Page 49 of Stick Work

“I mean the woman in the bar, the first night you were away.”

I frown, having no idea who she’s talking about. There are numerous women in the bars that come up to us.

She swallows. “You know, the one you took a selfie with.” I frown, and as I rack my brain she continues, “She’s a mortgage broker.”

My brain kicks in, and I sink back on my heels. “Yeah, I remember her. Her nephew is a fan. She wanted an autograph and I suggested the selfie.” That seems to upset her even more. “Nothing happened, Taylor.” I inch back further, troubled and a little offended at her unspoken accusations. “Do you really think I’d sleep with her when I’m with you? Do you really think I’m that guy?”

She shakes her head fast, and shifts on the sofa, moving closer to me. Her hand reaches for mine. “That’s not at all what I’m saying, Elias. I do not for one second think you’re that guy.” She blinks rapidly. “What I’m thinking is…as long as you’re with me, as long as we’re pretending, it’s preventing you from actually finding a woman, or getting to know her. I did a deep dive on that woman, and she really has it going on.” She shrugs, but there’s a pained look in her eyes. “She could have been the one, but you didn’t give her a chance.”

Ah, I get it.

Her concern touches me, and a measure of warmth wraps around my heart. I go up on my knees, and pull her to me. I kiss the top of her head and hug her tight. Her arms snake around my back.

“Babe, you have no idea how much I appreciate your concern. I really do. But that woman wasn’t for me. There was no spark, no connection.”

“Are you sure?”

“Positive, and how about this?” I sit back, take in her big blue eyes. “If someone does come along before we end this charade, I’ll let you know.”

“Promise.”

“I promise. What about you, though? What if some guy comes around and I’m holding you back?”

Jesus, someone will have to hold me back—from taking him out of the picture.

She snorts out a laugh. “I’m so busy, I don’t have time for guys.”

“You have time for me.” I brush her hair back and place a soft kiss on her shoulder. A warm shiver goes through her and it reverberates through my body. God, I don’t think I’ve ever wanted her this badly before.

“I guess that’s true,” she responds, her voice low, sexy…full of want. For me.

I pat the sofa, which is actually pretty nice. She has great taste. “Time for me to lay you out right here, and show you I’m not interested in the mortgage broker?”

I grin as her mood goes from worried to playful. “I mean, if that’s what it’s going to take.” She runs her hands along the new fabric. “But it doesn’t have fabric protector on it yet.”

I’m pretty sure all new sofas are sprayed with fabric protector before being delivered, which means she’s up to something. But what?

With a devilish look in her eyes, she gives me a nudge to push me back and stands. I take in her sweet curves all wrapped up in her yoga pants. Jesus, I can’t wait to get them off her. She walks around the sofa.

“You want to take this upstairs?”

“Actually,” she coos playfully. “Upstairs is so far…” She stops behind the sofa and bends over it. “How about right here?”

Holy fucking yes. The woman is a damn mind reader.

I push to my feet and my button is undone and zipper down by the time I reach her, and her warm chuckle curls around me.

“I take it you like this idea.”

“Let me show you how much.” I put my hands on her hips, and lean over her, pressing her into the cushions as I press kisses to the back of her neck. I slide my hands up her shirt, and circle her body until I find her breasts. Taking them into my hands, beyond stoked that she’s not wearing a bra, I knead her in my palms and roll her nipples between my fingers.

“Mmm. They missed you,” she moans and moves her body, her sweet ass teasing my hard cock. “Looks like you missed them too. Honestly, Elias, I don’t know what’s wrong with me, but I’ve been a hot, needy mess since you’ve been gone.”

“You haven’t touched yourself, babe.”

“My toys…they’re back in my bedroom at Kalen’s place.”

“Aww, babe, I’m sorry to leave you in such a mess. Your fingers didn’t work?”

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