Page 291 of Sins & Secrets

“Please.” Tentatively, I take in her posture. She’s not unfamiliar with wealth, but I imagine it can be difficult for a woman like Suzette to readily accept.

“I should pay you back,” she murmurs. I imagine she’s attempting to tally the total.

“It’s a gift.”

“You didn’t have to,” she tells me, still holding an crimson silk shift dress with both of her hands.

“You keep saying that and I’ll keep reminding you, it’s because I want to.” Setting her coffee on the table, I add, “Besides, I will very much enjoy seeing you in that dress.” It’s that deep red shade she seems to love so much. “I just hope it fits you.”

“You’re too much,” she tells me, and I catch her gaze. “Thank you.”

Good. That’s all she needs to say.

“And breakfast?” She finally sets the dress back into the shopping bag, careful with the fabric, and gives me a simper. “You made breakfast?” She selects a small chunk of fruit.

“I thought you might have an appetite this morning.

“You would be right. I’m famished.”

“I was thinking breakfast and then a shower?”

“As much as I like the smell of you and your body wash, I don’t have anything to shower with.”

“Everything you need should be in one of those.” I motion toward the bags.

“Toiletries?” Again she seems surprised. Nodding, I take the seat across from her, making my plate of bacon and pancakes.

She seems shy as she speaks. “Thank you for letting me stay overnight … and for all of this.”

What kind of men has she been with? Did she think I’d fuck her and then send her home in a taxi?

Her apprehension fades as we eat.

“What are your plans for the day?”

“I’m behind on a contract for—” she starts, picking up a slice of bacon and then pauses. “What are the rules for the weekend?”

A short chuckle leaves me and I smirk at her. “We can negotiate those terms, Ms. Parks.”

There it is. Her gorgeous smile and lightheartedness.

“I would like to spend the day with you, but I’m a bit behind with work.” She sighs dreamily and adds, “A man has been distracting me.”

I hum in agreement. “I know what you mean. There’s an exceptionally beautiful and stubborn woman who’s been distracting me as well.”

Her simper widens and she rocks slightly in her seat.

“You look gorgeous, by the way.” She blushes, as if she’s a shy little thing. Does she know how all of these facets of her have me more and more addicted?

I offer, “We could plan on working and fucking, fucking and working. Occasionally we must eat, though.”

The smile dims as she lays her arms on the table, slightly more serious. “As much as that sounds exactly like the productive weekend I’d enjoy, I’m a little sore and I think I’d like to work from home.”

I can’t help that the corner of my lips tips up in an asymmetric smile. “Sore?”

She blushes again. “I think I may need to rest for the day, if you don’t mind.”

Before I can feel any kind of disappointment she questions, “What are your plans for tonight?”

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