Page 69 of 5 Golden Flings

It had been five days since the Christmas fair. And since then, she and Noah had spent every night together. And any day she’d been able to sneak away from work, something she never did.

The last week had felt…magical. But somewhere in the back of Autumn’s mind, she knew it couldn’t last. But she was going to enjoy it while she could.

Noah snuck up behind her. His arms tightened around her waist as he whispered into her ear, “When do you get to take a break?”

It was easy and comfortable to let her body rest against his. “Not until after cake.”

“Don’t you have people who work for you?”

“Yes,” she said, drawing out the single word because she already knew where this was going.

“Let them handle the cake. You’ve done enough for tonight. It’s time for you to be a guest.”

Between their bodies, his hands slowly pulled the hem of her cocktail dress up until his cool fingers found her warm skin. He stroked the delicate area of her inner thigh, sending goosebumps skittering across her skin.

Autumn shook her head, a grin teasing at her lips. The man was insatiable. “That’s not how it works, Noah. You hired me to manage the entire party.”

His warm, soft lips teased against the sensitive skin of her neck. “Then consider yourself fired.”

“Very funny.” Autumn barely contained a groan as Noah sucked gently on the tender curve where shoulder met neck. Liquid fire pooled in her belly, slowly seeping out to swirl down every limb. “Stop. You’re going to cause a scene.”

“You don’t mean that,” he murmured but his hold on her loosened just the same.

That was one of the things she loved about him. He listened.

The thought had her entire body stiffening. God, how had that happened so fast?

Or maybe it hadn’t been fast, the emotion simply dormant, waiting for the right circumstances to bloom again.

“What’s wrong?”

Autumn shook her head. “Nothing.” She needed to get her own thoughts in order before she shared them with him. And even then, this wasn’t the time or place for that discussion.

Hell, he’d been home for less than a week. His grandparents were across the ballroom dancing together and his mom and step-dad, who’d flown in just this afternoon, were right beside them.

Forcing her body to relax, Autumn melted back into his embrace. “How about a compromise? I have time for one dance and a glass of champagne before the cake comes out.” She twisted in his arms, looking up into his rugged face. “And once the cake is cut, I’m yours for the rest of the night.”

Heat and promise swirled through the dark blue depths of his eyes. Leaning down, Noah brushed his mouth across her open lips. “Promise?”

Autumn sighed and nodded. She’d probably promise this man anything.

“Sold.” Grasping her hand, Noah led her out onto the dance floor. The band segued into a slow, steady song, the lead singer crooning about moonlight and love.

Noah’s arms wrapped around her and together, they moved smoothly across the floor. Clearly, the man could play on more than just the football field. Leaning back, a crooked smile tugged at her lips. “Where’d you learn these moves?”

He shrugged. “Harry forced me to learn a long time ago.”

“Smart woman.”

“Absolutely.” Noah reeled her out and back in, grasping her hand and flattening it against the hard wall of his chest.

Autumn was so caught up in the moment that she didn’t see his grandparents until they were dancing beside them. Leaning over, Harry said, “What a gorgeous couple,” a knowing grin stretching from ear to ear.

“Harry,” Noah groaned. “Stop pushing.”

“Who’s pushing? I’m just stating facts. You’ve always made a beautiful couple. And I’m not just talking about the way you physically complement each other.”

“Yeah, yeah, we get it.”

---