Several of the guys coughed into their hands to hide a laugh.
“Hello, boys.” I smiled as I passed, putting on my sunglasses as I emerged into the bright California sun.
I should’ve seen this coming, should’ve realized he’d want more. I’d stayed too long, and this was what happened. Still, his insults didn’t bother me. I liked sex. So what? There was no shame in that. The only shame was that I hadn’t gotten in another round before it had ended.
I slid into the driver’s seat of my Mercedes coupe and tore down the block. It had been fun while it lasted, but now it was over. Time to move on, time to find someone new. Someone who wanted no strings, no relationship, nothing but sex, sex, and more sex.
Noah Ashworth came to mind as I drove across town. He’d been trying to seduce me for weeks, and I’d done my best to thwart his advances. He was a client, newly single, and hot. I wanted him. And now that things with Jake had run their course, maybe it was time to give in to that desire.
On that thought, I whistled as I strode through the glass doors to my office. He had an appointment this morning. I’d see him in just a few hours.
“Morning, Rita.” I waved as I passed the front desk.
She was my mom’s sister and my favorite aunt. Well, my favorite aunt of the ones I still spoke to. She’d been with me from the start, manning the front desk for minimal pay while I grew my business. And now that I was more established, I was glad I could pay her more than her counterparts at other design firms—she deserved it. She was efficient and great with the clients. She also had an amazing eye for design.
“Morning.” She smiled and stood, following me down the hall to my office.
I let out a sigh of relief. My office was my happy place. It was where I got my creative energy, and I loved the pops of color and fresh flowers that greeted me every day.
“Noah Ashworth is at ten. You have a lunch meeting with the city planner and a new client at three.”
“Promising?” I asked, trusting Rita to scan my potential clients.
She nodded. “Very. Though, he’s from China and a very busy man. I spoke to his assistant, not him.”
I’d worked with plenty of international clients, many of whom were from China. Email had always served us well in such cases.
“Not a problem,” I said, waving away her concern. “Anything else?”
“This came for you.” She held up an official-looking envelope withCasa Beautifulprinted on the front.
I dropped it on my desk, intending to open it later. “Thanks.”
“Well, I’ll leave you to it,” she said before excusing herself.
I took a seat at my desk, navigating to my design program. I lost track of time, looking at fabric swatches and paint options. Immersed in the creative process, I forgot everything else. At least until I was interrupted by a knock on my door.
Rita peeked her head inside. “Noah’s here.”
I stood and flashed him a flirty smile. “Noah, your timing is impeccable. It’s good to see you.” I scanned his body, my intentions clear.
He shot me a predatory grin, smoothing back his hair as he strode across the room. As soon as the door was closed, he was at my side.
“When are you going to give in to me?” His breath brushed against my skin.
I leaned against the desk, offering my body up for him. My desk was an altar, my body the sacrifice. His lips were on mine, his hands in my hair.
I didn’t stop him, couldn’t stop him. Not with my need overpowering me. We’d been playing this game for weeks, and I needed this. I was desperate for his touch, desperate for more as I grappled with his pants, trying to remove them as quickly as possible.
“This is just sex.”
He nodded eagerly, pushing my skirt up over my thighs. I thought I heard a noise outside my office, a warning.
I didn’t listen.
Instead, I focused on the ball of need burning hot inside me. The way he sheathed his erection with a condom. The passion pulsing through me as he pushed my panties aside.
I should’ve listened.
