Page 59 of Tangled in Vows

Since I stay quiet, his lips brush over my feverish skin, impatient kisses interspersed with hungry nibbles. The instant he licks over the column of my throat, I lose the last bit of control and moan.

Whether I want to be or not, I’m a goner for this man.

My nipples are tight, and I push my heavy breasts against his hold, wanting him to touch me. Desperate to feel him.

I open my mouth to throw caution to the wind and tell him exactly what I want him to do to me when a loud “Holden?” sounds from outside the slightly ajar bedroom door, followed by an excited bark.

Jax and Stormy.

Holden’s body goes rigid, and I exhale a shaky breath. He jumps out of bed, still wearing the same black sweatpants and light-gray T-shirt as last night. The material clings to his ass and thick thighs, emphasizing his broad back and muscular arms.

Why does his imposing build have more heat pooling between my thighs?

Maybe because although you’re tall as a woman and carry around quite a few extra pounds, his much larger frame still makes you feel petite next to him?

I must have completely and utterly lost my mind.

Why am I thinking about him like this?

“Holden?” The voice sounds again, this time more impatient. “Sorry, boss. But you haven’t been answering your phone.”

Holden hisses and stands in the partially open door, blocking the view but leaving enough room for Stormy to weasel her way through his legs, coming straight for me to greet me with morning kisses.

“Good morning.” I scratch her behind the ears, and I swear she purrs. “Did you have a good sleep?”

She leans into my touch as Jax tells Holden, “I’m sorry, but my calls and messages went unanswered, and I wanted to check on you guys.”

Holden curses under his breath. “Sorry about that. We’re all good.”

Jax clears his throat. “Heather is here. She said she meets with Olivia every Friday morning.”

My eyes widen, and I gaze at the clock on my nightstand. “Crap.”

It’s already nine o’clock? How is that even possible? I don’t even remember the last time I slept this long.

Usually, I’m up by seven or eight at the very latest. I go for a walk or run with Stormy, followed by strength workouts four times a week before I start my work day with studio time, photo shoots, meetings, songwriting sessions, or whatever else is on the calendar.

“Why didn’t you wake us up? Did you sleep in too?” I kiss Stormy on the nose and scramble out of bed.

I rush into the bathroom, shutting everyone out to take care of business.

Ten minutes later, I’m in fresh clothes, brushed my teeth, washed my face, and applied some moisturizer. My hair is still a haphazard mess, but that’s what happens if you fall asleep with it wet in a bun on top of your head. There might be no rescuing that bird’s nest until my next wash.

Stormy is already waiting for me downstairs, her tail whipping left and right. “Hey, sweet girl.”

She huffs a happy bark and bumps her head against my leg, waiting for cuddles and not leaving my side. “I know we’re late today, but we’ll go out soon, promise.”

Heather sits at the kitchen island while Holden is behind the stove. This time, he’s thankfully dressed more appropriately than yesterday morning. Thank goodness for small miracles.

Look who’s getting jealous again over this man.

I shake my head in a lame attempt to clear it and focus on my assistant. “Hey, Heather.”

She spins around on her stool, pushes her glasses up her nose, and quickly glances at her lap again. I thought her shyness would lessen after working with me for a while, but she’s still as shy as on day one.

“Olivia. Hi.” Her fingers fidget on her pants. “I am so, so sorry to barge in here. I didn’t realize you . . . and uhm . . . I wouldn’t have stopped by.”

“No, I apologize. I forgot to set my alarm, and my phone was on silent.”

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