Page 80 of Rules Of Engagement: St. Louis
The invitation was delivered with Nathan’s usual charm, but underneath the politeness was an expectation. Regardless of how many times I’d made myself clear about my companion services, men constantly needing reminding. Not that they forgot, but they would always see how far they could go.
“I’m flattered, Nathan, but I have previous arrangements.”
His eyebrows rose slightly. “At this hour? It’s nearly midnight.”
“Do I appear to be a conventional woman with a conventional schedule, Nathan?”
Nathan smiled. “That you don’t.”
I nodded and stood, and he rose with me. “The man, whoever he is, is lucky to have such a dedicated woman in his life.”
“Who says it has anything to do with a man?”
Nathan’s interest sharpened, his eyes taking on a predatory gleam. “Now that’s intriguing. Care to elaborate?”
“No.”
He was amused. “Well, whoever or whatever is claiming your attention tonight, they’re fortunate to be your priority.”
“I always honor my commitments.”
“Yes, you do. It’s one of your most attractive qualities.”
Twenty minutes later, I was sliding into the back seat of my car, my evening bag clutched in my lap and my mind racing ahead to what waited for me across town. Nathan had walked me to the valet stand like the gentleman he was, kissing my hand and sighing.
“Until next time, beautiful,” he’d murmured against my skin.
“Until next time.”
My thoughts were already elsewhere, already moving toward the question that had been burning inside me since I’d walked away from Christian’s disappearing exit on the terrace. Would he be there? Would he honor our arrangement after what had happened between us tonight?
The drive across the city felt endless. I checked my reflection in the compact mirror, touched up my lipstick that didn’t need refreshing, and smoothed my hair that was already perfect. Nervous energy hummed under my skin, and I couldn’t decide if it was anticipation or dread.
When my driver pulled into the garage of our shared space, I noticed Christian’s car was already there. Relief flooded through me so suddenly that it left me breathless. He’d come. Despite everything that had happened tonight, despite the hurt I’d seen in his eyes, he was here.
I left the car and entered the house on a mission, but every room was empty, and confusion settled deep inside me when I stilled. Water could be heard, a shower, the bathroom. I turnedon my heels and pushed through one of the master bathrooms that was left ajar.
Inside, steam filled the space, but behind the frosted glass shower door was Christian’s silhouette. My eyes swept over his tall form, from his broad shoulders down his back. He shifted, turned, and though I couldn’t make out the clarity in his gaze through the frost, I knew he saw me.
Seconds turned into minutes that I stood there with words lodged in my throat. Then, the shower door slid open—an invitation. I flipped out of my heels, removed my pantyhose, panties, and dress and strolled to the open door and eased inside.
Hot water pelted my shoulders, and I didn’t care if my hair got wet. I just wanted to remove the pain I saw in his eyes at the gala. But when I got a full look at him, I was reminded of how handsome he was.
Christian was the most gorgeous man I’d ever laid eyes on. And I’d seen plenty in all shapes, builds, and physiques. His form was equally fitting. Broad shoulders, an athletic chest, and a muscled abdomen that showcased his power subtly. His thighs matched his build so effortlessly that I wanted to bite them. Call me crazy, but he drew out the most wicked part of me just by existing, and no one had ever done so before. But the strength in his thighs, in his calves, and his pedicured large feet enticed me enough with dreams of him being mine.
And that wasn’t the end of him. No, his face was excellently carved with sharp planes, a strong jawline, deep brown, beautiful eyes, and long lashes to hold me captive under his stare. To make matters worse, or better, his dick was an enhanced Snickers bar—chocolate with veins running from the side and at the top disappearing into the head and curved just slightly at the tip.
I’d wanted him since the moment I laid eyes on him, but how could a man as divinely beautiful as he be faithful to me? I was sure he knew he was gorgeous, as did every other woman with eyes who could see—a multimillionaire, billionaire even. There’s no way he could. What would make me think?—”
“No celebration for you and Nathan tonight?” he said, interrupting my thoughts.
I sucked in a breath. “Christian…”
“How long have you been seeing him?”
I was rarely flustered, but I stuttered out a response.
“I don’t know, a few years, I guess, but he’s a client.”
