Page 68 of A Simple Reminder

Her eyes flash then, a mix of frustration and something darker, more primal. “This is only physical. No one can know,” she says, her tone low and sharp, a final wall thrown up between us.

“Only physical?” I echo, my voice dipping low, drawing closer. She nods, and I can see the conflict swimming in her eyes.

“Fine,” I say, my voice barely more than a whisper. “Just physical.” I agree with her out loud, but inside, my thoughts war with that promise. Whatever part of her she’s willing to give me, I’ll take. I’m a starving man, and she’s the dream I never thought I’d see again. Deep down, I have a feeling I’ll win her over. She will be mine again, in every way possible. I can be patient.

She stares at me, her lips parting slightly, her voice barely above a whisper. “You have to agree. No one can know. If anyone finds out…” She swallows hard, her eyes shimmering with something between fear and desperation. “It’ll ruin my reputation. You know what they’ll say. I can’t be the girl who slept with her boss. The one who fucked her way to success.”

“That isn’t true,” I say, the words coming out more forcefully than I expect.

“That’s what everyone will believe. And youaremy boss.” Her voice wavers slightly, but the fear is clear in her eyes.

A muscle ticks in my jaw as her words settle in. Ruin her? The idea makes my blood simmer. But I can’t afford to push her away again and the idea of risking her reputation almost stops me.

I saidalmost,I’m not that kind of gentleman.

“Agreed,” I say, leaning in closer to her ear, “no one will know.”

Then, as if we both snap at the same time, we crash together again. My lips find hers, hard and demanding, and she responds with the same intensity. Her hands tangle in my hair, pulling me even closer. Every touch is fire. Every kiss ignites something deeper.

But then she pulls back again. “Sophie,” I growl under my breath, reaching out for her, but she smirks, her eyes glinting with mischief as she walks backward, her blue eyes locked on mine. Without breaking eye contact, she reaches behind her and locks the door.

That’s my girl.

I smile, a slow, predatory grin spreading across my face as I stalk toward her. A predator after its prey.

Her back hits the door, and I’m there, pressing her against it, capturing her lips in another kiss, my hand exploring every curve of her body.

Only physical? Maybe. But right now, it’s everything.

TWENTY-NINE

SOPHIE

Is this crazy?

Yes. Yes, it totally is. But sometimes you’ve got to do the crazy thing. You’ve got to follow that reckless voice inside your head, the one that tells you to leap even when you know the landing might hurt. It’s human nature, isn’t it? To want something so badly you ignore the consequences, even when they’re staring you right in the face. And, like I said, it’s time for me to take what I want. What I need.

What I crave.

In this moment, all I want is Liam Ayoub.

My fingers fumble over the buttons of his shirt, my breath coming faster, every second filled with need. “Take it off,” I demand, my voice thick with desire, “before I rip it”.

The sexiest sound leaves his lips, in a deep chuckle.Oh lord, I’m in big trouble.

“Let me help you,” he whispers against my lips as he unbuttons his shirt. As soon as it’s open I shove it down his shoulder and throw it out of my sight.

Tanned, tattooed skin stretches over his muscled chest, and the urge to lick it nearly overpowers me. But I won't, yet.

I kiss him again, fiercely, while pushing him back toward the desk, eager to push him onto it and climb on top of him. But Liam has other plans. Before his ass even touches the edge of the desk, he spins us around effortlessly, lifting me onto the desk instead, still towering over me.

His hands are everywhere–my waist, my thighs, sliding under my dress. His hands slide up, up until they find the top of my pantyhose, sliding them down my legs at a slow, agonizing pace.

“Liam,” his name leaves my lips in a plea, as his fingers travel up higher, slipping between my legs. My thighs part automatically, welcoming the touch I’ve been craving. His mouth is steaming hot against my neck, his lips brushing, nipping and just driving me crazy with every single kiss.

“You are so fucking beautiful,” he breathes, his voice rough. “Let’s see how much this pussy missed me.” His voice is thick with hunger as his hand moves my underwear aside. A shiver runs through me when his fingers find the answer to his questions.

I feel his smile against my neck, the curve of his lips brushing over my skin like a promise. His fingers find the heat pooling between my thighs, and he lets out a low, guttural groan that sends a shiver straight through me. “Perfection,” he murmurs, his voice rough and sinful, dripping with need. “Always perfection.”

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