Page 110 of Have To Be Mine

We finished eating and walked back to the hotel hand in hand. The rain had slowed to a drizzle, but we were already drenched. The lobby staff gave us towels without comment, probably used to tourists getting caught in sudden storms.

In the elevator, Dash pulled me against him and kissed me until I couldn’t breathe. His hands were in my hair. I could feel him hard against my hip. I wanted him so badly I was shaking.

“We’re almost there,” he murmured against my mouth. “Five more floors.”

“That’s too long.”

“I know.”

The elevator dinged and we practically ran to his room. He fumbled with the key card, cursing under his breath. I laughed at his impatience. Finally, the door opened and we stumbled inside.

The lights from the city shone through the window. I wanted Dash, but I needed to check out the view. I walked to the window, drawn by the illuminated columns that seemed to glow against the night sky. Even through the rain-streaked glass, the Parthenon was breathtaking. I pressed my palm against the cool surface, feeling like I was in a dream.

“What are you even doing here?” I asked, turning to look at him. “In Athens, I mean. I thought you’d be back in New York.”

He was pulling off his soaked shirt, and I momentarily forgot my question as I watched water droplets trail down his chest. He caught me staring and grinned.

“Focus, Hedley.”

“Oh, I’m focused.”

He tossed the wet shirt aside and moved to the mini bar. “The Greek tourism board and commerce officials wanted to honor me. Apparently, our campaign created a significant tourism boost. They threw this whole event tonight—very formal, very Greek, very over the top.”

“That’s amazing.” I felt a swell of pride for him. “You deserve it.”

“That’s the thing.” He pulled out two bottles of champagne, the good stuff, not the cheap mini-bar variety. Someone had clearly sent these up special. “I told them it wasn’t just me. I told everyone in that ballroom tonight that you were the one who made it all possible. That you were integral to the entire operation.”

I stared at him. “You didn’t have to do that.”

“Yes, I did.” He popped the cork on one bottle and poured two glasses. “Because it’s true. And because I’m not going to stand there and take credit for your work.” He handed me a glass. “I also told them that anyone looking for someone who can execute flawless operations under impossible circumstances should contact me for your information.”

My throat tightened. “Dash.”

“What? You’re amazing at what you do. People should know that.” He clinked his glass against mine. “To us. And to Greece, for bringing us together.”

“To Greece,” I echoed, taking a sip. The champagne was perfect with just the right amount of bubbles. “And to you, for being the most incredible man I’ve ever met.”

His eyes darkened. “Keep talking like that and we’re never going to finish these drinks.”

“Maybe I’m thirsty for something besides champagne.”

“Krista.” On his lips, my name was a warning and a promise all at once.

I took another sip, deliberately slow, watching him watch me. “Tell me more about tonight. What did they say?”

He moved closer, and I could smell his cologne despite being drenched. “They said tourism numbers are up thirty percent. They’re expecting next year to be even better. They want to work with us again—more campaigns, more events. They even offered to give me private tours of historical sites.”

“That’s incredible.” I set my glass down on the windowsill. “You’ve opened so many doors.”

“We’ve opened doors.”

My heart galloped behind my ribs. Dash’s proximity was intoxicating, and I couldn’t resist him any longer. I reached out and began to unbuckle his belt. He raised an eyebrow, a smirk playing on his lips, but he didn’t stop me. Instead, he took another sip of his champagne, his eyes locked onto mine over the rim of the glass.

I slid his belt from the loops, the sound of leather against fabric filling the quiet room. I popped open the button of his pants, my knuckles brushing against the soft skin of his abdomen. He drew in a sharp breath, his eyes darkening with desire. I slowly pulled down his zipper, my heart thudding in my ears as I sank to my knees in front of him.

I tugged at his pants and boxers, pulling them down his muscular thighs until they pooled at his ankles. He stepped out of them, kicking them to the side, standing before me completely naked. And then he took another sip of his champagne in the cockiest, sexiest move ever. Damn, I was lost for the man.

I took a moment to admire him, his body a chiseled masterpiece in the soft glow of the city lights. Then I leaned forward, my breath hitching as I ran my tongue from base to tip and then down the other side. He groaned with his free hand sliding through my wet hair.