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“Me too.” I kissed her forehead and gently tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. “But when we get the ATM footage on Monday, it might be game over. If we’ve got their face on camera, we’ll nail them.” I just had to hope they weren’t savvy enough to have thought of the camera ahead of time.
A pair of paws hit the back of my thighs, and I lurched forward, stumbling, and nearly taking Grace with me. I caught myself before falling over and whirled around. Duke stood there, eyes wide, his body language screaming of guilt.
To my surprise, Grace laughed. “I don’t think he likes being ignored.”
“Needy dog,” I grumbled, stooping to give him some love.
“Have you eaten?” Grace asked.
“Not yet. I thought we could cook something together, then perhaps watchHouse of the Dragon.”
“Sounds perfect.”
We cooked a simple meal of vegetables and chicken, then curled up on the couch together after we’d tidied the dishes away. Duke joined us, burrowing into a spot between me and Grace before falling asleep almost immediately. When the episode we were watching reached a particularly passionate scene, I glanced at Grace and found her watching me steadily, her pupils dilated with need.
“I think we should go to bed,” she said, her voice low enough not to disturb Duke.
I liked the wicked glint in her eye. “You sure?”
“One hundred percent.”
We slipped off the couch, leaving the dog behind, and raced to my bedroom. Once inside, we each shed our clothes and reached for each other. Our mouths clashed in a heated kiss. Hands fumbled and stroked. Our breaths were sharp in the air between us. We came together in a blaze of fierce desire and emotion. I groaned as I pushed into Grace, feeling like a man possessed. I was desperate to make her fall apart. To get closer and closer to her until we were one. It felt as though if I let her go for even a moment, I might lose her.
We moved together, gasping and writhing. I grabbed Grace’s hips and angled her until I hit a sweet spot, and she cried out. I thrust into her mercilessly, over and over, making her mine in every way. When she started growing taut in my arms and arched her back, I knew she was close. I kissed her, relishing her taste, knowing there would never be another woman for me. She moaned and clenched around me, pulling me with her into oblivion.
Still, I didn’t let her go. I knew in my heart I never would.
42
GRACE
Spendinga weekend with Nate had been wonderful, but I was grateful to return to work on Monday without him. He’d been glued to my side every minute of the day, as if afraid to let me out of his sight. It was sweet, but I was used to having time to myself. Nate’s hovering could be exhausting.
I was sitting at my desk, reviewing what I’d written last week, when Alice entered the office, bringing with her the smell of coffee. I greeted her with a smile. “Have I told you you’re the best assistant ever?”
She rolled her eyes. “Almost every time I bring you coffee.”
“Well, it’s true.” I took a cup from her and inhaled the scent. “Delicious.”
“It’s just as well it wasn’t your business account card that was stolen,” Alice said. “Could you imagine if someone had emptied that account? You might not be able to afford me, and then you’d have to get your own coffee.”
“Oh, the horror.” My jaw tightened. I knew she was trying to lighten the mood, but I couldn’t help thinking that she had a point. If the thief—thestalker—had taken my business debit card instead of my personal one, I could have been in a lot of trouble. While I kept some of my money in a savings account and I had investments, I’d struggle without my business funds.
“Sorry.” She winced. “I didn’t mean to be insensitive. I was trying to look on the bright side. It could have been worse.”
“That’s true.” I drew in a slow breath and considered her words. She was right. As things went, the damage had been limited. It seemed worse in my mind because of the sense of being violated, but the actual ramifications were minor. “Thanks. I needed to hear that.”
“That’s what I’m here for.” Alice’s expression softened. “I’m sorry for what’s happening, Gracie.” She put her coffee down and rolled her chair over to hug me with one arm. “I can’t even imagine how it must feel.”
“It’s not the best, but you’re right, it could have been worse.”
We separated, and I turned back to my document.
“So….” She drew the word out.
I glanced over my shoulder at Alice. “Yes?”
“You and Nate, huh? What’s going on there?”
