Chapter Twenty
Lauren was fresh out of the shower, draped in a fluffy robe. Her wet hair was slicked back from her face, and Riley sat at her feet. I leaned against the doorframe, watching as Lauren applied her concealer then blush, a routine I’d seen several times now that she actually stayed the night.
“You know you don’t need all that,” I said, stepping up behind her in the mirror. “You’re gorgeous just as you are.”
She smiled at my reflection, and I felt something shift into place. Some missing piece. She belonged here—with me. And I hoped that, despite the fact that my home was completely decorated—beautifully so, I might add. And despite the fact that theCasa Beautifulshoot would be happening soon, she’d want to remain here.
“You’re rather handsome yourself,” she said, appraising me in the mirror.
I’d dressed in my navy three-piece suit, one of her favorites. “I believe the term you used last night was hot as fuck.”
She laughed, spinning to face me. “And you wonder why I don’t compliment you more.” She smoothed her hands over my lapels. “Does this mean you’re leaving?”
I nodded, sliding my hands beneath her robe and gliding them over her bare skin. My dick instantly hardened at the feel of her warm body, her luscious curves.
I nodded. “Just for a few days.”
I didn’t want to leave, but I’d just gotten the call I’d been waiting for, and I had no choice. I’d put off a visit to New York long enough, leaving it all to Toby while I ran the West Coast operations. I told myself it was because I knew he could handle it, and that was true. But it was more that I didn’t want to be without Lauren. With the year ending and us pushing to close one final deal, I needed to be there in person.
I nipped her bottom lip, pulling her closer so she could feel the effect she had on me. She opened her mouth, deepening the kiss as she toyed with the hair at the nape of my neck. I was only going to be gone a few days, but I was desperate for her. And I sensed she felt the same.
“Will you be home for New Year’s Eve?” she asked.
I liked the way she said home, and I hoped she thought of this as her home too. I certainly did, and not just because of the role she’d played in the design.
I shook my head. “I don’t think so. But we’ll celebrate when I get back. Okay?”
She lifted a shoulder, a devilish gleam in her eyes. “I guess I can have some fun without you.”
“Or you could come with me,” I blurted.
She seemed to consider it a moment before saying, “You know I can’t. I need to get the decorations put away before theCasa Beautifulteam comes.”
“I’ll pay someone to do that,” I said, wanting her with me at any cost. I was honestly surprised she’d actually considered it, and I hoped I could tip her over the edge to agree.
“No.” She shook her head. “I’d only be in the way, and I honestly have a lot to accomplish before the shoot.”
“Are you sure I can’t convince you?” I loosened the tie on her robe.
I slid my hands along her skin, over her breasts. She moaned when I pinched her nipples, and I wanted her to say yes. To choose me.
“Hunter, you can’t bribe or blackmail me with sex every time you want something.” Her head fell back when I started circling her pussy with my finger.
“Why not?” I asked, continuing to drive her wild.
She laughed, though it was more of a breathy moan. Fuck, it was sexy.
“Come with me.” I wasn’t sure whether it sounded like more of a command or a plea.
She shook her head. “I can’t.”
“Can’t or won’t?” I asked.
“Perhaps a little of both. Ahh—” She clenched around my fingers, and I knew she was close.
My dick was throbbing, and I needed release but there wasn’t time. Not if I was going to make it to my meeting. Besides, sometimes it was more fun to give her pleasure. Again, something I’d never appreciated in the past. The idea that giving someone else pleasure could be as powerful, as enjoyable, as receiving it.
I used my thumb to rub her clit while I pumped a finger inside her. Bending forward, I sucked her nipple into my mouth, and that pushed her over the edge. She chanted my name until her legs quivered, and she started giggling.
