Page 104 of Matchmaking the CEO

"What are you doing?” I asked.

"Celebrating," she replied nonchalantly before stepping right back to me, rising on her toes, and kissing one corner of my mouth, then the other one. "And I love you, Jake Whitley. I love every inch of your broody, sometimes rude ass."

I burst out laughing and held her hands, kissing her. I started out soft, wanting to savor her. I needed to. She tasted like orange juice and smiled against my mouth while I kept kissing her. She rewarded me with a deep sigh, wrapping her arms around my neck and leaning into me with her whole body.

Pulling back, she blinked. Her smile fell.

"What's wrong?" I asked.

She shrugged, biting her lower lip. "I just realized that this won't last for long."

Her words were like a punch to the gut. "I know," I said.

She smiled again, but it held a hint of sadness. "Some people change your life, even when they aren't in it forever. And I'll be honored to change yours, even if it's just a weird painting hanging over your desk. Because you are definitely taking it with you to New York."

"You've changed far more than that," I replied with a growl. It was impossible to imagine my future back in New York. I didn't want to take the painting back there. I wanted to take her. I didn’t tell her about the sales offer for Whitley Advertising. There was no point bringing it up, especially since I wasn’t sure if my grandfather wanted to sell.

"Did you apply for positions in New York too?" I asked.

"Yes, but I got rejected straight away. The competition for jobs in New York is fierce."

But that didn't mean anything. There could be openings in the future. Hell, I could make one. Not that she’d take it. But I still had to keep it in mind.

“So," she said, "how do you plan to take care of me?"

"I booked a massage room in the hotel spa," I said.

"Are you serious? I didn't even know I needed that, but it sounds amazing. Are they open at this time?"

"They are for me."

She grinned. "Okay. I’ll change into the hotel robe, and then we can go."

She was back in seconds, and it was downright amusing. I liked that she was eager. I was doing something that clearly pleased her, and that made me feel good. Taking her hand, I led her out of the room.

"You're walking me there. How gallant of you. Although, I think I'd have no problem finding it on my own."

I didn't reply, just kept walking.

I'd booked her a massage—but with a twist.

Iwas the twist.

I swiped the admin card to open the spa area, which was typically closed at this time in the evening, then led her to the room they'd reserved for us. City hotels didn't usually have much of a spa area, but this one was great. Soothing music filled the room, and it smelled like eucalyptus.

"Where is my masseuse?" Natalie asked.

"You're looking at him."

"Oh, I see. That's so clever of you. Do you have the appropriate training?" she teased, taking off her robe.

"I believe I do. Now climb up on the table and turn onto your stomach."

She got up and lay facedown, and my cock twitched at the sight of her perfect ass. This was going to be an exercise in self-restraint. I poured massage oil onto her back, and she shifted on the bed.

"Are you comfortable?" I asked her.

"Yes. This is so dreamy. I can't believe you bribed them into letting us be here alone."

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