Chapter 27

• The next morning, Valerie woke to the sound of running water coming from the ensuite bathroom. She yawned lazily and sat up in bed, still trying to fully process the events of the last couple of days. She had impetuously married a complete stranger - a devilishly handsome stranger, but a stranger nonetheless. And now she was bound to this man, Michael Donovan, for an entire year by the terms of their unorthodox arrangement.
• As she was lost in these swirling thoughts, the bathroom door opened and Michael emerged, a towel slung low around his hips. Valerie's breath caught in her throat as she took in his sculpted, masculine form. Droplets of water glistened on his broad shoulders and firm, chiseled chest. His dark hair was tousled and damp, giving him an effortlessly sexy air.
• Michael's lips quirked in an amused smirk as he caught Valerie's appreciative gaze raking over him. "See something you like, Mrs. Donovan?" he teased, using her new marital surname.