His long sigh filled the air. He paced the space in a small circle, a veneer of vulnerability uncharacteristic to him washing over his face and hardening the lines on his forehead. “Do you think he’ll sell?”
Her heart shrank, and she inhaled. “I’ll do whatever I can to make sure he’ll consider it, but I don’t know.” She could lie and be all positive, but he didn’t need bullshitting right now.
He kissed her cheek, his lips brushing her skin. “Thank you, Emma.”
She let out her breath in small gasps. “What for?”
“For coming with me, all this way.”
Her stomach curled, a part of her wanting to go with him all the way. Anywhere he wanted. She wished she were alone so she could slap herself back into reality. Damn it, Emma, this man isn’t for you. Snap out of it.
She cleared her throat and stepped back, needing some distance from him just as much as she needed his body on her. “I’m glad I came.”
He inched closer, crowding her personal space with his warmth and masculinity. His eyes fixed on hers. Every shred of sanity threatened to desert her like a sinking ship. Her chest rose and fell, and lust roared through her.
His gaze dropped to her lips, and she licked them. “Emma…” he said in a growly voice.
“I want you,” she said. “I missed you touching me last night.”
She lifted her chin, proud of herself for speaking her mind even if that opened the door to a world of disappointment. “Was it a lesson?” she asked, cowardly backpedaling to the safety net she needed if she wanted to get out of their deal with her heart unscathed.
“Always tell your partner what you want.”
“Do I get any rewards?”
He leaned down, lowered his mouth close to her ear. Goose bumps rose on her arms, and she suppressed a squeal. “Tonight, we’ll have a lot of fun with your amazing ass.”
A tingle formed in her clit and spread across her pussy. “Do we have to wait?”
His eyes glittered. “It’ll be worth it.”
No kidding. She shook her head and withdrew from him to keep from jumping his bones in Desmorais’s residence. “I think we should—”
He gestured for her to walk ahead of him, and she exited the room.
If he didn’t secure a deal, he’d bring a bunch of pent-up energy to their lovemaking. If he secured the sale of the house, he’d want to celebrate. Either way, he’d be popping her ass cherry later. And for that, she couldn’t wait.
Chapter Eleven
“Isn’t this lovely?” Emma twirled in the middle of the acre-long backyard.
Desmorais had shown them the spacious area, where a nice table had been set with dessert and coffee. Nico hadn’t had the stomach to taste the delicious looking pastries; he’d gone straight for a cup of black coffee. He’d made small talk, but now the time had come to get down to business.
“What are these called?” She pointed at a tall tree with striking white bell flowers.
“Bois dentelle,” he and Desmorais said in unison, exchanging a glance.
“Incredibly rare,” he said. “I’m surprised you’ve kept it,” he said to Desmorais.
He sighed. “It wasn’t easy, but worth it.”
Emma picked up and held the little nameless dog from earlier like a baby. The pet shifted in her arms, offering her his belly in an act of complete surrender. Nico couldn’t blame him; he’d felt her soft hands on him, and according to their plans, would feel them again later. Restless, he stood from the wooden bench.
“I love you,” she said, caressing the little guy then nuzzling him. “Yes, I do.”
“Why don’t you take him home?” Desmorais said.
Emma paused. “What do you mean?”