Page 483 of Deep Pockets

Easing out of her, I let her down and grab the yellow bottle of shampoo. Pouring some in my hand, I smooth it over her hair then turn her back to me so I can get to work. Her quiet moans of pleasure please me. Turning her back to the water, I rinse her hair before lathering her body with her jasmine body wash. This stuff right here is how she stays so soft—it’s silk in a bottle.

After ensuring every part of her is clean, she takes the spongy thing from my hand and goes to put soap on it for me.

“No, Princess. We’re not making my junk smell like jasmine.”

She laughs and it widens my smile.

As I shampoo my hair and rinse off, she steps out of the shower, humming, sounding incredibly happy. A knot forms in my chest.

This is getting to be too much, too fast. She’s falling for you, you asshole.

I start to doubt my plans for breakfast and to have her in my bed the whole weekend. Maybe it’s time to put space between us.

“I’m coming!”

I hear her shout from outside the bathroom. The sound of it surprises me, breaking me from my thoughts. I didn’t even hear a knock or doorbell. I quickly grab the towel outside the shower and begin drying myself, as she walks past the bathroom, already dressed.

Entering her room, I find my clothes quickly. I hear her squeal with joy and my jaw tightens. It better not be another man.

Entering her living room, I try to see who’s standing on the other side of her door. “Emma, who is it?” My tone demanding.

Megan burst through the door carrying a tiny, black, curly-haired puppy. “It’s a miniature poodle,” she says to Emma.

Relief fills my chest and I laugh as Emma and Megan both lose their sanity over the tiny dog. Closing the door, Emma sits on the floor so the puppy can pounce on her lap. Letting it lick her face, she snuggles it like she already loves it. Seeing her like this gives me odd satisfaction.

“What did you name him?” Emma asks.

“JD,” Megan replies.

Emma looks up at Megan. “What’s JD stand for?”

“Jack Daniel, the good whiskey.”

Emma laughs and I squat down on my knee. JD skips over to me, eager for attention. I pet the cute, little thing and Emma watches me with soft, glossy eyes. Goddamn, I know that look. I nudge the puppy back to her as my phone rings in my back pocket.

“This is Mr. Cole,” I answer.

“Mr. Cole, it’s Gregory Johnston from Schmidt and Costello, New York. I know this may be short notice, but this week we’re having a company-wide meeting and need all branch agents to attend. I apologize you were not notified sooner, there was a discrepancy with your email contact.”

“As in someone forgot to send it?”

A low chortle comes through the receiver. “Yes, Mr. Cole, precisely. Can you attend?”

I look to Emma who’s questioning eyes are watching me. I swallow the lump in my throat. I suppose my wish has been granted.

“How long will I need to be in New York?”

“Arrive Monday and depart Friday,” Gregory replies.

“I can attend. I’ll get a flight booked today. Thank you for the courtesy call.”

“The details have been emailed to you, Mr. Cole. See you Monday.”

I tuck the phone back in my pocket. “Sorry, Princess, we’ll have to postpone breakfast. I need to head back to my place and get a flight booked to leave for New York on Monday.”

“Ok, that’s fine. Megs and I can go out instead. How long will you be gone?” I know she’s hiding her disappointment, I can hear it in her tone. The sound of it bothers me too much.

Standing, she comes to me. I pull her into my arms and run my thumb along her jaw, wanting to feel her one last time before I go. “I’ll be gone all week. Can you take care of things at the office for me while I’m gone?”

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