Page 70 of Wild Promises

"You can use the outdoor winter ball idea if you want. I don't mind helping you plan it."

"You don't have to do any of this." She didn't have to be here right now, and she certainly didn't need to decorate my apartment. But she had. She'd done way more than what was required.

Tori stood, still naked, and touched my arm. "I want to be here with you."

I wanted to believe her, but I needed to keep a tight hold on my heart. I didn't want to be the only one catching feelings in this arrangement.

"Let's eat and then plan this winter ball so you can present it to your brothers. I know you want it to be your idea, but we're supposed to help each other. That's what this arrangement is about: ensuring you keep your job and my dad doesn't sell the practice. I'm not sure I'm going to get my legacy, but I can help you get what you deserve."

Emotion clogged my throat, threatening to overwhelm me, so I merely nodded. We ordered Chinese food from a local restaurant and got to work brainstorming her idea. By the end of the night, we had the party planned well enough that I could present the idea to my brothers.

I just needed to research where we could get a carriage and some horses in the morning. There were boxes of empty Chinese food all over the coffee table, the TV was flickering in the background, and the fire had died down to an ember.

I'd never be able to be in this apartment and not remember the way we'd made love in front of the fire. My chest tightened again.

I checked my email while Tori surfed through the channels, looking for a movie we'd both like. "The realtor sent me some listings to look at."

"I want to see." Tori dropped the remote on the couch, moving closer to me.

I clicked on the link, then the first house.

"That one is so nice. It has some acreage and four bedrooms." Tori scrolled through the pictures.

My heart sunk, thinking about filling a house when it was just me. "Maybe I should wait on this."

Tori slapped a hand on my forearm. "This is part of our plan. You need to look like you're settling down in Telluride. Buying a house is the best way to do that. It's a real commitment."

I'd always imagined I'd buy a house with my significant other. Tori was here, but she was doing this for me, not us. Thatwas a big difference. "This one is too close to the road. There's all this property, but the house is set so far forward."

Tori nodded. "Oh, yeah. Good point. Show me the next one."

I scrolled to the next one.

"How about this one?" Tori asked.

I pursed my lips, trying to articulate what I didn't like about it. "It's outdated."

Tori’s gaze moved from the screen to me. "Did you want a fully renovated house? If so, you might want to mention that to your realtor. It will mean more money."

I didn't know what I wanted. Mainly because I'd never thought about it before. I always hoped I'd be planning a future with someone else. The thought of buying a house for myself shot a sharp pain through my chest.

"Are you okay? Is this too much?" Tori's expression filled with concern for me.

I sighed, setting my phone aside. "It's a lot. I'm not sure I'm ready for this yet."

"Let's look at it tomorrow. I bet your brain hurts from all the planning we already did." Tori stood, then dropped to her knees on the floor. She undid my zipper, and I lifted my hips so she could shove my pants down enough to free my cock. It popped out, eager to see her.

"I'll make you feel good," Tori purred.

I was all for this. I didn't want to think. I wanted to forget everything: the house I was supposed to buy, the party I had to plan, and the very fake nature of our relationship. I leaned back on the couch. "Suck all my brain cells out."

Tori smirked. "I'll do my best."

I let my knees fall as wide as my jeans would allow. "I want to see your tits."

Tori took off her shirt, then unhooked her bra. I couldn't resist tweaking her nipples. She adjusted her position, and Isuspected she was already wet for me. Just thinking about sucking me off had her hot and bothered. I loved the idea of that. I might not have her heart, but I had her body.

"Stop playing, and suck me." My voice was strained.

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