Justin nced steadily at Edith, studying her for a moment.

She caught his gaze and lifted her brows gently, her eyes silently asking if something was on his mind.

“I’m taking Edith with me,” he said, before ending the call.

Only then did Edith ask, “Where are we going?”

“To Southborough. There’s a wedding.”

The Hawksley family had two main branches–one settled in Northcrest, the other in Southborough.

Edith was still a little anxious about meeting the Southborough rtives for the first

time.

Nervously, she asked, “Is there anything I should prepare?”

Justin reached over and covered her hand with his, his touch reassuring. “No need. Just be yourself. As long as you’re with me, that’s all I want.”

His warmth seeped through her skin, and Edith felt her worries ease.

The night before they left for Southborough, Justin was stuck in meetings at the firm.

untilte.

Not knowing how long the trip wouldst, he had made sure every detail at work was taken care of before they left.

Meanwhile, Edith had finished her shower early and stood hesitantly in front of the mirror, trying on the outfits Lauren had rushed over for her–putting one on, taking it off, then trying another, unable to decide.

She was still wavering when she finally slipped into one of the dresses, only to hear footsteps moving through the bedroom.

Justin was home, and now it was toote to change…

“Edith?”

His voice called out, searching for her through the quiet

Instinctively, Edith ducked behind the bathroom door

Justin caught a glimpse of movement in the crack and, had he not known Edith’s

silhouette so well, he might have thought an intruder had broken in.

He frowned, concern and confusion threading through his low voice. “Edith, what’s wrong? Why are you hiding?”

His footsteps drew closer and closer, making Edith’s heart race wildly. She nced down and caught a glimpse of bare, pale skin.

These outfits… they were all so revealing. It was enough to make her blush from head

to toe.

She began to worry–was the one Lauren had picked out itoo /idaring? Would Justin

think she was… too much?

Nervous, Edith clutched the door, not letting him see her.

Justin tugged at the door, then let out a low, teasingugh. “Mrs. Hawksley, you’re surprisingly strong for someone so intent on hiding. Mind telling me why?”

By now, Justin had put the pieces together.

What he’d glimpsed through the crack in the door was more than enough to guess what was going on.

Edith’s slender fingers were white–knuckled on the edge of the door, but her grip was slipping.

With just a gentle pull, Justin opened the door to reveal Edith–standing there, all curves and allure.

He’d suspected, but seeing her like this made his breath catch all the same.

His eyes narrowed dangerously.

Lowering his head, he leaned in close, his lips brushing her delicate earlobe. “Edith, you’ve always been temptation enough for me.”

This was temptation doubled, and even Justin’s famous self–control was wearing thin.

The warmth of his breath sent shivers down Edith’s spine. She rested her chin on his shoulder, her cheeks flushed, voice barely above a whisper, sweet and soft. “Do you like it?”

Justin pulled back, bracing a hand against the bathroom wall as he gazed down at her wide, blinking eyes. “Yes,” he said, voice rough. “More than I can handle.”

Edith bit her lip, remembering Lauren’s advice and trying to psych herself up to be

16:42

more daring.

Justin was already the perfect husband–maybe it was time for her ito /istep up, itoo/i.