Page 53 of Take It Offline

“Come in.”

As he saunters past, I’m treated to Charlie’s impeccable ass. Whoever tailors his pants either deserves an award or a sexual harassment lawsuit.

I’m so busy admiring that I almost walk into him when he turns around and leans in, his hands settling on my hips.

I turn my head quickly, and his lips graze my cheek. “One more thing. I don’t think we should kiss. This is purely physical, and I don’t want either of us to confuse things.”

He doesn’t move away, and I’m left staring at his baby blues blinking back at me, his long lashes sweeping his cheekbones. I’m not sure how long the moment lasts, only that it feels natural to be here. Close. Connected.

As though, when we’re apart, gravity is constantly urging us back together.

“So,” I force out, already rethinking my own rule. “What now?”

“Straight to it, huh? I think I’m starting to see the problem,” he says.

“Sorr—”

Charlie cups my cheek and traps my lips with his thumb, stunning me into silence.

“No apologies. That’smyrule.”

When his thumb strokes my bottom lip, I resist the urge to dart my tongue out to taste him. As if he can tell just how affected I am, he slows down, taking his time and lighting my body up.

It’s been so long since anyone touched me like this.

“Your kissing rule, does it apply everywhere?” he asks, gaze firmly on my lips.

It should. It would certainly be the smarter option. Charlie’s mouth is trouble enough without the imprint of his lips on my skin.

But temptation is a cunning beast.

“No,” I breathe. “Everywhere else is good.”

“Good.” Before I know what’s happening, he’s sucking a mark on my throat, and I have to grip his arms to keep myself standing.

The best part of living in a studio apartment is that my bed is ten steps away at any given moment, and Charlie proves himself very clever as he quickly and quietly gets us there.

“Strip down to your underwear,” he orders, sending a thrill through me. “Then lie down.”

He rolls his sleeves up to his elbows as I do as I’m told. He’s gearing up for something, preparing himself, and I’m grateful he’s not making light of this. I told him I wanted to let go, and he’s taking that seriously.

“Jesus fucking Christ, those are sexy,” he says, appraising my lingerie, his blue eyes burning into me. “Where are these toys of yours?”

Heat spreads through me as I pull my lipstick vibe out from under the covers.

Charlie gives me a wicked smile. “Anything else?”

“There’s a box under the bed.”

Propped up on my elbows, I lie back and wait while he finds it, takes a look, nods to himself. That’s it. No indication of what he’s thinking. Just the rapidly rising sound of my heartbeat in my ears while he puts the box back and stands over me.

“You ever use that with someone else around?”

I’m still holding my vibrator, doing my best not to let my hand tremble. “No.”

“Good. I’ll be your first.” The bed dips at my feet as he kneels on the mattress, and although he isn’t touching me yet, the weight of him above me, covering me, is palpable. I shiver as he runs his palms up my legs. “Show me.”

All the nerves I’ve been holding back come rushing forward, like a wave of fans rushing the stage, screaming for my attention.

---