.” She gave him a mischievous look. “I have to admit, though, telling me you’re going to spank me if I misbehave isn’t exactly the way to get me to behave.”
“I will steal the television remote and force you to watch documentaries about the environment.”
She made a face. “You win this round.”
“Believe me, I take no pleasure in this win.” He leaned over the couch and stuffed a pillow behind her back. “Are you hungry? Thirsty? Shall I get you your laptop?”
Taylor glanced down at the blanket and toyed with the edges. “Food sounds good.”
No computer? For a self-professed computer nerd, she wasn’t in a hurry to get to her keyboard. Maybe her head hurt worse than she was letting on? He immediately felt remorse for hauling her around and teasing her. She might act sassy but it didn’t mean she wasn’t injured. He brushed a lock of hair off her forehead. “Want room service or cereal?”