Page 103 of The Restoration Program

“What’s gotten his panties in a twist lately?” he said. “Did I do something to piss him off? I mean—beforejust now?”

“No, no. Of course not. Who could be mad at you?” Nicole tried to smile. “Like I said, he’s still protective and jumpy as hell. I’ll talk to him when he gets home. Smooth things over.”

Carlos hesitated. “You want me to stay on the call when he gets there?”

“It’s fine,” she assured. “He gets in these moods lately. Trust me, he’ll come around. By the time I’m done with him, he’ll be bringing you a handwritten apology at the next meeting.”

DAY ONE HUNDRED SIXTEEN

Ryan’s shoulder made the most comfortable perch. She often joked with him that he was like a heated chaise lounge with how often she draped herself atop different parts of him.

Nicole folded her bare legs, leaning her side against his neck. She felt the familiar drowsiness brought on by a day baking in the sun. They’d gone on a picnic for lunch in the afternoon. Ryan even moved a deadline around to make it happen, likely worried she’d change her mind again if he didn’t. Despite her initial anxiety, it had been a beautiful time. They’d lounged in Berret Park for hours and people-watched over iced jasmine tea and sandwiches that they brought from home.

She sighed contently at present, resting her cheek against Ryan’s temple while he worked. Her long days sequestered indoors had made her susceptible to extended periods of sunlight. She was tired, but anI could fuck firstkind of tired.

His skin was warm under her legs. It made the desire in her clench. Memories flickered to life from before she’d been Restored. The weight of him over her. His length inside her, pumping in a perfect rhythm. She’d dug her nails into his shoulders and buried her moans of pleasure into a kiss.

Moistening her lips, Nicole side-eyed her husband, trying to get a read on his face from the too-close angle.

“So, how much longer are these budget spreadsheets going to take again?” she asked, attempting to inject extra coyness into her tone.

Behind his blue-light glasses, Ryan’s eyes drifted her way. “Not budgets. I’m updating the investment tracking for the Moreau account. And making up for the time spent off the clock earlier,” he added. “Worth it, though, right?”

“Definitely.” Nicole chewed on her lip, the seconds agonizing as he stabbed at the keyboard with unhurried precision.

“Um…So?” she urged.

“Huh?”

“How muchlonger?”The last word was all but whined, and Ryan huffed out a chuckle at her goading.

“I’m not sure, babe. These things have to be exact. To be honest, investment sheets are kinda my favorite.”

She groaned, sliding down on his shoulder. “Why did I marry a nerd?”

He playfully jolted his shoulder up, making her grab his collar to steady herself. “Don’t knock it just because you don’t get it,” he said. “Maybe you should make data spreadsheets your hobby. Once you see the light, we can nerd out together.”

“Burman says our hobbies are supposed to make us happy, not want to jump off a cliff.”

“Well, wasn’t your homework to try something new before the next meeting? You better get to it. I don’t thinkgetting marriedis gonna count for two sessions in a row.”

She pondered that, glad at least he was pausing between keystrokes to listen to her. “I could get into hiking. Drop me off at the start of the trail, and I’ll come back like I conquered a rainforest.”

He winced. “The rest of the group would pounce on me if my beautiful wife showed up with so much as a scratch. I think origami would be more your speed.”

“What about the paper cuts?” She let one leg dangle against his collarbone as she thought. “I know! Guitar.”

“As much as I’d love to see you tackle that… Imagine Burmans’ face if you started going on about rising through the ranks as an online poker champ. Think about it, babe. You could make bank.”

“Sure, until someone finds out I’m a NüPrint and says it’s unfair to be playing against a robot.” She meant to laugh, but it came out like a sigh.

“Robot?” He turned his face to nudge her with his cheek. “Don’t tell me you’re letting that forum stuff get to you again. I’ve seen a few of those threads. They’re just a bunch of assholes who have nothing better to do than speculate. You’re you, Nicki. Don’t you think I’d be able to tell the difference?”

She shrugged, trying in vain to keep her tone light. “I dunno… did you actuallyseethem make me?”

“Didn’t need to.” His hand slid up and wrapped around her, giving a squeeze. “You’re too soft to be a robot.” He chuckled as she squirmed in his firm grasp.

She pulled at his chin, stealing a kiss. Ryan returned it readily, his lips gently pressing warmth all over. His pulse quickened beneath her.