Page 66 of Saved By Two

Turning my head, I inhale, loving her unique scent—not perfume, a cocoa butter body lotion and all her. I kiss her cheek before peppering soft kisses along her collarbone, loving how she moves her head to give me better access, pressing closer to my chest as she releases a soft moan.

“You are the perfect temptress,” I say, reaching for her chin and capturing her mouth with mine.

Teasing the seam of her lips until she opens up, the tip of my tongue strokes hers in a slow, sensual dance.

My stomach jolts as the lift stops, and I groan as I ease out of the kiss.

As much as I’m all for public displays of affection, devouring her in the lift of her therapist’s building might not be the most appropriate.

I step back, leaving a cushion of air between us, but keep a hand on her hip as I guide her to the car.

She’s more talkative on the drive to Selfridges.

I use the Oxford Street car park at the rear and stow my laptop in the boot before we make our way into Selfridges.

“First things first, how about a sugar hit?”

Since Jessica has been living with us, I’ve noticed she has a bit of a sweet tooth like mine, where Caleb can take it or leave it and is more savoury. My girl does love something sweet.

Taking her hand in mine, we approach the Foodhall, and I stop at a light blue counter. Behind is a pillar in the same colour and written in neon blue and pink 2D letters is Lola’s Cupcakes.

I love the smile across her face as her eyes widen at all the cupcakes on display beneath the glass counter.

She opts for Red Velvet, and I get Cookies and Cream, and we each get a coffee, taking a small table in the corner. I also get half a dozen to go. It would be rude not to; Maggie loves something to go with a cup of tea before she takes care of the house, and even if Caleb doesn’t fancy one later, I can have fun with him and some of the icing.

The thought draws my attention to Jessica as she brings her thumb to her mouth, but I lean over, grab her wrist, and take the liberty of licking the icing off.

My teeth graze the pad of her thumb. “Delicious,” I say, holding eye contact, fascinated by how her pupils dilate.

I kiss the palm of her hand before releasing it, loving the blush that covers her cheeks that highlight her freckles, making them even more prominent.

When she’s finished her coffee, we stay on the ground floor, and I lead her towards the makeup counters.

“I didn’t know if you wanted to get any makeup or perfume.” Not that she needs either, but that doesn’t mean she might not want it. It’s about feeling good again in her skin.

She bites her lower lip, appearing uncertain, and I palm her lower back, pulling off to the side near the Tiffany jewellery counter where it’s quiet.

“What is it?” I ask.

“It’s been a hot minute since I last wore makeup. Curtis didn’t like it, so I just stopped.”

I grind my jaw before speaking and lower my face until I’m inches from hers. “Listen, this isn’t about anyone else but you. If you want makeup, perfume, clothes, that’s why we’re here.” My hand goes to the back of her neck, my thumb brushing her cheek. “You are free to be whoever you want to be. And that goes for wearing what you want to wear. Whatever that may be.”

Her eyes glisten with emotion as she clears her throat. “Thank you.”

I shake my head. “You don’t have to thank me, sweet girl.” Leaning in until my lips meet hers, I give her a chaste kiss and straighten to my full height.

“You ready?” I offer her my hand.

With a genuine smile, she takes it. “Yes, let’s do this,” she says, mirroring my words from earlier.

I can’t wait to wine and dine her tomorrow night with Caleb. We have every intention of showing her how she should be treated.

Knowing how much she loves food, Caleb insisted on a Michelin-star restaurant, and of course, I had to agree. HIDE in Mayfair was a clear favourite, and we managed to book The Reading Room in the subterranean vaults in The Bar Below. So not only will she appreciate the food, she’ll understand the sentiment of the décor, too. She loves to curl up with a book when she’s not marathon-watching Marvel.

We did consider taking her to a hotel after, but honestly, although we played a little the other night, we don’t want to be presumptuous or look as though we expect anything she’s not ready for, besides we think the first time should be at home, where we think she feels the most comfortable.

ChapterThirty-Six

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