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“I love you, babe.”
“How was dancing atLux?” I asked, wanting to know about his night too. “Meet anyone fun?”
“It was a blast,” he said. “Drinks were on point, and I might’ve, maybe met someone.”
“Oh?” I asked, curiosity piqued.
“He seemed a little too good to be true, but I gave him my number.”
“Whoa, that’s huge! You rarely give that out.”
“It was the cocktails,” he groaned. “But Mr. Too-Good-To-Be-True already texted asking for a brunch date.”
“Holy shit, he sounds amazing.” I grinned, genuinely happy for my friend. “Wait, how was he dressed?” Good taste in clothes were a huge plus for Jesse?—
“Like I drew him,” he answered, and I squealed. “Right?” he continued. “If anything, he’ll be good for inspiration for my next collection.”
“That’s awesome,” I said. “So glad you went out last night.”
“Me too,” he said. “Now, back to you,” he continued. “Don’t question what’s happening between the two of you. Just enjoy it. It’s not like you’re in love with the guy, so there isn’t a risk for heartbreak.”
“Right,” I said, my stomach sinking for a reason I couldn’t place.
“Good. Now go explore the penthouse and report back anything fascinating.”
I chuckled. “Will do.”
“Love,” he said.
“Love,” I said before we both hung up.
I sat on the bed for a few moments, contemplating gathering my things and leaving. I’d never stayed long at any of my previous boyfriends’ houses before, but this wasn’t anything like those had been either.
Fuck it. Jesse was right, I should just enjoy myself. I was still doing my job—posing as Crossland’s girlfriend, and a girlfriend would certainly stay and take a long, hot bath, especially when Cross insisted I make myself at home himself.
With that decided, I shoved all other concerns away and let the sheet fall off my body, padding barefoot to the bathroom connected to his bedroom.
“Holy shit,” I said out loud as I took in the spacious, spa-like bathroom. It was huge with dark marble floors, a massive shower, and a giant square stone tub that was sat atop the floor.
I gave a giddy little squeal and started to fill the tub, exploring his cabinets until I found some fancy-looking bubbles and salts, pouring them in the steaming water and dimming the lights to a low golden hue. I threw my hair back in a messy bun, then sat my phone near the tub, playing music from an artist Crossland had told me about weeks ago.
Sinking into the steaming water, I moaned as it soaked my still-weak muscles. Turning the water off, I moved my arms back and forth, shifting through the tub that was big enough to fit myself and all my friends until I found a convenient stone bench to rest on. I leaned my head back, sighing as I lost myself in the utter relaxation that came with such a moment. I’d never been in a tub like this one, and I was quite sure I’d never leave again.
I hummed along with the music, instantly hooked to the deep and hauntingly beautiful voice of the singer, and allowed my mind to wander back to last night, my muscles clenching at the memory of Crossland’s mouth on mine, on my body, on?—
“Damn,” Crossland’s voice cut over the music, and my eyes snapped open to find him undoing his tie as he looked down at me. “Didn’t expect to see such a prize when I rushed home.”
I gaped at him, suddenly wondering if I should be in here or not. “You said make yourself at home,” I hurried to say. “Should I go? I thought you were working.” And now I was rambling, butit was hard to concentrate when he was unbuttoning his dress shirt.
“I was,” he said, tossing the shirt behind him as he went for the zipper on his pants. God, he looked amazing, all smooth skin, dark whirling tats along his chest, and rigid muscles. “But I couldn’t concentrate.”
That made two of us. “Why?” I asked, eyes widening as he dropped his pants, leaving him in his tight, black boxer-briefs that left absolutely nothing to the imagination. Was he hard?
“I couldn’t stop thinking about the fact that you might stay.” He moved toward the tub. “That you might be waiting for me.”
I swallowed hard, my heart suddenly pounding as anticipation overtook me. Did the tub suddenly grow ten degrees hotter?
“Who says I’m waiting for you?” I teased. “Maybe I’m just enjoying the benefits of being a billionaire’s girlfriend.” I moved my arms through the water to emphasize the lie.
