Page 60 of The Shadow

Since leaving my job after the news broke about Connor Blake less than forty-eight hours after I sent in the evidence, I haven’t been happier. My consulting firm that I started, with the encouragement of Harvey, has blossomed into a full-time job that has me so booked I’m having to turn clients away.

“You are happy?” Juliette asks and I nod.

“Yeah, very.” My eyes can’t help but drift to Harvey.

“I’ll be right back,” he says to the group. “I need to grab a plate for the steaks.”

“I’ll do it!” I say, standing up. “You guys talk about something else besides me,” I tease, walking toward the house. Just before I cross over the threshold, I glance over my shoulder at Harvey who’s already making his way toward the back door at double my pace.

I skirt around the island, the sound of the kitchen door opening behind me, but I don’t turn around. I walk down the long hallway, slipping into the small bathroom on the first floor.

Before I can close the door, his hand is against it, his body pressing against mine as he pushes me into the bathroom and closes the door behind us.

“Behave,” I say to him when his eyes meet mine in the mirror. They’re dark and hungry, like a wolf that can’t be talked out of his next meal.

“You don’t really want me to behave,” he says, his voice low and teasing as he grabs the hem of my dress and pulls it up over my ass. My laugh is cut short when his thick fingers wrap around the front of my throat, pulling me back so that his tongue can slide between my lips.

The sound of his belt and zipper being undone still sends a rush of excitement through my body like I’m perched on the ledge of a giant roller-coaster drop. My heart flutters, my breath catches and just like that, I’m putty in his hands.

We don’t need words in this moment. His hand remains around my neck, his lips on mine, on my skin, my jaw, biting into my shoulder as he slides himself deep inside me. He takes me, my hands pressed against the glass in front of me as I try to remain bent over the sink.

When he pulls out, he grabs a handful of tissue and wipes between my legs.

“You know how much I love the thought of my cum dripping out of you.” He nips my earlobe before putting my panties and dress back into place. “I think that’s a pretty good way to let them know.”

“Hmm?” My brain is still jumbled, the post sex fog lingers with Harvey.

“There’s no way around it, baby. You look like you just got fucked.” This time, he throws the bathroom door open, letting me know loud and clear that he’s done being a secret and I don’t blame him.

“Hey, wait.” I grab his hand before we step back outside. “I wasn’t trying to hide you. I want everyone to know that you’re the reason I’m happy.” I lean up on my tiptoes and plant a sweet kiss against his lips.

“Careful, you keep talking like that and I’ll drag you right back in there,” he teases.

“I don’t think I can handle another nine inches up inside me right now.” I giggle but it’s interrupted by a loud and dramatic gasp.

“Oh my God,” Juliette says, shaking her head. “Why does this keep happening to me?” She stares at both of us and we burst into laughter, glancing at each other before turning back to her.

“Well, it’s not a secret,” Harvey says, pulling me into his arms for a dramatic kiss.

A second later Juliette tosses the back door open and walks outside. “It’s official, folks. We have a definitive answer finally.” The group looks back at her in confusion as Harvey and I walk out of the back door.

“Definitive answer to what?” Blaire scrunches her face.

“To what happened in the bathroom with those two when I caught them the first time at Blaire and Jimmy’s house.” Juliette shakes her head, then turns to Harvey. “By the way, congrats on the nine inches.”

I know my face is flaming, and I cover it with my hands, Harvey’s laugh reverberating through his chest as he pulls me toward him.

“Shit! Smack my ass and call me Judy,” Luka says, coming up to pat Harvey on the back with the others. “And seriously, man, congrats on those nine inches.”

“That’s only the portion she can handle.”

I push myself away from Harvey in embarrassment, our friends laughing and cheering us on as he picks me up and kisses me in front of everyone.

It feels like a movie or a fairy tale because it feels almost too good to be true. But that’s something I’m working on, not waiting around for the other shoe to drop. This, right here, surrounded by friends and love, that’s how life was meant to be lived. Not in fear, always worried that you’re going to do or say the wrong thing.

These kinds of connections and friendships don’t come around often and I’ve been so blessed to find several in one group… and the love of my life. I smile at everyone, my cheeks hurting, but it feels so good to finally feel like I’m right where I’m supposed to be.

Like I’m home.

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