Page 13 of Protecting my Zinnia

EVAN

Fortunately Zinnia brushed off our little difference of opinion and still agreed to come to my house for dinner.

As we eat grilled vegetables with chicken that has been resting in my secret marinade for two days, I ask Zinnia all about her hopes and dreams for the future. I love that she's so ambitious, supremely confident in her illustration and marketing skills, and doesn't doubt she can earn a living as a self-employed freelancer.

Flipping through her portfolio on her phone, I'm dazzled by the variety of her illustration styles. From sleek corporate lines to flamboyant watercolor splashes for a children's playground, Zinnia captures the tone for every occasion.

"You never want to work for someone else?" I ask, placing a hazelnut espresso in front of her.

"Ugh. No." Her nose crinkles as she shakes her head, her lovely, auburn hair swishing around her shoulders. "Everything I've read about offices implies that people are the problem. Managers breathing down your neck. People taking credit for each other's work. Some idiot microwaving fish in the office kitchen."

I laugh. "Good point."

"And as long as I work for myself, I can do any work for anyone at any time."

Reaching out, I trail my thumb along her lower lip. Just as I'm about to tell her how breathtakingly beautiful she is, something pops into my mind. "Marty collected all of the keys from the contractors who worked on your apartment, right?"

Zinnia blinks in surprise. "I guess so."

I pull out my phone and send Marty a text. "He always double checks, of course, but I'd like him to be extra sure here." She gives me a flat look. "Hey, three young ladies who are new in town? Marty personally knows and trusts every single person he hires, but keys to your apartment… I'm allowed to be a bit paranoid about that, right?"

Her eyes roll, but she's smiling. "Okay, but that's it."

"Okay." Standing up, I wrap her in my arms. "Zinnia, I can't help but be so protective. It's not just that I'm thirteen years older. I mean, that's part of it. I have more life experience to draw from. And I know how men's minds work."

Her left hand tangles into the back of my hair, but her right index finger pokes me in the chest. "Yeah? You've met up with illustrators in a coffee shop and thought about kidnapping them?"

I chuckle, catching her finger between my teeth. She pulls it away with a squeal. "I just already feel like you're mine to treasure," I murmur along the shell of her ear. "Is that wrong?"

Her palm slides down my shirt to press against my ribs. "No. I think you're on the right track."

"And if I wanted to stay on the right track, what room should I suggest next?" My eyebrow arches dramatically like a cartoon villain. Zinnia's soft giggle turns my cock to steel. If this precious girl only knew how deeply I crave her.

She looks up at me, her breath already hitching as she realizes what I'm asking. "The bedroom, I think," she barely breathes.

It feels like I've been waiting years for this moment. Zinnia and I hold hands on the way upstairs. Backing her toward the bed, I slide an arm around her waist, then untuck her shirt. "You're going to stop me when we go as far as you want?"

She nods dramatically, then quickly shakes her head back and forth.

"Wait. What does that mean?" Pulling off her shirt and tank top, I love that she's not wearing a bra. Her perky breasts don't need one, falling so naturally into my hands as I run my thumbs around her nipples.

"Yes, I know that I could draw a line." She stretches up, placing her hands on either side of my face. "No, I won't want to stop."

"Not ever?"

Her saucy grin sets off fireworks inside my heart. "Not ever."

Unfastening her jeans, I slide them off together with her panties and socks, leaving her laughing as she falls across the bed. Now that she's naked,her pale skin glows against my dark blue comforter. She's so fresh and beautiful.

And all mine.

Falling to my knees, I yank her to the edge of the bed, spreading her silky thighs wide. Kissing inward, I watch her stomach tremble. Rubbing my scruff of beard across her skin, she moans, clutching at the bed as her hips begin to squirm.

"Stay still." Moving to the other side, I alternate kisses with scratches while staring into her luscious pink pussy. It's so sweet and delicate, just like the rest of her.

I honestly don't even know if she'll be able to take me. But I know she's fiery enough that she's going to try.

I place my palms on the front of her hips. "Drape your legs over my shoulders." As soon as I feel her heels tap against my back I bury my mouth in her tender pussy, licking and nuzzling everywhere.