Page 138 of Pretty Little Thing

“Nora Payne,” I say. “Master conversationalist.”

He laughs. “It’s all right.”

I abandon my champagne glass on the tub’s edge. “Yeah, I think I’m just gonna…” I sink into the water, “drown myself now.”

Clive slides forward and pulls me up into his lap. Water splashes over the edges onto the floor as he wraps his arms around me to hold me against him.

“Don’t you dare,” he says. He kisses my jaw. “It’s good to finally talk about it with someone I trust.”

I rest my forehead on his and cup his cheek. “You’re an amazing man, Clive Snow,” I tell him.

He says nothing. He just makes that quick, happy sound from the back of his throat and kisses me.

* * *

My phone vibrateson the table by the door but there’s no way in hell I’m getting out of this bed to answer it.

The sun has barely risen over Manhattan. The sky outside is still a dark blue but it’s slowly brightening every minute. Saturday morning in New York City. It’s probably still bustling down there from last night but this hotel room could not be calmer.

I feel Clive stir beside me. His arms stretch over his head but his legs stay entwined with mine. I take the opportunity to slink a little closer, trapping myself between his body and his arm before he manages to lower it again. It works and he hugs me tighter without even opening his eyes.

“Good morning,” he says.

I chuckle. “Understatement.”

He kisses my head and inhales deep. “What time is it?”

“I have no idea nor do I care.”

He laughs. “You know, I have to work today.”

I raise my head. “Noooo—”

“Yes.”

“Just quit.”

“I planned on putting in my two weeks as soon as I got there.”

I groan and drop my head to his chest again. “Fine, be a responsible and model employee,” I quip. “When is your shift?”

“Noon. So, we might want to get moving now so we can fly back in time.”

“But…” I cling to his body, “I don’t wanna.”

He runs a hand along my arm. “Just a few more minutes.”

“Okay…”

I settle in, resting my hand on his abs. His skin spurs heat through my fingertips and I caress him south toward his—

Clive grabs my wrist. “Nothing about what you’re doing right now means a few more minutes…”

I feign offense. “I wasn’t doing anything!”

“You were doing exactly what it looked like you were doing.”

“Well…” I sigh, “I guess you’ll have to punish me, then…”

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