Page 39 of Diamonds & Deception

“Did I hurt you?”

“The most painful part of tonight was waiting for you to touch me.”

“You keep saying things like this and my ego’s going to get so big I won’t be able to fit through the lobby of my casino.”

“I’ll tell you what else is big.” The innuendo slips from my lips. I’m not a flirt, and I’ve never talked dirty before. Drake brings out a side of me I never thought existed.

“Christ, Nora.” He tosses his shirt over his shoulder and tugs me up so I’m sitting and he’s standing between my open legs. He runs his fingers through my hair and stares at me with an intensity I’m pretty sure is on the cusp of something serious.

The feeling is mutual. If I’m not careful, I’m going to fall in love with Drake Reynolds.

Without saying a word, he helps me off the table and leads me to his bedroom. While I’d love to have another round with him, I don’t know if I have enough energy to keep up with his stamina.

His bedroom is huge and what I’d expect from a penthouse in a fancy casino in the city. A wall of windows with a fantastic view and a bed big enough for us to stretch out and roll around without falling off.

It’s decorated in muted browns, beige, white, and small accents of red. He sits me in a beige chair by the window and opens a door to a walk-in closet. He comes out a moment later with a T-shirt and a pair of shorts.

“They’ll be too big, but you can roll them up a few times. Or not wear them at all. As I said earlier, you’re overdressed.” He places a chaste kiss on my lips before returning to the closet.

I have my sweater off and am about to slip into his shirt when he returns and breathes deep through his nose as he takes in my bare torso. “It’s a shame to cover those up, but we’ll never get through dinner if you don’t.”

He strips out of his undershirt and drops his slacks, not the least hesitant about being naked in front of me. Even though we’ve seen each other naked a few times now, I don’t have as much confidence as he has.

I can’t take my eyes off him as I change. His shoulders are wide and strong, and the muscles in his biceps and triceps pop through the simple movements of pulling on his joggers.

When we’re both changed, he takes my hand and brings me back out to the kitchen, pulling out a stool at the counter for me to sit.

“Will you stay the night?”

I don’t have to even think about it. “Yes,” I say quite eagerly.

“Do we need to go get Daisy?”

Shit. I keep forgetting about my pretend dog. Him thinking about her makes me want to jump his bones again. “I can text my neighbor. She’s used to helping when I’m away.” The lies are getting easier, and I don’t know if that’s good or bad.

“What would you like to drink?” He opens a cabinet and takes out two glasses.

“You,” I say without thinking.

He turns and shakes his head with humor. “You and that mouth of yours. You’re never going to get fed if you keep looking at me that way and saying those things.”

I shrug as if I’m not bothered by that prospect. “I’ll have what you’re having.”

“Gin and tonic.”

“Perfect.”

I watch as he makes our drinks and slides the glass across the counter to me. He opens the fridge and takes out a package of chicken. “Is chicken parmesan okay?”

“You cook?”

“I’m not only a pretty face.”

I sip my gin and tonic and watch him make the most perfect meal for us. Conversation flows easily during our meal as well. Later, when the kitchen is clean, we cuddle on the couch while watching an action movie.

It’s the perfect date. The perfect night.

“Ready for bed?” he asks as we’re spooning on the couch.

---