Page 93 of Tender Offer
“She also canceled some time I booked on your calendar in Paris.”
Confusion swims through the haze of emotions contorting his face. He runs a hand over his goatee and shakes his head. “I—she’s never acted like this.”
“Because no one ever made her feel threatened. Don’t you think it’s weird that your phone magically put itself in airplane mode when you were in the office? You’ve seen Bellamy as a friend and colleague, but not for who she is: a woman in love.” I hesitate to ask what I already know. “Have you slept with her in the past?”
His “yes” is low, filled with regret and fear.
I knew it.
The elevator opens to my floor, granting me a pathway of aqua carpeting for the somber walk to my hotel room. Part of my leaving Paris was to ensure I had the strength to do it should I ever need to leave Preston for good. I’ve starred in enough mess, and I won’t play myself entertaining someDawson’s Creeksituation between childhood friends.
Joey ended up with Pacey. And after how many seasons of heartbreak?
Exactly.
“We had an arrangement, to make ourselves available if we were in the same city. It didn’t happen every time, but I won’t lie and tell you it was infrequent.”
That explains Bellamy’s willingness to run behind him. The heat from Preston’s desire causes fourth-degree burns. Aside from loving with all the space in his heart, he’s a giver—his tongue being a primary vessel of choice.
“Please don’t shut me out, Puff,” he says against my hotel room door, desperation choking his voice. “In all my years knowing KD, she’s never acted out or been jealous. Work is our only relationship. I spoke to her, and I’ll enforce stronger boundaries. We won’t communicate unless it’s absolutely necessary. Tell me what you need to feel okay.”
For you to toss her into exile.
The sensor submits to my key card. I step behind the door, unsure what to do or how to feel. That last part is a lie. I feel angry, sad, and scared. We both have pasts, and we both have to interact with people who know us intimately. The only difference is that his is present, not in history where it belongs. A coworker he relies on to close deals.
“Do you have any idea how it felt to stay up night after night waiting for you? Wondering why it was so easy for you to ignore me when you were with her?” I draw in a heavy breath. “I already put myself into some half-assed love triangle once, and I won’t do it again. You and Bellamy have decades of history that predates me.”
“Fuck history,” Preston spits. “You have my heart. You’re the only woman I ever loved, the only woman I’ll spend the rest of my life loving. KD is a confidant in business, but us knowing each other since we were kids doesn’t give her—or anyone else—the right to disrespect you.”
“Except she already did, and she’ll do it again!”
“Please trust me, Puff. KD knows this is the first and last time she’ll cross a line. Nothing will happen between us.”
“You can’t promise that.” My voice cracks. “I know what it’s like to hold onto something that isn’t yours.”
Preston lifts my chin. “I know what I’m fighting for, baby. Please trust me. I don’t want to lose us.”
“I’ve played second for too long. I’m tired of being an option,” I whisper.
“You’re my choice. The only one,” he says, sealing his promise with a kiss that knocks the air from my lungs. Then the door clicks shut, and I’m hoisted into his arms. The slide of his tongue against mine ignites a groan that swirls freely to the pit of my stomach.
“I love you” is his chant as Preston moves us to the bed. We shed our clothes, his name an incantation for the magic his tongue stirs between my thighs. Skin to skin, I come undone at the suction of his mouth.
“Tell me when to stop, Puff.” Preston’s mouth travels up my ribs, outlining the tips of my breasts with each lick.
“I want you,” I moan at his fingers fondling my G-spot. I meet him thrust for thrust and explode from the orgasm, curling my pedicure into the fitted sheet.
Preston lifts his head to search my eyes. “Are you sure?” At my nod, he lines himself up with my entrance and pushes into me. The slow burn of his tip steals my breath. “Stay with me, Puff,” he whispers.
I whimper as his hips roll into my center. Images of Preston with Bellamy overwhelm me. Their moans mixed with pleasure, her smirk spread into a smile.
Riding him.
Tasting him.
Savoring intimacy now reserved for me.
“Stay with me, Puff. Please.” Preston thrusts deeper, pinning my knee to his side. Tears form as I watch his hooded gaze trace over my face. “It’s me and you, baby.”
