Page 109 of Seduction in Spades

CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE

Ieye the clock onmy desk, counting down the minutes until I can be done with this work week. It’s been four days since my life returned to semi-normal. The first two nights back in Boston, I stayed in Nolan’s room in the penthouse. We cuddled and spooned and didn’t do much more than some PG-rated kissing.

I want more. He wants more. But I’m determined to learn to open up more than just my legs. Sex is easy between us. The chemistry has never been a problem. It’s the emotional connection he wants, and he deserves to have that from me.

Nolan was hesitant to have me move back into my apartment, but when he picked me up from work last night, my stuff was loaded in the back of his car. We stopped at the store for groceries and made dinner together. It was all very domestic, and all very... sweet.

Exhausted, emotionally and physically, we fell asleep on the couch on my tiny couch while watching a movie before moving into my bed. I insisted on walking to work this morning, and Nolan insisted on coming with me. It was nice. If this is what being a couple is like, I’m all for it.

But I know we’re not fully there yet. There’s more to a relationship than cuddling and talking about our pasts. I witnessed the emotional connection between his sister and her husband and between his parents. I see it with Nora and Drake.

I want that too, but I don’t know how to get there. While on the surface, everything seems normal, I can tell Nolan is holding back. He’s not forcing me into anything, and I like him even more for it, but he deserves more than I’m giving him.

Marcy taps on the corner of my cubicle. “Avery? Your boyfriend is here. Should I send him up?”

I can’t help the way my heart speeds up when I think of him.

“I swear. He gets hunkier and hunkier every time I see him.”

“He does, doesn’t he?”

A few minutes later, Nolan’s tall, strong frame fills up my cubicle. “Hey, beautiful. Am I too early? I can go for a walk around the block if you’re not done.”

“I’m good.” I power down my laptop and store it in my bag. Nolan has to work the poker room tonight, and I want to spend as much time with him as possible. Nora’s meeting me for dinner and then I guess I’ll come back to my apartment.

I haven’t stayed there alone since before all this happened. I’m not sure how I feel about it. If it wasn’t safe, Nolan and Trey wouldn’t let me stay there. I trust them but can’t help being a little nervous. Plus, I’ve grown used to having Nolan’s arms wrapped around me while I sleep. I’m not looking forward to spooning my pillow.

I reach for my coat from the back of my chair, and Nolan takes it, holding it out for me to slip on. He’s always so sweet, so thoughtful.

“Thank you.” I kiss his cheek and slide the strap of my laptop bag over my shoulder.

He takes that from me as well and threads his fingers through mine. “Need anything else?”

You.I shake my head, and we make our way out of my office. When we get to my apartment, I change into jeans, a thin purple sweater, and booties. Casual and cute for my night with Nora.

I step out of the bathroom and Nolan looks up at me from the couch with appreciation. “I’m sorry I have to work tonight.”

“Apologizing for having to work is unnecessary.”

“Hmm.” He moves over to me and places a gentle kiss on my lips. “You smell amazing.”

“You say that every day.”

“Every day you smell.” He kisses me again, this time lingering a little longer. “And taste” —he slides his tongue along my bottom lip— “amazing.”

I loop my hands behind his neck and take the kiss deeper. Our bodies mold to each other, and like all the other kisses this week, this one leaves us hot and heavy, and needing more.

---