Chapter 44: Please Forgive My Husband
Summer’s POV
“June” Brandon said, eyeing the. “We were both born in June, when summer really begins… You grandpa don’t call you that now
does het
I shook my head, something warm unfurling in my chest at the way he said it. The nickname Grandpa used to use felt different coming from Brandon’s lips more intimate somehow, like a sectetured between us.
His dark eyes studied my reaction, and something is that intense ger made my pulse skip. The way he watched me cataloging every micro–expression, every subtle shift in my features should have been unnerving. Instead, I found myself holding my breath, waiting for his verdict.
“Good“1
That dangerous hall–smile played at his lips, the one that never failed to make my stomach do complicated flips. “It suits you. His voice dropped lower, carrying that velvet–soft quality that sent shivers down my spine. “My June.”
–
Aty June. The possessive note in his voice made heat creep up my neck. It was better than v wife, at least that title he’d been using all day that made me hyper–aware of our new status. But there was something about the way he said this nickname, like he was claiming it as something just between us, that made my heart race even faster.
I tried to distract myself by watching him navigate Whole Foods. His long fingers moved with surprising delicacy as he tested the ripeness of a peach, and I caught myself staring at the way his rolled up sleeves revealed his forearms. Stop it, I scolded myself. They re just forearms.
These need to be eaten fresh,” he said, expertly examining s
some heirloom tomatoes. Three days maximum.”
I quickly put back the extra ones I’d grabbed “Oh, right. I didn’t think about that,”
His eyes caught mine, that hint of amusement I was starting to recognize dancing in their depths. “First time grocery shopping properly?”
“Hey! 1 shop for groceries!” But even I had to admit my usual shopping habits involved a lot more instant meals and a lot less… whatever that exotic–looking vegetable was that he’d just added to our cart.
I was so busy watching him examine an artichoke (who knew vegetables required such careful inspection?) that I didn’t notice the runaway shopping cart until it was too late.
“Ow!” The metal frame caught my leg hard enough to make me stumble. Brandon’s arm shot out to steady me, but the dantage was already done,
“Oh my god, I’m so sorry!” A harried–looking woman hurried over, her bag swinging wildly as she tried to corral a child who seemed more interested in his iPhone than the havor his mother’s cart had caused. “I was just trying to stop him from are you okay?”
Before could respond, Brandon was already crouching to examine my leg, his touch surprisingly gentle as he checked for injury. “Does it hurt?”
I’m fine, I started to say, but couldn’t quite suppress a wince as his fingers found a tender spot. But it wasn’t what I was focused on – it was the way Brandon’s jaw clenched when he saw my reaction to the pain, the barely perceptible tightening of his fingers on my waist.
“Brandon,” I said softly, resting my hand on his shoulder. The expensive fabric of his shirt couldn’t quite hide how tense his muscles were. Really, I’m okay.”
His dark eyes met mine, and the intensity in them made my breath catch. We stayed like that for a moment, caught in some strange bubble where the bustling store around us seemed to fade away. Then his hand moved from my waist to brush against my cheek, so
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Chapter 44: Please Forgive My Husband
quickly I might have imagined it if not for the lingering warmth of his touch.
“I’m really sorry!” The woman was still apologizing, though her voice faltered slightly when Brandon straightened to his full height, his expression making the temperature around us drop several deg. Should we do you need a doctor?
“It’s okay,” 1 said quickly, reengnizing the look in Brandon’s eyes. “Rolly, I’m fine. These things happen.”
The woman glanced between us, clearly picking g up on Brandon’s displeasure. “Are you sure? I could…
“We’re fine.” Brandon’s tone could have frozen hell itself. The wong beat a hasty retreat, practically dragging her oblivious child behind her.
an accident.”
“You didn’t have to scare her,” I said, trying to take a step and immediately regretting it. It was an
Brandon’s eyes narrowed as he watched me wobble. “You’re limping,
“Just a little!” But before I could protest further, he’d swept me up into his arms like I weighed nothing. “What are you doing? Put me down!
Instead of answering, he deposited me directly into the shopping can, ignoring my squeak of protest. “Brandon Stark! You can’t
“Don’t move.” The command in his voice made me pause mid–struggle. “Unless you’d prefer the hospital?”
I slumped back against the cart, face burning as I noticed other shoppers trying (and failing) not to stare. “This is ridiculous. I’m not a child!”
Either this or the hospital.” His lips curved into that infuriating half smile. “Choose.”
“Fine!” I crossed my arms, trying to maintain some dignity despite my position. “But can we at least hurry? Everyone’s staring!”
Something dangerous glinted in his eyes. “Want to go
“What do you
a mean–eek!” The cart shot forward as Brandon gave it push, sending us zooming down the aisle. My hair whipped around my face as we took a corner at what had to be illegal shopping cart speed. “Brandon! Slow down!”
But I couldn’t quite keep the laughter from my voice, and I swore I saw his smile widen slightly. We must have looked absolutely ridiculous- the CEO of Stark Group pushing his wife around Whole Foods like a scene from some romantic comedy. But somehow, I couldn’t bring myself to care.
“Over there!” I pointed excitedly at the beauty section. “I need face wash!”
“Done.” He smoothly guided the cart in that direction, adding items to the basket around me with efficient grace
We might have gotten away with it if I hadn’t gu
gotten a bit too enthusiastic about pointing out items, nearly tipping the cart in my excitement. The store security guard who approached us looked like he was having the worst day of his life.
Sir, ma’am,” he said with admirable professionalism despite the situation, “you’re disturbing other customers.”
Brandons expression could have melted steel. “And?”
“Listep, sir…” The guard’s face reddened.
“Oh no, there’s been a misunderstanding!” I cut in quickly, recognizing the signs of impending Brandon Stark intimidation. “We’re Teally sorry about this. Its my fault for getting carried away.” I gave the guard my most apologetic smile. “Please forgive my husband
he’s not very good with words. Right, honey?”
