Page 41 of The Wrong Move

To obtain his dream, Byron has had to give up what most of us take for granted. He possibly was lonelier than me, as we both know one-night stands for a physical connection never cured the loneliness we felt inside.

I wrap my arms around him. “Byron Hendricks, you were never boring to me.”

Byron wraps his muscled arms around me, hugs me tight, and kisses me the way every girl dreams of being kissed. It’show I’ve always dreamed of being kissed by Byron, the man, no longer the kid out of high school.

His tongue finds mine in a slow dance, not desperate, all passion. He’s taking his time tasting me. My hands run through his hair, gripping and holding his face to mine. His lips soothe me, chipping away at the rock-hard ball of worry in my chest. He makes me feel special, as though he is here for me.

I have missed him, and I still want him.This thought makes me realize we should discuss what we want from each other.

“What is it?” he murmurs against my lips.

I shake my head. “Nothing. Keep kissing me.”

He repositions my long hair to the other side of my neck, gathering it in his hands in a loose ponytail. Those soft lips trail from my ear down the side of my neck, caressing my skin, and his name leaves my lips in a whisper.

“What’s on your mind?” He licks a trail to the front of my neck, then replaces his lips with a hand. It’s a hold of protection, authority, and security, but not threatening. He stares straight into my eyes, his expression unwavering. “I want to claim this neck, but not until you tell me what’s on your mind.”

“I want you to touch me.”

His eyes narrow a little in warning. “Is it the phone call? Do you need me to leave so you can paint?”

I step forward so his grip tightens around my neck. “No. I want you.”

He assesses me a moment longer. “While I’m happy to kiss you, nothing else will happen with your parents downstairs. I disrespected you once. I’m sorry, Giana. I won’t do it again.”

I take his face in my hands and guide his lips to my breasts. With one hand, I slide the strap of my dress over my shoulder. “I need you, Byron.”

I groan when he pushes my breast up and out of my bra so he can caress the nipple, sucking and nipping. It would be so easyto turn around and allow him to take me from behind, a burst of pleasure to quiet the noise in my head.

His cell buzzes on the table behind us.

“Fuck,” he says against my skin.

“I’d hoped we were leading to that.”

He groans, straightens, and stares down at me as though his resolve is weakening, then turns to his cell. He checks the screen with part of a message displayed.

“Penny had the baby. The family can visit tonight.” He looks at me as though he has an idea. “Come with me?”

I laugh, flattered he wants me there. “It’s too early. It’s a special time for your family.” His eyebrows pull together. “I’m not saying I don’t want to. I’m saying there is a right time, and tonight is not it. It’s not like I’m meeting them for the first time, although they mightn’t remember me.”

“You’re unforgettable, Gigi.”

I smile at him in a goofy way. “You need to be with your family. We’ll continue this…” I circle a finger between us, “… later.”

10

BYRON

The valet greetsme when I arrive at Franklin’s penthouse residence. I hand over the key to Thomas, the doorman. “Afternoon, Thomas.”

“Afternoon, Mr. Hendricks. The LA Sharks are looking good this season.”

I shake his hand. “We are. Remind Frank to get you some passes to the game. You’ve earned it, putting up with my brother.”

He chuckles. “I’ll leave you to discuss those matters with him, sir.”

“I’m on it.”

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