Page 79 of Faking It

Then, he took me to a fricking salsa class. Is there anything sexier than bodies brushing, dancing to sensual music?

Oh, that lecture was torture.

By the time we got into his car, I wanted to pull his seat back, lift my dress, part my panties and ride the hell out of his cock.

It took everything out of me not to do it, especially when I saw how aroused he was, too. Ignoring the outline of his thick cock required every single ounce of my resistance, and I’m now positive that I’m a saint for holding back.

“Are you in a hurry to get home?” Gideon asks, getting behind the wheel.

“Not really. Why?”

“There’s something I’d like to show you.”

“Okay.” I smile. “Another surprise?”

He smiles back. “We’ve had enough surprises for one night; don’t you think?”

“Is that possible, though?”

“Okay, fine. If you want it to be a surprise, then it will be.”

I slip my hand in his as he drives off. This feels good. Right. I don’t know how long it will last, but for once, I’m not going to worry or brace for the other shoe to fall. I’m going to enjoy being with this man who’s become the biggest surprise in my life.

We double back on our journey, cruising through the busy city, past the spot where I had my first salsa lesson earlier, finally rolling to a stop in the commercial district. Gideon helps me out of the car, then guides me to a building with tinted glass windows. We stop at the glass storefront door, and I wait for him to open up, but he doesn’t.

“I’ve never mentioned this to anyone,” he mutters, “But I have plans to open my photography studio.” He jams his finger at the door. “I’ve been eyeing this spot for a few months now. There’s a current lease, which will expire at the end of the year. I spoke to the owner, and I’m fifth on the wait list.” A sound leaves his throat, like a dry chuckle. “Funny enough, if he knew who Gideon Cain was, I’d head that list in a heartbeat.”

Our hands brush as I step closer to him. “This studio will be yours. Believe it.”

With a slight twist of his head, Gideon stares down at me, tenderness filling his eyes. “You don’t understand what those words just did to me. Thank you.”

“No, thankyoufor showing me this.”

He looks back at the building, breathes in a longing sigh, then takes my hand and leads me back to the car. There’s something burning in his eyes when he gets behind the wheel. I know exactly what it is. Inspiration. The visit to that shop just gave him a double dose.

“There’s something else I need to show you,” he says after a while. “Do you mind spending another hour with me?”

Oh, Gideon, I’d spend all night with you if it keeps me feeling like this. Out loud I reply, “Sure.”

With a pleased smile, he picks up speed, and we soon get to the winding slope that leads to his mansion in the hills. As we approach the high swing gates, I see movement in the shrubs on each side. I pat Gideon’s thigh in warning, but he just scoffs.

“Paparazzi,” he explains. “They’ve been showing up since that fake cheating scandal. I don’t know what they expect. Another tussle on my front lawn, maybe?”

Flashing lights bounce against the car glass as we roll by. “Aren’t you worried they’re going to sneak in?” I ask with concern as the gates swing open, their muffled calls coming from each side of the car.

Gideon shakes his head, pointing at the burly blond guy dressed in black, standing with his arms crossed at the security post. “River’s not just here to give me access whenever I forget my clicker to open the gate. If they fuck around and trespass, they’ll find out how ruthless he is.”

I laugh, eyeing the guard’s menacing stare. “Yeah, I’m sure they’re not stupid.”

As he guides me up the front steps, through the double front doors and down the hallway that leads to his study, I consider the contrast to the night I first came here. My secrets were a burden that night. I felt so heavy, so weak, so… drained. Now, there’s a pep in my step, a bubbly sensation in my stomach that feels like happiness. It feels good to have someone I trust who’s more than just a friend.

Maybe the other shoe won’t drop, after all.

Maybe I’m meant to experience happiness. After all I’d gone through, I certainly deserve a happy ending. This could be it.

Gideon could be the one—

Whoa.

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