I glance down, my body betraying me with an undeniable physical response. Gripping my erection through my pants, I wince at how hard I've become.
"Damn it," I mutter, standing abruptly. "A cold shower. That's what I need."
I stride to the bathroom, shedding clothes as I go. The shock of icy water hitting my skin makes me gasp, but it does little to cool the fire in my veins.
"Come on, come on," I whisper, bracing my hands against the tile wall.
But it's no use. The chill only seems to heighten my awareness of every sensation. I can almost feel Tessa's phantom touch, her warmth a stark contrast to the cold water.
"I'm sorry, Sarah," I whisper, closing my eyes as my hand slides down my body.
The first touch sends a jolt through me. "Tessa," her name escapes my lips like a prayer as I give in to the urge I've been fighting. In my mind, it's her hand, her lips, her body.
I let out a shuddering breath as I stroke myself, the cold water a sharp contrast to the heat of my skin. Guilt and desire war within me, but desire is winning. I can't stop the images flashing through my mind—Tessa's lithe body, her head thrown back in ecstasy, the way she moved between Chase and Cole.
"Fuck," I groan, my hand moving faster.
I know this is wrong on so many levels. But I can't stop. The need is too great, the temptation too strong.
My breath comes in ragged gasps as I chase my release. In my mind, it's Tessa's hand on my cock, Tessa's lips at my neck. I imagine her pressed against me, her skin slick with water, her eyes dark with desire. The fantasy is so vivid that I can almost feel her breath on my skin.
"Tessa," I moan again, my movements becoming frantic. "Oh God, Tessa."
The tension builds, coiling tighter in my core. I'm close, so close. My legs tremble with the effort of staying upright as pleasure courses through me.
With a strangled cry, I come hard, spilling over my hand. Wave after wave of intense sensation washes over me as I ride out my orgasm. For a moment, the world falls away and there's nothing but this blissful release that leaves me both spent and conflicted.
Chapter 16
Chase
Istroll into Gray Smoke's sleek lobby, my Birks slapping against the polished marble floor. The floor receptionist gives me a bemused look—I'm definitely underdressed in board shorts and a faded T-shirt. But hey, that's just how I roll.
I might be a silent partner, but I am not about the nine-to-five life. At all. That may be other people’s jam, but it’s definitely not mine.
"Mr. Cavanaugh," she greets me with a forced smile. "Mr. Ashford and Mr. Harrington are in a meeting."
I wink at her. "Perfect timing, then."
Without waiting for a response, I saunter past her desk and head straight for the conference room. Through the glass walls, I can see Cole and Grayson hunched over some papers, looking all serious and important. Boring. So fucking boring.
I burst through the door, grinning as they both jump. "Surprise, boys! Your favorite person is here."
Cole's eyes narrow. "Chase, what the hell are you doing here?"
"Rescuing you from yourselves," I declare, plopping down in an empty chair and propping my feet up on the expensive mahogany table. Grayson winces, but I ignore him. "You two have been avoiding the house like it's ground zero for the zombie apocalypse. Time for an intervention."
Grayson sighs, pinching the bridge of his nose. "We've been busy with work, Chase. Some of us have responsibilities."
"Blah, blah, blah," I wave my hand dismissively. "We both knowthatis not the reason. Besides, all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. And you two are duller than a butter knife right now."
Cole leans back, crossing his arms. "Get to the point, Chase. Some of us have actual work to do."
I sit up straighter, meeting their gazes. "We're doing something fun together. Tomorrow. Non-negotiable."
They exchange a glance, and I can practically hear the silent argument happening between them. Before they can protest, I add, "Oh, and kitten's coming too."
That gets their attention. Cole's jaw tightens, while Grayson's eyebrows shoot up in surprise.