Page 123 of Sparks Fly
“That’s why I couldn’t get into PR, no big company would hire me. I tried but after non-stop knock backs, I gave up. I started my social media and well, the rest is history.” She smiles at me, her eyes glistening slightly.
“How did you meet Nora?” I find myself asking.
“College. We kind of knew of each other in school but we really clicked when we moved up. Of course, she smashed it and landed a sweet job at some company, not sure if you’ve heard of it, though…” Her lips twist into a smile and I shake my head laughing. “Saint Onyx, I think it’s called.”
My laugh grows louder. “No, I don’t think I do.”
“They’re not too bad. I heard the CEO is a bit of a hottie, though.” She winks at me, and my cock stirs in my trousers.
“Is that so?” I murmur, my fingers linking with hers.
“Apparently,” she says, so blasé, “but I can’t confirm or deny.” She licks her lips in a teasing manner, and my eyes darken, the want swirling deep inside of me.
“Ace,” I growl at her and she sits there all coy.
“Come on, back to chatting.” She pulls her hand from under mine, and I groan.
“But I want you to meet this dashing CEO.”
“I’m busy at the moment, so he’ll have to wait.” She slices her gaze to mine before dropping it to her glass.
“He doesn’t like waiting.”
“Oh dear, that’s no good,” she mumbles, draining the last of her drink. Her cheeks redden as the seconds go on, her chest rising and falling as she sucks in a breath.
“I know,” my voice grumbles.
“So, now we have covered childhood and our deceased parents.” I blink a couple of times, she says it so matter of factly. “I think we should move onto love life… You know mine… what about you?”
Sitting back in my chair, I run my finger inside my collar and tug it out.
“Oh no,” she whispers and I see the panic that etches on her face. “Have I made you uncomfortable?”
I hate that I have made her feel that way. “A little,” I admit, not wanting to lie to her. “But it’s fine, we would have to talk about it someday…” I swallow just as the door opens and the waiter walks in. I order another scotch and Anaïs moves onto a dirty martini.
“Dirty?” I raise a brow.
“Very.” She winks, and I have to try my hardest to refrain from walking around to her and bending her over the table, driving into her until she is screaming my name. “But don’t try and change the subject.” She pouts and I roll my eyes.
“Yes, I was married to Katrina. I was besotted with her. Honestly…” I swallow and my fingers trail up to undo the top button of my shirt.
Suddenly I felt like I’m choking. My eyes become a little hazy and I am embarrassed at the way I am acting. But I haven’t spoken about this. Ever.
“It’s okay,” she whispers, catching my vulnerability. She stands from the table and walks around to where I am seated. She nestles herself on my lap, legs either side of me, her small hands cradling my face as she levels her eyes with mine. My heart that was racing at a million miles an hour slows to a steady beat. My stomach that was twisted so tight slowly begins to unravel and the sweat that was beading on my palms slowly disappears.
It was because of her.
She was my calm.
She was my peace.
She was my safety.
Swallowing, the doors open and I twist my head to face them, the waiter glances at us and I give him a subtle nod. I don’t want him to think there was something going on. He walks over and places the glasses down on the table, turning quickly and closing the door.
Anaïs pulls my face to hers, dusting her lips over mine before whispering, “Carry on.”
I groan, but I know she deserves to know. More than that, though, it’ll do me good.
