Page 49 of Privileged (Adrenalin)

My eyes roam over the bags full of clothes. “Sadly, this is the extent of my possessions.” I feel a brief pang of regret that at twenty-five most of what I own can be reduced to a handful of suitcases, since I sold virtually everything before making the move west.

“No skis?” He arches a brow in my direction.

“They’re in a locker at the base area.” Most locals keep their gear at the resort, so they don’t have to lug it back and forth each time they hit theslopes.

He nods in understanding, seeming to sense some of my melancholy. “I only brought clothes with me when I moved here, too. The apartment was already furnished, and the only memorabilia I have is from my time with the ski team. Since that didn’t turn out the way I wanted, it seemed silly to bring it.” He starts piling bags on the luggage cart.

“What do you mean it didn’t turn out?” I watch his muscles flex under his shirt as he works.

“Blew my knee during the Olympic trials, so I didn’t qualify the first time I tried for the team. By the time a second chance came around, I was roughly a decade older than the rest of the field and it showed.”

His flat tone suggests he’s reciting that story instead of reliving it. The pain must still be fresh, even though it had to have happened at least two years ago.

“Your place doesn’t look as impersonal as you make it sound.” I try to steer us back to safer ground.

“The designer did her job well then.” He closes the trunk of my car, and with a hand on my back, points me in the direction of the elevator.

“You didn’t pick any of that stuff out?” I blink back my confusion, trying to reconcile the warm tones and clean lines of the furniture and artwork that decorate his place. It seems to fit him. Though as I search my memory, I realize I’ve never seen any pictures or trinkets that would really personalize things.

“I told her what colors I like.” He shrugs indifferently as he starts pushing the cart. “The view is the only thing I was ever really interested in.”

“But you’ve been here a year. You haven’t added anything you like since then?” Despite our nearly similar height, I have rush to catch up with his long strides.

“Getting comfortable felt a little like tempting fate, under the circumstances.”

“Or it could be manifesting fate. You know, instead of second guessing it.”

“I thought that’s what I was doing by putting you under the same roof.” He grabs me by the waist and pulls me to him as the elevator doors shut, slamming his mouth to mine.

His stubble scrapes along my jaw as he traps me in a bruising kiss, almost as if trying to prove to me I’m his. He doesn’t need to, but my body responds all the same.

Sliding my hands over his firm chest, I reach around the back of his neck, urging him closer. He pulls me flush to him, erasing all the space between us, and a subtle little tingle starts to pulse the length of my semi.How does he do this to me with just a kiss?

The ping of the elevator reaching my floor has us pulling apart, though not enough to plausibly deny what we were doing. Fortunately, the hallway is empty. Our secret is safe.

Pushing the cart in front of him, Carter leads us to my new room. It’s at the end of the hall, as removed as can be from the elevator and any other guests, both for quiet and privacy.

Using the card, I unlock the door and hold it open for Carter and the luggage. It slams shut with a heavy bang when I release it, and I get my first look at my new space.

The door opens to a tiny storage area on my right, the kitchenette on my left. Dark brown cabinets are topped with a white quartz counter, with two stools situated next to a breakfast bar. An L-shaped couch sits on one side of the living room and a bed on the other, with a wall-mounted TV between them. One that can swivel to face either area.

Muted brown tones cover the walls and the floor, with splashes of color on the wall from generic paintings that probably adorn every room. A thick white comforter is draped over the bed in the far corner, next to a door that I assume leads to the bathroom.

All in all, there’s nothing remarkable about the space, but it’s clean, and it’s mine alone. The freedom it will bring more than makes up for what it lacks in appearance. Or so I tell myself.

“Will this do?” Carter asks, lifting my bags off the cart and setting them on the floor.

“Of course.” I rub the slight chill from my arms as I turn to face him, a tight smile on my face. Carter catches one look at my expression and reaches me in two strides, wrapping me in his strong arms.

“Let’s be clear, Sloan.” He cups my face in his hands and rubs his thumb over my cheek. “I’d rather you stay with me than in this room, but I don’t expect you to. I know for appearance’s sake, and maybe even your own comfort level, you need this space. But my place is yours, and I’d be happy to have you stay with me as often as you like. Now, do you want to unpack your bags here, or at my place?”

Whether it’s the husky timbre of his voice or the desire that laces his words I’m not sure, but instead of answering I rise on my toes and throw my arms around his neck, bringing our lips together.

After a moment’s pause, he catches up, his firm hands cupping my ass and hoisting me so I can wrap my legs around him. The earlier tingle returns as my cock fills, the growing intensity causing my hips to inch forward in search of the friction only his own arousal can provide. As I rock forward, I’m rewarded when the rigid outline of his cock meets mine.

“Sloan,” he groans against my lips.

I reach between us and clasp his t-shirt in my hand, ripping it up to reveal his sculpted chest. He raises his right arm while holding me inthe left so I can free him from the shirt, repeating the motion on the other side. Somehow, we manage to get him naked from the waist up without separating, which makes my core heat even further.Is there anything sexier than a man who can hold another up so effortlessly?

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