Page 14 of Getting Lucky in London

She sniffed again and pushed playfully at my shoulder. “Look who’s getting a big head.”

Reluctantly, I eased off her and slipped out of bed to get rid of the condom encasing my reemerging hard-on. I wanted her again.

When I returned to the bedroom, she was back on her side, this time facing me, and she was asleep on top of the bedding, one arm under her head. The other hand tucked under her cheek. I hated to wake her, but I gently shifted her to one side to pull the sheet and comforter down.

“Just five more minutes,” she grumbled when I rolled her the other way and pulled the covers over her.

Chuckling, I crossed the room and turned off the light. Laughter seemed to go hand in hand with this woman. And it felt damn good. A yawn dragged me back to the bed to crawl in behind her, spoon fashioned.

She squirmed closer, clutching my arm. I kissed her hair, tightened my arm around her, and closed my eyes. I couldn’t remember the last time I’d snuggled with a woman after sex…if ever. But I’d be damned if I could let go of this one.

One thing was abundantly clear, and this I could admit. Danielle was not just another distraction. She was so much more.

Chapter Four

Michael

I woke to the warmth of a soft, pliable body next to me. My morning wood had me seeking out her comfort. She grumbled when I made contact, and I opened my eyes.Danielle.

She lay on her side, her face half buried in a pillow with dark brown waves hiding the other half. One knee was bent. The sheet rested on the swell of her hip, leaving full, creamy breasts on display.

Propping on one elbow, I trailed my fingers over her shoulder, dragging kisses behind them, down the back of her ribs to her waist. We hadn’t had sex again after going to sleep, despite my plans to spend all night fucking her into oblivion. I flexed my hips so that she’d feel how hard I was.

With an unintelligible whine, she scooted away and shoved her head under the pillow. Obviously not a morning person.

Smiling at her grumpiness, I rolled the other way and swung my legs over the edge of the bed. As I made my way to the bathroom to shower, I shook my head over the fact that I was happy to let her sleep. Usually, I’d be eager to get my bed partner on her way and uncomfortable if she lingered too long. But I didn’t want Danielle to leave. I wanted more time to explore the feelings she evoked in me.

My mother had always said, “You’ll know when you know.”

All my life I’d listened to my gut. My instinct had never led me wrong, whether it was reading a route on the football field and knowing when to change the play or getting the sense of a client and what they wanted before they themselves knew. And I knew almost instantly when a woman wasn’t the right one for me.

But something deep inside told me this woman might be different.

After I showered and dressed in jeans and a T-shirt, I grabbed my phone and trotted downstairs. As I hit the fifth tread from the bottom, it squeaked, reminding me of our game on the stairs last night. I grinned, a bounce in my step as I entered the kitchen.

A few minutes later, I had coffee made and eggs whipped and scrambling in the pan. Setting the spatula aside, I poured a mug of the strong black brew and blew on it. Coffee was the only Americanism I couldn’t give up when I’d made the move to England. Even after ten years, I simply couldn’t abide tea.

Settling a hip against the counter, I called the office.

Jaycee picked up. “Good morning, Townes & Winters Design.”

“Jaycee, it’s Michael.”

“Good morning, Mr. Winters.”

“Good morning. Can you please tell Robert I won’t be in today? I don’t have any appointments, and something has come up.”

“Of course.”

“Cheers.” I disconnected the call and scrolled through texts. There was one from my mother saying she hoped I had a good time last night.If she only knew.

A text alert went off as I was about to set aside my phone to tend the eggs.

Dom:Sorry I didn’t let you know we wouldn’t be at the art exhibit. Daisy said she was too tired to go, and I’m with Sarah in South Africa. Her father is in ICU in Cape Town. Don’t know when I’ll be home. Daisy is at my apartment. Will you check on her? She hasn’t answered any of my texts or calls.

Daisy.Yep, a flower.

I thumbed a quick answer and made a mental note to follow through.

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