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I gasped. “Did you just rip my panties?”
He grinned at me, a full-on smile.
I kissed him, harder this time, tasting all of the possibilities as I sank slowly onto his tip. He pulled me flush against his chest.
“I love this dress,” he said, then nipped the fabric over my nipple.
I gasped, and took a little more of him. He nipped me again, on the other side.
I took him all, sinking down so our mouths met.
We worked together to find a slow, sweet rhythm, there on the sofa. It was tender and delicious, and exactly what I needed. I wanted the moment to last forever, clinging to him, feeling physically and emotionally connected. We climaxed together, and still I didn’t want to let go, so we stayed right there for I didn’t know how long. He didn’t try to label it. And I didn’t either.
THIRTY
GABRIEL
Amidst the steel and glass skyscrapers, the rooftop restaurant Alton’s Terrace offered a secluded respite from the bustling city streets. Ivy cascaded from trellises above us, creating shade on the tabletops. A gentle fountain sat beside our table, with stone cherubs spouting water from their mouths.
I’d been forced to attend a business brunch here once. Recalling these details, I’d hoped the location would delight Layana.
We’d made a quick stop for fresh clothes at Layana’s apartment this morning, and she’d brought an overnight bag back out with her. I hadn’t asked if that meant she’d planned to stay another night at my house. I didn’t want to pressure her into committing to anything, or risk scaring her away.
At the moment, she appeared completely at ease, her dark hair pulled up in a messy bun, the suit jacket she’d borrowed from me over her shoulders.
“Nice jacket,” I told her.
“I know. Some hot guy gave it to me. It works with my tight pants and tall heels, don’t you think?” She shot her leg out next to my hip, showing off the long, curvy shape. The red heel at the end felt even more like a tease.
I was tempted to take her foot and put it in my lap, just so I could touch her.
She pulled her leg back, as if sensing and dismissing my thought. It was probably for the best given we were in a public space and I couldn’t seem to control myself with her.
She took a bit of pecan praline french toast and popped it into her mouth. I watched the way she worked the caramelized pecans, buttery syrup, and cinnamon swirled bread over her tongue. She closed her eyes and moaned with pleasure as she swallowed.
I’d heard her make the same noises last night, and again this morning. Already I wanted her again, right here on this table.
“This is real food.” She pointed at the french toast, then to the other two plates sitting before her, one with shrimp and cheesy grits, the other holding a bourbon peach cobbler and vanilla ice cream. “Can you imagine eating like this every day?”
“No.”
“Why not? It’s not like you can’t afford it.”
I leaned forward. “I input the necessary nutrients to keep my body running at maximum efficiency. That means whole grains, a rainbow of fruits and vegetables, and lean protein only.”
“You can’t use words likeinputandefficiency.It risks undoing all the progress we’ve made on your image.” She wrinkled her nose and cast me a crooked grin, proving she was only teasing. “Come on, a little sugar never hurt anyone.”
“Tell me, how do you feel after consuming a calorie and sugar bomb like that?” I teased her right back. “Energized for the day or lethargic and mentally clouded?”
“Happy,” she said. “Full and sated and positively delighted. You can’t spend your whole life doing only what’s good for you. Then you miss out on what makes life awesome.”
Like Layana.
“You’re reckless,” I said.
“You’re trying to be boring. But I know better. There’s a little rebel in you, the one who plays drinking games and wants to take a big old bite of this delicious french toast and syrup drenched in unnecessary calories. It’s called indulgence, and it’s what happiness is made of.” She held out her fork for me to try.
“I’m enjoying watching you indulge,” I said.
