Page 55 of The Innovator

“I don’t mind. We’re on vacation, so let’s enjoy it. Don’t think about work or anything that’s bothering us, okay?”

She looked at me. “Okay.”

“Have lunch with me, and I’ll answer questions about this tree house. Or you can ask me one question about anything.”

She arched an eyebrow. “Why do I get the sense that there’s something hidden in that offer?”

I grinned. “Now you’re being suspicious.”

“Because you’re acting suspicious.”

These had been words we tossed at one another not too long ago.

“I know a few tricks with business negotiations.” She touched my face, her fingers emphasizing each word. “I understand process, procedure, profit margins, and creative ways a businessman or businesswoman makes deals. I think you’re trying to make a very dangerous deal.”

She was my perfect match.

I gripped her hand. “Are you frightened that you’re here all alone with me?” I kissed each finger slowly.

Her mouth opened slightly as she watched me adore each finger. When I got to her pinky, I took my time licking, nibbling, and taking it into my mouth.

I expected her to protest or yank her hand away, but she didn’t. Her eyes darkened and she let out a whimper. “Grayson.”

“This attraction between us needs to be resolved. You’re driving me insane.” I sucked her finger delicately. “I may do something I’ve never done.”

“What’s that?”

“Lose to you on purpose.”

“Maybe we should start arguing again so you don’t have to think about the bet.”

“It’s too late. That’s not going to work. Arguing with you arouses me now.”

The blush on her cheeks deepened. “Where’s my room? I need to get ready for lunch.”

CHAPTERTWENTY-ONE

NATALIE

I didn’t know why I was nervous about lunch, which was in a few hours. Apparently, Grayson had bought a lot of ingredients for the week. When I returned to Providence, I’d have a conversation with Kiera and Audri for setting me up. They knew Grayson owned this retreat and said nothing about that.

After dropping my luggage off in my room for me, he left to prepare for lunch. I unpacked and acclimated myself to the stunning suite. It was cozy, with parts of the trunk embedded into the wall. The trunk went up through the ceiling, which was the second floor to where we’d have lunch later.

I came here to rest and relax, but I wasn’t sure that would happen. Especially when I could still sense his lips around my fingers, making me wonder how his lips would feel on other areas of my body. When he sucked my fingers, sensations I’d long forgotten combusted to life.

A few months ago, I detestedthis man who was rude, cold, and inflexible. Now, those traits were broad brush strokes, giving him more dimension. There was more to him than sharp edges. I wanted to seek the caverns deep withinthe mountain of this man. It was as though I could hear his pain whispering to me through the cracks, wanting me to come closer.

Though I told him he should be afraid of me, I was the frightened one—extremely terrified. Being here with him made me want to do something I’d never considered. He’d mentioned something similar earlier. We were both inspired to do the unthinkable.

Spontaneity called to me. This was my chance to be free—free of responsibilities, free to listen to my heart, free to take what I wanted.

I wanted him out of my system. Someone would lose the bet before the vacation was over. I’d make sure it wouldn’t be me.

After a quick shower to wash off the early morning sweat, I put on a new pair of pink shorts shorter than the denim ones. They had metal studs decorating the back pockets. I was fully aware that if I bent over, he would see a large portion of my ass, but I didn’t care.

I was a single girl who hadn’t expected to see him here on my vacation, where I had planned on being alone. My wardrobe satisfied no one but me. He’d have to deal with my shorts and low-neckline tank top. Plus, the hot weather called for appropriate clothing, so I was merely complying with Mother Nature.

A mischievous part of me wanted to test him, torture him. In design, I loved stretching the limit. How else would I know what worked if I didn’t experiment?

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