Grace clings to me for support, her eyes hooded and unfocused as she slowly comes down from her high. “Feel better?”
She nods, her lips stretching into a drunken grin. “So much, yes.”
I kiss the corner of her mouth, sliding my hands over her luscious curves as she turns to deepen the kiss. Eventually, we break away, both of us flushed and breathless. Neither of us wants to stop, but we know we’ll get caught if we stay in here much longer.
Personally, I’d love everyone to know, but I’m trying to begoodfor Grace.
“We should… probably go back to the table separately,” she says, her face bright red. “So everyone doesn’t… you know.”
My chest clenches with jealousy, but I nod, agreeable as ever. “You go first. I’ll be out in a few minutes.”
She smiles, and some of that awful feeling in my chest fades. But not all of it.
“Okay.” She presses up on her tiptoes, kissing me briefly—but not nearly enough to satisfy the beast living beneath my skin.
My eyes stay locked on her as she turns to the mirror, smoothing her dress and reapplying her lip gloss. My balls tighten when she blows me a kiss in the mirror, and before I realize what I’m doing, I’m reaching up to catch the phantom kiss, clutching it in my palm and bringing it to my heart.
Grace’s face heats at the sight, but she doesn’t say anything more before she hurries out of the bathroom, leaving me cold and alone without her.
I wait a few minutes as promised, then head back to the table, taking my seat and trying to act normal despite the sight of Corey leaning in toward Grace. I remind myself that there are witnesses—that people would frown upon me reaching across the table and squeezing the life out of him.
This trip is going to be a lot more difficult than I thought.
CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN
GRACE
Next day…
This weekend is not going as planned.
After dinner last night, Archer was whisked away to a private meeting with the higher execs, and by the time it wrapped up, I was fast asleep in my bed. We were supposed to meet for breakfast, but by the time he finished his morning meetings, I was getting ready to head to mine. Our schedules refused to line up all day, and then at dinner, we were forced to sit apart like last night. It’s ten now, and I’m getting ready to head down to the hotel pool to relax—and if all goes well, I’ll finally get to spend some alone time with Archer.
I stand in front of the bathroom mirror, adjusting the straps of my cover-up so I don’t accidentally flash anyone on my way to the pool. After much debate, I decided on the skimpier of my two bikinis. It’s pale gold, strappy, and barely covers my nipples. I feel sexy in it. Powerful. I love how it makes my curves look, and I think Archer will agree.
Happy with my choice, I apply a light layer of mascara, a bit of lip gloss, slip on my sandals, and head down to the pool.Thankfully, I don’t run into any of my coworkers in the elevator. The hotel is particularly quiet at this time of night, and I’m grateful for the brief reprieve.
I make my way outside to the pool, stopping short at the sight in front of me. Archer stands there by the pool, shirtless with a bottle of champagne in his hand. My eyes move down his body, my mouth watering at the sight of his sculpted abdomen, the intricate swirls of black ink covering his arms and chest.
Archer walks closer to me, giving me a heart-stopping smile. “You look like an angel.”
My neck heats with a blush as I squeak, “You look… super hot.”
His head tips back in a laugh, the sound full and deep. “You’re adorable.” His eyes shine with amusement. “Come. I’ll pour you a glass.”
For some reason, I’m strangely shy around him—but it’s overpowered by my desire to spend more time with him, to do more of what we did in the restaurant. Here, Seven can’t find us. He can’t see what I do, and I’m excited to explore my connection with Archer now that I don't have to worry about his safety.
This will be our little secret.
Archer pours me a glass of champagne and leads me into the pool, holding out his arm to help me down the steps. Once we’re inside, Archer moves close to me, wrapping his free arm around my waist and pulling me close.
I take a sip of my champagne, butterflies filling my stomach at the hungry look in his dark eyes. His hand slides down my spine, his fingers working gentle circles into the flesh of my hip—right on the spot where Seven’s tattoo is.
I swallow hard, unable to breathe under the crushing intensity of his stare. “Archer…”
“Kiss me, Grace.” He leans down and brushes his lips gently against mine. “I’ll die if you don’t.”
Alarm bells scream in the back of my head that this is a terrible idea, but with Archer’s body pressed against mine, all rational thought has gone out the window. Against my better judgment, I melt in his palms, leaning into the embrace as he crashes his mouth to mine.
