Page 84 of Strictly Business

“God, I missed you,” he murmurs against my lips, his other hand sliding around my waist to lift me, positioning me on the edge of his desk.

“It’s been ten minutes since you last saw me,” I manage to say, breathless, the words faltering on my lips as his kiss consumes me.

“I know.” He chuckles, pulling back just enough to brush his thumb over my cheek, his eyes dark with something that makes it hard to breathe. It’s a look that makes it impossible to forget, makes it impossible to push away the thought that I won’t see this look again in two months. “You’ve ruined me.”

A laugh escapes me, before his lips find mine again, his hand trailing down my thigh, slowly lifting my skirt.

“What did you want to talk about?” I murmur, trying to catch my breath.

“Hmmm?” he hums, his lips trailing a lazy path down my neck, making it hard to think.

“You… called me in here. Did you need something?”

“Yes,” he groans, his mouth hot against my skin, his tongue flicking over the sensitive spot just below my ear. “You.”

“Nicholas,” I chuckle, pulling back just enough to catch his gaze. “We’re at work, remember?”

He sighs, reluctantly pulling away. “I got a call about the new couch, which is coming today.” He raises an eyebrow, his lips curling into a teasing smile. “We’re getting a new couch?”

We.

I swallow, the word hitting me harder than I’d like to admit, but I keep my expression neutral. “You need a new one.”

He scoffs, crossing his arms. “What’s wrong with my couch?”

I lift my shoulder in a shrug. “It’s too long, too hard. Grey. I thought a light, fluffy fabric one might make the place feel less like a bachelor pad and a little more… homey.”

His smile widens, his gaze turning softer. My pulse quickens as his eyes linger on me. “Got any more surprises I should know about?” he asks, teasing.

“A few more,” I admit, my lips curling into a smirk. “You told me to redecorate however I’d like. So, that’s exactly what I’m doing.”

His grin widens, and he steps closer, his hands reaching up to cradle my face, tilting my head back just enough to meet his dark, intense gaze. “Fine by me,” he murmurs, before leaning down, brushing our lips together, sending a shock of heat through my body. His lips part slightly, groaning into my mouth as if he can’t help himself.

Then, my phone buzzes, immediately pulling me out of the moment. I freeze, remembering the endless texts from my sister.

Then my phone buzzes, loud and intrusive, cutting through the haze of desire. I freeze.

Nicholas pulls back, a frown knitting his brows together as his gaze flickers toward my phone. “Do you need to get that?”

I shake my head quickly, the moment already slipping away. “No. It’s just… my family.”

His brow arches. “Oh?”

“They found out about us.”

Nicholas leans back slightly, crossing his arms as he props himself against the edge of his desk. His eyes narrow, curiosity flickering. “Found out, as in…?”

“As in, I didn’t tell her we were engaged,” I admit, tugging my lip between my teeth, my words spilling out in a rush. “I didn’t want to lie to her or my sister, but now they both found out and they won’t stop blowing up my phone with a million questions.” I let out a shaky breath, trying to hold it together. “They both want to meet you. And I don’t know what to say because I hate lying to them, and now they’re asking about Liam, and I don’t—”

“Whoa, whoa,” he cuts in gently, his voice warm and soothing. “Calm down, honey. It’s okay.”

“Calm down?” I echo, shaking my head. “That’s not exactly an option right now.”

His expression softens, the teasing fading. “There’s no need to panic. I’d love to meet your family.”

I blink at him, stunned. “You would?”

“Of course.” His lips curl into that unfairly charming smile of his. “They’re important to you.”

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