“Do you think you’d be able to stop yourself from wanting to do anything more?” I ask, my voice barely above a whisper.
My hand slides down her leg until it inches away from its destination—the tender spot between her legs. She releases a moan, her body aching for more of my touch.
“Answer me,” I growl, my fingers tracing the waistline of her panties.
“No,” she gasps, reaching for my belt.
I catch her wrist to stop her. My eyes search hers, and I can tell she’s struggling to keep her desire in check.
I want to let her go wild, but I know that if we do this, it won’t stop at just oral sex or simple lessons. I’ll want more, and I don’t want either of us to regret it once the line’s been crossed.
I exhale and let her go.
Chapter 11
Catherine
Thenextmorning,Ihead straight to Alice’s room to wake her up and get her ready for school.
Once Alice is dressed and ready with her backpack, we head downstairs.
To my surprise, Oliver is already up and has made us a delicious breakfast spread of pancakes and eggs that smell amazing.
He glances up, and our eyes meet. I can almost feel the electricity between us, reminding me of the intense, almost intimate encounter from last night.
“Morning,” he tells me as he sets our plates down on the table.
I blush under his gaze. My heart flutters in my chest as if it is trying to tell me something important. Is this what it’s like to have crazy chemistry with someone?
The moment passes too quickly though, as Alice interrupts us by rushing past us into the kitchen, situating herself at the table.
“Daddy, this looks so good,” she says, digging into her breakfast right away.
Oliver smiles and gives me an awkward nod. We all sit around the table and eat.
“Hey Alice, what do you say I take you to school today?” Oliver asks. “My day at work starts a bit earlier than usual and Catherine’s car’s broken down.”
“Sounds like a plan,” Alice says in between bites of her pancakes. “Catherine, what are you going to do today?”
I shrug. “I have a few hours to myself, then I’m going to get ready for a gala I was invited to with your Aunt Erica.”
“The one at the Bethany Hotel?” Oliver asks.
I peer over at him peculiarly. “Why do you ask?”
“Fred’s considering investing in the hotel,” he tells me. “He’s been trying to persuade me.”
I nod. “Thanks for breakfast, by the way. It’s really thoughtful of you.”
Oliver’s gaze meets mine again and I swear I see something flicker in his eyes, something that makes my stomach flip. “Anytime,” he says with a grin.
As Alice finishes up her breakfast, I can’t help but feel a sense of anticipation for the day ahead. I’m so ready to get out and network again. As much as I adore taking care of Alice, I’ve missed mingling within the industry I’m most passionate about.
“I’ll clean up,” I tell them both, collecting all our plates. “You two head out whenever.”
Oliver stands up and holds out his hand for Alice, who grasps it. “Ready?” he asks, to which she excitedly nods.
I cross over to the front door and open it for them.