Page 28 of Ardent Desires

She hesitates again, and for a second, I think she might change her mind. But then she tugs her lower lip between her teeth, her eyes darting to my mouth, and all I can think about is how much I want to go down on her right fucking now.

Control yourself.

“If you don’t want to…” I start, but she cuts me off with a look—one that tells me she’s all in, despite whatever doubts might be swirling in her head.

“No,” she says, shaking her head slightly. “I’ll go.”

I lean in, kissing her again, deeper this time, my tongue sliding into her mouth as she moans softly. She tastes like heaven. I can’t get enough.

But I have to stop. We’re in my office, for fuck’s sake, and as much as I want to strip her right here, I know I can’t lose control completely. Not yet.

I pull back, just enough to look at her. She’s flushed, her lips swollen, her breathing uneven, and all I can think is how beautiful she looks right now. I cup her face, my thumb brushing over her cheek.

“Good,” I say softly. “We’ll leave Friday.”

She nods, still catching her breath, her hands gripping the edge of the desk like she needs it to keep herself grounded.

I lean in, pressing one last kiss to her lips before pulling away completely, straightening my tie as I step back. “Get ready, Ellie. It’s going to be a hell of a weekend.”

She watches me for a moment, her eyes lingering on my mouth before she slips off the desk, smoothing down her skirt.

“I guess I’ll see you later then,” she says, her voice still a little shaky.

“Count on it,” I reply, my voice low as I watch her walk toward the door. Just before she leaves, she glances back at me, her eyesstill clouded with that same desire that’s been buzzing between us all day.

The second the door closes behind her, I let out a breath, leaning back against my desk. My cock is straining against my pants, hard as fucking steel, and all I can think about is how close I was to completely losing it.

I can’t wait for this weekend.

Chapter seven

Crossing Boundaries

Ellie

I’m sitting on my bed, bikinis laid out in front of me as I Facetime Jenna, trying not to freak out. My stomach’s been in knots all day, and the reality of going away with Alexander is finally hitting me.

“I’m nervous as hell, Jenna,” I say, holding up one of the bikinis, a sleek black number I bought last summer but never had the guts to wear. “I mean, this is insane, right? Going away with him like this?”

Jenna’s face fills my screen, her hair tied up in a messy bun, flour dusting her cheek from whatever she’s been baking at the shop. She grins. “Ellie, you’ve got this. But seriously, before things get too serious, you should probably talk to him. You know, make sure you’re on the same page about… everything.”

She doesn’t have to say more. I know what she’s hinting at. This thing between Alexander and me—it’s been heating up fast, but we’ve barely talked about what it even is. And the truth is, I don’t know how long I can keep pretending that I’m just fine with it being casual.

“Yeah, you’re right.” I sigh, folding the bikini and tossing it into the suitcase. “I’ll find the right time to bring it up. Maybe this weekend. It’s just… I’ve worked so hard to prove myself, and now I’m messing with the CEO. Every time I think about it, my stomach flips.”

“You’re notmessingwith him,” Jenna says, rolling her eyes. “You’re a grown woman who happens to have caught the attention of one of the most eligible bachelors in the city. Don’t overthink it.”

“Easy for you to say,” I mumble, zipping up the suitcase halfway. “Anyway enough about me. How’s home?”

She smirks. “Philly’s fine. Mom’s great. The bakery is doing great. We’ve been selling out of those cinnamon rolls you love.”

My stomach growls at the mention of Jenna’s cinnamon rolls. “God, I miss your baked goods. The stuff here in New York doesn’t even come close.”

“I’ll figure out a way to send you some cookies or rolls or something as soon as you’re back. Maybe I’ll even toss in a dick-shaped one like I did last time.”

I laugh, shaking my head. “I love you, Jenna. Thanks for always knowing how to make me feel better.”

“Love you too, girl,” she says, giving me a wink before we end the call.

---