The Billionaire's Sudden Bride novel Chapter 43

Chapter 43: Call Me June

Sunstner’s POV

Tal just hung up with Brandon, feeling a mix of emotions I couldn’t quite name, Who would have thought he’d call during work hosers just to ask what I wanted to eat?

Even though I was still adjusting to our relationship, his determinate to build a real life together was clear. And if he was willing to take this seriously, then I needed to make an effort to adapt too.

Brandon was right about one thing I couldn’t live in the past forever, and I couldn’t keep running away. The best approach was to face things head–on and learn to accept them gracefully. After everything I’d been through, I owed it to myself to build a better life.

My phone buzzed again just as 1 was gathering my things to leave the office. Brandon’s name lit up the screen, making my heart do

little flip despite my best efforts to stay cool.

“Done with work?“.

“Yeah, I’m on my way.” I juggled my bag while trying to lock my office door. “Should be there in about half an hour. What about

Just left the office. I’ll meet you there.”

I found myself smiling as I ended the call. The drive to Whole Foods gave me time to wonder what I’d gotten myself into. Shopping with Brandon Stark? The man probably has personal chefs on speed die

But all thoughts of personal chefs fied my mind when I saw him waiting at the entrance. He stood with casual grace, one hand tucked into the pocket of what had to be custom–tailored dress pants, that dangerous half–smile playing at his lips. The late afternoon sun caught the sharp angles of his face, softening them just enough to make my breath catch.

“Where’s your car?” I asked, trying to focus on anything other than how the evening light caught his perfect features

“James drove it back.” His smile widened slightly at whatever he saw in my expression.

“Oh!” I knew I was staring, but I couldn’t help it. Something about seeing him in this casual setting, away from the intensity of Wall Street, made him seem almost… approachable. Almost

“My wife doesn’t seem pleased?” The amusement in his voice snapped me back to reality.

“What? No! You must be seeing things!” Heat crept up my neck as I realized I’d been caught admiring him.

“Is that go? His dark eyes held that dangerous glint I was starting to know too well. “Well, since I must be mistaken, I suppose I‘ have to trouble my wife for a ride home.”

“You could just call me Summer, you know.” I tried to sound casual despite how my heart raced every time he said ‘wife.

I like Summer,” His hand came up to brush a s

a strand of hair behind my ear, the gesture so gentle it made my heart race. “But prefer this”

“Ther.. maybe use a nickname?” I suggested, desperate to find an alternative to the formal wife that made my stomach do backflips every time.

“I don’t want to use names others call you.” The intensity in his gaze made me forget to breathe for a moment. “Wife suits you

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Chapter 43: Call Me June

perfectly. Its something only I can call you.”

“Then think of something else that only you would use?” I couldn’t quite keep the plea from my voice. Anything but wife it makes me too aware of… everything

His lips curved into that dangerous hall smile. I’ll consider L

“Oh!” The word came out embarrassingly breathy.

of the right one yet.” He gestured toward the store entrance.

“Haven’t thought of

Inside, watching Brandon navigate the produce section with practice ease made something warm unfurl in my chest. “What foods do you like?” I asked, trying to focus on practical matters. “I should know your preferences If I’m going to be cooking. Are there things you don’t eat?”

“I’m not particularly picky. His long fingers drummed a gentle rhythen against the shopping cart handle. “As long as it’s properly cooked. Though…” He paused, studying the sparse contents of our t. “Is this all you’re planning to get? What about vegetables?”

“Can’t we just grab whatever?” I gestured vaguely at the produce displays. “They’re all basically the same, right?”

“Not actually. So my wife prefers meat dishes?” The amusement in his voice made me blush.

“Wah!‘ I couldn’t help smiling at the memory. “When I was little, I used to love Grandpa Thompson’s cooking. I can’t ma as well as he did, but I always ate so much when he cooked, especially the meat dishes, Heat crept up my neck as I realized Tambling. “Is that weird?”

“Not at all.” His dark eyes held mine with unexpected warmth.