Luxury Model Wife Read Online Free PDF Page A

feeding, the flutter of hummingbirds, and the tapping of redheaded woodpeckers lulled Victoria into a light doze. She recalled the days when James sat beside her to watch for rare species, signaling the sight of an elusive visitor. After it flew away, James would kiss her, and they would move to the soft grass beneath the umbrella of a weeping willow tree to make love.
    How many times had she cried out with pleasure in this exquisite garden James had built?
    Her husband had been a tender and considerate lover who’d never failed to please her. His masculine hands had a gentle touch and his kisses were soft, warm, and tentative. James approached lovemaking like a man at worship, with murmured endearments and total devotion. Her body was his temple and his love for her reverential. The safety and security he’d offered with his name and fortune included refuge and release in their marriage bed.
    The nagging question she’d repressed since her wedding day prickled her mind while she dozed, niggling and taunting as it always had, like a persistent mosquito on a sunny afternoon.
    Is finding pleasure the same as knowing satisfaction?
    She pushed the unwelcome thought away and shifted position on the bench. “James.” She whispered his name. In her half-sleep he lowered his mouth to hers, pulling her so close she could feel his heartbeat against her own breast. The fragrance of his spice and citrus cologne filled the air and she breathed deeply to capture the scent. James broke the kiss and ran his mouth along her jawline to the length of her neck.
    The unfulfilled desire that haunted her marriage had followed her into widowhood. She’d wanted James to take her hungrily, passionately, deliberately. To love her like a real woman and not as a fragile doll.
    She readjusted her posture on the bench and her breathing slowed, though the aroma in her dream state had changed. A bouquet of fine wine and the intoxicating smell of sweat and male heat teased her senses. Cornflower blue eyes flashed above her and blond hair glistened in the sunlight. Arms reached out to bring his mouth to hers for a deep, hungry kiss. Muscular arms wrapped around her in a tight embrace, crushing her to his chest.
    “Hurry,” she murmured. Inside her dream, Steve Carlson lowered his mouth to her breast.
    Victoria came awake with a start. Her heart pounded, rushing the sound of blood to her ears. The inside of her mouth had gone dry and she could barely swallow. She sat up on the bench, disoriented by the vivid daytime dream, and moved her hand from her breast to her skirt to smooth the fabric. She ran her tongue over her mouth to moisten her lips.
    A squirrel scampered up the tree to his nest, rustling branches as he went. A chipmunk stayed behind, scavenging birdseed on the ground near Victoria’s feet.
    Footfalls sounded behind her.
    “James?”
    The footsteps grew closer. “No, it’s me, Jimmy.”
    Of course. Victoria rubbed her temples to clear her head. She hoped Jimmy couldn’t read the guilt and confusion she felt at betraying James’s memory.
    Jimmy was taller and leaner than his father had been, with a strong, athletic body honed by years of golf and tennis. His hair was sandy brown, not yet salted with gray, and his penetrating dark eyes and serious brow were softened by his smile. The resemblance to his father was striking, making it painful sometimes to look at him. At other times, his presence kept her tethered to earth when she felt lost.
    “Sorry. I was half asleep. And had the most incredible dream.”
    She hoped her skin hadn’t flushed. The fantasy with Steve Carlson had seemed so real. Her breasts ached and she’d awakened with an insistent pulse between her thighs. Her hands trembled. She took a deep, calming breath, hoping Jimmy wouldn’t notice her agitation.
    “About Dad?”
    “I think about your father every day.” That was true enough.
    Fragments of the daydream drifted back to her, but she shook the vision away. That