ow everyone what kind of man follows weak women around like a pet dog." Christopher's fist clenched, but he froze when he met her hollow stare. Something in those eyes made his blood run cold. Ashl

ome on, Commander. Consider it a tactical mission." "A tactical mission to eat a strawberry?" "Operation Sweet Tooth." He held the fruit closer. "Your mission, should you choose to accept it..." Ashlyn shook her head, but her eyes were soft. This powerful man, who could intimidate anyone with a single look, was here making terrible food puns just to see her smile. "You're impossible," she said. "Impossibly charming?" "Impossibly corny." Richard clutched his chest dramatically. "You wound me, wife. Here I am, trying to romance you with fresh fruit and quality humor-" "Quality is debatable." "-and you mock my heartfelt efforts." But his eyes were dancing with mirth. "Just one bite? For your adorable husband?" Ashlyn sighed in defeat. "Fine. One bite." Richard's face lit up like a child on Christmas morning. He carefully raised the strawberry to her lips. "Say ahh..." Just then, the door burst open. "Sir! The auction starts in an hour and-oh!" The assistant stopped short, face reddening at the intimate scene. Richard's hand dropped, along with his smile. "This better be important." "The auction, sir. Your presence is required..." "Of course it is," Richard grumbled. He turned to Ashlyn with an apologetic look. "Rain check on Operation Sweet Tooth?" "Saved by the bell," Ashlyn teased, but she reached up and kissed his cheek. "Go. Be the powerful businessman everyone fears." "But first..." Quick as lightning, he popped the strawberry into her mouth, grinning triumphantly. "Mission accomplished!" "Richard!" "What do you call a businessman who succeeds in feeding his wife? Berry successful!" "Get out!" Ashlyn laughed, shooing him away. "Go before I actually file those divorce papers." As Richard hurried to get ready, still chuckling at his own jokes, Ashlyn touched her lips where the strawberry had been. In her previous life as a commander, she never imagined finding such simple joy in silly moments like these. Yet here she was, falling for this ridiculous man who wielded terrible puns like weapons of mass destruction. "Ready to go?" Richard returned, now