I sighed, knowing there was no point in arguing with him when he used that tone.Slowly, I pushed myself up from my chair, wincing as a fresh wave of pain washed over me.
Carter's hand was on my elbow in an instant.“Easy,” he murmured, his voice uncharacteristically gentle.
As we walked towards the guest bedroom, I felt a mix of gratitude and embarrassment.His concern was touching, but I hated appearing weak, especially in front of him.
“You don't have to coddle me,” I said as we reached the bedroom door.
“I'm not coddling you, Olivia.I'm looking out for my best employee.”
“I'm your only employee.”
He chuckled, a low, warm sound that made my heart skip.“Semantics.”
I settled onto the bed, and he lingered next to it.“Do you need anything?”
I shook my head, still feeling awkward.“No, I don't need anything.Thank you, Carter.”
He hesitated, his hand on the doorknob.“Can I sit with you for a bit?”
I nodded, surprised by his request but not wanting him to leave.I shifted in the bed, making space for him as I lay on my side.Carter sat down next to me.
We sat in silence for a moment, the air thick with unspoken words.Then Carter tentatively reached out, his hand hovering over my waist.“May I?”
I nodded again, unable to find my voice.His touch was gentle as he stroked down my side, the heat from his hand seeping through my clothes and easing some of the tension in my muscles.
Carter cleared his throat, his eyes meeting mine.“Olivia, I know this is awkward, but I want you to be comfortable.If you want me to leave so you can find some, uh, temporary relief...”He trailed off, his meaning clear.
My face burned hot, and I shook my head.The last thing I wanted was for him to leave.A daring part of me even wondered if he could help alleviate my pain in a more direct way.
“No,” I said, my voice barely audible.“Please stay.”
His hand continued its movement along my side, his touch both soothing and electrifying.I allowed my eyes to close and focused on the heat radiating from his palm.
“Is this helping?”he asked.
The pain was still there, but it had dulled to a manageable ache under his ministrations.
I opened my eyes, preparing to answer, and found his face inches from mine.His eyes held a mix of concern and something more intense.For a second, I forgot how to breathe.
“Olivia,” he whispered, his hand stilling on my hip, “let me help you.”
My mouth was too dry for words.Instead of answering, I rolled onto my back, giving him the access he needed.His eyes flared.
Is this really happening?There's no way—no way Carter Cassidy is touchingmethis way.
His fingers trailed along my hip.My breath stuttered as he grazed the sensitive spot just above my pelvic bone.With each caress, more of the tension melted away.
His touch was tentative at first, as if he were afraid he might break me.But his movements soon became more confident, exploring my body with a combination of gentleness and purpose.He found the spots that made me squirm and the spots that made me sigh.
As his fingers danced over my skin, a fire ignited within me.My pulse quickened, and a moan escaped my lips.He slipped his hand beneath my shirt.The brush of his fingertips against my bare skin elicited a sharp intake of breath from me.
Mortification gradually gave way to arousal.I sensed Carter’s hesitation, as if he were worried about pushing me too far, too fast.But my body craved more, and I wanted him to take me there.
When his fingers dipped lower, teasing my most sensitive spots, an irresistible wave of pleasure surged through me.My hips bucked involuntarily, and heat pooled between my legs.
The ache in my pelvis had transformed into a sweet, insistent need, and I whimpered as his hand slid into my panties.
“Carter,” I whispered, my voice laced with pleading.
