Page 87 of Brighter Together

“You like it,” she says.

I kiss her again, then step back.

Ella’s cheeks are flushed and her hair is already dishevelled from my hands. She looks completely different from the polished assistant who sits outside my office every day, although maybe that is because I’m finally allowing myself to look properly.

She catches me staring.

“What?”

I shake my head. “You’re so fucking beautiful.”

The words come out without thought.

Her smile falters slightly. Not because she dislikes the compliment. More like she wasn’t expecting it.

That bothers me.

I move closer again and brush my knuckles along her cheek.

“I mean it. Although beautiful alone is not enough.” I let my thumb skim lightly over her skin. “You are so much more. The way you laugh. The way you care about everything and everyone around you. The way you walk into a room and somehow make it a better place to be. You are everything.”

Her eyes soften.

“Fuck, I’m crazy about you,” I say, my voice low and rough.

This time her smile is different. Softer. Almost shy.

“Thank you,” she whispers, then she walks towards the bed.

Halfway there, she glances over her shoulder.

The look she gives me goes straight through me.

Ella drops her coat on the floor, then reaches for the hem of her T-shirt and pulls it over her head.

Green lace.

My eyes immediately drop to her bra.

Fuck.

She lets the shirt fall, turns to face me and reaches for her jeans.

I watch the zip lower.

Watch her push the denim over her hips.

Watch her step free.

Matching green lace.

I should probably say something, but my brain has temporarily stopped providing language.

Ella straightens and looks at me.

For the first time tonight, she seems uncertain.

Only slightly, but I see it.