Page 59 of Drunk on You

“Eh”—he chuckles—“could’ve gone worse.”

“Really?” I hiss, glancing over at him. “How so?”

“You could’ve served the food you made and given everyone food poisoning.”

He shrugs, and I glare his way, not finding his joke funny in the slightest.

“I hate you.”

I smack his chest, and he grabs my hand, pulling me into his lap so I’m straddling his thighs.

“No, you don’t,” he says, leaning in and kissing me. “You like me,” he singsongs. “You really, really like me.”

“How do you figure?” I mutter.

“It’s simple,” he says with a grin. “You lied about cooking the food to impress my family. You wanted your soon-to-be in-laws to like you … because you like me.”

“There’s nothing simple about anything you just said.”

“That’s where you’re wrong, Red.” Julian cradles my face in his palms. “You’re trying to complicate shit, but the truth is, everything about us is really fucking simple, and the sooner you realize it, the quicker we’ll be able to move forward.” He kisses the tip of my nose. “But don’t worry, Red. I’m in no rush. Take all the time you need to figure out what I already know.”

“And what’s that?” I breathe.

“That you and I are inevitable.”

chapter twenty-three

JULIAN

“With the timeline we’re working with, I’d probably say …”

Ana strolls into my office, stopping me mid-thought as I rake my gaze down her body. I had to be at work early for a meeting this morning, so I didn’t see her before I left. She’s dressed in a sexy black pencil skirt, a white button-down blouse, and a pair of fuck-me heels. I briefly wonder if I can convince her to let me slide that skirt up and over her ass and fuck her from behind with her bent over my?—

“Jesus, man,” Ryder says, reminding me that he’s in my office. “I can practically hear your dirty thoughts from here.” He stands and shakes his head. “We can finish this conversation later … when you’re not busy fantasizing about your fiancée.”

“You don’t have to leave on my account,” Ana says.

“I need to get home anyway,” he tells her. “Nora is craving chocolate-covered pickles and swears if I don’t somehow find a way to get them for her, she’ll die.” His eyes widen at his slipup. “I mean …”

“I already told her.”

“And I won’t tell anyone,” she promises.

“Thanks. We’re announcing it soon. I’m sure you’ll be invited to the party.” He rolls his eyes. “Speaking of parties, have fun in Vegas … but not too much fun.”

“Yes, Daddy,” I say, making Ana laugh and Ryder glare.

He leaves, closing the door behind him, and I turn my attention to Ana.

“To what do I owe the pleasure of you visiting my office?” I smirk playfully. “Hoping to get fucked? Because I can make that happen.”

She snorts out a laugh and drops a file onto my desk. “The day-care plans have been drawn up by the architect and approved by the engineer for the remodel. I need you to sign off on them.”

“Okay, cool,” I say, pulling her into my lap. “I’ll look over these on the plane tomorrow. Now, what do you say to me bending you over this desk and fucking that perfect pussy of yours until you come?”

“Mmm.” She grinds against me. “I would say?—”

Buzz.

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