Page 72 of Born to Make You Smile

I laughed as he put his body over me, rubbing his hands along my arms to warm me up. He pulled me against him, and his hot mouth met mine. Blood raced to my core at the unexpected contact. Any chill was long gone, and my body was now burning hoteverywhere.

“Too bad we already checked out of the hotel,” he whispered. “I can’t seem to get enough of you.” My body pulsed with need. He gripped me tighter and kissed me deeper. Kissing him, being able to let loose in public where no one knew us and our situation, was incredible. Like a dream. Sure, there was our age difference, but being all bundled up, we were practically anonymous. I wondered what it would be like to stay this way forever. Live in a fantasy world with Gavin by my side. Us. Together. Without the judgment of colleagues, family, and society.

I shook away the ridiculously hopeless thought.

***

Returning home meant going back to reality. Back to work. Back to bills. Back to the ceiling construction disaster in my living room.

The transition from being away with Gavin to working by his side had been a bit strange and frustrating, to say the least. Not being able to touch each other. Having to watch and see him every single day and keep our hands to ourselves. It was torturous. After putting the girls to sleep on weekends, he’d sneak over to my place and we’d satisfy all that pent-up tension from the week, then he’d head back home. It was risky. What if Charlotte or Mackenzie woke at night and noticed their father gone or saw him heading over? But if we wanted to continue seeing one another, we had no choice.

On Wednesday, Eddie said he wanted to speak to me before heading home.

“I’m sorry, Ms. Mayer.” He ran a hand over his gray goatee. “We found mold in the insulation. It’s not a ton, but I have to replace it. I can’t patch it up as is.”

I nodded as he showed several photos on his phone of the pink fluff with small gray patches. “How much will it cost?”

“Two thousand extra. I’ll do fifteen hundred if you pay cash.”

I sighed, trying not to think of how I was going to get this money. “Okay. Do it.”

“Also, your windows. This one especially. They’re old, and you’re getting a significant draft. You’ll probably notice it on your heating bill.”

“Can you do something? Some type of seal?”

“Yeah, we can do a few things,” he said. “But it’s only a quick fix. I’d highly recommend getting them replaced.”

I closed my eyes.As soon as I win the lottery, Eddie. As soon as I win the lottery.

TWENTY-TWO

One December afternoon, Gavinand I were the last ones at work. After cleaning up, I poked my head into his office to see if he was ready.

“Grace, come in here,” he said. “I have to speak with you.”

He was seated at his desk, his eyes fixated on his computer. His index finger was pushed up against the side of his forehead. He looked so tense. For some reason, it made me a bit worried.

As I walked in, I couldn't help but notice his desk was spotless and clear of all clutter. Even the frames on the desk were missing.

“You really cleaned up in here.” I nodded, impressed. “For once.”

“Please, shut the door.” His tone was firm.

I closed the door despite us being the only ones here. He looked in no mood to be questioned.

“Come here. There's a problem.”

What on earth was he talking about? I went to stand next to him, my heartbeat escalating with worry. But as soon as his hand rubbed down my hips and ass, I quickly understood.

“Gavin. What are you…?”

He moved my hand over his erection. It was like a lead pipe, pushing against the front of his dress pants.

“Thisis a problem.” His eyes were dark with lust. “Ahugeproblem.”

Whoa, was it ever.

I licked my lips, my blood pulsing with need and arousal. “I guess I should take care of it.”

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