Page 96 of The Close-Up
He trails light kisses along the side of my neck. Goose bumps jump across my skin as my eyes roll to the back of my head.
“So. Will I get to see you wear something sexy at this vow renewal?”
I let out a breathy giggle as he squeezes his arm around my waist in an especially cuddly hug.
“Hmm...there’s this tiny black cocktail number that I haven’t worn in a while.”
“How tiny?” Simon growls softly, his mouth pressed against the back of my neck.
“Microscopic.”
“You absolutely have to wear that.”
“Oh, is Simon giving me an order? Are we playing a dirty version of Simon Says?”
“I love that idea. Simon says you have to wear that dress. Then take it off the minute we’re back at my place.”
Against my ass, I feel him harden. It makes me grin so wide that I can rile him up with just the image of me in a dress.
My phone alert goes off, but before I can check the message, Simon cups my face with his palm, tilting me to the side so he can pull me into an especially sloppy kiss. Twice more my phone dings as we engage in a filthy makeout session.
“Hang on,” I say between kisses.
Finally, he drops his hand from my face. I grin and wink at him before checking my phone and see three messages from Harper.
Harper: Hey.
Harper: Are you staying with Simon again?
Harper: Just wanted to check ;)
Me: Yup :P
Harper: Aren’t you glad I packed that vibrator? Told you it was a good luck charm.
Me: You’re ridiculous.
Me: But okay, yes, I admit, I’m very glad. Being with him is pretty amazing.
Ever since I told Harper that Simon and I finally hooked up in Napa, she’s been ecstatic for us.
Simon plates the pasta in two bowls. He rips bits of fresh parsley from the bundle sitting on the counter, leaning over both bowls with a look of pure concentration in his eyes, as if he’s dedicated to making the most perfect meal. For me. My heart hammers as I take in the sight.
Me: FYI I’m bringing him to my parents’ house tomorrow for Auntie Gigi’s welcome party and I don’t want to hear a word of teasing about it from you. Understand?
A surprised face emoji is her reply. I leave my phone on the counter and accept the pasta bowl Simon offers me with a quiet “thank you” and a smile. We sit down and dig in. If this is what relationships could be—cuddling while making dinner, endless days of crazy-good sex, fun conversations, flashing looks that give you butterflies forever—I’d happily do it.
He peers over at me. “We make a pretty good team in the kitchen. And at work. And in the bedroom.”
“You think so?”
“I know so. We’re a triple threat.”
I chuckle through a bite.
“Oh you think that’s funny, do you?” Simon asks in a mock-offended tone.
He moves his hands to my waist and hoists me up to sit on the counter. My giggles fade. All I can focus on is the raw desire shining in his light brown eyes and that hard set of his jaw. I know that look well by now. It tells me just how hungry he is—for me.
